Understanding PTSD in Veterans through genetic and brain data analysis
Official title: Biomarker based classification and clustering of Veterans with PTSD
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10950356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetic information and brain scans can help us better understand and group Veterans with PTSD, so they can receive more personalized treatments that work best for them.
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, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005918-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who have access to genetic data.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a PTSD diagnosis or those who do not have genetic data available may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic and neuroimaging data can be used to better classify and understand Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans. By utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, the project aims to identify distinct subgroups of Veterans with PTSD, which could lead to more personalized treatment options. The study leverages existing genetic data from large repositories and aims to improve the understanding of PTSD through both supervised and unsupervised analytical methods. Veterans may have access to their own genetic data, which could enhance their treatment experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic and neuroimaging data to understand PTSD, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simmons, Alan N — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Simmons, Alan N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.