CURRENT INVESTIGATIONS

The Department of Psychiatry is conducting a series of trials studying clinical interventions and their effectiveness.

1. Riluzole Augmentation for Treatment-Resistant PTSD
This study is a double-blind, multi-site trial that is testing the efficacy of riluzole for treating treatment-resistant PTSD. Riluzole is a drug that is currently approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but it has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects in animal models of PTSD. The study is enrolling 70 participants with complicated combat-related PTSD, and it is measuring the effects of riluzole on depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, and brain chemistry. The study completed enrollment in November 2017 and is currently in data analysis.
 

2. Pilot Trial of Nightmare Deconstruction and Reprocessing, a Novel Treatment for PTSD-Related Nightmares and Insomnia

This study is a collaboration between the Department of Psychiatry and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. The study is testing the efficacy of nightmare deconstruction and reprocessing (NDR) for the treatment of PTSD-related nightmares and insomnia. NDR is a new type of exposure-based psychotherapy that has been adapted for treating trauma-related nightmares from Clara Hill's 3-stage cognitive-experiential dream model. The study is a pilot trial that is enrolling 20 military Service members and veterans with PTSD. The study is measuring the effects of NDR on PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, and nightmares. The study began enrollment in 2019.

These are just a few of the many clinical trials that are currently being conducted to investigate new treatments for PTSD. The Department of Psychiatry is committed to finding new and effective ways to treat this debilitating disorder.