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Home › Conditions › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Part of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

17 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 995 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 · 995 cited
  2. Phase 3 A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPP2) Completed · 438 cited
  3. Phase 4 A Psychophysiologic Study of Weakening Traumatic Combat Memories With Post-Reactivation Propranolol Completed · 169 cited
  4. Phase 3 Closed Loop Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Completed · 79 cited
  5. Phase 4 PROlonGed ExpoSure Sertraline Completed · 43 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 · 33 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.
Identifying Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in Collaborative Care for Opioid Use Disorder
Psychiatry RCT
Identifying Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in Collaborative Care for Opioid Use Disorder Identifying Barriers to Mental Health Care for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
A secondary analysis of a collaborative care model reveals significant barriers to counseling and medication for patients with co-occurring …
New data shows that certain factors like stimulant use and lower education can make it harder for patients to get mental health help.
Oct 9, 2026
Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients Diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients Diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder Common Mental Health Conditions Often Coexist with Dissociative Identity Disorder
A meta-analysis identifies high prevalence rates of PTSD, major depressive disorder, and borderline personality disorder in patients with DI…
A large review of 858 adults shows that many people with Dissociative Identity Disorder also experience PTSD and depression.
medRxiv Oct 9, 2026
Collaborative care improves depression severity in low-complexity patients with OUD and depression
Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine RCT
Collaborative care improves depression severity in low-complexity patients with OUD and depression Collaborative care helps some patients with opioid use and depression
This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial involving 797 adults with OUD, depression, and/or PTSD found that collaborative care …
Collaborative care may improve depression symptoms for some patients with opioid use disorder, depending on the complexity of their mental h…
Oct 5, 2026
Childhood maltreatment is associated with specific subcortical and cortical volume changes in MDD and PTSD
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Childhood maltreatment is associated with specific subcortical and cortical volume changes in MDD and PTSD Childhood Maltreatment Linked to Specific Changes in Brain Structure
This meta-analysis of 3711 participants across 25 sites examines the association between childhood maltreatment and brain morphometry in ind…
Research shows that childhood abuse and neglect are linked to measurable changes in brain volume and thickness in young adults.
Sep 15, 2026
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

Research across Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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

Nightmare frequency and disorder correlate with PTSD and major depressive disorder via shared genetic architecture
Genetics & Precision Medicine Meta-analysis
Nightmare frequency and disorder correlate with PTSD and major depressive disorder via shared genetic architecture Genetic links connect frequent nightmares to depression and PTSD
This meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies a 7.4% SNP-based heritability for nightmare frequency in European participa…
New research finds that the genes linked to frequent nightmares are also connected to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
medRxiv Oct 20, 2026
Earthquake responders with personal exposure show higher secondary traumatic stress than deployed personnel
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Earthquake responders with personal exposure show higher secondary traumatic stress than deployed personnel Personal Exposure to Disasters Increases Risk of Traumatic Stress
This meta-analysis of 13 quantitative studies (2,894 responders) examined secondary traumatic stress and probable PTSD among personnel respo…
First responders who live in disaster zones show higher levels of traumatic stress than those who are only deployed to the area.
Frontiers Oct 11, 2026
Voice and speech biomarkers show clinical interpretability but lack evidence for validity and deployability
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Voice and speech biomarkers show clinical interpretability but lack evidence for validity and deployability Voice and Speech Patterns May Signal Mental Health Conditions
This scoping review of 68 studies examined voice and speech as digital biomarkers for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. While speci…
New research identifies specific speech patterns, such as slower talking and longer pauses, that may serve as digital markers for depression…
Frontiers Oct 7, 2026
Dual Process Model provides a theoretical framework for balancing loss-oriented and restoration-oriented bereavement interventions
Primary Care & Family Medicine Meta-analysis
Dual Process Model provides a theoretical framework for balancing loss-oriented and restoration-oriented bereavement interventions Dual Process Model Helps People Cope With Grief and Loss
This scoping review of 17 studies examines the Dual Process Model (DPM) in end-of-life and bereavement care. The review identifies DPM as a …
A review of 17 studies shows how the Dual Process Model helps people balance the pain of loss with the goal of rebuilding their lives.
Frontiers Oct 6, 2026
Ketamine modulates NMDA receptors and glutamate transmission for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric disorders
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Ketamine modulates NMDA receptors and glutamate transmission for treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric disorders Ketamine Shows Potential for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Anxiety
This systematic review synthesizes the pharmacology, network-level effects, and clinical applications of ketamine for conditions including t…
Ketamine may offer new pathways for treating treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety by altering brain circuits and signaling.
Frontiers Oct 1, 2026
GERD shows strong genetic overlap with internalizing psychiatric disorders like MDD and PTSD
Genetics & Precision Medicine Meta-analysis
GERD shows strong genetic overlap with internalizing psychiatric disorders like MDD and PTSD Acid reflux and mental health share a common genetic link
This meta-analysis explores the genetic architecture of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its relationship to psychiatric condition…
New research shows that acid reflux and mental health conditions like depression and PTSD share the same genetic roots.
medRxiv Sep 29, 2026
Heart rate variability biofeedback shows mixed results for PTSD symptoms and perceived pain in veterans
ENT (Otolaryngology) Sys. Review
Heart rate variability biofeedback shows mixed results for PTSD symptoms and perceived pain in veterans Heart rate biofeedback may help veterans with PTSD and pain
This scoping review examines heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) for veterans with PTSD, chronic pain, and tinnitus. The review found …
New research looks at how heart rate variability biofeedback could help veterans manage symptoms of PTSD, chronic pain, and depression.
Frontiers Sep 25, 2026
Armed conflict exposure is associated with high PTSD prevalence among civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir
Psychiatry Meta-analysis
Armed conflict exposure is associated with high PTSD prevalence among civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir High rates of trauma and anxiety found in conflict zones
This systematic review of 16 quantitative studies examines PTSD prevalence and risk factors among civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir. …
New data shows high rates of post-traumatic stress and anxiety among civilians and students living in areas of armed conflict.
Frontiers Sep 15, 2026
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

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.

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See all 5 questions about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder →

All Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Articles