Understanding Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects in PTSD

Starting soon · Early Phase 1 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In brief

The goal of this study is to determine how non-invasive brain stimulation (delivered through the ear called vagus nerve stimulation) affects fear learning processes in people who have experienced psychological trauma. To answer these questions, we measure bodily responses (heart rate, sweat, startle) and questionnaires. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation help reduce anxious arousal? Does non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation help dampen learned fear?

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06953388

Run by

Wayne State University

People needed

60

Starts

2027-04-01

Expected to finish

2031-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Ages 18-80
• Fluent in English
• Experience with a DSM-5 Criterion A trauma (LEC-5)
• Probable PTSD (PCL-5 ≥ 32)

You may not qualify if…

• Visual or Auditory impairment
• Major injury at time of screen or study procedures
• Taking ≥20 mg morphine per day
• Current substance use or intoxication (12-panel drug test)
• Intellectual disability (MoCA)
• Self-inflicted injury
• Occupational injury
• Prisoner
• Ongoing domestic violence
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Contraindications for taVNS

Where it is running

• Tolan Park Research Clinic, Wayne State University — Detroit, Michigan, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.