Using Hexadecanal to enhance therapy for PTSD
Testing Potential Enhancement of Standard Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD Using Hexadecanal: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if adding a special odor called Hexadecanal to therapy can help people with PTSD feel better compared to just the therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tel Aviv University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tel Aviv) |
| Trial ID | NCT06968312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of adding Hexadecanal, an odor molecule, to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In a triple-blind randomized controlled trial, 40 participants will receive either Hexadecanal or a placebo during therapy sessions to assess changes in PTSD symptom severity. The study aims to determine if the presence of Hexadecanal can improve psychological well-being and therapeutic outcomes compared to standard CPT alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over diagnosed with PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, psychosis, neurological disorders, or those undergoing parallel psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of existing PTSD treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of odor molecules in therapy is a novel approach, similar studies exploring sensory enhancements in psychological treatments have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of PTSD according to DSM-5 * Age 18 years and over * Eligible for CPT treatment at the National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience Exclusion Criteria: * Bipolar disorder, psychosis, neurological disorders * Drug Addiction * Parallel psychotherapy * Congenital or acquired anosmia.
Where this trial is running
Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv University — Tel Aviv, Israel (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yair Bar Haim, PhD — Tel Aviv University
- Study coordinator: Yair Bar Haim, PhD
- Email: yair1@tauex.tau.ac.il
- Phone: 03-6405465
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.