Understanding how PTSD patients learn to avoid fear triggers
Official title: Neural Correlates of Active Avoidance Learning and Their Interactions With Fear Extinction Mechanisms in PTSD Patients
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04770584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how people with PTSD learn to avoid things that trigger their fear and how their brain reacts to this learning.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2021 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04770584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-70 with a current diagnosis of PTSD or those who have been exposed to trauma but do not have PTSD.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant neurological disorders, severe suicidal ideation, or serious psychiatric diagnoses 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 research investigates the neural mechanisms behind avoidance learning in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a conditioning paradigm. The study aims to measure brain responses and emotional reactions as participants learn to avoid specific stimuli, while also examining how fear extinction learning and monetary costs influence these avoidance behaviors. Participants will include those diagnosed with PTSD, trauma-exposed healthy controls, and healthy controls without trauma history. The findings could enhance our understanding of avoidance in PTSD and inform treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic approaches for PTSD by addressing avoidance behaviors that hinder recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have explored similar mechanisms of avoidance and fear extinction, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
1. 18 - 70 years of age
2. Female or Male
3. Inclusion Criteria: PTSD Subjects
a. Diagnosis of current PTSD
4. Inclusion Criteria: Trauma-exposed healthy controls (TEHC)
1. SCID diagnosis consistent with no current psychiatric disorders, and no current PTSD
2. History of trauma exposure
5. Inclusion Criteria: Healthy controls (HC)
1. SCID diagnosis consistent with no current psychiatric disorders ("Axis I" disorders).
2. No history of trauma exposure
6. Willing and able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria for ALL subjects:
1. History of neurologic disease (e.g. tic disorder)
2. Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily
3. History of seizure or significant head trauma
4. History of the serious/significant psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" disorders)
5. Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study
6. Current substance use (assessed by urine toxicology; positive urine toxicology screen for any substance, with the exception of THC). Per PI judgement and approval: if urine toxicology is positive for a substance, participant may be eligible to proceed with study provided their urine toxicology (or saliva test for THC) is negative at experimental visit(s)
7. Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine ß-HCG)
8. Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging
9. High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process
Additional exclusion criteria for Trauma-exposed healthy controls (TEHC) group and Healthy controls (HC) group:
10. Current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" diagnoses)
Where it's running
-
UTHealth Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mohammed Milad, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
- Study coordinator: Mohammed Milad, PhD
- Email: Mohammed.R.Milad@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-486-2754
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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.