Finding PTSD subgroups in Veterans using genes and brain scans
Official title: Biomarker based classification and clustering of Veterans with PTSD
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11212776 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using genetic information and brain imaging from Veterans to find different types of PTSD so care can be better matched to each person.
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 | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005918-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11212776 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who can share existing genetic data and/or brain imaging records with researchers.
✕Less likely to help
People without available genetic or neuroimaging data, non-Veterans, or those needing immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this analysis-focused work.
What this research studies
You would hear that this project combines DNA and brain-scan data from Veterans to teach computer programs how PTSD shows up biologically. The team uses large, existing datasets (including research and commercial genetic data) and applies both classification and clustering machine-learning methods. They pick features from current scientific literature and compare models through careful testing to see which patterns are reliable. The goal is to define biologically similar subgroups that could point toward more personalized care in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help match Veterans with PTSD to treatments that fit their biological subtype.
How similar studies have gone: Machine-learning studies using genetics and brain imaging have shown promise in psychiatry, but applying these methods to define reliable PTSD subtypes is still fairly new.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmons, Alan N — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Simmons, Alan N
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.
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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.
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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.