Actively Recruiting
LIFU Mechanisms for PTSD in Healthcare Workers
Led by Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc. · Updated on 2026-04-20
66
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
135 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) can normalize dysfunctional brain activation patterns and behaviors in frontline healthcare workers with post-traumatic stress disorder. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does LIFU of the vACC effect activity and connectivity of the vACC and amygdala? * Does LIFU of the vACC reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms? Researchers will compare LIFU to sham modulation to see if LIFU modulates activity of vACC-amygdala circuitry and affects threat sensitivity and emotion regulation. Participants will: * Complete two fMRI sessions (before and after LIFU) * Receive a single session of LIFU or sham modulation of the vACC * Wear a wearable device that tracks sleep and heart rate metrics
CONDITIONS
Official Title
LIFU Mechanisms for PTSD in Healthcare Workers
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults in a frontline healthcare position, such as emergency medical services
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) score of 33 or higher but less than 65, or at least partial PTSD as measured by the MINI
- Ability to speak and understand English as assessed during screening
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of neurological disorders
- Diagnosis of psychotic disorders, eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder within the past year, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychosis
- Suicidal intent or plan, or any suicide attempt within the last 3 months
- History of severe traumatic brain injury or skull fractures
- Contraindications to MRI
- Pregnancy as confirmed by a urine pregnancy test prior to MRI scans
- Inability to comply with study procedures
- Change in medication dose or prescription affecting brain function within 6 weeks before enrollment
- Non-correctable vision or hearing problems
- Unstable medical conditions
- Structural abnormalities in the LIFU target region detected by brain MRI
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, 74136
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Adrienne Taren, MD, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here