Overview:
This is a brain imaging research study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with and without depression. Eligible participants receive two brain positron emission tomography (PET) scans on one day which assess the amounts of two proteins of the brain’s serotonin system in various brain regions. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is also obtained, and there are interviews and rating scales that are part of the study. Participants also receive a test of the stress system known as the low dose dexamethasone test. Up to 6 months of outpatient treatment is offered to participants in the study at no cost. Also, participants may be compensated $350 for time and inconvenience

Eligibility:

• Between18 and 65 years of age
• Meets criteria for PTSD
• Not on current working medication regimen

Benefits to participant:

• This study may benefit the subjects by offering them a thorough medical and psychiatric work-up. Patients will be eligible for up to 6 months of free treatment with therapy and/or medication.

For more information about participating,
or if you have questions about the study, please contact:

Brendan Carroll, BA
Phone: 212-543-5902

You will be asked several screening questions over the telephone to help determine if you may be eligible for the study.

Study FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. What do I need to do to participate?
Complete an initial phone screen and then an in-person screen to verify your eligibility.

2. Is compensation provided for the screening process?
No, you will not be compensated for the phone screen or the in-person screen.

3. How long would I have to wait to receive compensation?
Compensation is received as a check 4 to 6 weeks after PET.

4. What risks are involved?
Arterial Catheter: Before the brain imaging scans, an arterial catheter will be placed in your arm and may cause mild discomfort. There is a very small chance of complication from the catheter, including bleeding, infection, cutting off of circulation to the hand and blood clot.

PET Scan: During the PET scan, you will be exposed to low levels of radiation. Although health hazards from such low levels have never been shown, radiation risk is cumulative over a lifetime, and additional exposure should be carefully considered. Everyone is exposed to natural background radiation daily from sources such as radon, food, water and the sun's rays. The average exposure in the U.S. each year is estimated to be 360 mrem. To compare the amount of radiation exposure in this research study, the amount of radiation you will receive in one PET scan is about in the same range as what you would receive in one year from natural background sources. While there are no known risks associated with receiving this level of radiation, radiation exposure adds up throughout a person's lifetime. It is not possible to tell whether the small additional radiation received by participating in this study will increase your long-term risk for diseases such as cancer.

MRI and fMRI Scan: Except for pacemakers and some types of metallic implants, we know of no health hazard from the MRI scan or fMRI scan. A MRI or fMRI should not be done during pregnancy because of possible risk to the fetus.

In your MRI session, you will also undergo an fMRI. After the MRI scan is complete, you will stay on the same table inside the camera for an fMRI scan. You will be asked to wear soft goggles so you can see a computer screen. Although you will be inside the camera from your head to your knees, the goggles make it seem like there is plenty of space around you. You will also wear headphones and a microphone so you can hear us and speak to us. We will put a small two-button keyboard under your hand. We will show you pictures and ask you to press a button based on what you see. This activity will take about thirty minutes.

5. What kind of treatment is provided?
Patients can be treated on either an in-patient or out-patient basis. Treatment will consist of medication and cognitive behavior therapy for up to six months. If you still need treatment after this period has passed, you will be given referrals for continuing treatment elsewhere.
None of the medications are experimental.

6. Can I be in multiple studies?
Yes. If you participate in this study you may also be eligible to participate in one of our treatment studies.

7. Is psychotherapy involved in treatment?
Yes.

8. How often will I have to come in for treatment?
For at least the first eight weeks of treatment, you will meet weekly with a psychiatrist. Visits may be spaced out after that time depending on your symptoms.

9. What is the inpatient setting like?
The inpatient unit offers both group and individual therapy. Patients have movies, magazines and a game room available for their use. There are visiting hours daily

10. Will I be able to remain on my current medications?
No.

11. Can I participate if I’m doing well on my current medications?
No.

12. Can I be in multiple studies?
Yes.

13. What if I cannot tolerate a medication washout?
Only patients who are expected to tolerate the washout will be accepted into this study. If you do not think that you can be off of medication for three weeks, you should not consider participation

14. Can I continue seeing my current psychiatrist if I participate?
No.

15. Will my records be confidential?
Yes, all records are confidential.

16. Will the results of my PET scan help with my treatment?
PET scans results are performed for research purposes only. The results will not provide helpful information about your illness or guide your treatment.

17. What kind of training does the clinical staff have?
All psychologists conducting interviews have a master’s degree, at minimum, and most have Ph.D’s. All psychiatrists administering medication are licensed M.D.’s.

18. What if I sign up for the study, but decide later that I don’t want to participate?
Participation in this study is voluntary and you may choose to discontinue your participation at any point.

Basic Information:

Principal Investigator:
Gregory Sullivan MD.
Title: Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Division: Neuroscience

Address:

New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), Unit 41
1051 Riverside Drive, Room 3619
New York, NY 10032

Phone:

For appointments, call
Brendan Carroll, BA
(212) 543-5902. between 9am and 5pm.