Morning or afternoon? study tests best time for PTSD therapy

NCT ID NCT05453162

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • VA Boston Healthcare System

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02130-4817, United States