Creating new ways to diagnose and treat PTSD
Official title: Developing Computational Nosologies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Funded at Providence VA Medical Center · NIH-11070369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002115-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Veterans and individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD, particularly those with complex or comorbid presentations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PTSD or those who do not exhibit significant symptoms related to the disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by using advanced computational tools to analyze the complex symptoms associated with the condition. It aims to develop objective biomarkers that can help identify different biological subtypes of PTSD, leading to more personalized treatment options. By employing machine learning algorithms, the research seeks to link specific PTSD symptoms to neurobiological data, enhancing our understanding of the disorder. This approach could ultimately provide clearer diagnostic criteria and more effective interventions for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using computational methods to analyze psychiatric disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in understanding and treating PTSD.
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.
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Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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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.