๐ฌIn plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
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.
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
๐ Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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.
Exclusion Criteria:
* 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.