Using ketamine to improve memory and reduce fear in people with PTSD
Official title: Using Ketamine to enhance memory reconsolidation and extinction of overgeneralized fear in individuals diagnosed with PTSD
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10840953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,198,945 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH129559-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who have not responded well to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of PTSD or those who are currently receiving effective treatment for their symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of ketamine, a medication typically used as an anesthetic, to enhance memory reconsolidation and help extinguish overgeneralized fear responses in individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The study aims to provide a novel pharmacological approach to treating PTSD, which currently has limited effective medications. By exploring the effects of ketamine in conjunction with intensive exposure therapy, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the time required for patients to experience relief from symptoms. Participants will receive ketamine in a controlled setting, allowing researchers to assess its impact on their PTSD symptoms over a short period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more effective treatments for individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Recent studies have shown promising results using ketamine for reducing PTSD symptoms, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harpaz-Rotem, Ilan — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Harpaz-Rotem, Ilan
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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This study is looking at how people with PTSD learn to recognize and remember threats, so we can create better treatments that help them manage their fears in everyday life.
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Cholinergic Brain Pathways in PTSD and Fear Extinction
We’re studying a brain chemical system (acetylcholine and a key receptor) to understand fear learning and PTSD better, with people who’ve experienced trauma.
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.