Neural Connectivity During Therapy for Adolescent PTSD

This study is looking at how the brain changes during therapy for adolescents (ages 12-17) with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Researchers want to understand how two types of therapy, TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and TAU (treatment as usual), affect brain networks. They hope this will lead to better, more personalized treatments for young people with PTSD. You might be able to join if you are 12-17 years old, have experienced trauma, and have specific PTSD symptoms. The study will measure brain activity at the beginning, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks to see how therapy impacts these brain networks. The study aims to enroll 180 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 180 participants. It compares two behavioral interventions: TF-CBT and TAU.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain activity will be measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

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NCT05423444

Neural Connectivity During Therapy for Adolescent PTSD

Recruiting
NAAges 12–17InterventionalBasic science
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
~180 participants
Updated 2026-01-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:TF-CBTTAU

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Mean intensity within functional connectivity map of intrinsic network
Measured over week 0 (baseline)
+3 more outcomes measured
PTSD
Adolescent
Psychological Trauma
1 sites across 1 states
Texas1
  • Amy Garrett, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

Exclusion

current or past use of psychiatric medications
severe suicidal/homicidal ideation
current hospitalization
other current psychotherapy or previous treatment with TF-CBT
history of head injury with loss of consciousness for \>5 minutes
IQ\<85
major medical illness
MRI contraindications (metal in body; braces on teeth)
psychosis, bipolar 1, autism, developmental disorder, panic disorder
first-degree family member with diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar I disorder
substance dependence within the past 3 months or current drug use that is frequent
  • Mean intensity within functional connectivity map of intrinsic networkweek 0 (baseline)

    functional MRI scans will be used to assess neural connectivity

  • Mean intensity within functional connectivity map of intrinsic networkweek 6

    functional MRI scans will be used to assess neural connectivity

  • Mean intensity within functional connectivity map of intrinsic networkweek 12

    functional MRI scans will be used to assess neural connectivity

  • Mean intensity within functional connectivity map of intrinsic networkweek 18

    functional MRI scans will be used to assess neural connectivity