PTSD Research Study
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are conducting a study on how psychotherapy for PTSD affects brain function and emotional well-being.
Fast Facts
Adults That Have Experienced a Traumatic Event & Believe They May Have PTSD
Not Currently Taking Antidepressants & Not Attending Psychotherapy For PTSD
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Austin, TX
Study Background
This study explores how evidence-based therapy for PTSD may change how the brain responds to rewards like juice or money.
After a traumatic or extremely stressful life event, many individuals with PTSD experience a diminished ability to feel positive emotions. This study is investigating how a specific psychotherapy called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) changes brain activity related to reward processing and emotional recovery.
Researchers hope to better understand how brain circuits involved in emotion and motivation respond to treatment over time. Participants will complete computer-based tasks involving rewards, brain scans, and a full course of psychotherapy for PTSD. The goal is to identify which changes in brain function relate to improvement in symptoms.
Study Background
This study explores how evidence-based therapy for PTSD may change how the brain responds to rewards like juice or money.
After a traumatic or extremely stressful life event, many individuals with PTSD experience a diminished ability to feel positive emotions. This study is investigating how a specific psychotherapy called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) changes brain activity related to reward processing and emotional recovery.
Researchers hope to better understand how brain circuits involved in emotion and motivation respond to treatment over time. Participants will complete computer-based tasks involving rewards, brain scans, and a full course of psychotherapy for PTSD. The goal is to identify which changes in brain function relate to improvement in symptoms.
Additional Information
Researchers want to understand how PTSD therapy affects brain function and whether those changes are tied to improvements in emotional well-being, especially the ability to experience positive feelings again.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults that have experienced a traumatic event and believe they may have PTSD
- Not currently taking antidepressants
- Not currently attending psychotherapy for PTSD
- Speak English
- Not currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future
- Able to undergo an MRI (have no metal implants, braces, etc)
- Can attend in-person 50-minute therapy sessions twice a week over the course of 6-8 weeks, and complete out-of-session daily written assignments
You’ll complete a screening and clinical assessment over Zoom (3–4 hours).
If eligible, you’ll attend in-person visits for an MRI and EEG (tasks include reward-based activities and brief exposure to mild stimuli).
You’ll be randomly assigned to begin treatment right away or after a short delay (6–8 weeks).
All participants will receive 12 sessions of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD at no cost.
You’ll also complete weekly surveys, follow-up assessments, and a second MRI session.
As a participant, you may receive up to $900. You will also receive a full course of psychotherapy for PTSD at no cost, which may help reduce symptoms, though improvement is not guaranteed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.