Modulating a brain receptor to help with PTSD and alcohol abuse
Official title: mGlu5 modulation prevents and attenuates deficits in a model of PTSD/AUD comorbidity
Funded at James H Quillen VA Medical Center · NIH-11098478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how PTSD and alcohol use problems are connected in Veterans, and it aims to find new ways to help improve thinking and decision-making by looking at how the brain works, which could lead to better treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James H Quillen VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain Home, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005367-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PTSD or alcohol use disorder may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly in Veterans who are at a higher risk for both conditions. The study aims to understand how changes in brain function affect behavior and decision-making in individuals with these disorders. By exploring innovative approaches to modulate specific brain receptors, the research seeks to identify potential treatments that could improve cognitive flexibility and reduce the severity of symptoms associated with PTSD and AUD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that help individuals with PTSD and alcohol use disorder manage their symptoms more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to address comorbid mental health disorders, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
James H Quillen VA Medical Center
Mountain Home, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gass, Justin T — James H Quillen VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gass, Justin T
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.
-
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.