Effects of psychotherapy on brain function in PTSD
The Effects of Trauma-focused Psychotherapy on Reward Circuitry Function and Information Encoding
This study is testing whether trauma-focused therapy can change how the brain processes rewards in people with chronic PTSD to see if it helps them feel more positive emotions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06096740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore how trauma-focused psychotherapy, specifically cognitive processing therapy (CPT), influences brain circuitry related to reward processing in individuals with chronic PTSD. By utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the researchers will assess changes in reward circuit function under both safe and threatening conditions. The study will involve 120 participants who will undergo clinical assessments and neurobiological evaluations before being randomized into immediate or delayed treatment groups. The goal is to understand how these changes correlate with improvements in the ability to experience positive emotions following therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic PTSD who have experienced a qualifying traumatic event and can undergo fMRI assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or active substance dependence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance therapeutic approaches for PTSD by providing insights into how psychotherapy can improve emotional processing.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using psychotherapy to improve emotional processing in PTSD, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English as primary language, and comprehension suitable to understand experimenter instructions. * Current and chronic syndromic PTSD, defined as being exposed to a DSM-5 Criterion A traumatic event, with the presence DSM-5 qualifying PTSD symptoms for at least 3 months, as assessed by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. * Able and willing to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). * Willingness to participate in repeated assessments and as part of a delayed treatment group. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of current or prior history of psychosis or bipolar disorder as evidenced by self-report or clinical interview. * Active substance dependence within the past 6 months as evidenced by clinical interview. * Current regular psychiatric medication use (i.e. antidepressants), except for as-needed benzodiazepine or opiate medication no more than three times per week, on average, or for short-duration stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that can be skipped within 24 hours of study visits. * A recent (\<6 months) suicide attempt or current active ideation with intent. * Unremovable ferrous metal in body. * History of neurological disorder, stroke, seizures/convulsions (except febrile seizures in childhood), epilepsy, brain surgery, electroconvulsive or radiation treatment, brain hemorrhage or tumor, or thyroid disorder. * Anyone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant. * Current or past year (\> 3 sessions), psychotherapy with a prominent exposure or cognitive restructuring component. * Previous or current (es)ketamine treatment and/ or brain stimulation/neuromodulation treatment. * Other ongoing treatment that is likely to confound experimental effects. * Previous penetrating head injury/traumatic brain injury. Mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury without penetrating injury is allowable.
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- Health Discovery Building (HDB), 1601 Trinity St., Bldg B., Z0600 — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gregory A Fonzo, PhD — The University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Lauren Enten, B.S.A
- Email: fonzolab@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: 512-495-5856
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.