Dreaming With Anesthesia for PTSD

This study is exploring whether inducing dreams using propofol anesthesia can help reduce symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Researchers believe that creating and maintaining a dream state before you wake up from anesthesia might lessen PTSD symptoms. You could be eligible to join if you are between 18 and 70 years old and have a PTSD diagnosis. The study aims to see if this approach is effective by measuring changes in your PTSD symptoms one month after the intervention. The current recruitment status is unclear, and the study plans to enroll 42 participants.

Study design
This study is an interventional trial, planned to enroll 42 participants. It will include both an open-label trial (Phase I) and a double-blind, randomized controlled trial (Phase II).
What's involved
Participants will undergo EEG-guided propofol anesthesia, which involves receiving either deep sedation to induce dreams or light sedation to elicit non-dream experiences.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your PTSD symptoms will be measured one month after the intervention.

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

NCT06577636

Induction of Dreaming With EEG and Anesthesia for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18–70InterventionalTreatment
Stanford University
~42 participants
Updated 2026-02-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Propofol anesthesia

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 (CAPS-5)
Measured over 1 month post-intervention
PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
1 sites across 1 states
California1
  • Boris D Heifets, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford University

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  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)1 month post-intervention

    The CAPS-5 is a structured interview that is considered the gold standard for assessing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The CAPS-5 is designed to assess the 20 symptoms of PTSD as defined by the DSM-5, as well as the impact of these symptoms on social and occupational functioning. The CAPS-5 includes 20 items corresponding to the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. Each item is rated for both frequency and intensity, with a 5-point scale (0-4) for each dimension. The total score ranges from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. A score of \>20 points indicates clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Superiority of "Dream Experiences Group" over "Non-Dream Experiences Group" will be demonstrated by a statistically significant greater decrease in the CAPS-5 when comparing pre-anesthesia scores to post-anesthesia scores.