Investigating how sex differences affect vulnerability to PTSD
Official title: Sex differences in susceptibility to a PTSD-like phenotype
Funded at Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center · NIH-11095739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how men and women might react differently to trauma and develop PTSD, using rats to help us understand these differences better, so we can create better support and treatment for everyone, especially those in the military.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX003890-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are military personnel and veterans, particularly women, who are at higher risk for PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not have PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how men and women differ in their susceptibility to developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after experiencing traumatic events. It aims to identify specific factors that contribute to these differences, using an animal model to study the responses of male and female rats to trauma. By understanding these variations, the research seeks to inform tailored resilience-building strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for both sexes. The ultimate goal is to reduce the incidence of PTSD, particularly among military personnel.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, gender-specific interventions for preventing and treating PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding sex differences in PTSD susceptibility can lead to improved treatment strategies, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vazdarjanova, Almira — Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vazdarjanova, Almira
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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.