Traumatic Stress Research Program
Overview
The Traumatic Stress Research Program is the DATR/NIMH point of contact for disaster/terrorism/biodefense-related research. The program supports research on biopsychosocial risk/protective factors for psychopathology after traumatic events and the development of interventions for PTSD in adults; and research spanning and integrating basic science, clinical practice, and health care system factors regarding mass trauma and violence (e.g. war, terrorism, natural and technological disaster), including interventions and service delivery targeting an array of relevant mental health concerns (distress, disorder, functional sequelae) in children, adolescents, and adults.Areas of Emphasis
- Studying genetic and environmental interactions that cause posttraumatic disorders.
- Developing highly predictive early diagnostics for PTSD.
- Developing effective and feasible psychosocial and pharmacological interventions for fear extinction to prevent chronic PTSD.
- Mapping neurohormonal, physiological, and behavioral parameters in PTSD development that predict treatment seeking, adherence, and outcome.
- Developing cost-effective identification and treatment approaches for posttraumatic distress and psychopathology in non-mental health settings.
Contact
Farris K. Tuma, Sc.D.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7111, MSC 9632
301-443-3648, ftuma@mail.nih.gov
Rajni Agarwal, MA
Psychologist
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7111A, MSC 9632
301-443-3648, rajniagarwal@mail.nih.gov