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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Evaluating therapies for sympathetic overactivity in PTSD

Official title: Mechanisms of Sympathetic Overactivity in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Run by Emory University · NCT01627301 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if breathing exercises and a nerve stimulation device can help people with PTSD reduce their stress response and improve their heart health.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorEmory University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Decatur, Georgia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 2012
Main results expectedDecember 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT01627301 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include prehypertensive and normotensive veterans diagnosed with PTSD, as well as controls without PTSD.

Probably not a fit

Patients with existing heart or vascular disease, autonomic dysfunction, or those on medications affecting SNS may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of device-guided breathing (DGB) therapy and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over an 8-week period, participants will engage in daily sessions to assess improvements in SNS activity both at rest and during stress. The research aims to understand the mechanistic role of sympathetic overactivation in PTSD and its link to cardiovascular disease and hypertension. By utilizing innovative therapies, the study seeks to provide insights into effective treatments for PTSD-related cardiovascular risks.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of PTSD symptoms and reduced cardiovascular risks for affected patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using similar therapeutic approaches for managing PTSD and its associated symptoms, indicating potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* prehypertensive and normotensive veterans with PTSD, and prehypertensive and normotensive veterans without PTSD (controls)

Exclusion Criteria:

* heart or vascular disease
* illicit drug use within the last 6 months
* excessive alcohol use (\>2 drinks per day)
* pregnancy
* autonomic dysfunction
* medications known to affect SNS (clonidine)
* treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within the last 14 days
* any serious systemic disease

Where it's running

  • Atlanta VA Medical Center
    Decatur, Georgia, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Jeanie Park, MD — Emory University and the Atlanta VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Deirdre Dixon, MS
  • Email: deirdre.dixon@emory.edu
  • Phone: 404-321-6111

Similar studies

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

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.
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 120Prehypertension 5Emory University 2068
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.