Rewiring the mind after trauma: a new therapy aims to change how we process painful events

NCT ID NCT06093906

NEW Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 19, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new behavioral therapy called PATH, designed to help people who have experienced a deeply stressful event—like a major loss or threat—and now struggle with symptoms of PTSD or depression. The therapy focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns, reducing avoidance, and improving the ability to feel reward. Researchers will compare PATH to a standard relaxation technique (PMR) in 135 adults, measuring changes in symptoms and underlying mental processes over several months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Positive Processes and Transition to Health (PATH), a behavioral therapy, compared to Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
What this could lead to: If PATH works, it could offer a new, non-drug treatment for people struggling with PTSD and depression after a major loss or threat.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with a modest number of participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy may not outperform relaxation training, and benefits might not last beyond the follow-up period.

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.

major depressive disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Case Western Reserve University
RECRUITING

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
University of Delaware
RECRUITING

Newark, Delaware, 19716, United States
University of Washington
RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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