The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) broad-spectrum oil on memory reconsolidation (memory storage) and trauma-related symptoms in trauma-exposed individuals after exposure to a trauma memory reactivation paradigm.
It is estimated that over 70% of individuals worldwide have experienced a trauma during their lifetime. Many people spontaneously recover without formal intervention or treatment after exposure to a traumatic event; however, some individuals may develop intrusive trauma-related memories, avoidance, negative changes in cognition or mood, or changes in arousal and reactivity, resulting in clinical or subclinical symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recently, the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been investigated as a treatment for physical and mental health issues. Preclinical trials with rodents suggest that CBD may disrupt the reconsolidation of conditioned fear memories when administered within the six-hour memory reconsolidation window. These preclinical findings suggest that CBD may be clinically useful for preventing or treating PTSD. Although promising, little translational research has investigated the disruptive effects of CBD on memory reconsolidation in a trauma-exposed human population. The overarching objective of this study is to investigate the effects of CBD broad-spectrum oil on memory reconsolidation and trauma-related symptoms in trauma-exposed individuals after exposure to a trauma memory reactivation procedure. To accomplish this, participants will be randomized to one of three treatment conditions: (a) CBD oil administered within the reconsolidation window (CBD-WR), (b) placebo oil administered within the reconsolidation window (PBO-WR), or (c) CBD oil administered well outside of the accepted memory reconsolidation window (CBD-OR). Participants will undergo a trauma memory reactivation paradigm, rate their emotional distress level, and complete other trauma-related measures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to investigate the effects of CBD broad-spectrum oil on memory reconsolidation and trauma-related symptoms among trauma-exposed individuals following exposure to a trauma memory reactivation paradigm. Additionally, this proof-of-concept pilot trial aims to contribute to the development of a novel, brief, packageable, and cost-effective secondary prevention or treatment for individuals with trauma-related fear memories and symptoms of trauma.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Participants will be guided through the trauma memory reactivation paradigm by the study staff. The trauma memory reactivation paradigm entails two distinct procedures: (1) participants will watch a video clip related to their trauma; then (2) describe a verbal narrative of their traumatic event for approximately 5 minutes to a research team member.
300mg CBD broad-spectrum oil.
3ml oral dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) coconut oil.
The Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas, United States
Momentary Assessment of Distress Scale
The Momentary Assessment of Distress Scale (MADS) is a customizable sliding scale used to measure continuous real-time changes in levels of subjective emotional stress on scale from 0 (no distress) to 10 (extreme distress). The MADS is used to index changes in emotional reactivity during exposure to a trauma memory reactivation cue.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist
The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire that assesses symptoms consistent with the DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD. Respondents rate the frequency of each symptom over the last month utilizing a 5-point scale (0 indicating "not at all"; 4 indicating "extremely").
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Posttraumatic Cognition Inventory
The Brief Version of the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI-9) is a 9-item questionnaire that assesses negative posttraumatic cognition. Items are rated on a 7-point Likert scale with 1 indicating "Totally disagree" and 7 indicating "Totally agree." The instrument consists of three subscales (self-blame, negative cognitions of the self, and negative cognitions of the world) to yield the total and subscale scores, with higher scores indicating more negative posttraumatic cognitions.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Posttraumatic Safety Behaviors Inventory
The Posttraumatic Safety Behavior Inventory (PSBI) is a 13-item self-report questionnaire that assesses safety behaviors related to PTSD. Items are rated on a 5-point scale with 0 indicating "Never" and 4 indicating "Always." The first 10 items of the inventory yield a summed total score. The last three items of the inventory are open-ended to record safety behavior specific to the respondent and can be used in clinical applications. Higher scores suggest more engagement with PTSD safety behaviors.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory
The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PGTI) is a 21-item self-report scale that measures positive outcomes associated with traumatic events. Items are rated on a 6-point scale with 0 indicating "I did not experience this as a result of my crisis" and 5 indicating "I experienced this change to a very great degree as a result of my crisis." The inventory is comprised of five factors (appreciation of life relating to others, spiritual change, new possibilities, and personal strength).
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Trauma Coping Self-Efficacy Scale
The Trauma Coping Self-Efficacy (CSE-T) Scale - 9-item is a brief self-report scale that assesses perceptions of coping self-efficacy following a traumatic experience. Respondents rate their perceived capacity to handle demands related to their trauma on a 7-point scale (1 indicating "Not at all capable"; 7 indicating "Totally capable").
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up
Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale
The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale - 10 item (CD-RISC-10) is a 10-item self-report questionnaire that assesses resilience (e.g., the ability to cope with adverse experiences). Respondents rate items utilizing a 5-point scale (0 indicating "not true at all"; 4 indicating "true nearly all the time"). The summation of all items yields a total score, ranging from 0 to 40, with higher scores suggesting greater resilience.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to Two-week Follow-up