The role of sex hormones in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Official title: Sex hormones and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10842407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how hormones like testosterone and estradiol might affect the development and severity of PTSD and related issues like depression and anxiety, especially in men and women, to help find better ways to treat and prevent these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $394,538 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123486-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have experienced trauma and may be suffering from PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or related mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol, influence the development and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health issues like depression and anxiety. By analyzing data from approximately 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank, the study aims to uncover the relationship between hormone levels and mental health outcomes, particularly focusing on the differences observed between men and women. The findings could lead to improved treatment and prevention strategies for PTSD, especially among populations that are disproportionately affected, such as women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD and related mental health disorders, particularly for women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested a link between sex hormones and mental health outcomes, but this research aims to provide more definitive answers with a much larger sample size.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, Laramie — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Duncan, Laramie
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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.