Effects of Games on Memory Reconsolidation and Trauma Symptoms

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · Nov 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how playing certain games can help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms. The research aims to understand if these games can change the way traumatic memories are processed in the brain. Participants will be asked to take part in a task that involves visual and spatial activities after watching a video that triggers their traumatic memories.

To join the study, you need to be an adult aged 18 to 65, fluent in English, and have access to a computer with a camera. You should also have experienced a significant trauma, such as a serious car accident, sexual or physical assault, or combat. However, if you’ve had severe emotional distress recently, are currently receiving therapy for trauma, or have a history of mental health issues like psychosis or suicidal thoughts, you may not qualify. Participants can expect to engage with the game and provide feedback, which will help researchers learn more about the potential benefits of this approach for managing trauma symptoms.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults aged 18 to 65
• • Fluent in written and spoken English
• • Has access to the internet
• • Access to a computer (laptop or desktop) with a camera that has video and audio recording capability
• • History of trauma exposure to either a motor vehicle (MVC), sexual assault, physical assault, or combat.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Insufficient emotional reactivity to the trauma memory reactivation video clip (\<5 the Peak Subjective Units of Distress Scale)
• • Presence of significant suicidality or a history of a suicide attempt within the past 6 months
• • History of psychosis within the past 6 months
• • Changes in psychotropic medication (≤ 8 weeks)
• • Currently receiving trauma-focused psychotherapy