Brain scans reveal how PTSD therapy rewires pleasure centers
NCT ID NCT06096740
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how a type of talk therapy called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) changes brain circuits related to reward and pleasure in people with PTSD. Researchers will use brain scans to track these changes in 120 participants. The goal is to understand why some people lose the ability to feel joy after trauma and how therapy might help restore it.
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 (CPT)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could reveal how therapy repairs brain reward pathways, pointing toward more effective PTSD treatments.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage observational study focused on brain changes, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to new therapies.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Health Discovery Building (HDB), 1601 Trinity St., Bldg B., Z0600
RECRUITINGAustin, Texas, 78712, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••