Methylphenidate for PTSD with cognitive symptoms in veterans
Official title: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Methylphenidate for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Associated Neurocognitive Complaints
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11335009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A controlled trial tests whether methylphenidate helps veterans with PTSD and cognitive problems feel and think more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002546-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335009 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with PTSD who also experience cognitive difficulties and may be flanked by mild traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose PTSD symptoms or cognitive issues do not improve with methylphenidate or who experience adverse effects may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a common stimulant medication (methylphenidate) to see if it can reduce PTSD symptoms and improve cognitive function in veterans. The study uses an aggregated N-of-1 design, comparing methylphenidate to placebo in individual participants to gauge personal benefits. It builds on prior small studies suggesting potential cognitive and mood improvements in PTSD and TBI, and aims to clarify who might benefit most. Participants would work with a VA team in Seattle to monitor symptoms, cognition, and safety during the treatment periods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, veterans with PTSD and cognitive complaints could have a new option to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary small studies suggested improvements in cognitive function and mood with methylphenidate in PTSD/TBI populations, but larger evidence is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendrickson, Rebecca Cappel — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hendrickson, Rebecca Cappel
Related research
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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.