Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD

Overseen By Holly Wang

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Disqualifiers: Suicidal intent, Psychosis, Mental health therapy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 5 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to assist individuals with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) by focusing on positive memories rather than solely on traumatic ones. Participants will either try the new Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) or engage in Supportive Counseling (SC) to determine which approach more effectively reduces PTSD symptoms and stress levels. The trial gathers feedback from participants to further refine the PPMT method. It may suit individuals diagnosed with PTSD in the past month who have not recently undergone therapy and can speak English. As an unphased trial, this study offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative PTSD treatment research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you've had dosage changes in psychiatric medications in the past 3 months.

What prior data suggests that this technique is safe for PTSD treatment?

Research has shown that the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) may help people with PTSD. Early case studies found that PPMT can reduce PTSD symptoms and negative thoughts in trauma survivors, suggesting that focusing on positive memories can be beneficial. So far, these early studies have reported no major safety issues.

Supportive Counseling (SC) is a well-known method often used to treat PTSD. Research indicates that people in supportive therapy often experience fewer PTSD symptoms over time. It is generally considered safe, with no significant side effects reported.

Overall, both PPMT and SC appear to be safe options based on current findings. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD because it offers a fresh approach to managing trauma. Unlike traditional PTSD treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy, the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) focuses on engaging with positive memories to counteract the negative effects of trauma. This technique is distinct because it shifts the therapeutic focus from revisiting traumatic memories to reinforcing positive ones, which could lead to a more uplifting and potentially faster recovery process. Additionally, the Supportive Counseling (SC) arm provides a safe space for individuals to openly discuss daily challenges and feelings, complementing the positive memory work with emotional support. This combination could offer a comprehensive and innovative way to address PTSD symptoms.

What evidence suggests that the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) could be an effective treatment for PTSD?

This trial will compare the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) with Supportive Counseling (SC) for PTSD. Research shows that PPMT might help reduce PTSD symptoms. Early studies found that people who focus on positive memories experience less severe PTSD symptoms and fewer negative thoughts. This technique emphasizes recalling happy memories, which can boost mood and reduce stress. Meanwhile, Supportive Counseling for PTSD also has evidence supporting its effectiveness. Studies have shown that people in supportive therapy often report fewer PTSD symptoms than those who don't receive this therapy. Both methods aim to lessen the effects of PTSD, but they work in different ways. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ateka Contractor, PHD

Principal Investigator

University of North Texas Health Science Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with a recent PTSD diagnosis who speak English and can consent to participate. It's not suitable for those currently pregnant, in other mental health therapy, with active suicidal thoughts or psychosis, or recent changes in psychiatric meds.

Inclusion Criteria

Working knowledge of English

I have been diagnosed with PTSD in the past month.

Willing/able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

You are pregnant right now.

I have been in mental health therapy within the last 3 months.

You are currently trying to harm yourself or have attempted to harm yourself recently.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 5 sessions of either Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) or Supportive Counseling (SC), each lasting 60 minutes

5 weeks

5 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for PTSD symptom severity and stress system dysregulation, including salivary alpha amylase and cortisol levels

3 months

3 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)
• Supportive Counseling (SC)

Trial Overview The study tests a new technique called PPMT that focuses on positive memories to help with PTSD symptoms against Supportive Counseling (SC). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatments to see which is more effective at reducing PTSD severity and stress markers.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants receive 5 60-minute Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) sessions for PTSD following the treatment procedures as outlined in PPMT therapy manual.

Group II: Supportive Counseling (SC) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants receive 5 60-minute supportive counseling (SC) sessions. SC includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Texas, Denton, TX

Lead Sponsor

Trials

13

Recruited

7,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a pilot study with 12 participants, the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) showed promising effects on reducing PTSD severity, with 9 out of 12 participants demonstrating reliable improvements.

PPMT also positively impacted depression and negative affect levels, suggesting it may be a valuable addition to existing PTSD treatments, particularly in enhancing emotional regulation and cognitive processing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Open Label Pilot Study on Posttrauma Health Impacts of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). Contractor, AA., Jin, L., Weiss, NH.[2023]

The study introduces the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT), a new therapy protocol designed to help trauma-exposed individuals by focusing on positive memories, which are often overlooked in PTSD treatment.

PPMT is based on a solid theoretical foundation and integrates strategies from cognitive psychology, aiming to address PTSD symptoms more effectively by enhancing positive memory processes, thus bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Primer. Contractor, AA., Weiss, NH., Shea, MT.[2022]

The study found that enteric-coated capsules containing salmon calcitonin (sCT) and citric acid (CA) in a 1:20 ratio significantly enhance the oral absorption of sCT, which is crucial due to its low bioavailability when taken orally.

Histopathological evaluations showed that this delivery system did not cause any damage to the intestinal mucosa in rats over a 7-day period, indicating its safety for potential long-term use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of salmon calcitonin (sCT) enteric-coated capsule for enhanced absorption and GI tolerability in rats. Wu, L., Zhang, G., Lu, Q., et al.[2019]

In a pilot study with 16 trauma-exposed participants, the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) was associated with a significant decrease in PTSD severity over five sessions, indicating its potential efficacy as a treatment for PTSD.

