RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07164105

LIFU Mechanisms for PTSD in Healthcare Workers

Mechanisms of Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound of the Ventral Anterior Cingulate Cortex for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Frontline Healthcare Workers

Sponsor

Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.

Enrollment

66 participants

Start Date

Dec 29, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

PTSD and Trauma-related Symptoms

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) of the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) can normalize dysfunctional brain activation patterns and behaviors in frontline healthcare workers with post-traumatic stress disorder. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does LIFU of the vACC effect activity and connectivity of the vACC and amygdala? * Does LIFU of the vACC reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms? Researchers will compare LIFU to sham modulation to see if LIFU modulates activity of vACC-amygdala circuitry and affects threat sensitivity and emotion regulation. Participants will: * Complete two fMRI sessions (before and after LIFU) * Receive a single session of LIFU or sham modulation of the vACC * Wear a wearable device that tracks sleep and heart rate metrics

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study uses low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) — a non-invasive brain stimulation technique — to study the brain mechanisms behind PTSD in frontline healthcare workers such as paramedics and emergency responders. The goal is to understand how this technology affects the brain areas involved in trauma and stress responses. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a frontline healthcare worker (e.g., emergency medical services) - You are 18 to 65 years old - You have PTSD symptoms (score between 33 and 65 on the PCL-5 checklist) - You are proficient in English **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a neurological disorder - You have been diagnosed with psychosis, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, OCD, moderate to severe alcohol/substance use disorder within the past year, or major depression with psychosis - You have active suicidal thoughts or plans, or a recent suicide attempt - You have implanted metal devices in your head or a history of seizures 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.

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