Prazosin, a drug that prevents the neurotransmitter norepinephrine from binding to its alpha1 receptor (alpha1-AR) subtype has shown efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms in most, but not all, studies of trauma-exposed Service Members, Veterans, and civilians. However, it is not effective in all patients and its use is complicated by variability in effective doses, a short duration of action, and frequent orthostatic hypotension at dose initiation.
We propose to develop a fluorine-18-labeled radiotracer for PET imaging of brain alpha1A-ARs (implicated in the pathophysiology of PTSD) in human subjects so as to create a PET-based method to identify alpha1A-AR blocking drugs that are more broadly effective and lack the shortcomings of prazosin. Displacement of radiotracer binding by drug candidates will allow assessment of their actions at brain alpha1A-ARs and facilitate the development of novel PTSD therapeutics.
The proposed research will be a preliminary investigation into the potential association between microbiota abundance, hormone levels, peripheral inflammation and current symptoms (psychiatric and cognitive) in Veterans with and without a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This work has the potential to form a new line of research that could ultimately provide new treatment options for individuals who have persisting symptoms following mTBI.
Project SARAH is a randomized clinical trial providing treatment for PTSD and alcohol use in the first year following sexual assault for individuals who identify as female. The study aims to test 1) the role of fear and reward in recovery following sexual assault; 2) the efficacy of a PTSD vs an alcohol intervention for promoting recovery; and 3) the type and amount of intervention needed to best promote recovery (e.g., whether individuals need both PTSD and alcohol interventions and whether recovery is improved by intervening on PTSD or alcohol use first).
This project aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of FOCUS, a mobile self-management intervention for individuals with serious mental illnesses. We will recruit 30 veterans receiving services at VA Puget Sound and provide FOCUS for one month, examining feasibility of integrating this intervention into outpatient VA services, acceptability to veterans, and preliminary outcomes including depression, psychotic symptoms, sleep, and recovery.
