This study is looking at how a non-invasive brain stimulation, called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), affects fear in people who have experienced trauma and have symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The taVNS device delivers electrical stimulation to your ear for 60 minutes. Researchers want to see if this stimulation can help reduce anxious feelings and dampen learned fear responses. You might receive either active stimulation to a specific part of your ear or a sham (inactive) stimulation to your earlobe. The study will measure your body's responses, like heart rate and sweat, and use questionnaires. They plan to enroll 60 participants aged 18 to 80 who have experienced trauma and likely have PTSD.

Study design

This is an interventional study planning to enroll 60 participants. It compares active transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation to a sham (inactive) stimulation.

What's involved

You will complete surveys and attend four lab visits, totaling about 7 hours. During visits, your ear will be stimulated, and researchers will measure body responses and ask you to complete a startle task.

Compensation

Participants will be compensated for their time.

Follow-up

The primary endpoint, Fear Potentiated Startle (FPS), is measured from enrollment to the end of the cross-over visit at week 2.

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