Acute stress disorder

This completed study tested a program called RISE (Resiliency in Stressful Experiences) for young men ages 18-35 leaving state prisons in Florida. The program combines trauma counseling with practical help like housing and job support. Researchers measured whether participants ha…

This early-stage study is testing whether combining standard psychiatric medications (like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs) with individual cognitive behavioral therapy can improve symptoms and daily functioning in people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disord…

This study tests whether using MRI to guide transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works better than the usual scalp-based method for treating depression. It involves 54 participants, including those with treatment-resistant depression and others with COVID-related distress. The…

This study tests a new behavioral therapy called OPT-A for teenagers who have both substance use problems and mood or anxiety disorders. 140 teens aged 10-17 will receive either OPT-A or standard treatment. Researchers will track substance use and mental health for 18 months to s…

This study tested whether prazosin, a drug normally used for high blood pressure, could prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who recently experienced a traumatic event like an accident or assault. Researchers gave the drug to 15 adults who showed signs of acute…

This study tested whether a single dose of hydrocortisone, given within 6 hours of a traumatic event, could prevent PTSD. 201 trauma survivors from two hospitals received either hydrocortisone or a placebo. Researchers tracked their mental health for 28 weeks to see if the drug r…

This pilot study tests whether a short, 5-session writing therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is practical and helpful for pregnant or postpartum adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24) with PTSD. The therapy involves writing about traumatic experiences with minimal t…

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are testing whether automated motivational messages or coach support can improve engagement with SilverCloud, a digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety. The trial enrolls adults with clinically significant symptoms…

This study tests a mobile health system (smartwatch and app) combined with a week-long cycling event to help veterans reduce stress and PTSD symptoms. Thirty-six veterans will use the system for two months and participate in the cycling challenge. The goal is to see if this appro…

This pilot study tests whether a three-session EMDR grief protocol can reduce traumatic grief, PTSD symptoms, and emotional processing difficulties in adults who lost a loved one in the February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the the…

This study tests whether low-cost virtual reality (VR) tools, like 360° video and a new VR Photoscan process, can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) engage more easily with trauma-focused therapy. Participants will receive standard therapy (TF-CBT) either alon…

This study tests whether a medically supervised 12-week ketogenic diet is practical for 6 adults with PTSD in Germany. The main goal is to see if people can stick to the diet and complete the study. It is not designed to measure how well the diet works for PTSD symptoms, but it m…

This trial is testing a program called TEAMSS, designed to help fifth graders with elevated anxiety transition more smoothly to middle school. The program includes reading materials, a school tour, group sessions, parent meetings, and teacher consultations. The goal is to see if …

This pilot trial tests whether pediatric primary care providers can effectively deliver a brief intervention called the Anxiety Action Plan (AxAP) to help children aged 6-17 with elevated anxiety symptoms. Providers receive training and coaching to administer the intervention, wh…

This trial tests whether an intensive version of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), delivered during a hospital stay, helps children and teens aged 11–17 with PTSD after sexual abuse. Researchers compare the inpatient program to standard outpatient therapy to s…

This pilot trial tests whether a brief group therapy called EMDR-IGTP-OTS can reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms in migrants attending an adult education center in Italy. Participants receive four structured group sessions on consecutive days and are compared with a control gro…

This study tests a therapy called the Unified Protocol, designed to help people with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression by improving emotional regulation. Researchers compare delivering the therapy in online group sessions versus in-person group sessions to see if bo…

This trial tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve through the ear (tVNS) can help athletes recover more quickly after intense training. About 121 professional athletes in sports like swimming, athletics, and gymnastics will use the device daily for 60 mi…

This pilot study tested a new therapy called Psychological Cognitive Reprocessing Procedure (P-CRP) in 43 adults with trauma and grief. Unlike standard treatments, P-CRP starts by silently repeating a word tied to a negative belief while tapping the shoulders, letting the mind pr…

This trial tests whether a brief online group therapy called EMDR Flash can help adults who survived the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye. Participants receive two 60-90 minute group sessions via Zoom and are compared to a waitlist group. The study measures changes in PT…

This study tested whether adding dog-assisted therapy to usual care helps teens aged 12-18 with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. 70 teens in a day hospital were randomly assigned to either get dog therapy plus usual care or usual care al…

This study tests if group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce anxiety and insomnia in teens aged 12-20. About 171 participants with both conditions will receive either CBT for anxiety or CBT for insomnia. The goal is to see which approach better improves symptoms, sleep…

This study tested a device called Reacor that uses biofeedback to teach mindfulness by showing your heart rate and brain waves in real time. 188 adults with anxiety disorders were split into three groups: biofeedback alone, the medication escitalopram alone, or both together. The…

This study tested whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Jordan. 70 people with moderate to severe PTSD symptoms were randomly assigned to receive EMDR from a psychiatric nurse or to a wai…

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 pe…

This completed study tested two common PTSD treatments head-to-head: EMDR therapy (a talking therapy with eye movements) and SSRI antidepressants. Sixty adults with PTSD were randomly assigned to one treatment for six weeks. Researchers measured how many people achieved symptom r…

This study tested a 30-minute web-based program for parents of children with anxiety who are waiting for cognitive behavioral therapy. The program aims to reduce how much parents accommodate their child's anxiety, which can make anxiety worse. Researchers recruited 47 parents and…

This study tested a brief virtual therapy called MAPP (Mindful Adaptive Practice in Pregnancy) to help pregnant women manage COVID-19-related anxiety. 69 women participated, comparing MAPP to usual care. The goal was to see if the therapy is feasible and acceptable, not yet to pr…

