How alcohol use affects fear responses in veterans with PTSD
Neural correlates of fear conditioning and extinction in veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder
This study looks at how drinking alcohol affects the way veterans with PTSD learn to cope with fear and trauma, hoping to find better ways to help them recover from both their PTSD and alcohol use.
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 ID | NIH-11070362 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of alcohol use on fear extinction and contextual fear processing in veterans suffering from PTSD and alcohol use disorders. It aims to understand how current alcohol consumption influences the recovery processes from trauma, particularly focusing on the brain regions involved in fear responses. By examining these relationships, the study seeks to identify critical mechanisms that could inform more effective treatment strategies for veterans facing these dual challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who also have issues with alcohol use.
Not a fit: Patients without PTSD or those who do not have alcohol use disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorders, enhancing their recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the interplay between alcohol use and PTSD recovery is crucial, but this specific approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spadoni Townsend, Andrea — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Spadoni Townsend, Andrea
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 below.