Understanding how brain function affects treatment success in Veterans with PTSD.
Official title: Neuro-computational predictors of treatment responsiveness in trauma-exposed Veterans.
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11049041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some Veterans with PTSD don’t feel better even after getting good treatment, focusing on how losing interest in things they used to enjoy might affect their recovery, and it aims to find brain patterns that could help predict who will benefit most from therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002456-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are trauma-exposed Veterans currently undergoing Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a PTSD diagnosis or are not trauma-exposed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why many trauma-exposed Veterans do not fully recover from PTSD despite receiving effective treatments. It focuses on the concept of anhedonia, which is a lack of interest in enjoyable activities, and how it relates to treatment outcomes. By using advanced brain imaging techniques and computational modeling, the study aims to identify specific brain function markers that can predict how well Veterans will respond to therapy. The goal is to improve treatment strategies for those who struggle with PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for Veterans with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging and computational modeling to predict treatment outcomes in various mental health conditions, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harle, Katia — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Harle, Katia
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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.