Understanding how cognitive control training can help treat PTSD
Official title: Identifying clinically relevant neural circuit mechanisms of cognitive control training for PTSD
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10916842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how training your brain can help improve treatment for people with PTSD by focusing on memory and how it affects fear responses, with the goal of finding better ways to help those still struggling with symptoms.
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 | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01CX002760-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and individuals experiencing persistent PTSD symptoms despite receiving standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or those who have not sought treatment for their symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms involved in cognitive control training aimed at improving treatment outcomes for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on how cognitive abilities, particularly working memory, influence the process of fear extinction, which is crucial for effective therapy. By examining the relationship between cognitive control and emotional responses, the study aims to develop better therapeutic strategies for those who continue to experience PTSD symptoms despite existing treatments. Participants may undergo assessments that measure their cognitive abilities and emotional responses to various stimuli.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for PTSD, enhancing recovery and quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cognitive control mechanisms to enhance PTSD treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stout, Daniel — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Stout, Daniel
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.