Understanding how Prolonged Exposure Therapy works for PTSD

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 research aims to gather pilot data on the neural, psychophysiological, and subjective markers that change during Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will involve 50 participants, with the goal of having 15 complete ten 60-minute sessions of PE therapy. Assessments will be conducted at various stages: before treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at a one-month follow-up, using a combination of self-report measures, clinician interviews, and physiological recordings. The findings will help enhance the understanding of how PE therapy affects PTSD symptoms and inform future treatment approaches.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. a diagnosis of PTSD as defined by DSM-5 (as indicated by meeting diagnostic criteria on the CAPS-5)
2. interest in starting PE (as indicated during the informed consent process)
3. Veteran

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current or past history of schizophrenic or other psychotic disorders,
2. Untreated Bipolar Disorder or a history of a manic/mixed episode within the last 6 months,
3. Severe traumatic brain injury,
4. Major neurological problems,
5. Current substance use disorder,
6. Active risk to self or others,
7. Current participation in cognitive-behavioral therapy,
8. Previously received \> 2 sessions of Prolonged Exposure, and
9. Having no memory of their traumatic event.
10. For participants who are currently prescribed psychotropic medication, they will be eligible for the study provided medication use has been stable for 2 months prior to enrollment and remains stable throughout participation

Where it's running

• VA Boston Healthcare System
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Suzanne Pineles — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
• Study coordinator: Suzanne Pineles, PhD
• Email: suzanne.pineles@va.gov
• Phone: 857-364-5906

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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.