Trauma recovery showdown: therapy vs. pills for PTSD growth
NCT ID NCT06957210
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether a special therapy called EMDR or antidepressant medication (SSRIs) helps people with PTSD grow and recover after trauma. 130 adults with PTSD were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. The main goal was to see which approach leads to more personal growth and better mental health over 6 weeks.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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130 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on DSM-5 criteria Willingness to participate and provide informed consent Ability to comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: Current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe major depressive episode with psychotic features Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months Severe cognitive impairment or inability to complete study assessments
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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
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Combined Military Hospital
Nowshera, KPK, 25770, Pakistan
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Department of Psychiatry, Combined Military Hospital Nowshera
Nowshera, KPK, 25770, Pakistan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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