Overcontrol and Suicide in PTSD
Pathways to Hope: Pilot fMRI Study of OCPD and Suicide Risk in Trauma-Exposed Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development
74 participants
Jul 1, 2024
OBSERVATIONAL
Conditions
Summary
High standards and self-discipline are prized in military culture, but drawbacks of overcontrol are often ignored. Overcontrol is characterized by over-regulated behavior and cognitive rigidity, driven by an intense need for perfection and control. It is frequently observed in people with obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum disorders, especially OC Personality Disorder (OCPD). Their inclination to set high expectations for others can strain social bonds. When grappling with mental health challenges, overcontrolled individuals often do so with limited social support, and as a result, tend to be at greater risk of developing more severe mental health symptoms, or suicidal thoughts and behaviors, over time. New treatments are needed to improve social functioning in these vulnerable Veterans. Adding brain stimulation to psychotherapy is one method that might speed learning of social skills discussed in therapy. However, before this technology can be developed and tested more broadly, the investigators must make sure that the methods used to measure social functioning and related brain circuits are acceptable to most potential patients and can be used consistently. In this pilot project, the investigators aim to recruit trauma-exposed Veterans with overcontrolled traits and study the feasibility and acceptability of: 1. Our recruitment strategy and social functioning and mental health symptom assessments 2. A three-session, weekly fMRI protocol. 3. A three-week online protocol for remote monitoring of social and emotional functioning.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
Simplified for easier understanding
This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
While in the MRI scanner, participants will complete several classic experimental tasks designed to capture brain activity related to core cognitive features of overcontrol that impact social functioning. Tasks include the Stop Signal Task (error monitoring), Delay Discounting Task (valuation, impulsivity), and Reversal Learning (cognitive flexibility).
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06355284