Using music to improve therapy 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 clinical trial investigates whether adding frequency-filtered music to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) enhances its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. Participants will receive 10 daily sessions of CPT while listening to either filtered or unfiltered classical music for 15 minutes before each session. The study aims to assess the impact of music on PTSD symptoms and physiological stress regulation. Participants will be randomized to receive one of the two music conditions to evaluate differences in outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years of age
* Meets diagnostic criteria for a) PTSD or b) subthreshold PTSD with hyperarousal (i.e., meets diagnostic threshold for 3 of 4 symptoms, one of which is hyperarousal)
* Ability to move between sitting to standing without assistance
* Ability to attend two weeks of daily in-person therapy sessions at either the Ohio State University or at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) Medical Center

Exclusion Criteria:

* Heart condition (such as cardiac arrhythmia) or pacemaker
* An allergy that would prevent wearing adhesive for durations of 2 hours or less
* Insufficient English fluency to fully engage in psychotherapy
* Use of hearing aids
* Current or prior tinnitus (persistent ringing or other noises in ears not caused by an external sound)
* Severe traumatic brain injury
* An ongoing stressor or condition deemed by the investigators to place the participant at risk for injury or a poor outcome (e.g., undergoing disability evaluation, undergoing a medical board evaluation to be medically discharged from the military, pending negative administrative or legal actions).
* Inability to complete the informed consent process due to the acute effects of a medical or psychiatric condition (e.g., intoxication, mania, psychosis)

Where it's running

• The Ohio State University
  Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
• Wright Patterson Air Force Base Mental Health Center
  Dayton, Ohio, United States Recruiting

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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.