Brain scans reveal how PTSD patients learn to avoid threats
NCT ID NCT04770584
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how people with PTSD learn to avoid certain situations, using mild electric shocks and brain scans. Researchers will measure stress responses and brain activity in 300 adults as they learn to avoid shocks by pressing a button. The goal is to understand the brain processes behind avoidance and fear, which may help improve future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help researchers better understand how PTSD affects learning and avoidance, potentially pointing toward new therapy targets.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. It measures brain activity and stress responses, so it won't directly improve symptoms. Results may not apply to all PTSD patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2021
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 - 70 years of age 2. Female or Male 3. Inclusion Criteria: PTSD Subjects a. Diagnosis of current PTSD 4. Inclusion Criteria: Trauma-exposed healthy controls (TEHC) 1. SCID diagnosis consistent with no current psychiatric disorders, and no current PTSD 2. History of trauma exposure 5. Inclusion Criteria: Healthy controls (HC) 1. SCID diagnosis consistent with no current psychiatric disorders ("Axis I" disorders). 2. No history of trauma exposure 6. Willing and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria for ALL subjects: 1. History of neurologic disease (e.g. tic disorder) 2. Current significant suicidal ideation, plan or intent or suicidal behavior in past 6 months based on CSSRS or Self-injurious behavior that involves suicidal intent, requires medical attention, or occurs daily 3. History of seizure or significant head trauma 4. History of the serious/significant psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" disorders) 5. Use of neuroleptics within one year prior to study 6. Current substance use (assessed by urine toxicology; positive urine toxicology screen for any substance, with the exception of THC). Per PI judgement and approval: if urine toxicology is positive for a substance, participant may be eligible to proceed with study provided their urine toxicology (or saliva test for THC) is negative at experimental visit(s) 7. Pregnancy (to be ruled out by urine ß-HCG) 8. Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging 9. High risk of adverse emotional or behavioral reaction, and/or an inability to understand study procedures or the informed consent process Additional exclusion criteria for Trauma-exposed healthy controls (TEHC) group and Healthy controls (HC) group: 10. Current psychiatric diagnosis ("Axis I" diagnoses)
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UTHealth Houston
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77054, United States
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- Can talk therapies quiet the trauma of violence?