CHLA Veteran PTSD Research Study
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study with U.S. combat veterans to better understand how fear functions in the brain and to support the development of future behavioral treatments for PTSD.
Fast Facts
U.S. Veterans who experienced combat-based trauma and related symptoms
18-65
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $275
Participants must be located in Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Orange, or San Diego counties
Study Background
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study in U.S. combat veterans to understand how fear and PTSD develop in the brain and how they may be addressed through future behavioral treatments.
PTSD and fear-related symptoms, which can affect emotional regulation, attention, and responses to threat, are associated with disruptions in brain circuits involved in fear processing and regulation. These symptoms may be related to alterations in how the brain responds to fear and stress, particularly following combat-related trauma. Through this study, we aim to learn more about the brain mechanisms underlying PTSD and to inform the development of future behavioral treatments for U.S. combat veterans.
Understanding these processes may also help identify earlier and more effective ways to support veterans and reduce the long-term impact of PTSD. Ultimately, findings from this study may contribute to improved treatment approaches and enhanced quality of life for individuals affected by combat-related PTSD.
Study Background
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study in U.S. combat veterans to understand how fear and PTSD develop in the brain and how they may be addressed through future behavioral treatments.
PTSD and fear-related symptoms, which can affect emotional regulation, attention, and responses to threat, are associated with disruptions in brain circuits involved in fear processing and regulation. These symptoms may be related to alterations in how the brain responds to fear and stress, particularly following combat-related trauma. Through this study, we aim to learn more about the brain mechanisms underlying PTSD and to inform the development of future behavioral treatments for U.S. combat veterans.
Understanding these processes may also help identify earlier and more effective ways to support veterans and reduce the long-term impact of PTSD. Ultimately, findings from this study may contribute to improved treatment approaches and enhanced quality of life for individuals affected by combat-related PTSD.
Additional Information
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are conducting a study in U.S. combat veterans to better understand PTSD and how fear is processed in the brain.
PTSD and symptoms related to trauma can impact emotions, thoughts, and behavior, particularly after combat experiences. This study aims to learn more about the brain processes involved in fear and how these may inform the development of new behavioral treatments for veterans with PTSD. By studying these processes, we hope to improve treatments and quality of life for U.S. combat veterans experiencing PTSD.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Not currently serving in active duty, National Guard, or Reserves
- U.S. Veteran who experienced combat-based trauma
- Experiencing trauma-related symptoms associated with combat
- Ages 18–65
- Living in Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Orange, or San Diego counties
- A prior PTSD diagnosis is not required; eligibility will be determined during study assessments.
The entire study lasts approximately 4 hours over 2 visits. Once enrolled, the study involves:
Visit 1: Virtual interviews and assessments related to background, emotions, thoughts, behavior, and mental health history
Visit 2: In-person interviews and assessments, including an MRI scan, where participants will view combat-related images and report their observations
Participants can earn up to $275 for completing the study, which includes $75 for diagnostic assessments, $125 for the MRI scan, $25 for post-scan tasks and interviews, and a $50 bonus for completing all aspects of the study, with additional reimbursements for transportation and parking.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.