Hexadecanal as an Addon to Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

This RCT investigates whether Cognitive Processing Therapy, a first line treatment for PTSD, can be enhanced by the use of the odor molecule Hexadecenal (HEX). HEX is secreted from body odor and has been shown to promotes psychological well-being and positive social interaction. For the active group Hex will be diffused in the treatment room during all treatment sessions. For the control group a vehicle placebo molecule will be diffused. Both therapists and patients will be blind to study condition.

NCT Number	NCT06968312
Lead Sponsor	Tel Aviv University Collaborators: Weizmann Institute of Science
Conditions	Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2025-05-05
Primary Completion	2026-09-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-05-16