University of Wisconsin, Madison
The proposed project seeks to demonstrate the engagement of post-exposure dopamine neurotransmission and downstream acute reorganization of dopaminergic resting-state neural networks as a means of increasing consolidation of extinction memories formed during analogue exposure therapy in adult women with PTSD. Participants will include 120 women aged 21-50 with a current diagnosis of PTSD related to physical or sexual assault, English speaking, and medically healthy. Participants will complete the stages of the study across 2-3 days, depending on participant need.
Specific Aim 1: Test the degree to which exogeneous manipulations of dopamine neurotransmission affect exposure therapy learning across multiple indices. Hypothesis: L-DOPA will decrease measures of fear responding across indices. Specific Aim 2: Test the degree to which post-exposure functional connectivity within dopaminergic neural networks mediates the effect of dopaminergic manipulation on fear responding after exposure therapy. Hypothesis: L-DOPA will predict enhanced post-exposure dopaminergic functional connectivity, which in turn predicts decrease fear recall.
Inclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of PTSD where the index traumatic event includes physical or sexual assault * English speaking * Medically healthy Exclusion Criteria: * internal ferromagnetic objects (such as electronic devices, surgical implants, shrapnel, etc.) * major medical disorders (such as cancer) * psychotic disorders * neurocognitive disorders * developmental disorders * pregnancy * breastfeeding * use of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-I) in past two weeks is exclusionary Additional Exclusion Criteria at UT-Austin: * heart disease * hepatic impairment * peptic ulcer d…
two gel capsules with 100mg L-DOPA (with 25 mg carbidopa to inhibit peripheral decarboxylase)
two gel capsules of placebo
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