Flash therapy: could subliminal combat images ease PTSD?
NCT ID NCT06218381
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study explores whether showing combat veterans with PTSD very brief, barely visible images of combat scenes can change their brain activity and reduce fear. Participants will view these images during an fMRI brain scan and rate their fear. The goal is to understand how the brain responds to this type of exposure, not yet to treat PTSD. The study compares veterans with PTSD to healthy controls.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Very Brief Exposure to combat images (a behavioral procedure using subliminal picture flashes)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new, non-drug treatment for PTSD that is easier to tolerate than traditional exposure therapy.
What could go wrong
This is an early, small study (80 people) focused on brain activity and fear ratings, not on curing PTSD. It may not lead to a practical treatment, and results may not apply to all veterans.
Disclaimer
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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: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Brain Imaging Lab
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90027, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••