Therapeutic treatment for PTSD using Deep Brain Reorienting

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the efficacy of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) as a treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the DBR treatment or be placed on a wait-list. The DBR approach involves processing traumatic memories while focusing on muscle tensions associated with threat orientation, aiming to help participants manage their emotional responses. Assessments will include clinical interviews and fMRI scans conducted both online and in-person to measure changes in PTSD symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* military veteran
* English speaking
* age: 18-65
* meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD (as determined by study assessment)
* may benefit from short-term trauma therapy (as determined by study assessment)

Exclusion Criteria:

* not a military veteran
* Individuals with any implants, conditions, etc. that do not comply with 7-Tesla (7T) fMRI research safety standards (e.g., certain implants, pregnancy)
* history of significant head injury/lengthy loss of consciousness (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score \< 15 at the time of incident assessed retrospectively by participant)
* significant untreated medical illness
* history of neurological disorder
* history of any pervasive developmental disorder
* history of bipolar disorder
* history of psychotic disorder
* alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months
* extensive narcotic use
* current participation in counselling more extensive than supportive therapy (e.g., exposure therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy would be an exclusion)
* a degree of mental distress that is unlikely to benefit from a short-term therapy (for our participants' well-being, it will be necessary that we believe it possible to safely address the issues/triggers brought up in treatment within the 8 sessions).

Where it's running

• London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ruth A Lanius, MD, PhD — London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
• Study coordinator: Suzy - Study Coordinator
• Email: Suzy.Southwell@lhsc.on.ca
• Phone: 519-685-8500

Similar studies

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

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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.