Improving Therapeutic Learning for PTSD

Summary

The proposed project seeks to demonstrate the engagement of post-exposure dopamine neurotransmission and downstream acute reorganization of dopaminergic resting-state neural networks as a means of increasing consolidation of extinction memories formed during analogue exposure therapy in adult women with PTSD. Participants will include 120 women aged 21-50 with a current diagnosis of PTSD related to physical or sexual assault, English speaking, and medically healthy. Participants will complete the stages of the study across 2-3 days, depending on participant need.

Timeline

Start

2021-02-18

Primary completion

2023-12

Completion

2023-12

Publications

• Cisler JM, Malloy LT, Jaeb M, Dunsmoor JE, Stowe ZN. Semantic encoding of trauma memories in the hippocampus among individuals with PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2026 Apr 14. doi: 10.1038/s41386-026-02402-5. Online ahead of print.

Drugs

Indications