Understanding self-destructive behaviors in veterans with PTSD
Official title: Psychological Drivers of Self-Destructive Behaviors in PTSD
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10930684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how self-destructive behaviors, like suicidal thoughts and substance use, are linked to PTSD in veterans, to better understand how these issues can affect their well-being over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002439-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and exhibit self-destructive behaviors, including suicidal ideation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or self-destructive behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between self-destructive behaviors and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, focusing on how these behaviors can lead to increased distress and impairment. By using advanced quantitative methods, the study aims to model the relationships between PTSD symptoms and self-destructive actions, such as suicidal thoughts and substance use. The research will involve a large sample of veterans, analyzing both group trends and individual experiences to identify key symptoms that may predict these harmful behaviors over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for veterans struggling with PTSD and self-destructive behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between PTSD and self-destructive behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zelkowitz, Rachel L — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Zelkowitz, Rachel L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrated therapy for PTSD in cardiac patients
A brief, patient-friendly plan to help people who’ve had a serious heart event and now experience PTSD symptoms through an evidence-based, streamlined therapy.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Mobile app to help family caregivers in Thailand manage distress
A mobile app called CAMMA would help family members caring for adults with chronic illnesses in Thailand feel less depressed and anxious through a culturally tailored mental health support program.
-
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.
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.