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Speakers
Mark B. Powers, PhD – Director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) and Associate Professor of Neuroscience, UT Dallas
Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Exposure Therapy: Implanted Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD and Beyond
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.
Frontiers of BrainHealth is a hybrid speaker series. Register for the season, and you will get a link to the virtual talks as well as available recordings. If you are interested in attending any of the talks in person, please note that you can confirm attendance when we send you a reminder email a few days prior to each talk.
For more information, visit our FAQs or email brainhealthevents@utdallas.edu.
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.
Mark B. Powers, Ph.D., is Director of the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) and Associate Professor of Neuroscience in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas. A clinical psychologist and translational researcher, his work focuses on developing and evaluating interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and pain, with particular emphasis on exposure-based treatments and strategies for enhancing their effectiveness.
Dr. Powers' research includes the development of implanted vagus nerve stimulation paired with prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD, spanning early clinical studies through randomized controlled trials. He has authored more than 190 scientific publications, and his research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, DARPA, HHS, and private foundations. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Watch select recordings below.
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The entrance to the surface parking lot is on Forest Park Road. The talks will be held in the Brain Performance Institute building, the second building when you enter through the gate.