Here's a list from the National Institutes of Mental Health ("NIMH"), government recipient of our tax dollars at work, of the clinical trials presently underway that are studying aspects of PTSD. Not many of the studies having much to do with combat trauma (yet), it would seem. In any case, here's a link to them: there are fourteen (14) clinical trials, total, including one with the somewhat rosy title of, "Using Affectionate Communication as a Response to Acute Stress." Mmmmn, sign me up! :-) We can never have enough of that... One or two do relate specifically to PTSD and combat trauma, including
- Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy and D-Cycloserine to Treat Iraq War Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Interventional study. This study will determine whether a combination of virtual reality exposure therapy and D-cycloserine will reduce post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in Iraq war veterans. Ages 21-65. Location in Atlanta, GA.
Here's a link to a page of worthwhile information about PTSD on the NIMH's website, with links to other information worth reviewing, or keeping on hand to share with others. One is, "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Real Illness" -- click here for that; and "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet" -- click here for that. (Lack of continuity in hyphenating style thanks to the NIMH, not this blogger.)
And, finally, If you're in the Bethesda, MD area, and you'd like to participate in an NIMH study (not necessarily the one above), click this link to learn more about how to participate. Not all studies looking for participants take place in the D.C. area, though -- many are in other large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta and Boston -- so check the main site above for clinical trial topics and locations.
