Plain-English translation of NCT06218381 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study is testing a new approach called Very Brief Exposure (VBE) to help combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead of having you directly confront traumatic memories — which many veterans find too difficult — this treatment shows pictures of combat-related scenes for just a fraction of a second, too quickly for your conscious mind to fully process. Researchers believe this approach might reduce fear responses and improve PTSD symptoms while being easier to tolerate than traditional exposure therapy.
Current PTSD treatments often ask veterans to directly confront their traumatic memories, which can feel overwhelming and causes many people to drop out of treatment. This study is exploring whether the new treatment can achieve similar benefits without requiring that direct confrontation, making it more acceptable and easier for veterans to stay in treatment.
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You would visit the research center for brain imaging (fMRI) sessions where you'll be scanned while viewing images on a screen. During the scan, you'll see three types of image presentations: very brief flashes of combat-related pictures, very brief flashes of everyday scenes, and longer visible presentations of combat images. The study uses this comparison to understand how your brain responds differently to each type of exposure. The entire process takes place during the scanning sessions, and researchers are looking for 90 participants total.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 12, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States