Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Current Location

164 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Trials Near You

Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients discover FDA-reviewed trials every day. Every trial we feature meets safety and ethical standards, giving patients an easy way to discover promising new treatments in the research stage.

Learn More About Power
No Placebo
Highly Paid
Stay on Current Meds
Pivotal Trials (Near Approval)
Breakthrough Medication

Cannabidiol for PTSD

New York, New York
This will be a randomized placebo controlled study to test the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Subjects, 120 in total, will be males and females with PTSD, half of which will have comorbid mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). There will be three study arms, each with 40 subjects: 1) Oral CBD 400 mg daily; 2) Oral CBD 800 mg daily, and 3) Placebo daily. Treatment duration will be 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be change in PTSD symptoms as measured by change in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) total score.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

120 Participants Needed

This trial uses TMS, a procedure that stimulates brain cells with magnetic fields, to help PTSD patients who struggle with reducing fear responses. The goal is to see if TMS can change brain activity to better manage fear. TMS has been primarily studied for major depression but is increasingly being explored for PTSD treatment.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

250 Participants Needed

This trial tests a new talk therapy called TFPP for veterans with PTSD who haven't been helped by current treatments. TFPP helps veterans understand and process their trauma through structured conversations, aiming to improve their overall mental health.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

75 Participants Needed

The purpose of this research study is to study how the brain learns to avoid certain stimuli or situations using an experimental paradigm. The big goal is to measure brain responses and subject's feelings and expectations when they are learning to actively avoid experimental stimuli, and how fear extinction learning and monetary cost can change how and when subjects are to avoid.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

300 Participants Needed

Investigators plan to offer two evidence based interventions - Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (TF-CBT) and Trauma Systems therapy (TST) to traumatized children and their families. The investigators are looking to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in the context of additional stress related to racialized trauma and acculturation stress
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:5 - 17

475 Participants Needed

This trial tests whether a single dose of hydrocortisone (HCORT) can prevent PTSD in highly distressed trauma survivors. HCORT works by boosting the body's natural stress recovery system. If successful, this could provide a simple, portable treatment for those at high risk of PTSD.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

235 Participants Needed

Topiramate for AUD and PTSD

New York, New York
This is a double-blind, 2-group randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of topiramate versus placebo in patients with comorbid PTSD and moderate-to-severe AUD. This trial will provide one of the first rigorous tests of whether the effects of topiramate in AUD generalize to patients with co-occurring PTSD, and one of the first rigorous tests of whether topiramate has beneficial effects on PTSD symptoms in this population. It will be the first study to test whether the rs2832407 genotype predicts clinical response to topiramate for AUD and PTSD in patients with both disorders. Further, it will contribute to the understanding of topiramate's mechanisms of action in the co-morbid AUD/PTSD population, and to the discovery of predictors of treatment response.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

150 Participants Needed

During this 36-month R34 trial, eight study phases are proposed to adapt an evidence-based post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) intervention (STAIR-NT) and layer it into a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program (START Treatment and Recovery centers) in New York City for use among individuals engaged in stimulant-opioid polysubstance use. The study aims to adapt STAIR-NT to a massed treatment schedule. Once an adapted protocol is complete, it will be tested for feasibility, acceptability, and short-term polysubstance and PTSD symptomology outcomes in a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) of 80 participants. Participants who screen eligible and consent will be randomized 1:1 to the adapted STAIR-NT intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) using randomization blocks of two and two and four via a computer-generated randomization sequence. Participants assigned to the intervention will receive the adapted massed delivery of STAIR-NT by trained counselors.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

80 Participants Needed

The goal of this open pilot trial is to learn if an adapted version of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), delivered through telehealth, can treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults who use syringe services programs. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can the intervention be done in syringe services programs? * Are syringe services program clients and staff open to the intervention? * Can the intervention lower PTSD symptoms and help participants keep taking their medication for opioid use disorder (ex. Buprenorphine or methadone)? Participants will: * Attend 4-18 tele-delivered CPT sessions at the syringe services program * Complete between-session CPT practice with the support of SSP-based "coaches" * Meet with research staff monthly to complete surveys of their PTSD symptoms, drug use, and mental health
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