While positive affect levels did not directly influence the overall reduction in PTSD symptoms, higher levels of positive affect were linked to greater decreases in the arousal and reactivity symptom cluster, suggesting that targeting positive emotions may enhance treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive Affect Processes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Findings from an Open Label and Uncontrolled Pilot Study using the Positive Memory Processing Technique. Contractor, AA., Slavish, DC., Thornton, J., et al.[2023]

Present-centered therapy (PCT) is more effective than control conditions in reducing PTSD severity, with moderate-quality evidence from 12 studies involving 1837 participants.

While PCT showed lower dropout rates compared to trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), it did not demonstrate non-inferiority to TF-CBT in alleviating PTSD symptoms, suggesting that while PCT is beneficial, TF-CBT may still be more effective overall.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Present-centered therapy (PCT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Belsher, BE., Beech, E., Evatt, D., et al.[2022]

Liposomal formulations of salmon calcitonin (sCT) were developed for inhalation, but they did not enhance the drug's bioavailability when delivered through the lungs due to low peptide release and enzymatic degradation in the airspace.

However, these liposomal formulations showed improved pharmacokinetics and higher bioavailability when administered intravenously compared to sCT solution, indicating potential benefits for non-pulmonary routes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Encapsulation into PEG-liposomes does not improve the bioavailability of pulmonary delivered salmon calcitonin. Swaminathan, J., Gobbo, OL., Tewes, F., et al.[2018]

A new technique called Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) was piloted with 12 trauma-exposed individuals, showing promise in enhancing the retrieval of both traumatic and positive memories, which may improve overall well-being.

Feedback from participants indicated that PPMT is feasible and suggests potential benefits in clinical practice, highlighting the need for further refinement to enhance its effectiveness and scalability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Processing of Positive Memories Technique: Feedback From Trauma-Exposed Clients on Processing of Positive Memories Technique Components, Format, and Feasibility. Banducci, AN., Fondren, A., Bocanegra, A., et al.[2023]

Oral salmon calcitonin (sCT) has been developed to improve bioavailability and is more convenient for patients compared to injectable or intranasal forms, but it shows only minor effects on bone mineral density and turnover markers despite being more effective than nasal sCT.

Recent clinical trials have not demonstrated anti-fracture efficacy for oral sCT, raising concerns about its overall effectiveness compared to other more efficacious osteoporosis treatments and potential safety issues, including a possible association with cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral salmon calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis. Bandeira, L., Lewiecki, EM., Bilezikian, JP.[2017]

Salmon calcitonin (sCT) significantly reduces bone resorption, as indicated by a 50-60% decrease in plasma CTX levels within just 1 hour of administration, demonstrating its rapid efficacy.

Both intranasal and subcutaneous forms of sCT were effective in lowering CTX levels, with no significant difference in effectiveness between the two methods, indicating flexibility in administration routes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Plasma type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide: a sensitive marker of acute effects of salmon calcitonin on bone resorption. Zikán, V., Stepan, JJ.[2019]

Out of 13 reviewed PTSD intervention manuals, only about 54% explicitly addressed positive memories, while around 69% discussed positive emotions and cognitions, indicating a limited focus on positive internal experiences in most therapies.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was found to have the most comprehensive approach to incorporating positive internal experiences, suggesting it may be particularly effective in addressing the emotional deficits associated with PTSD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Positive Internal Experiences in PTSD Interventions: A Critical Review. Contractor, AA., Weiss, NH., Forkus, SR., et al.[2023]

The study found that the bioavailability of oral salmon calcitonin (sCT) varies significantly depending on the time of day it is taken, with the morning dose showing the least variability (22%) compared to the evening dose (34%).

Higher levels of sCT exposure were strongly correlated with reduced levels of the bone resorption marker CTX-I, indicating that effective suppression of bone resorption can be achieved with optimal dosing conditions, despite the variability in individual responses.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigations of inter- and intraindividual relationships between exposure to oral salmon calcitonin and a surrogate marker of pharmacodynamic efficacy. Karsdal, MA., Byrjalsen, I., Henriksen, K., et al.[2021]

A study involving 183 participants (60 from a community mental health center and 123 from Amazon's Mechanical Turk) found that individuals with PTSD are open to discussing positive memories in therapy, which could enhance their treatment experience.

Participants reported that focusing on positive memories could improve mood, self-esteem, and overall satisfaction with PTSD treatment, suggesting that integrating this approach could be beneficial in existing therapeutic practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Exploratory Examination of Client Perspectives on a Positive Memory Technique for PTSD. Caldas, SV., Jin, L., Dolan, M., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8412231/

Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for ... The aim of this paper was to provide a primer on PPMT to facilitate its empirical examination and applicability in PTSD research and clinical work.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10062653/

Processing of Positive Memories Technique Specifically, trauma-exposed individuals have difficulties retrieving positive and negative memories, and interventions focused on enhancing the retrieval of ...

3. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e51838

The Effects of the Processing of Positive Memories ... Indeed, preliminary case-series studies have found reductions in PTSD symptoms, negative affect, and negative cognitions among survivors of ...

4. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20008066.2025.2563197

Refining processing of positive memories technique Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) is a brief intervention designed to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder severity by helping individuals recall ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714424000296

Study protocol and rationale for a pilot randomized clinical ... Participants who repeatedly retrieved positive (and neutral) memories reported less PTSD and depression severity, fewer posttrauma cognitions, and improved ...

6. psycnet.apa.org psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-48939-001.pdf?sr=1

Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for ... Despite substantial evidence linking posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and positive memory processes, existing trauma research and clinical work focuses ...