Exploring how self-compassion affects treatment outcomes for veterans with alcohol use disorder and PTSD.
Official title: The effect of self-compassion on integrated treatment outcomes among veterans with co-occurring AUD and PTSD.
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10922720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being kind to yourself can help veterans with alcohol use and PTSD feel better during their treatment, and it will track their progress in real-time to see if more self-compassion leads to better outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 9, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,828 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AA031161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have both AUD and PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of self-compassion in improving treatment outcomes for veterans suffering from both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By leveraging an ongoing clinical trial that examines the effects of oxytocin, the study aims to understand how self-compassion can enhance the effectiveness of integrated behavioral treatments. Participants will be assessed using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to capture real-time data on their self-compassion levels, alcohol consumption, and PTSD symptoms. The goal is to identify whether higher self-compassion correlates with better treatment results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans, enhancing their recovery from AUD and PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using self-compassion as a therapeutic tool, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forkus, Shannon — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Forkus, Shannon
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
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
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.
-
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.