Could a nasal spray boost PTSD therapy? early trial hints at possibility

NCT ID NCT06795659

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This small study tested whether adding esketamine (a nasal spray approved for depression) to prolonged exposure therapy could help people with PTSD. Four adults completed 10 daily therapy sessions over two weeks while receiving esketamine. The main goal was to see if the combination was feasible and acceptable, not to prove it works. Early results suggest it may be worth studying further.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Esketamine (nasal spray)
What this could lead to: If this combination works, it could point toward a faster, more effective way to treat PTSD by enhancing the benefits of therapy.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-stage trial with only 4 participants, so results may not apply to others. The study focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness.

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.

combat disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

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