Understanding brain changes during therapy for adolescent PTSD
Official title: Neural Connectivity Before and After Each of the Three Treatment Phases of Trauma-focused Therapy for Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT05423444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how trauma-focused therapy changes the brains of teenagers with PTSD to help improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Antonio, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 29, 2022 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05423444 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12-17 who have a history of interpersonal trauma and meet specific PTSD symptom criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric conditions, current psychiatric medication use, or contraindications for MRI may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the neural mechanisms involved in trauma-focused therapy for adolescents with PTSD. By utilizing neuroimaging techniques, the research aims to identify specific brain changes associated with different phases of therapy, such as skill acquisition and emotional processing. The study focuses on youth aged 12-17 who have experienced interpersonal trauma and exhibit PTSD symptoms. The goal is to enhance treatment efficacy by understanding how therapy impacts brain function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and personalized treatment approaches for adolescents suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on PTSD treatments, this innovative approach focusing on neuroimaging during specific therapy phases is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 12-17 and Tanner stage 2 or above * history of interpersonal trauma * PTSD symptoms with a rating of '2' or higher on at least one symptom from each of the 4 clusters, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents, and having a duration of at least one month Exclusion Criteria: * current or past use of psychiatric medications * severe suicidal/homicidal ideation * current hospitalization * other current psychotherapy or previous treatment with TF-CBT * history of head injury with loss of consciousness for \>5 minutes * IQ\<85 * major medical illness * MRI contraindications (metal in body; braces on teeth) * psychosis, bipolar 1, autism, developmental disorder, panic disorder * first-degree family member with diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar I disorder * substance dependence within the past 3 months or current drug use that is frequent
Where it's running
-
UT Health Department of Psychiatry
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy Garrett, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Amy Garrett, PhD
- Email: garrettas@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 12105678189
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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.