Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
United States40 participantsStarted 2019-11-01
Plain-language summary
In brief, ART is an innovative "mind-body" (body-centric) psychotherapy that makes use of established core components of trauma-focused therapy including imaginal exposure and imagery rescripting to promote memory reconsolidation, all facilitated as the patient is directed by the therapist to perform sets of lateral left-right eye movements similar to rapid eye movements (REM). The investigators propose to investigate how ART may directly influence heart rate variability (HRV), EEG power spectral densities, and sleep architecture in three aims. At the broadest level, the investigators postulate that both within individual ART sessions, and across the full course of treatment (e.g. up to 4 sessions), ART results in a profound shift from sympathetic (arousal) to parasympathetic (rest) nervous system balance, and that this shift can be reliably measured by neurophysiological assessment using electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) measurement.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Score of \> 33 on the 20-item DSM-V PTSD Checklist (PCL-V) or
* Depression: Score of \> 16 on the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Depression Scale or
* Acute stress disorder: Presence of criterions A-E on the 19-item Acute Stress Disorder Scale or
* Complicated grief: Score of \> 25 on the 19-item Inventory of Complicated Grief or
* Alcohol abuse: Score of \> 10 on 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and
* Corroboration of the above symptomatology through verification of the corresponding subscale of the 125-item Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently engaged in another psychotherapy regimen including currently engaged in ART or another eye movement therapy, such as EMDR;
* Have a major psychiatric disorder (e.g. bipolar disorder) deemed likely to interfere with treatment delivery;
* Currently in a formal substance dependence treatment program (alcohol and/or drug) anticipated to interfere with treatment delivery (e.g. through detox and symptoms of physiological withdrawal). All persons recruited for potential study participation will undergo a clinical intake assessment, with completion of ART intake form, by a licensed clinical therapist, to determine study eligibility.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Imbalance
Timeframe: Baseline pre first ART session at study day 1 and post 4th ART session at 5 weeks