Testing a medication to help Veterans with PTSD and recent strokes.
Official title: A randomized placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate in Veterans with a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder and recent cerebral stroke.
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10975942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a medication called methylphenidate can help Veterans who have both PTSD and have recently had a stroke feel better and function more easily in their daily lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002104-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who have experienced a cerebral stroke within the past 1 to 12 months.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or have not experienced a recent stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on Veterans who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have recently experienced a stroke. The study aims to determine if MPH can alleviate PTSD symptoms and improve daily functioning after a stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MPH or a placebo, and their progress will be monitored over time. The goal is to find effective treatments that address both PTSD and post-stroke recovery simultaneously.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option that improves mental health and recovery outcomes for Veterans with PTSD and stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that MPH can be effective in treating PTSD symptoms, but this specific approach in stroke patients is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Chen — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lin, Chen
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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.