Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
Official title: Developing Computational Nosologies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-11522578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project uses computer tools to find brain-based patterns that could help diagnose PTSD more clearly and tailor treatments for Veterans and others with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002115-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11522578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with PTSD, including Veterans, who could contribute brain imaging or related data.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not meeting PTSD criteria or unable to provide relevant data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use advanced computer methods to understand PTSD by identifying brain patterns and network relationships that relate to symptoms. It focuses on developing objective, brain-based markers to improve diagnostic precision and guide personalized therapies. The work involves analyzing brain data from people with PTSD to see if machine learning can reveal subtypes and more accurate diagnoses that reflect their unique symptom profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive clearer diagnoses and more targeted treatment plans based on their brain-based patterns.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show promise in using computational approaches for brain-based diagnosis, but this area remains developing and initial findings require validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence VA Medical Center
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zand Vakili, Amin — Providence VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zand Vakili, Amin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted glucocorticoid-blocking medicine for Veterans with PTSD
Veterans with PTSD will receive a selective glucocorticoid receptor blocker called CORT108297 to help reduce stress-related PTSD symptoms.
-
Creating new ways to diagnose and treat PTSD
This study is looking to make it easier to diagnose and treat PTSD by using smart computer tools to better understand the different symptoms people experience, which could lead to more personalized care for those affected.
-
Testing a new medication for veterans with PTSD
This study is looking at how well a new medication called CORT108297 can help veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by improving their body's stress response, and participants will take the medication and share how they're feeling throughout the trial.
-
Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
-
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
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
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.