Anesthesia-Induced Dreaming for PTSD
(IDEA_PTSD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether certain types of anesthesia, specifically Propofol anesthesia, can reduce PTSD symptoms. Participants will undergo either deep sedation, intended to induce dreams, or light sedation, which prompts simple experiences like sounds or imagery. The trial aims to determine if dreaming during anesthesia provides more relief from PTSD than not dreaming. The study seeks individuals with a PTSD diagnosis who are in good health and can safely undergo a low-risk procedure. As a Phase 2 trial, it measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important PTSD research.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that propofol, the anesthesia used in this trial, has mixed safety results. In one study, some patients who received propofol after trauma surgery developed PTSD, suggesting it might affect mental health for certain individuals. Another study found that propofol could strengthen fear memories, which may not be ideal for those with PTSD.
Despite these findings, propofol is commonly used for many medical procedures and is generally well-tolerated. Most people do not experience major side effects. However, these findings highlight potential risks, particularly related to PTSD, underscoring the need for further research. Participants should consider these findings when deciding whether to join the trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the anesthesia-induced dreaming trial for PTSD because it explores a novel approach that taps into the mind's natural dream processes. Unlike traditional PTSD treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, this method uses propofol anesthesia to potentially trigger therapeutic dream experiences, which could help patients process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. The trial also examines how light sedation might elicit non-dream experiences, offering another unique avenue for understanding and treating PTSD. This innovative protocol could open up new pathways for PTSD treatment, moving beyond the usual focus on conscious therapy sessions.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD?
Research suggests that propofol, a drug used for anesthesia, might help with PTSD symptoms. One study found that propofol improved learning and memory in mice with PTSD-like conditions, indicating a potential positive effect. Another study examined dreams during anesthesia and suggested these dreams might reduce PTSD symptoms. In this trial, participants in the Dream Experiences Group will follow a protocol to elicit dream reports, while those in the Non-Dream Experiences Group will follow a protocol for non-dream experiential reports. However, evidence on propofol’s effectiveness for PTSD remains mixed. Some research shows potential benefits, while other findings are less clear. Overall, propofol shows promise, but further research is needed to confirm its benefits for PTSD.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Boris D Heifets, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants should be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Specific details about inclusion and exclusion criteria are not provided, but typically these would outline who can or cannot participate based on health conditions, medications, or other factors.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-Anesthesia Assessment
Participants complete daily assessments of sleep quality and dream experiences
Anesthesia Session
Participants undergo EEG-guided infusion of propofol to reach a Dream or No-Dream state
Post-Anesthesia Assessment
Participants complete daily assessments of sleep quality and dream experiences
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Propofol anesthesia
Trial Overview
The study is testing if using Propofol anesthesia to induce dreams can help reduce PTSD symptoms. It's a Phase II trial where participants are split into two groups: one experiences induced dreaming ('Dream Group'), while the other does not ('No-Dream group'). The allocation is random and both participants and researchers do not know who is in which group (double-blind).
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
All participants (n = 15) will be subjected to an emergence-from-loss of responsiveness (LOR) protocol intended to elicit dream reports AND to a light sedation without loss of responsiveness protocol intended to elicit non-dream experiential reports while responsive.
This group (n=21) will be subjected to an emergence-from-loss of responsiveness (LOR) protocol intended to elicit dream reports.
This Group (n=21) will be subjected to a light sedation without loss of responsiveness protocol, designed to elicit non-dream experiential reports while responsive.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
Tiny Blue Dot Foundation
Collaborator
Tiny Blue Dot Foundation
Collaborator
Citations
Effects of Sevoflurane and Propofol on Posttraumatic Stress ...
In this study, among 281 patients who underwent emergency trauma surgery, 50 (17.8%) developed PTSD 1 month after surgery. The incidence of PTSD in the propofol ...
Propofol improves learning and memory in post-traumatic ...
We found that propofol significantly improved the learning ability and memory of mice subjected to PTSD model in the Morris water maze (MWM) and Sucrose ...
Induction of Dreaming With EEG and Anesthesia for Post- ...
The investigators predict that inducing and sustaining a dream state prior to emergence from anesthesia will result in reduced symptoms of PTSD.
Anesthesia and the Neurobiology of Fear and Post-Traumatic ...
There is inconsistent evidence that the use of propofol and benzodiazepines for sedation following trauma may potentiate the development of PTSD relative to ...
5.
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-05525-5Effect of three modalities on emergence agitation among post ...
This research aims to compare three different intervention techniques used for avoiding emergence agitation in post-traumatic stress disorder ( ...
Effects of Sevoflurane and Propofol on Posttraumatic ...
In this study, among 281 patients who underwent emergency trauma surgery, 50 (17.8%) developed PTSD 1 month after surgery. The incidence of PTSD in the propofol ...
Developing Anesthesia as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ...
A phase of research to describe clinical trials that focus on the safety of a drug. They are usually conducted with healthy volunteers, and the ...
Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Posttraumatic Stress ...
Previous studies found that propofol had an unusual reinforcing effect on conditioned fear memory and increased the risk of postoperative PTSD.
Psychological impact of unexpected explicit recall of events ...
Some sedation/RA patients reported an adverse impact on their job performance (15%), family relationships (11%), and friendships (11%), and 15% reported being ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.