Short-term therapy for PTSD symptoms

Short Term Recall and Reprocess Therapy for PTSD

This study is testing a week-long therapy to see if it can help adults with PTSD feel better and reduce their symptoms.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 160 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beersheba)
• Trial ID: NCT06826937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term behavioral intervention designed to alleviate symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults. The intervention combines imaginal and in-vivo exposure with psychodynamic reprocessing techniques. Participants will undergo a week-long intensive therapy and will be monitored for up to five years to assess recovery patterns and potential relapses. The study will compare outcomes between those receiving the intervention and a waiting list control group, who will eventually have the opportunity to receive treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with severe PTSD, indicated by a score of 25 or higher on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or other specified severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve overall mental health for affected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While similar behavioral interventions have shown promise in treating PTSD, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* • Diagnosis of PTSD with a score of 25 or higher (i.e. severe PTSD) on the Clinician- Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) at screening.

  * Subjects on FDA-approved antidepressants, trazodone, atypical neuroleptic, prazosin, or clonidine may enter the study if they have been on a stable treatment, as determined by the study clinician, for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization. Following randomization, small changes to doses may be allowable at the PI's discretion.
  * Able to provide written informed consent.
  * Able to read and write English/Hebrew.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Patients with a diagnostic history of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder or currently exhibiting psychotic features as determined by the clinical interview; dementia or suspicion thereof, are excluded. Other DSM Axis I disorders are permitted as long as they are not considered primary disorders.

  * Patients with a history of antidepressant-induced hypomania or mania as determined by open-ended psychiatric interview.
  * Current, ongoing serious suicidal risk as assessed by evaluating.
  * Moderate severity or greater Substance Use Disorder (excepting Alcohol Use Disorder) during the 3 months prior to randomization, as determined by the SCID.
  * History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with loss of consciousness for more than 24 hours or posttraumatic amnesia for more than 7 days may be considered if the trauma occurred more than 1 year ago, and no more than minimal symptoms have persisted over the past year.
  * Any significant history of neurological illness or heart disease.
  * Any signs of major medical or neurological illness on examination or as a result of ECG screening or laboratory studies.
  * Any history indicating learning disability or mental retardation.

Where this trial is running

Beersheba

• Ben Gurion University of the Negev — Beersheba, Israel (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Or Duek, Ph.D

Conditions PTSD; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Prolonged Exposure; Massed Therapy