Guided Imagery for Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Stress DisorderPost Traumatic1 moreMilitary sexual trauma (MST) is a significant women's mental health issue. There is a crucial need for effective therapies for MST-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are well-tolerated and can be flexibly administered in a variety of treatment settings. Guided imagery is a novel, transportable intervention technique that meets these requirements and warrants research in PTSD. The proposed study will be a randomized controlled trial of the Guided Imagery for Trauma (GIFT) intervention for women veterans with MST-related PTSD. This minimal contact intervention is designed to increase coping, affect management and relaxation skills, and to fostering more positive images and beliefs associated with surviving trauma. The feasibility and tolerability of GIFT have already been demonstrated in an open-label pilot of 15 women veterans with MST-related PTSD, with very promising initial results.
Effects of Paxil CR on Neural Circuits in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major public health problem in this country. It is estimated that at least one out of every seven women in our society have been the victim of childhood sexual abuse at least once before their 18th birthday. Previous studies have shown that stress is associated with damage to neurons of the hippocampus, a brain area involved in learning and memory. Also, imaging studies of brain function are consistent with dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex during presentation of traumatic cues. We have previously shown that serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (paroxetine; Paxil) can change memory function and hippocampal structure in PTSD. We now propose to perform a placebo controlled study with Paxil CR (paroxetine hydrochloride controlled-release tablets), which is thought as paroxetine with less side-effects. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Paxil CR on memory deficits measured with neuropsychological testing, hippocampal volume measured with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medial prefrontal lobe cortical function estimated with PET, and cortisol response (reflecting the intensity of stress) in men and women with PTSD. We plan to recruit 40 subjects. After completing physical examination and evaluating neuropsychiatric history, patients will undergo an initial group of tests which includes memory testing, MRI and PET brain scan, and measurement of cortisol in their saliva. Afterwards, half will receive Paxil CR 12.5 to 62.5 mg and half will receive a placebo (sugar pill) in the beginning of the first 12 weeks as "Double Blind Phase". After 12 weeks, they will be administered memory tests, PET and MRI scan for the post-treatment phase. After this period, Paxil CR will be offered to the placebo group and followed for an additional 12 weeks. They will have final memory tests, and a MRI scan. We hypothesize that Paxil CR exerts its efficacy by acting on abnormal neural circuits, including hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, in PTSD.
Tobacco Cessation for Veterans With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Tobacco Use CessationPost Traumatic Stress DisordersThe goal of this study is to improve the effectiveness of tobacco cessation treatment for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through ongoing, integrated care management approach using telehealth and motivational interviewing counseling. Both tobacco dependence and PTSD represent enormous challenges to the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.
A Dose Escalation Study of Intranasal Neuropeptide Y in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic Stress DisorderThis study is designed to investigate the safety of intranasal administration of NPY using a dose escalation, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design in a medication-free, symptomatic PTSD group.
SUPER Study (Substance Use and PTSD Treatment Effectiveness Research Study)
Substance Use DisordersPosttraumatic Stress DisorderThis study proposes a prospective program of research that will identify feasible and inexpensive methods to detect and treat comorbid PTSD among VA SUD patients, thereby improving substance abuse treatment outcomes.
Fear Potentiation and Fear Inhibition in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress DisorderThe current study will investigate the ability of people with and without fear symptoms after trauma to inhibit fear in an experimental situation.
Recovery Learning for Adolescents After Traumatic Experiences
Posttraumatic Stress DisorderMost children who have been removed from their family home and placed under the care of a Local Authority have been exposed to many frightening experiences, including witnessing violence, not being fed or cared for, or being abused. These experiences can lead to significant emotional difficulties. One such difficulty is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can involve symptoms like having constant "flashbacks" of scary experiences, and a constant feeling of being in danger. This can have a big effect on children's lives. Yet, it is still not clear how to help young people in care who are experiencing high PTSD symptoms. One idea the researchers have is to use a group-based online programme which has successfully helped other young people who have been exposed to different kinds of stressful experiences (for example, war). To test whether this programme could help children in care too, the researchers first need to see whether social workers have the time to check in with a child about PTSD symptoms; whether young people and their carers are willing to be involved in a research project which will test out the treatment programme; and whether mental health workers might face any problems when delivering the programme. This project aims to answer these questions. The researchers will train social workers to complete an 8-question interview with 10-17 year olds in care, which will measure symptoms of PTSD. If the young person is experiencing high symptoms, they will be invited to take part in a research project. If they would like to join the project, children will be randomly selected to take part in the online group programme, or be given care-as-usual. The group programme involves the young person taking part in five weekly meetings held online, where they will learn skills to reduce their distress, and be supported to work through their difficult memories. Their carers will also take part in two online meetings which will teach them how to support their young person.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Treat mTBI and PTSD
Traumatic Brain InjuryPost-Traumatic Stress DisorderThe overall objective of this project is to determine the efficacy and tolerability of TMS for mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) with PTSD symptoms and correlate treatment response with anatomical and biological factors unique to each service member (SM). Exploratory work will be done to look at the neuronal and biological changes that may occur over the course of TMS treatment.
Efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy in Group for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
PTSDThe purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a 8-week program of Compassion Focused Therapy in Group comparing to Supportive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Group for patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Treatment of NLP Method in Women Who Have Experienced Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Dissorder...
Post-Traumatic Stress DisordersThe purpose of this interventional study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NLP PTSD protocol in the event of PPPTSD. The study's main hypothesis is that the implementation of the NLP protocol will be effective and result in reduction of the overall PTSD level.