Examining the effects of focusing on positive memories for post-trauma health
Official title: Examination and Refinement of a Novel Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)
Run by University of North Texas, Denton, TX · NCT05523453 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing a new way to help people with PTSD by focusing on positive memories to see if it can improve their symptoms better than regular counseling.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Texas, Denton, TX Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Denton, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05523453 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with PTSD within the past month and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active suicidal intent, psychosis, or those currently receiving mental health therapy 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 a novel technique called the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) aimed at improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will involve 70 participants who will be randomly assigned to either PPMT or Supportive Counseling (SC) to assess the impact on PTSD symptom severity and stress system dysregulation. The study seeks to address the limitations of current PTSD interventions that primarily focus on trauma memories by emphasizing the importance of positive memory processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from PTSD by enhancing their ability to recall and process positive memories.
How similar studies have gone: While there is growing evidence supporting the importance of positive memory processing in PTSD, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years old * Willing/able to provide informed consent * Past month DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis * Working knowledge of English Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal intent or attempts * Active psychosis * Currently receiving mental health therapy (past 3 months) * Dosage changes in psychiatric medications (past 3 months) * Currently pregnant
Where it's running
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University of North Texas
Denton, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ateka Contractor, PHD — University of North Texas Health Science Center
- Study coordinator: Holly Wang
- Email: hui.wang@unt.edu
- Phone: 940-369-8634
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial tests whether Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) helps kids aged 7–17 with developmental trauma more than usual therapy.
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Adaptive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Therapist Training
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.