About this trial
The goal of this study is to determine how non-invasive brain stimulation (delivered through the ear called vagus nerve stimulation) affects fear learning processes in people who have experienced psychological trauma. To answer these questions, we measure bodily responses (heart rate, sweat, startle) and questionnaires. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation help reduce anxious arousal? Does non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation help dampen learned fear?
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Ages 18-80
Fluent in English
Experience with a DSM-5 Criterion A trauma (LEC-5)
Probable PTSD (PCL-5 ≥ 32)
Disqualifiers
Visual or Auditory impairment
Major injury at time of screen or study procedures
Taking ≥20 mg morphine per day
Current substance use or intoxication (12-panel drug test)
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation
- sham transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation