Investigating how games affect memory and trauma symptoms
Effects of Behavioral Tasks on Memory Reconsolidation and Trauma-Related Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study is testing whether playing a specific game can help people with PTSD feel better by improving their memory and reducing trauma symptoms.
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 |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06129435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the impact of a visuospatial task on memory reconsolidation and trauma symptoms in individuals who have experienced trauma. Participants will engage in a game designed to disrupt memory reconsolidation after being exposed to a traumatic memory reactivation paradigm. The goal is to assess whether this innovative approach can alleviate symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and improve overall mental health outcomes. The study aims to provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for those suffering from trauma-related conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who have experienced trauma and are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving trauma-focused psychotherapy or those with significant suicidality or psychosis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a novel, cost-effective method for reducing PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar memory disruptor techniques in healthy volunteers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 65 * Fluent in written and spoken English * Has access to the internet * Access to a computer (laptop or desktop) with a camera that has video and audio recording capability * History of trauma exposure to either a motor vehicle (MVC), sexual assault, physical assault, or combat. Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient emotional reactivity to the trauma memory reactivation video clip (\<5 the Peak Subjective Units of Distress Scale) * Presence of significant suicidality or a history of a suicide attempt within the past 6 months * History of psychosis within the past 6 months * Changes in psychotropic medication (≤ 8 weeks) * Currently receiving trauma-focused psychotherapy
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- The Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael J Telch, PhD
- Email: telch@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: (512) 560-4100
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.