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Evaluating Combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and Stellate Ganglion Blocks for PTSD

This study is looking to see if combining two treatments, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB), can better help people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CPT is a type of talk therapy that helps you understand and change unhelpful thoughts related to trauma. SGB involves an injection of local anesthetic into a group of nerves in your neck to help with stress responses. To join, you must be at least 18 years old, speak English, have a PTSD diagnosis from a traumatic event, and have a smartphone. You also cannot have had a Stellate Ganglion Block before. The study will measure success by looking at changes in your PTSD symptoms over six months. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 270 participants to evaluate the effectiveness of combined treatments for PTSD.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for up to 6 months after starting the study to measure changes in their PTSD symptoms.

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NCT06570213

Evaluating The Efficacy Of Combined Cognitive Processing Therapy and Stellate Ganglion Blocks for PTSD

Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
Rush University Medical Center
~270 participants
Updated 2026-06-02 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive Processing TherapyStellate Ganglion Block

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
Measured over Baseline to 6 month follow up
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

PTSD

Explore related trials

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1

Who to contact

Philip Held, PhD
[email protected]
312-942-1423
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Are 18 years or older
Are fluent in English
Have experienced a Criterion A traumatic event during their lifetime
Have a PTSD diagnosis verified via the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
Have not previously received a Stellate Ganglion Block
Have a smartphone that they can use for the entire duration of the study
Are willing and able to receive 2 injections (SGB or placebo) 2 weeks apart at the Rush Pain Clinic
Are willing and able to participate in daily Cognitive Processing Therapy or Daily Monitoring over the course of one week
Are willing and able to complete self-report measures and clinician-rated assessments at multiple time points over the course of the study

Exclusion

The traumatic event occurred in the past month
They are currently suicidal or homicidal (i.e., plan and intent)
They have unmanaged psychosis or mania
They have not been on a stable dose of psychotropic medication for at least one month by the time of the baseline assessment or are planning to change their medications within 3 months of starting their participation in the study
They have completed an evidence-based cognitive behavioral PTSD treatment (e.g., Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure) in the past 3 months or are currently receiving an evidence-based PTSD treatment
They have an intellectual disability or significant cognitive impairment that would prevent them from engaging fully in treatment
They are currently on any blood-thinning medications or have a coagulopathy -They have any of the following conditions: a recent myocardial infarction, glaucoma, a pre- existing contralateral nerve palsy, severe emphysema, or a cardiac conduction blockade.
They are allergic to any of the medications injected (i.e., ropivacaine, lidocaine, propofol)
They have an active infection
They have a serious or unstable medical illness or instability for which hospitalization may be likely within the next year
They have a visual or auditory impairment that would prevent them from fully participating in study activities
They are involved with current legal actions related to the traumatic event that is anticipated to be targeted during treatment
They have substance dependence that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, may require hospitalization if substances were discontinued.
Subjects who, at the time of consent, appear to have extenuating life circumstances (e.g., unstable housing, no internet access, etc.) which, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could affect the ability to deliver the intervention with fidelity

What this trial measures

  • Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5Baseline to 6 month follow up

    A clinician rated assessment of PTSD

  • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5Baseline to 6 month follow up

    A self-report measure of PTSD symptom severity