15 Participants Needed

This trial tests a program that helps mothers with PTSD learn to manage their emotions and improve their interactions with their children. It aims to reduce stress and improve family dynamics for mothers receiving family preservation services.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 64
Sex:Female

160 Participants Needed

This trial aims to improve mental health and COVID-19 prevention behaviors among minority and vulnerable groups in New York City by training community workers to provide basic mental health support using Problem Management Plus (PM+).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased

1000 Participants Needed

Prism for PTSD

New York, New York
Prism is a software as a medical device (SaMD) to be prescribed by clinicians as an adjunct to the standard of care treatment of patients with PTSD. The Prism software device runs on a laptop using an EEG signal input (g).Nautilos PRO (K171669). The primary objective of the study is to extend the use of the FDA cleared Prism for PTSD (K222101) to an adolescent population and to confirm the safety of fifteen (15±3) EEG-NF training sessions using the Prism software in reducing PTSD-related symptoms in adolescents. The study aims to demonstrate the safety profile of Prism, having no device-related serious adverse events (SAEs), consistent with findings in the adult population, throughout the course of Prism treatment in an adolescent population.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 21

45 Participants Needed

This open label, within-subjects dose optimization trial will investigate the optimal number of MDMA-Assisted Therapy treatment cycles (i.e., one MDMA session and three integration sessions) in a sample of U.S. veterans with PTSD. Participants will complete from one to five cycles of MDMA-AT.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2

60 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a virtual reality therapy to help healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients with PTSD. The therapy uses computer-generated environments to help them face and reduce the impact of their traumatic memories. Participants will have multiple sessions over several weeks to see if this approach is effective and tolerable. Virtual reality therapy (VRT) is a new psychotherapeutic approach integrating virtual reality technology and psychotherapy.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Early Phase 1

20 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"My orthopedist recommended a half replacement of my right knee. I have had both hips replaced. Currently have arthritis in knee, shoulder, and thumb. I want to avoid surgery, and I'm open-minded about trying a trial before using surgery as a last resort."

HZ
Arthritis PatientAge: 78

"I've been struggling with ADHD and anxiety since I was 9 years old. I'm currently 30. I really don't like how numb the medications make me feel. And especially now, that I've lost my grandma and my aunt 8 days apart, my anxiety has been even worse. So I'm trying to find something new."

FF
ADHD PatientAge: 31

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer three months ago, metastatic to my liver, and I have been receiving and responding well to chemotherapy. My blood work revealed that my tumor markers have gone from 2600 in the beginning to 173 as of now, even with the delay in treatment, they are not going up. CT Scans reveal they have been shrinking as well. However, chemo is seriously deteriorating my body. I have 4 more treatments to go in this 12 treatment cycle. I am just interested in learning about my other options, if any are available to me."

ID
Pancreatic Cancer PatientAge: 40

"I've tried several different SSRIs over the past 23 years with no luck. Some of these new treatments seem interesting... haven't tried anything like them before. I really hope that one could work."

ZS
Depression PatientAge: 51

"I changed my diet in 2020 and I’ve lost 95 pounds from my highest weight (283). I am 5’3”, female, and now 188. I still have a 33 BMI. I've been doing research on alternative approaches to continue my progress, which brought me here to consider clinical trials."

WR
Obesity PatientAge: 58

Know someone looking for new options? Spread the word

Learn More About Power

Why We Started Power

We started Power when my dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and I struggled to help him access the latest immunotherapy. Hopefully Power makes it simpler for you to explore promising new treatments, during what is probably a difficult time.

Bask
Bask GillCEO at Power
Learn More About Trials

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder clinical trials pay?

