Brain test may help match PTSD patients to the right antidepressant
NCT ID NCT04183205
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
19 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2019
- Finished
-
Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. has a history of trauma exposure as defined by criterion A of PTSD in the DSM-5 2. meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD, subthreshold PTSD, or MDD as defined by DSM-5 3. study psychiatrist's judgment that SSRIs are an acceptable treatment option for the participant's presenting concerns, and 4. interest in starting a trial of an SSRI Exclusion Criteria: * current or past history of bipolar I disorder, schizophrenic or other psychotic disorders * current organic brain disorder including severe traumatic brain injury, factitious disorder, or malingering * pregnancy * major neurological problems * current moderate or severe substance use disorder * active risk to self or others * evidence of clinically significant hepatic or renal disease or any other acute or unstable medical condition that might interfere with safe conduct of the study * intolerance or hypersensitivity to sertraline * failed past trial of sertraline (confirmed by medical record review) * use of drugs that directly affect the serotonin system (e.g., SNRIs, antipsychotics) within 3 months of the study * use of an SSRI within 3 months of the study. Use of other psychotropic medications must have been stable for 3 months prior to enrollment and remain stable throughout participation * hearing impairment for 780 Hz tones * current enrollment in trauma-focused psychotherapy * for those participants who currently have a non-VA or VA psychiatrist or primary care provider who is willing to prescribe medications, they must be willing to sign a release of information (ROI) for study staff to communicate with their providers and the provider believes that including the participant in the study is potentially appropriate. * As discussed above, the investigators will inform the participant that the investigators will share the following information with their current relevant care provider: * information about the design of the study, inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participant's psychiatric and medical diagnoses as well as illness severity, as assessed in the screening evaluation, and any history of safety issues such as risk to self or others. * If the participant doesn't sign a release of release of information (ROI) to contact the provider, the participant will not be entered into the active study.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, 29401-5703, United States
-
VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
Boston, Massachusetts, 02130-4817, United States
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