Actively Recruiting
Psychotherapy Effects on Reward Processing in PTSD
Led by University of Texas at Austin · Updated on 2026-05-01
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
256 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to identify how trauma-focused psychotherapy changes the function of brain circuitry in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how this mediates improvements in the diminished ability to experience positive emotions following a traumatic or extremely stressful life event. In this instance, the investigators will be using cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a widely-utilized and evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Psychotherapy Effects on Reward Processing in PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- English as primary language, and comprehension suitable to understand experimenter instructions.
- Current and chronic syndromic PTSD, defined as being exposed to a DSM-5 Criterion A traumatic event, with the presence DSM-5 qualifying PTSD symptoms for at least 3 months, as assessed by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.
- Able and willing to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
- Willingness to participate in repeated assessments and as part of a delayed treatment group.
You will not qualify if you...
- Evidence of current or prior history of psychosis or bipolar disorder as evidenced by self-report or clinical interview.
- Active substance dependence within the past 6 months as evidenced by clinical interview.
- Current regular psychiatric medication use (i.e. antidepressants), except for as-needed benzodiazepine or opiate medication no more than three times per week, on average, or for short-duration stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that can be skipped within 24 hours of study visits.
- A recent (<6 months) suicide attempt or current active ideation with intent.
- Unremovable ferrous metal in body.
- History of neurological disorder, stroke, seizures/convulsions (except febrile seizures in childhood), epilepsy, brain surgery, electroconvulsive or radiation treatment, brain hemorrhage or tumor, or thyroid disorder.
- Anyone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Current or past year (> 3 sessions), psychotherapy with a prominent exposure or cognitive restructuring component.
- Previous or current (es)ketamine treatment and/ or brain stimulation/neuromodulation treatment.
- Other ongoing treatment that is likely to confound experimental effects.
- Previous penetrating head injury/traumatic brain injury. Mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury without penetrating injury is allowable.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Health Discovery Building (HDB), 1601 Trinity St., Bldg B., Z0600
Austin, Texas, United States, 78712
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lauren Enten, B.S.A
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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