Mechanistic Interventions and Neuroscience of Dissociation

Description

The purpose of this study is to test the neurophysiological mechanisms of an intervention to reduce symptoms of dissociation in traumatized people. The intervention will be tested in dissociative traumatized people at two sites: Emory University and University of Pittsburgh. The researchers are interested in whether neural networks associated with attentional control and interoceptive awareness can be enhanced in this population. The researchers propose to evaluate whether different body-focused and non-body focused interventions can change these mechanisms.

Conditions

Dissociation

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to test the neurophysiological mechanisms of an intervention to reduce symptoms of dissociation in traumatized people. The intervention will be tested in dissociative traumatized people at two sites: Emory University and University of Pittsburgh. The researchers are interested in whether neural networks associated with attentional control and interoceptive awareness can be enhanced in this population. The researchers propose to evaluate whether different body-focused and non-body focused interventions can change these mechanisms.

Mechanistic Interventions and Neuroscience of Dissociation

Mechanistic Interventions and Neuroscience of Dissociation

Condition
Dissociation
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Atlanta

Grady Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30303

Pittsburgh

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * experience of at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Criterion A trauma (assessed using the Life Events Checklist)
  • * a score of 7 or higher on the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI) depersonalization subscale
  • * willingness to participate in the study
  • * actively psychotic and cognitively compromised individuals (assessed using the Moderate-severe cognitive impairment screening tool (MoCA) will be excluded
  • * moderate or more severe substance dependence (assessed with the MINI)
  • * persons with imminent risk of physical violence to self or others

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Emory University,

Negar Fani, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Emory University

Greg Siegle, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2026-01-31