Understanding PTSD and Traumatic Stress in African Americans

Epigenomic Predictors of PTSD and Traumatic Stress in an African American Cohort

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11111253

This research looks at how life experiences and genetic markers might help us understand why some African Americans develop PTSD after trauma.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11111253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many African Americans, and we know that factors like past trauma and financial stress can play a role. This project builds on earlier findings that linked these experiences with changes in DNA, specifically in genes related to stress response. We want to learn more about how positive experiences, like social support, might protect against PTSD. We are also exploring how these genetic changes in the body relate to what happens in the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be African American adults who have experienced traumatic events.

Not a fit: Patients whose PTSD is not related to the specific genetic or psychosocial factors being studied may not directly benefit from these particular findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to identify individuals at higher risk for PTSD and develop more targeted prevention or treatment strategies for African Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Our earlier work has already identified key factors that predict PTSD symptom severity, and this project aims to expand on those findings by exploring new protective factors and brain connections.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.