Using ketamine to enhance therapy for PTSD
Official title: Repeated Ketamine Treatment to Accelerate Efficacy of Prolonged Exposure in PTSD
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11044043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether adding ketamine to Prolonged Exposure therapy can help people with PTSD feel better faster, especially for those who haven't found relief with standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX001803-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD, particularly those who have not found relief from standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with PTSD or those who have contraindications to ketamine treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of ketamine as an adjunct treatment to Prolonged Exposure therapy for individuals suffering from PTSD. The study aims to determine if ketamine can accelerate the effectiveness of this therapy, which is often the primary treatment recommended for PTSD. By leveraging ketamine's unique properties that promote neuroplasticity and enhance learning, the research seeks to improve outcomes for patients who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments. Participants will receive ketamine alongside their therapy sessions to assess any improvements in their symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with PTSD, potentially reducing symptoms more rapidly.
How similar studies have gone: Emerging research has shown promising results using ketamine in similar therapeutic contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiroma, Paulo R. — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shiroma, Paulo R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
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-
Ketamine to boost memory reconsolidation and fear extinction in PTSD
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Using ketamine to improve memory and reduce fear in people with PTSD
This study is looking at whether ketamine, a medication usually used for anesthesia, can help people with PTSD by improving their memory and reducing fear responses when combined with therapy, aiming to make treatment more effective and quicker for those who struggle with this condition.
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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.
-
Automated self-acceptance training plus ketamine to extend antidepressant benefits
A study tests whether adding a quick computerized self-positivity training after ketamine can prolong relief from depression for people seeking ketamine treatment.
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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.
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.