Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Exposure Therapy: Implanted Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD and Beyond — Frontiers of BrainHealth Lecture

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Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Exposure Therapy: Implanted Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD and Beyond — Frontiers of BrainHealth Lecture

Mark B. Powers, PhD – Director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) and Associate Professor of Neuroscience, UT Dallas

Exposure therapy is among the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet many patients do not achieve or maintain an adequate response. One approach to improving treatment is to enhance the neuroplasticity underlying therapeutic learning. Implanted vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), precisely paired with behavioral experiences, provides a novel strategy. This talk traces the translational development of VNS paired with exposure therapy for PTSD, from the preclinical rationale through early human studies and randomized clinical trials. Dr. Powers discusses findings from initial clinical studies as well as emerging results from a randomized, sham-controlled trial of implanted VNS paired with prolonged exposure therapy. The presentation concludes with the next generation of VNS technologies and the potential for targeted neuromodulation to enhance behavioral interventions for PTSD and beyond.

Host: Francesca Filbey, PhD

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