Brain test could match PTSD veterans to the right medication

NCT ID NCT06852469

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether a clinical test using lorazepam (Ativan) and brain imaging can identify veterans with PTSD who might benefit from medications that boost GABA signaling. Researchers aim to validate a computational method to distinguish subgroups of PTSD patients based on anxious arousal. The study involves 150 veterans, some with PTSD and some without, who will take either lorazepam or a placebo and perform motor tasks while their brain activity is measured.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Lorazepam (Ativan)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a simple test that helps doctors match the right PTSD medication to each veteran, improving treatment outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study focused on validating a test, not on treatment itself. The test may not prove reliable, and results may not apply to all PTSD patients.

Disclaimer Read more

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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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

    RECRUITING

    San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••