New Treatments & Clinical Trials for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects about 6% of Americans at some point in their lives. Current treatments include trauma-focused therapy and antidepressants like sertraline, which work for many people but leave others with persistent symptoms. Research is now exploring faster-acting medications and new ways to help the brain process traumatic memories.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing MDMA-assisted therapy, which received FDA priority review after showing strong results in treatment-resistant PTSD. Researchers are also studying stellate ganglion blocks, ketamine infusions, psychedelics like psilocybin, and drugs that might help extinguish fear memories. Other work focuses on preventing PTSD right after trauma and on treating symptoms like nightmares and hypervigilance.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on PTSD severity, type of trauma, time since trauma occurred, current medications, and whether standard treatments have been tried.

What types of trials are currently open

• Psychedelic-assisted therapy — Testing MDMA, psilocybin, or other psychedelics combined with structured therapy sessions to process trauma.
• Medication trials — Testing new drugs or repurposed medications like ketamine, prazosin for nightmares, or drugs that affect fear memory formation.
• Device and procedure studies — Testing stellate ganglion blocks, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation to reduce PTSD symptoms.
• Therapy trials — Comparing different forms of trauma therapy or testing new therapeutic approaches combined with medication.
• Prevention studies — Testing treatments given soon after trauma to prevent PTSD from developing, often in emergency departments or with first responders.