The Veterans Administration has made strides in understanding how the brain works as in the case of PTSD, an anxiety disorder often associated with veterans but also occurring in the general population. So far, the VA has established much of the evidence relating to the biological basis of PTSD and how to treat PTSD by using prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapies.
Researchers are using virtual reality simulations where the sights, sounds, sensations, and smells are presented to the veterans that were in a feared situation. Therapists are using the technology as an aid when conducting prolonged exposure therapy and are helping patients change their negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Also, guided imagery is being used as a technique involving relaxation and mental visualization to help with PTSD. Patients are being taught to use specially created audio programs specific to PTSD sometimes by themselves so they can practice guided imagery at home.
Medications are being used to treat PTSD such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Other drugs that may help include hypertension drugs to help nightmares, beta-blockers to weaken traumatic memories, and the drug D-cycloserine to improve the results of psychotherapy treatments for PTSD.
As for clinical trials, VA researchers are conducting the first multi-site clinical trial of the drug risperidone to treat military-related chronic PTSD. This study includes 400 veterans to help determine whether risperidone is effective in veterans with chronic PTSD that have not been helped by antidepressants.
The VA and DOD have also teamed up to study whether the drug trazadone hydrochloride can be used as an adjunct to antidepressants when treating PTSD found in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. A joint study is due to start in the summer of 2014, with results due in 2015. So far, 25 VA study sites have been set up and will be coming online plus work will be ongoing with a DOD consortium.
Another research effort will feature a mobile MRI machine to be used at two VA sites and a nearby military base. Functional brain images will help researchers correlate PTSD symptoms with activity in particular areas of the brain.
Other plans include developing telehealth models of PTSD care that will take advantage of communication technologies which is especially important for veterans living in rural areas. Also, efforts are underway to create a PTSD registry with the Department of Defense to help researchers learn more about the risk factors and health outcomes associated with PTSD.