Very brief exposure to combat images for PTSD in veterans
The Effects of Very Brief Exposure on PTSD in U.S. Combat Veterans
This study is testing a new way to help U.S. combat veterans with PTSD by briefly showing them combat images to see if it can reduce their fear without causing too much distress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06218381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to develop a new behavioral treatment for U.S. combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through a method called Very Brief Exposure (VBE). Participants will be exposed to combat-related images for a very short duration, followed by a masking stimulus to prevent conscious recognition, while their brain activity and subjective fear ratings are measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The study will compare the responses of veterans with PTSD to those of healthy controls to identify differences in brain activation and fear responses. The goal is to create a less distressing alternative to traditional exposure therapies that may lead to higher dropout rates.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. combat veterans aged 18-50 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD related to combat experiences.
Not a fit: Patients who have received treatment for PTSD or other mental health concerns in the past six months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and less distressing treatment option for veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional exposure therapies have been effective, this specific approach of Very Brief Exposure is novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patient Population * Males and females ages 18-50 * Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of PTSD * Traumatic event is a combat-based experience (e.g., being injured, watching a buddy be killed) * Minimum score of 18 on the Combat Experience Scale (CES) * Minimum score of 3 or more on Primary Care (PC)-PTSD-5 * Participants with other cooccurring psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, ADHD) will be included to ensure a representative sample. Healthy Population • Males and Females, ages 18-50 Exclusion Criteria: Patient Population * Treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, or mental health concerns in the past 6 months * 10 or more years since the combat trauma * Acute intoxication * Severe level of Substance Dependence (6 or more DSM-V symptoms) * Prior diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders * Current or past psychotic disorders or active psychotic symptoms * Current Bipolar I Disorder * Dementia * Neurological or serious medical conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy/ seizure disorder, cancer, Lupus, HIV+); * Traumatic brain injury Healthy Population * Ferromagnetic implants (e.g., pacemaker), metal braces, retainers, tattoos or permanent make up w/ metallic content, transdermal medicinal patches that cannot be removed * Neurological or serious medical conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy/ seizure disorder, cancer, Lupus, HIV+); * Lifetime Diagnosis of PTSD, Tourette's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Dependence, Eating Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, a psychotic disorder, Acute Stress Disorder * Lifetime history of traumatic event defined as a life-threatening event involving physical attack, guns, fire or explosion (i.e the kinds of traumatic events combat veterans are likely to experience) * Traumatic Brain Injury * Birth at less than 37 weeks gestational age * Claustrophobia * Anxiety Disorder, Mood Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorder, Adjustment Disorder in past 2 years * Treatment for mental health concern in past 2 years * Pregnant Females
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Brain Imaging Lab — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bradley M Peterson, MD — Children's Hospital Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Courtney Marcelino
- Email: cmarcelino@chla.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-361-6456
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.