Psychotherapy Effects on Reward Processing in PTSD

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Diminished Pleasure, Anhedonia, PTSD, Chronic PTSD, Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

In brief

The purpose of this study is to identify how trauma-focused psychotherapy changes the function of brain circuitry in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how this mediates improvements in the diminished ability to experience positive emotions following a traumatic or extremely stressful life event. In this instance, the investigators will be using cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a widely-utilized and evidence-based treatment for PTSD.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06096740

Run by

University of Texas at Austin

People needed

120

Starts

2024-06-01

Expected to finish

2029-05-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-01

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• English as primary language, and comprehension suitable to understand experimenter instructions.
• Current and chronic syndromic PTSD, defined as being exposed to a DSM-5 Criterion A traumatic event, with the presence DSM-5 qualifying PTSD symptoms for at least 3 months, as assessed by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.
• Able and willing to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
• Willingness to participate in repeated assessments and as part of a delayed treatment group.

You may not qualify if…

• Evidence of current or prior history of psychosis or bipolar disorder as evidenced by self-report or clinical interview.
• Active substance dependence within the past 6 months as evidenced by clinical interview.
• Current regular psychiatric medication use (i.e. antidepressants), except for as-needed benzodiazepine or opiate medication no more than three times per week, on average, or for short-duration stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that can be skipped within 24 hours of study visits.
• A recent (<6 months) suicide attempt or current active ideation with intent.
• Unremovable ferrous metal in body.
• History of neurological disorder, stroke, seizures/convulsions (except febrile seizures in childhood), epilepsy, brain surgery, electroconvulsive or radiation treatment, brain hemorrhage or tumor, or thyroid disorder.
• Anyone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
• Current or past year (> 3 sessions), psychotherapy with a prominent exposure or cognitive restructuring component.
• Previous or current (es)ketamine treatment and/ or brain stimulation/neuromodulation treatment.
• Other ongoing treatment that is likely to confound experimental effects.
• Previous penetrating head injury/traumatic brain injury. Mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury without penetrating injury is allowable.

Where it is running

• Health Discovery Building (HDB), 1601 Trinity St., Bldg B., Z0600 — Austin, Texas, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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