This study tested a wearable device called NightWare that uses an Apple Watch to detect when a person is having a nightmare and gently vibrates to wake them just enough to stop the nightmare without fully waking them. The trial included 270 veterans and active-duty service member…

This small study tested whether 8 sessions of brief exposure therapy combined with moderate exercise can reduce PTSD symptoms in adults. Twelve participants attended twice-weekly sessions for 4 weeks and completed questionnaires. The goal was to see if this treatment is acceptabl…

This study tested whether prazosin, a drug used for high blood pressure and PTSD nightmares, can reduce headaches in veterans and service members who had a mild traumatic brain injury. 89 participants received either prazosin or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers tracked headach…

This study tested whether playing a recording of a mother's voice to children as they wake up from anesthesia can reduce postoperative delirium. Eighty children having tonsil surgery took part. Half heard their mother's reassuring voice during recovery; the other half did not. Re…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities like theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema can improve mental health. 541 adults with psychiatric diagnoses were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in depression an…

This study tested whether a simple writing therapy, done over video calls, could help prevent or reduce PTSD in women who recently experienced sexual assault. Thirty women who visited a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) clinic within 7 days of the assault took part. The therap…

This small study tested whether adding esketamine (a nasal spray approved for depression) to prolonged exposure therapy could help people with PTSD. Four adults completed 10 daily therapy sessions over two weeks while receiving esketamine. The main goal was to see if the combinat…

This study tested two types of online therapy for anxiety and depression in 2477 adults. Participants received either a cognitive behavioral treatment or a psychodynamic treatment, delivered over 8 or 16 weeks, with or without a support forum. The goal was to see which combinatio…

This completed study tested a free mobile app called Ísland that uses artificial intelligence and virtual reality to help teens aged 13–19 manage anxiety. The app combines four proven therapies, offers private journaling, video group sessions, and VR exercises to face fears safel…

This pilot study tested whether prolonged exposure teletherapy can help adults with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and PTSD. Forty-four participants received either the teletherapy or standard education about PNES. The goal was to see if the therapy reduces seizure freq…

This study tested an 8-week mindfulness-based psychoeducation program in 50 adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Half took the program, half did not. Researchers measured changes in perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive flexibility. The goal was to see i…

This study tested a low-dose, empowerment-based tool to help veterans with PTSD set personal goals and improve their quality of life. 44 veterans participated and were followed for 12 months. Researchers measured changes in quality of life, PTSD symptoms, and daily functioning.

This study tested an online program called ALDER that teaches older adults skills to boost positive emotions and reduce anxiety. 33 people aged 65 and older who used benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety or sleep medications) at least twice a week took part. Over 5 weeks, they learned an…

This study tested a new, short, and intensive therapy called HANDS-ON for 12 teens (ages 10-18) with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who hadn't improved with standard therapy. The treatment involved personalized exposure exercises done at home and school, with help…

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) sessions can help reduce anxiety and depression in people aged 12 to 25 who do not want to take medication. Forty participants completed five weekly VR sessions focused on relaxation, coping skills, and healthy habits. Researchers me…

This study tested a single-session program for children ages 7 to 17 with anxiety and their parents. The program teaches kids how to manage anxious thoughts and feelings, and shows parents how to support them. Researchers wanted to see if this quick help could reduce anxiety symp…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities (like painting, music, or dance) can improve mental well-being. 382 people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. The stud…

This study tested whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to a gradual benzodiazepine taper helps patients with anxiety who also take prescription opioids reduce their benzodiazepine use. 42 primary care patients were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or a health …

This study tested a group version of a therapy program called the Unified Protocol for teens with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. Thirty-one adolescents took part in 16 weekly group sessions at a public mental health center in Spain, along with three parent sessi…

This study is a small survey of 10 adults exploring how nutrition, mental health, and faith-based practices relate to recovery from trauma or PTSD. Researchers want to understand what helps people overcome life challenges after stressful events. The results will be used to design…

This study tests whether repeated exposure to virtual reality (VR) scenarios—either an active shooter situation or target practice—changes how the body and mind respond to stress. Healthy young adults will experience several short VR simulations while their heart rate, stress hor…

This study looks at whether ethnic minority adolescents who have experienced racial discrimination show stronger biological stress responses when faced with subtle racism. Researchers will measure blood pressure, stress hormones, and other markers while teens take part in a simul…

This study tested whether a single 15-minute session of Butterfly Tapping, a self-administered EMDR technique, could change brain activity in 46 young adults with PTSD. Participants either did the tapping or sat still while their brain waves were recorded. The tapping group showe…

This study tested a 10-item questionnaire called DEPITAC, designed for nurses to screen road traffic accident patients for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while they are still in the surgical unit. Researchers enrolled 274 hospitalized accident victims to see if the simple …

This study looked at whether watching short science videos can change how adults with anxiety think about psychological therapy. 262 participants watched 30 minutes of educational videos and filled out surveys about their beliefs and expectations. The goal was to understand if sc…

This study tested a program called IPS-MA, which helps people with mood or anxiety disorders find and keep jobs or return to school. 326 adults who were unable to work within three months took part. The goal was to see if this support, added to their usual treatment, helped them …

This study aimed to find factors that can predict whether someone will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event like a serious injury or violence. Researchers followed 460 adults who came to the emergency room within a month of trauma and were at mode…

This study followed 38 adults who survived severe breathing failure from the 2009 H1N1 flu. Researchers compared those who needed a machine to oxygenate their blood (ECMO) with those who did not. They measured lung function, quality of life, and mental health at least 9 months af…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…

This study looked at whether a simple questionnaire called the City Birth Trauma Scale (CityBiTS) can accurately identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childbirth. Researchers recruited 67 women who had given birth, had them fill out the questionnaire, and then…