Reboxetine plus Ritalin vs Dog-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
Official title: Evaluating the Efficacies of an Innovative Pharmacological Treatment (Reboxetine Plus Ritalin) Versus Dog-Assisted Therapy in PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Haifa · NCT07771530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a drug combo of reboxetine and methylphenidate works better than dog-assisted therapy for people with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Haifa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Haifa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07771530 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with a DSM-defined PTSD diagnosis who are on a stable dose of any psychotropic medication for at least one month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to reboxetine or methylphenidate, significant cardiovascular issues, other major psychiatric disorders, or those currently in another PTSD treatment program may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 randomized trial compares two treatments for PTSD: a pharmacological combination of reboxetine and methylphenidate, and dog-assisted therapy delivered in group settings. Participants aged 18–70 with PTSD will be randomly assigned to one of the two approaches, with eligibility requiring stable psychotropic medication for at least one month and no major contraindications. Outcomes will focus on PTSD symptom changes and tolerability, aiming to identify a feasible and effective treatment option. The study leverages mechanistic targets in noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems, alongside behavioral and social support factors. Conducted primarily at the University of Haifa, the trial seeks to address treatment gaps in the Israeli PTSD population following recent terror-related trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the drug combo or dog-assisted therapy could offer more tolerable or effective options for reducing PTSD symptoms and improving daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests both pharmacological augmentation and animal-assisted therapies can help PTSD, but direct head-to-head trials of this specific combination vs dog-assisted therapy are novel in this context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age between 18 and 70 years, * diagnosed with PTSD according to DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria, * any psychotropic drug therapy that is being administered must be at a fixed dose for at least one month prior to the study initiation. Exclusion Criteria: * any health condition for which the use of reboxetine or methylphenidate is contraindicated, * comorbidity with major psychiatric disorder, * significant/active cardiovascular disease, * previous or current severe traumatic brain injury, * active substance dependency, * participating in another treatment program for PTSD of any kind.
Where it's running
-
University of Haifa
Haifa, Israel Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Avi Avital, PhD — University of Haifa
- Study coordinator: Avi Avital, PhD
- Email: avitalavi@hotmail.com
- Phone: +972-4-8420-364
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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.