What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for PTSD, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and mindfulness training, generally have minimal physical side effects but can sometimes lead to emotional discomfort. Patients may experience temporary increases in anxiety or distress when confronting traumatic memories. Additionally, there can be challenges related to adherence and engagement, such as drop-out rates and difficulty in consistently accessing positive memories. Overall, these therapies are well-tolerated and focus on improving mood, positive thoughts, and self-esteem.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically designed to enhance the encoding and retrieval of positive memories for the treatment of PTSD, similar to the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). Existing FDA-approved treatments for PTSD include medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. These treatments primarily focus on reducing PTSD symptoms through various mechanisms, including altering neurotransmitter levels and facilitating trauma processing.

What other types of research exist?

<ol> <li>Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This therapy includes components like psychoeducation, relaxation skills, and trauma narration, which help in processing trauma and reducing PTSD symptoms.</li> <li></li> </ol> Mindfulness Training (MT): MT has been shown to improve the quality of life for PTSD patients by enhancing present-moment awareness and reducing stress. 3. Optogenetic Sleep Enhancement: This technique has demonstrated improved fear-associated memory processing in animal studies and may be beneficial for PTSD patients by enhancing sleep quality post-trauma. 4. Guided Imagery and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): These relaxation techniques can reduce arousal and stress, potentially alleviating PTSD symptoms.

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Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Ateka Contractor, PHD

Research Sponsored by University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

18-65 years old

Past month DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment 7 weeks

Follow Up 3 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a new method called PPMT that helps people with PTSD by focusing on happy memories. It targets those who haven't fully benefited from existing treatments. By remembering and discussing positive experiences, it aims to reduce symptoms and improve mood. PPMT is a novel technique developed to help PTSD patients by focusing on positive memories, and it has been piloted among trauma-exposed individuals.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with a recent PTSD diagnosis who speak English and can consent to participate. It's not suitable for those currently pregnant, in other mental health therapy, with active suicidal thoughts or psychosis, or recent changes in psychiatric meds.

What is being tested?

The study tests a new technique called PPMT that focuses on positive memories to help with PTSD symptoms against Supportive Counseling (SC). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatments to see which is more effective at reducing PTSD severity and stress markers.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the interventions involve counseling techniques without medication, significant physical side effects are not expected. However, discussing traumatic experiences may cause emotional discomfort or temporary increases in distress.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 18 and 65 years old.

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I have been diagnosed with PTSD in the past month.

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I have been diagnosed with PTSD in the last month.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ 7 weeks7 visits

Follow Up ~ 3 months1 visit

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ 7 weeks

Follow Up ~3 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, 7 weeks for treatment, and 3 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Secondary study objectives

Positive and Negative Affect Schedule

Saliva Samples

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)Active Control1 Intervention

Participants receive 5 60-minute Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) sessions for PTSD following the treatment procedures as outlined in PPMT therapy manual.

Group II: Supportive Counseling (SC)Active Control1 Intervention

Participants receive 5 60-minute supportive counseling (SC) sessions. SC includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns.

0 / 3Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused therapies, pharmacological treatments, and novel techniques like the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), work by helping patients process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. Pharmacological treatments, including SSRIs and prazosin, target neurochemical imbalances to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and sleep disturbances. PPMT, a novel technique, enhances the encoding and retrieval of positive memories, which can counteract the negative cognitive and emotional patterns associated with PTSD. These mechanisms are crucial as they address both the psychological and physiological aspects of PTSD, offering a comprehensive approach to symptom reduction and improved mental health.

Sleep as a window to target traumatic memories.Effects of processing positive memories on posttrauma mental health: A preliminary study in a non-clinical student sample.The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training in Improving the Quality of Life of the War Victims with Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).