How PTSD affects bone health in veterans
Official title: Exposing Invisible Wounds: Impacts of PTSD on Bone Health
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10950288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how PTSD might affect bone health in veterans, using a mouse model to understand if PTSD can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis, with the goal of finding ways to better support veterans dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005168-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with PTSD, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to bone health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a PTSD diagnosis or those not experiencing bone health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bone health, particularly focusing on veterans who are disproportionately affected by PTSD. The study utilizes a murine model that mimics PTSD symptoms to explore how this condition may lead to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis. By examining the underlying mechanisms, such as inflammation, the research aims to provide insights that could improve the health care provided to veterans suffering from PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for bone health issues in veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: While research on PTSD's impact on mental health is extensive, the specific focus on its effects on bone health is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larue, Amanda C. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Larue, Amanda C.
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.
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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.