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PATH Study for PTSD and Depression

This study, called Positive Processes and Transition to Health (PATH), is for people aged 18 to 65 who have experienced a very stressful life event within the last five years and are dealing with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Major Depressive Disorder. It compares two behavioral interventions: Positive Processes and Transition to Health (PATH) and Progressive Muscle Relaxation. The goal is to see if these interventions can improve symptoms related to unproductive processing, avoidance, and reward deficits. Researchers will measure changes in these areas at 6 weeks after treatment to see how well the interventions work. The study plans to enroll 135 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing two behavioral interventions. It plans to enroll 135 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured at 6 weeks immediately after treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06093906

Positive Processes and Transition to Health (PATH)

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
Case Western Reserve University
~135 participants
Updated 2026-08-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Positive Processes and Transition to HealthProgressive Muscle Relaxation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Affective Updating Task
Measured over Change from baseline score at 6 weeks (immediately post treatment)
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder

Explore related trials

Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderUnipolar Depression

Where it's being run

3 sites across 3 states
Delaware1
Ohio1
Washington1

Study leadership

  • Norah Feeny, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Case Western Reserve University

Who to contact

Noni Shemenski, BA
[email protected]
216-368-0338
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Destabilizing life event involving profound loss or threat, with a minimum duration of 12 weeks since the event, but occurred within the last 5 years.
Between the ages of 18 and 65.
Elevated target: Scores of at least moderate (1 or higher) on at least 2 of the 3 target mechanisms: re- experiencing or ruminative processing of the destabilizing event (PSS-I items: 1, 2, 3, 4 or QIDS-C item 11), avoidance (PSS-I items 6, 7, 8), or reward deficits (PSS-I items 12, 13, or QIDS-C item 13).

Exclusion

Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or organic mental disorder as defined by DSM-5.
Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, or depression severe enough to require immediate psychiatric treatment (i.e., serious suicide risk with intent and plan).
Severe self-injurious behavior or suicide attempt within the previous three months.
Unwilling or unable to discontinue current cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
No clear memory of the destabilizing event or event occurred before age 3.
Unstable dose of psychotropic medications in prior 3 months.
Ongoing intimate relationship with the perpetrator (in assault related event).
Current diagnosis of a substance use disorder (DSM-5).

What this trial measures

  • Affective Updating TaskChange from baseline score at 6 weeks (immediately post treatment)

    Measure updating of affective information in working memory

  • Idiographic Behavioral Approach TaskChange from baseline score at 6 weeks (immediately post treatment)

    Use in vivo confrontation with feared or avoided stimuli measuring avoidance behavior

  • Probabilistic Reward TaskChange from baseline score at 6 weeks (immediately post treatment)

    Assesses reward responsivity