Understanding how the brain regulates stress responses in PTSD
Neural regulation of susceptibility to hyperarousal
This study is looking at how a part of the brain linked to stress affects people with PTSD, aiming to understand why they feel so on edge and how it might also impact their heart health, with hopes of finding new treatments to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10950298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that contribute to hyperarousal in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly focusing on the locus coeruleus, a brain region involved in stress responses. By studying both male and female subjects, the research aims to identify how elevated sympathetic nervous system activity affects mental health and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The approach includes using animal models to simulate stress and observe the resulting behavioral and physiological changes. The ultimate goal is to develop therapies that can reduce hyperactivity in the locus coeruleus and alleviate symptoms of PTSD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and are suffering from PTSD, particularly veterans.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or have not experienced significant trauma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and associated cardiovascular risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the locus coeruleus in stress responses, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in PTSD treatment.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, Susan Kathleen — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Wood, Susan Kathleen
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 below.