Morning or afternoon? study tests best time for PTSD therapy

NCT ID NCT05453162

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether having therapy sessions in the morning or afternoon changes how well prolonged exposure therapy works for PTSD. About 52 adults with PTSD will receive 10 weekly therapy sessions via telehealth, either early in the day or late afternoon. Researchers will measure changes in PTSD symptoms and physical responses to trauma reminders.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Prolonged Exposure Therapy (a type of talk therapy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that timing therapy sessions (morning vs. afternoon) improves PTSD treatment outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 52 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy itself can be emotionally intense.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Boston Healthcare System

Boston, Massachusetts, 02130-4817, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.