Neural Connectivity During Therapy for Adolescent PTSD

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age12-17
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

About this trial

Posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescence impairs neurobiological networks underlying cognitive, social and emotional skills. Neuroimaging research that seeks to identify the neural mechanisms of treatments for PTSD could lead to novel treatments, but progress has been slow using current methods. The proposed study uses an innovative approach to identify neural mechanisms of specific phases of trauma-focused therapy for youth with PTSD, allowing a new understanding of brain changes associated with the process of therapy.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

ages 12-17 and Tanner stage 2 or above

history of interpersonal trauma

PTSD symptoms with a rating of '2' or higher on at least one symptom from each of the 4 clusters, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents, and having a duration of at least one month

Disqualifiers

current or past use of psychiatric medications

severe suicidal/homicidal ideation

current hospitalization

other current psychotherapy or previous treatment with TF-CBT

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • TF-CBT
  • TAU

Treatment groups

180 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator