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Home › Conditions › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Part of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

13 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

106 trials tracked for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: 17 in phase 3 or 4 and 8 with published results. The most-cited published study has 992 citations.

106Trials tracked
17Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
8With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 12 Phase 3 5 Phase 2 17 Phase 1 1 Other / NA 71
  1. Phase 3 A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPP1) Completed · 992 cited
  2. Phase 3 A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPP2) Completed · 426 cited
  3. Phase 4 A Psychophysiologic Study of Weakening Traumatic Combat Memories With Post-Reactivation Propranolol Completed · 177 cited
  4. Phase 3 Closed Loop Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed · 76 cited
  5. Phase 4 PROlonGed ExpoSure Sertraline Completed · 42 cited
  6. Phase 4 Pilot Study of Pharmaceutical and Behavioral Interventions to Treat Anxiety Disorders Completed · 37 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Suvorexant and Trauma Related Insomnia Completed · 28 cited
  2. Phase 4 An Open Label Pilot Study of Adjunctive Asenapine for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed · 13 cited
  3. Phase 4 Effects of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Retention of Memory for Fear Extinction Learning in PTSD: R61 Study Completed
  4. Phase 4 Suvorexant and Sleep's Benefits to Therapeutic Exposure for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  5. Phase 4 Telemedicine Outreach for Post Traumatic Stress in CBOCs Completed
  6. Phase 4 A Study of Sertraline to Prevent PTSD Completed
  7. Phase 4 Combined Mirtazapine and SSRI Treatment of PTSD: A Placebo-Controlled Trial Completed
  8. Phase 4 Combination Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After the World Trade Center (WTC) Attack Completed
  9. Phase 4 Placebo Controled Clinical Trial Using Topiramate To Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients. Completed
  10. Phase 3 Telemental Health and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rural Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  11. Phase 3 Exposure Therapy for Chronic PTSD: Efficacy and Mechanisms Completed
  12. Phase 2 Study of Safety and Effects of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD (Canada) Completed
  13. Phase 2 Dose-Response Study of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in People With PTSD Completed
  14. Phase 2 Prevention of Post Sexual Assault Stress Completed
  15. Phase 2 Prazosin for Alcohol Dependence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  16. Phase 2 Study of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted Psychotherapy in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  17. Phase 2 The Effect of NK1R Antagonism on Alcohol Craving and PTSD Symptoms in Alcohol Dependent Patients With PTSD Completed
  18. Phase 2 MDMA-Assisted Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) in Dyads in Which 1 Member Has Chronic PTSD Completed
  19. Phase 2 Additional MDMA-assisted Therapy for People Who Relapsed After MDMA-assisted Therapy Trial Completed
  20. Phase 2 Pilot Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Four Different Potencies of Smoked Marijuana in 76 Veterans With PTSD Completed
  21. Phase 2 D-cycloserine Adjunctive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adolescents Completed
  22. Phase 2 Nepicastat for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in OIF/OEF Veterans Completed
  23. Phase 2 CAP: Doxazosin in the Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorders Completed
  24. Phase 2 Study Comparing Three Doses of MDMA Along With Therapy in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  25. Phase 2 IOK Treatment Study Completed
  26. Phase 2 Enhancing Prolonged Exposure With Cannabidiol to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  27. Phase 2 MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed
  28. Phase 2 CAP-Ketamine for Antidepressant Resistant PTSD Completed
  29. Phase 1 Improving Functional Outcomes of Veterans With PTSD and Tobacco Dependence Completed
  30. N/A Mobile Intervention for Veterans With PTSD and Anger Completed
  31. N/A Transdiagnostic Psychotherapy for Veterans With Mood and Anxiety Disorders Completed
  32. N/A Stepped Care for Children After Trauma: Optimizing Treatment Completed
  33. N/A Treating Co-Morbid Sleep Difficulties in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Pilot Study Completed
  34. N/A Telemedicine and Anger Management Groups With PTSD Veterans in the Hawaiian Islands Completed
  35. N/A Comparative Effectiveness of Two Treatments for Veterans With PTSD Completed
  36. N/A Cognitively Augmented Behavioral Activation for Veterans With Comorbid TBI/PTSD Completed
  37. N/A Improving Veteran Adherence to Treatment for PTSD Through Partnering With Families Completed
  38. N/A Adjunctive Brief Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia (BBTI) for Sleep Intervention (SI) Completed
  39. N/A Evaluating a Novel Working Memory Training Program to Decrease Symptoms of PTSD Completed
  40. N/A TOP Implementation Project Completed
  41. N/A Effectiveness and Acceptability of Stellate Ganglion Block for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms - Effectiveness Completed
  42. N/A SUPER Study (Substance Use and PTSD Treatment Effectiveness Research Study) Completed
  43. N/A Supported Employment in Patient Aligned Care Teams Completed
  44. N/A Using Attentional Bias Modification to Address Trauma Symptoms Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 106 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: what the trials found

Pharmacological interventions for PTSD include several agents with varying outcomes. Sertraline was evaluated in a large cohort 5, and Paroxetine demonstrated significant improvements in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) scores, with a notable number of participants meeting remission criteria 15. Topiramate also showed statistically significant improvement on the Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale 13.

Additional pharmacological findings include suvorexant, which significantly reduced Insomnia Severity Index scores 7, and adjunctive asenapine, which resulted in a significant reduction in both CAPS total scores and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores 8. Midomafetamine was evaluated in two trials regarding the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), showing reductions in total scores from baseline [16, 17].

Non-pharmacological interventions show mixed results. Telemedicine outreach significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity (PDS) and depression symptom severity (SCL-20) 12. Cognitive Processing Therapy delivered via group videoteleconference did not show a statistically significant difference in CAPS IV scores 19. Propranolol was studied for impact on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) 4, but did not significantly change skin conductance responses 6.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • * Narrative Exposure Therapy and Enhanced Implementation Strategy are currently being evaluated [1, 2]. * Behavioral Activation (BA) was assessed; however, no statistically significant differences were found in alcohol use, PTSD severity, or psychosocial functioning 3.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Sertraline and Paroxetine are established options for reducing PTSD symptoms and achieving remission [5, 15].
  • Suvorexant may be utilized to address insomnia specifically within the PTSD population 7.
  • Telemedicine is an effective modality for reducing both PTSD and depression symptom severity 12.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 24, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Stimulant use is associated with increased social needs and severity in patients with opioid use disorder
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine RCT
Stimulant use is associated with increased social needs and severity in patients with opioid use disorder Stimulant use linked to harder road for opioid treatment
This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between stimulant use and clinical outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder and co…
Patients using cocaine or methamphetamine face more severe symptoms and fewer treatment resources for opioid use and mental health issues.
Sep 6, 2026
CaDC escalating to CBT-PTSD produces largest effects for PTSD symptoms in HCT survivors
Oncology RCT
CaDC escalating to CBT-PTSD produces largest effects for PTSD symptoms in HCT survivors New trial shows stepped care helps heart transplant survivors
This Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial of 477 HCT survivors found that adaptive treatment sequences escalating to CBT-PTSD res…
A new study finds that a two-step treatment plan can help heart transplant survivors manage symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
Aug 10, 2026
Elevated peripheral blood C-reactive protein levels are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Elevated peripheral blood C-reactive protein levels are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder Higher Inflammation Markers Linked to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between peripheral blood C-reactive protein concentrations and posttraumatic stress disorder. T…
A large review shows that people with PTSD often have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in the blood.
Frontiers Jul 31, 2026
Transdiagnostic behavior therapy shows comparable efficacy to disorder-specific therapies in veterans with depression, PTSD, and panic disorder
Psychiatry RCT
Transdiagnostic behavior therapy shows comparable efficacy to disorder-specific therapies in veterans with depression, PTSD, and panic disorder Veterans with depression or anxiety found similar results using transdiagnostic behavior therapy compared to disorder specific treatments
This randomized controlled trial in 304 veterans compared transdiagnostic behavior therapy to disorder-specific therapies for major depressi…
A study of 304 veterans showed that transdiagnostic behavior therapy worked just as well as standard disorder specific treatments. Patients …
May 8, 2026
IPD meta-analysis identifies risk factors for persistent PTSD and MDD after trauma
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
IPD meta-analysis identifies risk factors for persistent PTSD and MDD after trauma Depression Symptoms After Trauma May Predict Long-Term PTSD Risk
This individual participant data meta-analysis synthesized findings from five prospective studies of 2,571 participants in emergency and cri…
New research shows that early depression symptoms after trauma can predict who will struggle with PTSD months later, offering a chance for e…
May 6, 2026
1-Hz TMS targeting right dlPFC reduced amygdala reactivity and PTSD symptoms in 50 adults with PTSD symptoms compared with sham
Genetics & Precision Medicine RCT
1-Hz TMS targeting right dlPFC reduced amygdala reactivity and PTSD symptoms in 50 adults with PTSD symptoms compared with sham Personalized Brain Stimulation Shows Promise For Long Term PTSD Relief
This randomized clinical trial enrolled 50 adults with PTSD symptoms.
Brain scans guide magnetic pulses to reduce fear responses in PTSD patients over several months of recovery time.
May 1, 2026
PTSD treatment recall study: fewer than one-third accurately described their assigned option
Primary Care & Family Medicine RCT
PTSD treatment recall study: fewer than one-third accurately described their assigned option Less than half of patients remember how well their PTSD treatments work
In a study of 887 adults who screened positive for PTSD, participants were given descriptions of seven treatment options and quizzed on reca…
Less than half of patients remember how well their PTSD treatments work, and fewer can correctly identify which therapy focused on trauma.
Apr 15, 2026
Early-life adversities predict PTSD in Lebanese healthcare workers after acute stressors
Psychiatry Cohort
Early-life adversities predict PTSD in Lebanese healthcare workers after acute stressors Childhood Trauma Outlasts Recent Shocks
This cohort study of 296 healthcare workers in Lebanon examined the association between acute stressors, early-life adversities, and posttra…
Early childhood pain predicts long-term stress better than recent disasters, meaning past hurt hurts more in the long run than recent bad ev…
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026
Multivariate GWAS identifies 248 loci for internalizing disorder and 591 for major depressive disorder in millions of participants
Genetics & Precision Medicine Cohort
Multivariate GWAS identifies 248 loci for internalizing disorder and 591 for major depressive disorder in millions of participants Millions of people studied to find genetic links to anxiety and depression
This multivariate and multi-ancestry genome-wide association study analyzed millions of ancestrally diverse participants to investigate the …
A massive study of millions of people reveals that anxiety, depression, and PTSD share a common genetic foundation while also having unique …
medRxiv Apr 8, 2026
Systematic review finds TF-CBT most supported for trauma in children under 12
Pediatrics Meta-analysis
Systematic review finds TF-CBT most supported for trauma in children under 12 Review compares 12 therapies for trauma symptoms in young children
A systematic review and partial meta-analyses of 127 studies involving 5689 trauma-exposed children ≤12 years found TF-CBT to be the most em…
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most supported treatment for young children with trauma, while five other therapies lack …
Apr 6, 2026
Surveillance summary describes health care provision for 9/11-related conditions
Infectious Disease
Surveillance summary describes health care provision for 9/11-related conditions Health program continues providing care for 9/11 responders and survivors
This surveillance summary describes health care provision for 9/11-related health conditions through the World Trade Center Health Program s…
Since 2011, the World Trade Center Health Program has provided health care for 9/11-related conditions among responders and survivors.
CDC Apr 6, 2026
Meta-analysis finds virtual reality exposure therapy reduces anxiety and PTSD symptoms
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis finds virtual reality exposure therapy reduces anxiety and PTSD symptoms Can virtual reality help people face their fears? A new analysis suggests it might
A meta-analysis of 26 RCTs involving 1,649 patients with anxiety-related disorders and PTSD found virtual reality exposure therapy significa…
Virtual reality exposure therapy significantly reduces phobia, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms while helping people face their deepest fears.
Apr 2, 2026

Research across Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Related studies from across the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder family.

Structured physical exercise programs significantly reduce PTSD symptom severity in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder
Physical Medicine & Rehab Meta-analysis
Structured physical exercise programs significantly reduce PTSD symptom severity in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder Structured Physical Exercise Programs Help Reduce Symptoms for People with PTSD
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 663 participants found that structured physical exercise programs significantly…
New research shows that regular, structured exercise can significantly lower the severity of symptoms for people living with PTSD.
Sep 13, 2026
Depression affects 22.2% of Black post-secondary students in North America
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Depression affects 22.2% of Black post-secondary students in North America High rates of anxiety and depression among Black college students
This meta-analysis of 30 independent samples from 25 studies estimates that 22.2% of Black post-secondary students in North America screen p…
New data shows that over 20% of Black college students in North America experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Sep 8, 2026
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative exposure therapy show strongest evidence for pediatric war-related trauma
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative exposure therapy show strongest evidence for pediatric war-related trauma War and Displacement Linked to Mental Health Issues in Children
This narrative review examines the psychological consequences of armed conflict and forced displacement on children and adolescents. It iden…
Children in conflict zones face higher rates of PTSD, anxiety, and sleep problems, with specific therapies showing the strongest evidence fo…
Frontiers Sep 4, 2026
Propranolol shows potential for managing various neurological diseases including PTSD, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Propranolol shows potential for managing various neurological diseases including PTSD, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder Propranolol Shows Promise for Brain Conditions
This systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence regarding the effects of propranolol on several neurological conditions…
A new review suggests propranolol, a common blood pressure drug, may help with PTSD, autism, and more. Here's what it means.
Frontiers Aug 17, 2026
Sport-related activities provide physiological, psychological, and social benefits for post-disaster mental health recovery
Primary Care & Family Medicine Sys. Review
Sport-related activities provide physiological, psychological, and social benefits for post-disaster mental health recovery Sport Activities May Help Mental Health After Natural Disasters
This narrative review synthesizes 11 studies on the impact of participatory and spectator-based sports on survivors of natural disasters. Th…
Participating in sports or following team narratives may help survivors of natural disasters manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and P…
Frontiers Aug 16, 2026
Intolerance of uncertainty and worry show robust associations with multiple anxiety disorders
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Intolerance of uncertainty and worry show robust associations with multiple anxiety disorders Understanding how the fear of uncertainty drives constant worrying and anxiety
This meta-analysis of 138 independent samples (28,693 individuals) identified a structural model where intolerance of uncertainty (IU) predi…
New research shows that struggling with uncertain outcomes often leads to constant worrying, which is a major driver of many different anxie…
Aug 9, 2026
Stress, PTSD, and Anxiety Linked to Worse Urinary Incontinence
Psychiatry RCT
Stress, PTSD, and Anxiety Linked to Worse Urinary Incontinence Stress and trauma are linked to worse urinary incontinence
In women veterans, higher stress, anxiety, PTSD, and military sexual trauma were linked to more severe urinary incontinence and lower treatm…
New data shows that women veterans with higher stress, anxiety, and PTSD experience more severe symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Aug 9, 2026
VRET Reduces PTSD Symptoms in Military Veterans
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
VRET Reduces PTSD Symptoms in Military Veterans Virtual Reality Therapy Shows Promise for Veterans with PTSD
Meta-analysis finds virtual reality exposure therapy significantly cuts PTSD symptoms in veterans, though effects vs controls are modest.
A review of data suggests that virtual reality exposure therapy can significantly reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms in military veterans.
Frontiers Aug 9, 2026
Affective dysregulation and self-blame predict voices and delusions in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with PTSD
Psychiatry RCT
Affective dysregulation and self-blame predict voices and delusions in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with PTSD Mapping the connections between trauma symptoms and voices in schizophrenia
This randomized controlled trial involved 305 participants with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, distressing symptoms, and comorbid PTSD. Ne…
New research looks at how feelings of self-blame and mood swings impact people living with schizophrenia and PTSD.
Jul 30, 2026
Women in sub-Saharan Africa show higher odds of anxiety and PTSD compared to men
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Women in sub-Saharan Africa show higher odds of anxiety and PTSD compared to men Women in sub-Saharan Africa face higher anxiety and PTSD rates
This meta-analysis of 175 studies identifies a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety (39% vs 30%) and PTSD (39% vs 26%) in women compar…
A review of 175 studies finds 39% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have anxiety or PTSD, compared to 30% and 26% of men.
Frontiers Jul 26, 2026
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation utilizes distinct auricular and cervical pathways for non-invasive treatment applications
Neurology Sys. Review
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation utilizes distinct auricular and cervical pathways for non-invasive treatment applications Two different ways to stimulate the vagus nerve for treatment
This narrative review examines the anatomical access points and methodologies for transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS). It distingu…
New research highlights two distinct paths for non-invasive nerve stimulation to treat conditions like migraine and depression.
Frontiers Jul 16, 2026
Heterogeneous ASD phenotypes and inadequate sensory criteria necessitate more robust diagnostic assessment standards
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Heterogeneous ASD phenotypes and inadequate sensory criteria necessitate more robust diagnostic assessment standards New research highlights two distinct types of autism spectrum disorder
This narrative review examines the diagnostic validity, phenotypic heterogeneity, and assessment methodologies for Autism Spectrum Disorder …
Current diagnostic tools may miss many people with autism because they do not account for different ways the condition presents in daily lif…
Frontiers Jul 9, 2026

Questions about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Can a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation treatment help adults with chronic mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD?

Early evidence suggests non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation may reduce symptoms in adults with chronic mild TBI and PTSD, but more research is needed.

Full answer →
Is there a trial testing hydrocortisone to prevent PTSD after a traumatic event?

Yes, a 2024 Cochrane review found no clear evidence that hydrocortisone prevents PTSD after trauma, though some older studies suggested possible benefit.

Full answer →
Are there genetic factors that link PTSD to other internalizing disorders?

Yes, a large genetic study found that PTSD shares many genetic risk factors with other internalizing disorders like anxiety and depression, but also has unique genetic influences.

Full answer →
Do early-life adversities increase my risk of developing PTSD after stress?

Yes, early-life adversities increase your risk of developing PTSD after later stress, and this risk persists even after the effects of acute trauma fade.

Full answer →
What risk factors make PTSD symptoms last longer after a traumatic event?

Female sex, early-life adversity, acute depression symptoms, and assault-type trauma are linked to longer-lasting PTSD.

Full answer →
See all 5 questions about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder →

All Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Articles