Effects of psychotherapy on brain function in PTSD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Working memory training to improve fear extinction in veterans with PTSD

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.