POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

This study tests whether a brief form of exposure therapy, given soon after a serious injury, can prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers will enroll 300 adults admitted to Level I trauma centers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the brief thera…

This study tests a smartphone program designed to reduce anxiety sensitivity—a known risk factor—in women who have recently experienced sexual assault. The goal is to prevent the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cannabis use disorder (CUD). Researchers will…

This study tests a brief, two-session program for family members of Veterans with PTSD. The goal is to see if this family support helps Veterans stay in their regular PTSD therapy longer and have fewer symptoms. About 200 Veterans and their family members will take part. If it wo…

This study tests if a type of talk therapy called prolonged exposure, plus small financial rewards for attending sessions, can reduce PTSD symptoms in pregnant women. Thirty pregnant adults with PTSD will receive weekly therapy for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure symptom chang…

This study looks at whether a type of talk therapy for PTSD (Cognitive Processing Therapy) can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers will measure inflammation and heart rate in 30 adults with PTSD who are at risk for heart problems. Half will receive the therapy righ…

This study tests whether a therapy called EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms in 60 adults who developed PTSD after a heart attack. Participants will receive EMDR, and researchers will measure PTSD levels and stress responses at 3 and 6 months. The goal is to see if treating PTSD can a…

This early study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can help healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients overcome PTSD. Twenty participants will use VR headsets during ten therapy sessions over five weeks to safely revisit and process traumatic memories. The goal is to see if this a…

This study looks at whether art therapy can improve emotional expression and regulation in military members with posttraumatic stress symptoms. About 40 active-duty or recently separated veterans will attend 11 sessions over 6-8 months, including art therapy, questionnaires, and …

This study looks at whether adding morning bright light therapy to cognitive training can improve thinking, daily function, mood, and sleep in 144 veterans with both mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Participants will receive either bright light or a placebo light along with …

This study tests whether a therapy that combines cognitive processing therapy (for PTSD) with relapse prevention (for alcohol use) works better than relapse prevention alone. Researchers will enroll 200 adults with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder. The goal is to reduce drinkin…

This study looks at whether treating ongoing sleep problems after PTSD therapy can also improve heart health in older adults. About 167 veterans aged 50 and older with PTSD and insomnia will receive talk therapy for PTSD, followed by a non-drug sleep program if needed. Researcher…

This study tests two fast-paced versions of cognitive behavioral therapy for veterans with PTSD and anxiety disorders. About 306 veterans will receive either individual therapy over two weeks, group therapy over two days, or usual care. The goal is to see which format better redu…

This study tests a program called Reminder-Focused Positive Psychiatry (RFPP) for teens aged 11-15 with PTSD. The program helps teens cope with trauma reminders and aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve well-being. Sixty teens will be randomly assigned to either RFPP or a gene…

This study looks at ways to help veterans with PTSD who aren't getting better from their first treatment. Researchers will test switching to a different therapy and using text message reminders to encourage homework. The goal is to find the best approach for each person. About 30…

This study tests whether a mobile app called MARI can help veterans with PTSD who struggle with anger. About 150 veterans will be randomly assigned to use MARI or a health education app. The goal is to see if MARI leads to better anger control and daily functioning.

This study tests a new type of talk therapy called Multi-Modal Cognitive Processing Therapy (MMCPT) for people with PTSD. 60 adults with PTSD will either receive MMCPT or standard care. The goal is to see if MMCPT reduces PTSD symptoms, improves sleep, and helps with anxiety and …

This study tests two treatments—ketamine (a medication) and stellate ganglion blocks (a nerve injection)—alone or together, to see if they can reduce headaches and PTSD symptoms after traumatic brain injury. About 175 adults with long-lasting symptoms will receive either real tre…

This study tests if a short writing therapy, called Written Exposure Therapy (WET), can help veterans who have both PTSD and a substance use disorder. Participants will attend five writing sessions and be followed for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this simple approach reduces P…

This study tests a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program that treats anxiety, PTSD, and hazardous drinking at the same time in veterans. The goal is to improve social functioning and reduce anxiety and alcohol-related problems. About 40 veterans with both an anxiety disorder…

This study tests whether a stepped care approach using complementary health treatments (like mind-body therapies) can help people with both chronic pain and PTSD. About 60 adults from two primary care clinics will either receive this stepped care or their usual treatment. Researc…

This early-stage study tests whether giving both psilocybin and MDMA together is safe and can help reduce PTSD symptoms in 40 military veterans. Participants will be closely monitored for side effects and changes in PTSD severity. The goal is to gather initial safety data and see…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS can help reduce PTSD symptoms when added to standard care. About 140 adults with PTSD will receive the treatment, which uses magnetic pulses to target a brain area involved in movement and possibly em…

This study tests whether adding a smartphone app called PE Coach to standard talk therapy helps veterans with PTSD feel better and function better in daily life. About 124 veterans will be randomly assigned to therapy with or without the app. Researchers will measure changes in P…

This study is testing whether a low dose of clonidine, a drug usually used for high blood pressure, can help veterans with PTSD sleep better and feel less stressed. About 32 veterans will take the drug for 6 weeks while researchers track changes in sleep quality, PTSD symptoms, a…

This study tests two treatments for insomnia in 200 veterans who also have PTSD. One is a brief behavioral therapy focused on sleep habits, the other is a relaxation technique. Researchers will see which better improves sleep, daily functioning, and reduces suicidal thoughts over…

This study looks at how drinking problems and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) together may lead to violence between partners. Researchers will observe 70 couples in a lab and track their daily experiences for 28 days using phone surveys. The goal is to understand these conne…

This study looks at how well a program called the Trauma Resilience and Recovery program (TRRP) helps people who have been through a traumatic injury get mental health support. About 350 English- or Spanish-speaking patients from a hospital trauma center will take part. Researche…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called cTBS can reduce arousal and improve fear extinction learning in 120 adults with PTSD. Participants will receive either real or sham stimulation while undergoing fear conditioning and extinction tasks. The …

This study explores whether teaching people emotion regulation skills tailored to their individual needs works better than a one-size-fits-all approach. Researchers will enroll 390 adults with emotional difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Participants will lear…