Using neurostimulation to help veterans with severe PTSD
Official title: Responsive Neurostimulation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10668215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help veterans with severe PTSD by using a device that monitors brain activity and helps reduce fear, with the goal of finding a better treatment for their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $955,185 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3NS107673-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10668215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with severe treatment-resistant PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or those whose symptoms are well-managed with existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) to help veterans suffering from severe treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The approach involves chronic recording of brain activity from the amygdala, which is crucial for processing fear and anxiety, while applying neuromodulation techniques to promote fear extinction. By understanding how the brain responds to trauma reminders, the study aims to develop a more effective treatment for PTSD. Participants will be closely monitored to assess the impact of this innovative therapy on their symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for veterans with severe PTSD who have not responded to traditional therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with neuromodulation techniques in treating PTSD, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langevin, Jean-Philippe — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Langevin, Jean-Philippe
Related research
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-
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-
Methylphenidate for PTSD with cognitive symptoms in veterans
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This project will change emergency department medication defaults to cut back on a paralytic drug and see if that lowers the chance that adults put on ventilators wake up while paralyzed and later develop PTSD.
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.