This study will evaluate a new form of non-invasive deep brain therapy for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation will first be delivered using a range of stimulation parameters during psychophysical and physiological monitoring. A well-tolerated stimulation protocol will be selected for subsequent testing in a blinded randomized sham-controlled cross-over trial. The trial will evaluate brain target engagement using magnetic resonance imaging and numerical scales of PTSD, cognitive performance, and mood.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
10
The device delivers low-intensity ultrasonic waves into specified brain targets.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. The total severity scores range from 0 to 80.
Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation
National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB)
The NIHTB-CB provides the following summary scores: Total Cognition Composite, Fluid Composite (includes Dimensional Change Card Sort, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention, Picture Sequence Memory (Form A), List Sorting Working Memory, and Pattern Comparison tests), and Crystallized Composite (includes Picture Vocabulary and Oral Reading Recognition tests). The scores are normalized to have a mean score of 10 and standard deviation of 3.
Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation
California Verbal Learning Test, 3rd Edition (CVLT3)
A verbal learning and memory test designed to test immediate recall, short delay recall, long delay recall, and recognition memory, as well as the memory strategies being used by the participant. The Brief Form of the CVLT 3 consists of nine words, administered repeatedly over 4 immediate recall trials. The scoring software provides normative data.
Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation
PROMIS scale of Pain Intensity
The score assess the worst, average, and current levels of pain on a scale from 1 (no pain) to 5 (very severe)
Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17)
This 17-item questionnaire rates the severity of depression by probing mood, feelings of guilt, suicide ideation, insomnia, agitation or retardation, anxiety, weight loss, and somatic symptoms. The scores range from 0 (no symptoms) to 52 (worst possible).
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Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Test consisting of 7 components summed to yield a global PSQI score, ranging from of 0 (good sleep) to 21 (poor sleep).
Time frame: Up to 3 months following study initiation