Treatment for fibromyalgia and PTSD using reconsolidation therapy

Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment by Reconsolidation Therapy on Fibromyalgia Syndrome

PHASE2 · Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit · NCT04950426

This study is testing if a combination of a heart medication and a special therapy can help people with fibromyalgia and PTSD feel better over six weeks.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Henri Laborit (other)
Locations2 sites (Poitiers and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04950426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome who also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants will receive propranolol in conjunction with a reconsolidation blockade of their traumatic experiences once a week for six weeks. Evaluations will be conducted at the start of the study and again after three months to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The focus is on patients who meet specific diagnostic criteria for both conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with fibromyalgia and a diagnosis of comorbid PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, unstable bipolar disorder, or significant cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia and PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using reconsolidation therapy is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in treating PTSD, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult over 18 years old
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome according to ACR 2016 criteria
* PCL-5 \> 44 suggesting the presence of a comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder
* Meet the DSM-5 criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder secondary to exposure to a traumatic event according to DSM-5 criteria, both unique or repeated and regardless of the date or location of the traumatic event.
* Pain relief treatment and/or psychotropic treatment stabilized for a period greater than or equal to two months.
* Signature of a consent form
* Patient able to understand and read french

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychotic disorders
* Unstable bipolar disorder
* Patients with a systolic blood pressure \< 100 mmHg or heart rate \< 55 as established during the initial visit
* Significant anormal ECG
* Medical contraindication to taking propranolol
* Adverse reactions or previous intolerances to a beta blocker
* Current intake of another beta blocker which can not be stopped during the protocol, regardeless the galenic.
* Current intake of a drug with potential contraindication with the propranolol, according to the summary of product characteristics of the propranolol.
* Patient under legal protection, under guardianship or under curatorship
* Patient having suffered a head trauma for less than a year or with clinical symptoms and neurological sequelae
* Known severe suicide risk (MINI-S and medical exam)
* Current opioid addiction or alcohol dependence
* Patients treated for less than 2 months with antidepressants or painkillers
* Patients unafiliated to a social health care
* Woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding or whithout efficient contraception

Where this trial is running

Poitiers and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.