RecruitingNCT06355284

Overcontrol and Suicide in PTSD

Pathways to Hope: Pilot fMRI Study of OCPD and Suicide Risk in Trauma-Exposed Veterans


Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

74 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2024

Study Type

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

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This research study examines the relationship between "overcontrol" — a rigid, rule-bound way of thinking — and suicide risk in veterans with PTSD. Researchers will use questionnaires and brain scans to better understand whether certain personality patterns contribute to suicidal thoughts in this population. **You may be eligible if...** - You can understand the study procedures and give informed consent - You score above a certain threshold on a scale measuring obsessive-compulsive personality traits (overcontrolled thinking and behavior) - You may have other related conditions (such as OCD tendencies or anxiety) — these are allowed - Your current medications for psychiatric conditions do not disqualify you **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You currently have psychosis (such as schizophrenia) or have had a psychotic episode unrelated to depression - For the MRI part: you have metal implants, a pacemaker, or severe claustrophobia Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

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

OTHERFunctional MRI

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)

Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI

Providence, Rhode Island, United States

View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.

Visit

NCT06355284


Related Trials