A new therapy to reduce guilt in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Non-Inferiority Trial of Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy (TrIGR) for PTSD
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11077698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a short therapy to help veterans with PTSD by focusing on feelings of guilt, making it easier for them to feel better and improve their overall mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002584-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing PTSD and trauma-related guilt.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or trauma-related guilt may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a brief therapy designed to help veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by specifically targeting trauma-related guilt. The therapy aims to alleviate distressing emotions that often persist after traditional PTSD treatments, which can be lengthy and burdensome. By focusing on guilt reduction, the study seeks to improve overall mental health outcomes for veterans, potentially leading to better psychosocial functioning and reduced symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation. Participants will engage in a less intensive intervention that may be more accessible and effective for those struggling with PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with a more effective and accessible treatment option for managing PTSD and associated guilt.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brief interventions for PTSD, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norman, Sonya — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Norman, Sonya
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
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Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
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Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
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Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.