Understanding how inhibitory learning can improve PTSD treatment
Official title: Inhibitory Learning as a Novel Mechanism of Prolonged Exposure: An Investigation of Laboratory and Mobile Health Measures
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11072045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how teaching veterans with PTSD to manage their fear can make their therapy more effective, helping us find better ways to support those who need it most.
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 | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are undergoing prolonged exposure therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or are not veterans may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibitory learning can enhance the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy for veterans with PTSD. It aims to identify the mechanisms that contribute to successful treatment outcomes by focusing on how patients learn to inhibit their fear responses during therapy sessions. The study will utilize both laboratory and mobile health measures to assess the impact of these learning processes on symptom reduction. By improving our understanding of these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop better strategies for identifying which patients will benefit most from prolonged exposure therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for veterans suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar mechanisms to enhance therapeutic outcomes, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunt, Christopher — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hunt, Christopher
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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.