Each trial will compensate patients a different amount, but $50-100 for each visit is a fairly common range for Phase 2–4 trials (Phase 1 trials often pay substantially more). Further, most trials will cover the costs of a travel to-and-from the clinic.

How do Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder clinical trials work?

After a researcher reviews your profile, they may choose to invite you in to a screening appointment, where they'll determine if you meet 100% of the eligibility requirements. If you do, you'll be sorted into one of the treatment groups, and receive your study drug. For some trials, there is a chance you'll receive a placebo. Across Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder trials 30% of clinical trials have a placebo. Typically, you'll be required to check-in with the clinic every month or so. The average trial length for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is 12 months.

How do I participate in a study as a "healthy volunteer"?

Not all studies recruit healthy volunteers: usually, Phase 1 studies do. Participating as a healthy volunteer means you will go to a research facility several times over a few days or weeks to receive a dose of either the test treatment or a "placebo," which is a harmless substance that helps researchers compare results. You will have routine tests during these visits, and you'll be compensated for your time and travel, with the number of appointments and details varying by study.

What does the "phase" of a clinical trial mean?

The phase of a trial reveals what stage the drug is in to get approval for a specific condition. Phase 1 trials are the trials to collect safety data in humans. Phase 2 trials are those where the drug has some data showing safety in humans, but where further human data is needed on drug effectiveness. Phase 3 trials are in the final step before approval. The drug already has data showing both safety and effectiveness. As a general rule, Phase 3 trials are more promising than Phase 2, and Phase 2 trials are more promising than phase 1.

Do I need to be insured to participate in a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder medical study?

Clinical trials are almost always free to participants, and so do not require insurance. The only exception here are trials focused on cancer, because only a small part of the typical treatment plan is actually experimental. For these cancer trials, participants typically need insurance to cover all the non-experimental components.

What are the newest Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder clinical trials?

Most recently, we added Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD, SMART for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Art Therapy + Yoga for Youth Mental Health to the Power online platform.

What is the new treatment for PTSD?

The two headline “new” approaches are MDMA-assisted psychotherapy—which has shown large symptom reductions in Phase-3 trials and could gain FDA approval soon—and the stellate ganglion block, an ultrasound-guided neck injection that can rapidly calm the nervous system and is already offered off-label by some pain specialists. Both are considered add-ons rather than replacements for proven trauma-focused talk therapies, and access currently means enrolling in a clinical trial for MDMA or seeing an experienced clinician for an SGB after discussing possible benefits, side-effects, and costs. If you’re interested, talk with a PTSD-trained mental-health professional to see whether one of these emerging treatments fits your situation.

What are the 7 symptoms of PTSD?

Clinicians group PTSD signs into four clusters, but popular summaries often point to seven tell-tale symptoms: intrusive memories or flashbacks, trauma-related nightmares, avoiding reminders, ongoing negative mood or beliefs, constant jumpiness/hyper-alertness, sudden irritability or anger, and trouble sleeping or concentrating. If several of these have lasted more than a month and are disrupting daily life, it’s time to talk with a mental-health professional because effective therapies and medications are available.

What is the difference between PTSD and clinical PTSD?

“Clinical PTSD” is not a formal medical label; most people use it to describe either (a) a full, doctor-confirmed PTSD diagnosis (meeting all four symptom clusters of intrusion, avoidance, negative mood/thoughts, and hyper-arousal) rather than a few stray symptoms, or (b) Complex PTSD, a newer ICD-11 diagnosis that includes all the usual PTSD features plus persistent problems with emotion control, negative self-view, and relationships after prolonged or repeated trauma. In short, standard PTSD focuses on how a single or short-lived traumatic event is re-experienced, whereas “clinical/complex” PTSD implies either full diagnostic severity or an added layer of long-term self-and-relationship difficulties—something a qualified mental-health professional can sort out and treat with trauma-focused therapy and, when needed, medication.

Does complex PTSD ever go away?

