Can therapy rewire the PTSD brain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT02695953

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Milissa Kaufman Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tracks 130 adults with PTSD from childhood trauma as they undergo Cognitive Processing Therapy. Researchers will measure brain activity, genetics, and behavior before and after treatment to understand how recovery happens. The goal is to uncover biological markers of PTSD and recovery, not to test a new drug or cure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Cognitive Processing Therapy (a type of talk therapy)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help explain how PTSD changes the brain and which factors predict recovery, pointing toward better treatments.

What could go wrong

This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to direct new therapies, and results may not apply to all PTSD patients.

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

  • McLean Hospital

    Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States