Improving PTSD treatment for veterans with serious mental illness
Official title: PTSD Treatment for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness to Improve Functional Outcomes
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-11176266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve treatment for veterans dealing with PTSD and serious mental health issues by trying out a new approach that includes their cultural identity, to see if it helps them feel better and live better lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX004272-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with both PTSD and serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or serious mental illness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing treatment for veterans suffering from both PTSD and serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. It involves a pilot study where cultural identity is integrated into a new intervention called WET, followed by a randomized controlled trial to assess its feasibility and acceptability among veterans. The study aims to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to the unique needs of this population. By addressing the specific challenges faced by these veterans, the research seeks to improve their overall recovery and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective PTSD treatments specifically designed for veterans with serious mental illness, improving their functional outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that culturally tailored interventions can improve treatment outcomes for diverse populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howell, Mary Katherine — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Howell, Mary Katherine
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.