Complex PTSD can and often does get much better—many people reach full remission or only occasional, manageable flare-ups once they’ve had consistent, trauma-focused treatment (such as EMDR, TF-CBT, or a phase-based approach that first builds safety skills and then processes the trauma). How long that takes varies; factors like the length of the original abuse, other mental-health conditions, and access to supportive relationships and specialized care influence recovery, which is why some people need longer-term therapy or periodic “tune-ups.” In short, the condition isn’t necessarily lifelong, but viewing it as a journey—with professional help, skills practice, and a strong support network—gives the best odds of lasting relief.

Why is EMDR controversial?

Controversy arises from three fronts: first, although many studies now show EMDR can reduce post-traumatic stress as well as traditional exposure therapies, earlier weak studies and some mixed results planted doubt. Second, research shows the eye movements themselves may add little beyond standard exposure, so experts argue over the true mechanism and whether the name oversells a simple idea. Third, professional bodies only “conditionally” recommend EMDR and warn that brief weekend trainings can produce under-qualified providers, leading some clinicians to view it as over-marketed. Understanding these evidence, mechanism, and training debates explains why opinions on EMDR still differ.

Does PTSD count as a disability?

Yes. PTSD is legally treated as a disability whenever its symptoms are documented to substantially limit major life activities: Social Security can grant cash benefits, the VA can award a disability rating for service-connected stress, and the ADA requires employers to offer reasonable job accommodations. Collect medical records that show both a formal PTSD diagnosis and how it disrupts work, school, or daily tasks—the same principle applies in most other countries’ disability systems.

How to heal from trauma without therapy?

Begin by checking safety: if you’re having thoughts of self-harm, losing touch with reality, or using substances to cope, call a crisis line (e.g., 988 in the U.S.) or seek professional help. Otherwise, think of recovery in three daily practices—steady your body (slow breathing, walking, yoga), give the story gentle airtime (15-minute journaling or a free app like PTSD Coach), and reconnect with supportive people and purposeful activities—while tracking sleep, mood, and triggers each week to see progress. If symptoms stay the same or worsen after a couple of months of consistent effort, that’s your signal to add a trained therapist, group program, or tele-health option.

What diagnosis is close to PTSD?

The diagnosis most often mistaken for PTSD is Acute Stress Disorder—symptoms can look identical, but they start within days of the trauma and fade within a month; if they last longer, the label changes to PTSD. Clinicians also consider Complex PTSD (a longer-term form after chronic abuse), Adjustment Disorder (stress-triggered distress without flashbacks), and common anxiety or depression disorders that share sleep, mood or panic problems but are not tied to a specific traumatic memory. A mental-health professional sorts these out by asking about the kind of event that happened, how long symptoms have lasted, and whether true “re-experiencing” (flashbacks or nightmares of the trauma) is present.

Why is PTSD so hard to treat?

PTSD is tough to heal because severe stress literally rewires the brain’s alarm and memory centres, every person’s trauma history is different, and the core symptoms (avoidance, distrust, numbness) make it hard to start or stay in treatment. Recovery therefore usually requires a personalised mix of approaches—such as trauma-focused therapy, medication, and skills for sleep and safety—and patience while you and your clinician adjust the plan. The good news is that most people do improve, and newer tools like EMDR, virtual-reality exposure, ketamine or MDMA-assisted therapy are widening the options when first-line methods fall short.

Does Stellate ganglion block work for PTSD?

A stellate ganglion block can quiet the “fight-or-flight” nerves, and small studies—mainly in military populations—show it can lessen PTSD symptoms in roughly half of patients for a month or two; other trials have found no clear benefit, so results are mixed. Because evidence is still limited and short-term, specialists usually offer SGB only as an adjunct to proven treatments (therapy, medications) after weighing its brief relief against the need for repeat injections and the procedure’s small but real risks (infection, hoarse voice, temporary eyelid droop). Discussing it with a trauma-focused mental-health provider and an experienced pain or anesthesia physician can help decide if this experimental option makes sense in your overall care plan.

Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top
Terms of Service·Privacy Policy·Cookies·Security