Brain scans reveal how therapy heals teen PTSD
NCT ID NCT05423444
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how trauma-focused therapy changes brain connections in teenagers with PTSD. Researchers will use brain scans before and after each phase of therapy to understand which brain networks are involved. The goal is to learn how therapy works in the brain, which could lead to better treatments in the future. 180 teens aged 12-17 who have experienced interpersonal trauma and have PTSD symptoms will take part.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 180 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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12 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 12-17 and Tanner stage 2 or above * history of interpersonal trauma * PTSD symptoms with a rating of '2' or higher on at least one symptom from each of the 4 clusters, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents, and having a duration of at least one month Exclusion Criteria: * current or past use of psychiatric medications * severe suicidal/homicidal ideation * current hospitalization * other current psychotherapy or previous treatment with TF-CBT * history of head injury with loss of consciousness for \>5 minutes * IQ\<85 * major medical illness * MRI contraindications (metal in body; braces on teeth) * psychosis, bipolar 1, autism, developmental disorder, panic disorder * first-degree family member with diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar I disorder * substance dependence within the past 3 months or current drug use that is frequent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UT Health Department of Psychiatry
RECRUITINGSan Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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