Very brief exposure to combat images for PTSD in veterans

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.