Acute stress disorder

This study tests whether a drug called BXCL501, given as a film under the tongue, can reduce acute stress and prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who have been in a motor vehicle collision. One hundred adults who come to the emergency department within 72 hour…

This study is creating and testing short videos for teens (ages 12-17) and their parents after a traumatic injury that requires a hospital stay. The goal is to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use. The videos will be developed with input from families an…

This pilot study tests whether a breathing technique called cardiac coherence can prevent chronic PTSD in people who recently experienced a traumatic event. 44 participants with acute stress disorder will practice the breathing exercises for 3 months. The goal is to see if this s…

This study tests whether a 3-day program called Alliance180, which includes working with horses, can improve anxiety, depression, and overall well-being in adults who are or were US veterans, first responders, or frontline healthcare workers. Fifty participants will fill out ques…

This early study tests whether a surgically implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve can boost the effects of talk therapy for people with chronic PTSD. Twenty adults who have not gotten better with standard treatments will receive either active or sham stimulation alongs…

This study will enroll 400 youth aged 8-18 with chronic medical conditions who have experienced trauma. Participants will first receive group therapy using either SPARCS or UP, two evidence-based talk therapies. Those who still need help after group therapy will then receive indi…

This phase 2 trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center is testing whether psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can safely help ease depression and anxiety in 30 adults with advanced cancer who are on maintenance therapy. Participants receive either psilocybin or a placebo (niacin) along wi…

This study tests whether taking vitamin D daily for 8 weeks helps healthy adults keep their thinking, simple physical tasks, and mood steady during very stressful situations. 52 participants will take either vitamin D or a placebo, then perform tasks while wearing a belt that giv…

This study tests whether a sublingual tablet (TNX-102 SL) can reduce acute stress symptoms and prevent long-term PTSD in adults who come to the emergency room after a car crash. 180 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for two weeks, starting in the ER. Research…

This phase 2 trial tests whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) can safely ease PTSD and trauma symptoms in adults with severe burns covering more than 15% of their body. Twelve participants will receive two KAP sessions plus a preparatory talk therapy session. The main go…

This study explores whether an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program can help first responders—like police, firefighters, and EMS—manage trauma-related symptoms. Participants will attend beginner-friendly BJJ classes one to two times per week, while tracking their mood, stress…

This study tests whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, combined with talk therapy can safely help cancer survivors with depression or anxiety. Twenty adults who have finished cancer treatment and have no brain involvement will receive a single dose of psil…

This study tests whether a computer-based working memory training program can help veterans with PTSD improve their ability to unlearn fear responses. 120 veterans will be randomly assigned to either the training or a sham version. The goal is to see if the training changes brain…

This study tests whether short, calming virtual reality (VR) sessions can safely reduce anxiety, agitation, and delirium in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Thirty participants will watch nature-based VR content using a headset. The main goal is to see if this approach i…

This pilot study tests whether a trauma-focused therapy (TF-CBT) adapted for autistic youth is practical and well-received in community mental health centers. About 24 autistic children and their therapists will participate. The goal is to see if the therapy is acceptable and fea…

This pilot study tests whether a short, video-based sleep therapy can help prevent PTSD and depression in people who recently had a car accident. Twenty adults at high risk for PTSD will receive either the sleep therapy or a control session over three weeks. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether adding a group-based stabilization and skill-training program to regular individual therapy helps people with long-lasting post-traumatic stress recover better. About 160 adults receiving outpatient mental health care will take part. Half will get the com…

This study tests a new EEG neurofeedback system called Prism for treating PTSD in 250 US veterans and civilians. Participants do 15 sessions of Prism training over 8 weeks, plus two booster sessions. The goal is to see if Prism reduces PTSD symptoms more than a sham (fake) traini…

This study aims to redesign Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) so it works better in schools. Researchers will work with school counselors and students aged 7-19 to make the therapy easier to use and more engaging. The goal is to help more young people get effec…

This study tests whether a short writing therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) can help veterans who have both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a substance use disorder. About 170 veterans will complete five writing sessions about their trauma. The goal is to see …

This study tests a talk therapy called EASE for parents whose child has cancer. The goal is to see if it reduces traumatic stress symptoms over six months. About 306 parents will take part, answering questionnaires at several points. The therapy is added to usual care and compare…

This study tests a short intervention called iCOVER, designed to help people quickly regain focus and calm after an acute stress reaction. The intervention takes just 60-120 seconds and can be given by peers or medical staff. Researchers will enroll 450 adults in an emergency dep…

This study looks at whether a self-administered technique called alternating bilateral stimulation (like moving your eyes side to side or tapping your shoulders) can make intrusive, distressing memories feel less intense and less vivid. Researchers will enroll 150 adults with sym…

This study tests whether a condensed form of PTSD therapy, called Massed Prolonged Exposure (M-PE), can help people who are also being treated for substance use disorders. About 168 adults will either receive M-PE alongside their usual substance use program or continue with stand…

This study tests a prescription wrist device called NightWare that detects when a veteran with PTSD is having a nightmare and gently disrupts it without waking them. Researchers want to see if better sleep from fewer nightmares can also improve blood vessel and heart health. 125 …

This study looks at whether a trauma-informed approach can improve smoking cessation support for pregnant women, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups. Researchers will interview clinicians and pregnant women to understand their needs and experiences. The goal i…

This study investigates how the brain and body respond to acute physical and emotional stress in healthy adults aged 18 to 65. Participants will undergo four conditions: resting, a cold pressor test (hand in ice water), recalling a distressing memory, and viewing emotional pictur…

This study investigates whether people who use cannabidiol (CBD) regularly react differently to acute stress compared to those who do not. Healthy adults aged 21–70 who either use CBD daily or not at all will undergo a series of stressful tasks — including public speaking, mental…

This study is developing and testing a 12-week group education program called FEELS to help Black young adults (ages 18-35) who have experienced trauma better understand mental health and substance use. Participants will attend weekly sessions and complete surveys to see if their…

This study looks at whether asking new mothers a few questions within 48 hours of an unplanned C-section can predict who will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childbirth. Researchers will follow 420 women for three months, comparing early screening scores …

This study looks at whether two FDA-approved drugs, propranolol and hydrocortisone, can prevent mental and physical performance drops after a stressful experience. Healthy adults aged 18-40 who are afraid of spiders will be briefly exposed to a tarantula, then given one of the dr…