Study of Frequency-Filtered Music to Improve Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD Comparing Filtered vs. Unfiltered Music Effects on PTSD Symptoms and Stress Response

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying whether adding frequency filtered music, called the Safe and Sound Protocol, to daily cognitive processing therapy CPT can better reduce symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD. This trial aims to find out if this special music helps lower PTSD symptoms, improves stress-related body responses, and whether better stress regulation explains improvements in hyperarousal and PTSD symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to listen to either frequency filtered classical music or the same music without filtering. Participants will receive 10 daily therapy sessions of cognitive processing therapy over two weeks. Before each session, they will listen to 15 minutes of either frequency filtered classical music or unfiltered classical music, totaling 2.5 hours of music listening. The filtered music changes certain sound frequencies over time to mimic human voice patterns, while the unfiltered music remains the same. During the study, participants will complete clinical interviews and questionnaires before, during, and up to six months after therapy. Their physiological arousal will be monitored during music listening and therapy sessions. They will also wear a Fitbit device and complete smartphone surveys for four weeks. The main outcomes measured include PTSD symptom severity at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, along with assessments of hyperarousal and physiological stress responses.

A Frequency-Modulated Music Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD