Investigating how lead exposure affects PTSD treatment in veterans
Official title: Cumulative Lead Exposure in Veterans with PTSD: Examining Firearm Use and Cognitive Therapy Outcomes with novel portable X-Ray Fluorescence
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11162657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how past exposure to lead from firearms might affect how well veterans with PTSD respond to therapy, using a special tool to measure lead levels in their bodies, so we can better understand the impact of lead on their mental health and treatment success.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $51,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31ES036867-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and active duty servicemembers who have been exposed to lead and are experiencing PTSD or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of lead exposure or those without PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between cumulative lead exposure and the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy in veterans suffering from PTSD. It aims to identify how lead exposure from firearms may impact cognitive abilities and treatment outcomes. By using novel portable X-Ray Fluorescence technology, the study will measure lead levels in veterans and assess how these levels correlate with mental health issues and therapy responses. The goal is to better understand the mental and physical effects of lead exposure on this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans with PTSD, enhancing their mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining cumulative lead exposure in relation to PTSD treatment is novel, there is existing research linking lead exposure to cognitive impairments and mental health issues.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoover, Christian Shaw — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Hoover, Christian Shaw
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
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Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
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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.
-
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.