Brain test could match PTSD veterans to the right medication

NCT ID NCT06852469

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
RECRUITING

San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.