Helping patients cope with PTSD symptoms after an ICD shock
Official title: Biobehavioral Intervention to Reduce PTSD Symptoms After an ICD Shock
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10722157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing an online program to help people who have recently received a shock from their heart device feel less anxious and avoid PTSD, so they can get back to their daily lives and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $420,095 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NR020967-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10722157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently received an ICD shock and are experiencing anxiety or distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced an ICD shock or those with pre-existing severe PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new intervention designed to help patients who have recently experienced a shock from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). It focuses on reducing anxiety and preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through a self-management program delivered online. Patients will receive training in heart rate monitoring and access to web-based learning modules over a month, with follow-ups to assess long-term benefits. The goal is to enhance patients' ability to return to their daily activities and improve their overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve daily functioning for patients who have experienced an ICD shock.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar biobehavioral interventions to address anxiety and PTSD in cardiac patients, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Cynthia M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Cynthia M
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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.