Genetic and real-time data to understand PTSD and alcohol use together
Official title: Integrating genetic and ecological momentary assessment technologies to advance models of PTSD-AUD comorbidity
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11413574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in city residents with PTSD and alcohol use issues will combine genetic information and real-time diary data to better understand how these conditions influence each other.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,517 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA030549-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with PTSD and alcohol use issues, especially those living in urban, low‑income settings, who can participate in long-term monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PTSD or AUD or those unable to participate in regular assessments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows people from the Grady Trauma Project to collect genetic data and real-time reports about trauma, mood, and drinking. Researchers will use saliva for genetic analysis and smartphones to track daily experiences and alcohol use over time. The goal is to see how genetics, daily life, and timing contribute to PTSD and AUD getting worse or better together. The study will enroll 400 participants and use a longitudinal design to map cause-and-effect relations across different moments in time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to personalized approaches for preventing relapse and tailoring treatments for people with PTSD and AUD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown links between trauma, genetics, and drinking, but this study tests directionality and real-time relationships in a high-risk population.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amstadter, Ananda B — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Amstadter, Ananda B
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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.