PTSD Research

Research helps improve lives by tackling problems like PTSD. Research allows us to:

• Understand the problem and its effects
• Develop and test treatments to ease or fix the problem
• Find ways to prevent the problem in the first place

From civilians and Veterans, we are learning more and more about the causes of PTSD and other reactions to trauma. We are trying to develop new and better ways to treat and prevent PTSD.

Learning from research

Because of research, here are some things we have learned about trauma over the past 20+ years:

• People experience a range of reactions following trauma. Most people recover fine, given a little time. A small but significant number go on to develop more serious problems, like PTSD.
• Trauma is common. About 60% of US adults experience at least one trauma in their life.
• Certain treatments for PTSD have been found to work better than others. These treatments reduce symptoms and can allow you to enjoy activities again.

Research findings indicate that several types of therapy and medication can effectively treat PTSD. The educational materials that you find on this website are based on the latest research on trauma and PTSD.

Types of research

There are many forms of research on trauma and PTSD. Research on basic biological processes in the body can help us understand how PTSD affects the brain. It also helps show what medications can help those with PTSD. Research on PTSD assessment can help us make sure that the tools we use to measure PTSD are valid. Research also helps us to understand which PTSD treatments work best. For example, when a drug is developed, research is used to tell how well it works. This is not to say that one treatment works for everyone, or that treatments that do not yet have strong evidence behind them do not work.

What you can do to help us learn more

You may be able to participate in research on trauma and PTSD. Taking part can help researchers learn more, and help those in need.

• Learn about what to expect and what to ask before you participate from these FAQs from VA's Research Office and A Participant's Guide to Mental Health Clinical Research* by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH).
• Search for NIMH-funded studies of PTSD* through the NIMH listing.
• Veterans can also participate in a local study or clinical trial.

Research at the National Center for PTSD

There are many ongoing studies at the VA's National Center for PTSD. Find out about what is being studied and how at on our Research Initiatives page in the About Us section.

We will also be listing some specific ongoing studies on this page. For example, below is a study from our Pacific Islands Division that is being done online.

Study 1 Name: Survey of Experiences of Returning Veterans (SERV)

Description: This is a VA-funded project based at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, CT. The target sample is 1200 separated OEF/OIF Veterans from all 50 states, and it involves a telephone interview every 3 months for one year. Veterans are compensated up to $250 for their time. All calls are confidential.

Principal Investigator: Rani Desai, PhD
Contact for further information: Elizabeth.dombrowski@va.gov, (203) 932-5711 ext 3730
Study Website: http://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn1/serv/
Study data collection ends: 10/1/2014

Study 2 Name: Telemental Health and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rural Combat Veterans with PTSD

Description: This DOD-funded study is based at the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System in Honolulu, HI. The study team is looking for male Veterans, Reserve and National Guard service members on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island who have experienced combat-related PTSD. The purpose of the study is to test the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) when used through video teleconferencing. CPT is a proven cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on thoughts and feelings. In this study, there are twelve, 90-minute group therapy sessions occurring twice a week for six weeks. Study participants can be compensated up to $430 for their expenses.

Principal Investigator: Leslie Morland, PsyD, (808) 566-1934
Contact for further information: Jennifer Schneider, PhD, (808) 538-2533
Study Website: www.pathwaystochangehawaii.com*
Study data collection ends: December 31, 2012

Study 3 Name: Telemental Health and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Female Veterans with Military-related PTSD

Description: This DOD-funded study is based at the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System in Honolulu, HI. The study team is looking for female Veterans, Reserve and National Guard service members on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island who have experienced trauma during their military service which has resulted in PTSD. The purpose of the study is to test the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) when used through video teleconferencing. CPT is a proven cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on thoughts and feelings. In this study, there are twelve, 75-minute individual therapy sessions occurring once a week for twelve weeks or twice a week for six weeks. Study participants can be compensated up to $430 for their expenses.

Principal Investigator: Leslie Morland, PsyD, (808) 566-1934
Contact for further information: Tara Buckley, MSW, (808) 954-6388
Study Website: www.pathwaystochangehawaii.com*
Study data collection ends: March 31, 2013