Brain test may help match PTSD patients to the right antidepressant
NCT ID NCT04183205
First seen Feb 11, 2026 · Last updated Jun 21, 2026 · Updated 15 times
Summary
This study aimed to see if a simple brain-wave test (LDAEP) could predict which veterans with PTSD or depression would improve with the SSRI medication sertraline (Zoloft). Participants took sertraline or a placebo for 14 weeks while researchers measured their brain activity and PTSD symptoms. The study was terminated early and enrolled only 19 people, so it cannot provide clear answers.
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, 29401-5703, United States
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VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
Boston, Massachusetts, 02130-4817, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
sertraline (Zoloft)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple brain test that helps doctors choose the right antidepressant for each person with PTSD or depression.
What could go wrong
The study was terminated early with only 19 participants, so results are very limited. The brain-wave test may not reliably predict treatment response in real-world settings.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.