Investigating brain activity differences in women with PTSD

A Multi-Modal Investigation of Neurophysiological Deficits in PTSD

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11064073

This study is looking at how PTSD affects women's brains, especially how they process emotions and threats during their menstrual cycle, to help us understand the unique ways PTSD shows up in women.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064073 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects brain function, particularly in women. It examines the neural circuitry involved in processing emotions and threats, especially during different phases of the menstrual cycle. By using advanced techniques like electroencephalography (EEG), the study aims to identify specific brain activity patterns associated with PTSD in women. This could lead to a better understanding of how PTSD manifests differently in females compared to males.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with PTSD, particularly those who experience symptoms related to their menstrual cycle.

Not a fit: Patients who are not women or those without a PTSD diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, gender-specific treatments for PTSD in women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding PTSD through neurophysiological approaches, but this specific focus on women and menstrual cycle phases is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.