Assisting Veterans Suffering from PTSD

Researchers at VA San Diego are partnering with veterans to investigate the effect of a medication on symptoms of PTSD. Join our compensated study.

Fast Facts

veterans are eligible

between 18-55 years old

symptoms of PTSD

Compensation Provided

Conducted in San diego, CA

About Our Research

This study is investigating the effect of the medication methylphenidate on brain processing in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Methylphenidate is an FDA-approved medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but is not an FDA-approved treatment for PTSD. Administration of methylphenidate in this study is intended for research purposes only and is not intended as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder or any other clinical condition.

By doing this study, we hope to learn more about the brain chemistry and brain regions involved in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, with the ultimate goal of helping develop better and more targeted treatments.

This study is being funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Additional Information

This study is investigating the effect of the medication methylphenidate on brain processing in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. By doing this study, we hope to learn more about the brain chemistry and brain regions involved in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, with the ultimate goal of helping develop better and more targeted treatments. This study is being funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility for the study includes the following criteria (these will be reviewed with you by study personnel):

  • Qualify for PTSD diagnosis
  • Military Veteran 
  • Between 18 and 55 years old
  • Safe for MRI scanning
  • Safe for methylphenidate

Our studies vary in the type of interaction you will have with us. The goal of these studies is to potentially improve symptoms related to PTSD and other cognitive functions. Due to COVID-19, some of our studies offer remote visits.

You will be asked to participate in one screening session and two testing sessions separated by one month. The screening session will last approximately 2-3 hours and each testing session will last approximately 8 hours. During each testing session, you will be administered a dose of methylphenidate or placebo (inactive substance).

Methylphenidate is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and is not an FDA-approved medication for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Compensation of $500-$520 is provided for completion of study. Compensation will be prorated if you complete part of the study. If you attend the screening visit and are found not to be eligible for the study, you will be compensated $75.

There will be no cost to you to participate in the study, and you will help advance research for other veterans.