Testing a medication to improve cognitive function and reduce PTSD 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-11204585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a medication called methylphenidate, often used for ADHD, can help improve thinking skills and reduce PTSD symptoms in Veterans, especially those who also have mild brain injuries. If you’re a Veteran dealing with these issues, you might be able to join and see if this medication works for you!
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 | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002546-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11204585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, especially those experiencing cognitive complaints and possibly having mild traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those not experiencing cognitive difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of methylphenidate, a medication commonly used for ADHD, on cognitive function and PTSD symptoms in Veterans. The study will involve a randomized placebo-controlled trial, where participants will receive either the medication or a placebo to assess its effectiveness. The goal is to determine if methylphenidate can help alleviate cognitive complaints and improve overall functioning in Veterans suffering from PTSD, particularly those with comorbid mild traumatic brain injury. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the trial to evaluate changes in their symptoms and cognitive abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for Veterans with PTSD and cognitive difficulties, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results for the use of methylphenidate in improving cognitive function and reducing PTSD symptoms, suggesting potential for success in this larger trial.
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
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
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-
Light touches the brain: targeted ultrasound to help frontline workers with PTSD
A single, MRI-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound session is being tested to gently modulate a brain circuit involved in PTSD for frontline healthcare workers who have PTSD symptoms.
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Methylphenidate for PTSD with cognitive symptoms in veterans
A controlled trial tests whether methylphenidate helps veterans with PTSD and cognitive problems feel and think more clearly.
-
Preventing awareness during paralysis in emergency ventilated patients and reducing PTSD
This project will change emergency department medication defaults to cut back on a paralytic drug and see if that lowers the chance that adults put on ventilators wake up while paralyzed and later develop PTSD.
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.