Brain scans and heart rate may reveal why PTSD therapy works
NCT ID NCT05788302
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how prolonged exposure therapy helps people with PTSD. Researchers will track 50 adults over 17 weeks, using brain scans, heart rate, and questionnaires before, during, and after treatment. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind the therapy, not to test if it works.
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
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could reveal how and why prolonged exposure therapy works for PTSD, helping to improve and personalize treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study (50 people) focused on understanding mechanisms, not proving effectiveness. Results may not apply to everyone with PTSD.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
MGH
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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