Combination Treatment of PTSD Among 9/11 Victims (IRB #4744)
*Currently Recruiting Participants- Call 212-543-6747 for more information
Principal Investigator: Franklin Schneier, MD
Overview of the Study:
This treatment program evaluates the efficacy of a combination of two complementary established treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in persons who have developed chronic PTSD as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. All participants will receive individual weekly 90 minute therapy sessions of a specific psychotherapy that has been found to be effective in treating symptoms of PTSD such as anxiety, emotional numbness, vivid traumatic memories and sleep problems. Medication has also proven helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD. All participants will be randomized to medication (Paroxetine CR) or placebo.
This study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health allowing us to provide evaluations, therapy and medication at no cost to participants in the Treatment Program
Eligibility Criteria:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder related to 9/11 exposure
- Age range 18-65; Men and Women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Helena Rosenfeld at 212-543-6747.
Psychotherapies for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (IRB#5660)
*Currently Recruiting Participants- Call 212-543-6747 for more information
Principal Investigator: John Markowitz, MD
Overview of the Study:
Postttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, debilitating psychiatric disorder. This study compares how well three different treatments reduce symptoms such as anxiety, avoidance, emotional numbness, mistrust, vivid memories of trauma, and sleep problems for individuals suffering from chronic PTSD. The three treatments are:
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy, a well established treatment for mood and eating disorders that focuses on how PTSD affects social interactions with other people;
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy, a validated treatment for PTSD that involves reliving and gaining control over memories of the trauma; and
- Relaxation Therapy, which involves relaxing the body and coping with the physical symptoms of PTSD.
Participants will be randomly assigned (by computer program) to one of these three types of therapy and will receive individual weekly therapy sessions over a period of 14 weeks. Raters will measure each participant’s progress periodically during the 14 week treatment period. A follow-up assessment will be conducted three months after the final therapy session.
This study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health allowing us to provide evaluations and therapy at no cost to participants in the Treatment Program
Eligibility Criteria:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) lasting at least 3 months
- Age Range 18-65
- Men and Women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Helena Rosenfeld at 212-543-6747.
Neurobiological Studies of Stress and Depression (IRB #4344)
*Currently Recruiting Participants- Call 212-543-5902 for more information
Principal Investigator: Gregory M. Sullivan, MD
Overview of the Study:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling anxiety condition associated with memory problems, altered responses to stressful circumstances, and significant impairment in day-to-day functioning. This study involves assessment using PET imaging to study two brain proteins in the serotonin system in individuals with PTSD compared to healthy volunteers with no PTSD. Participants also undergo an MRI scan and a test of the stress-response system. Eligible participants age 18-65 years old who have PTSD receive a choice of six months of treatment with a trauma-focused psychotherapy, pharmacological therapy, or both.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Age Range 18-65
- Men and Women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Brendan Carroll at 212 543-5902.
Complicated Grief Treatment for 9/11 Bereaved (IRB# 5460)
*Not currently recruiting participants
Principal Investigator: Yuval Neria, PhD
Overview of the Study:
This study will address prolonged bereavement problems of individuals that lost a loved one in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Participants will receive 16 sessions of grief focused psychotherapy, and therapists provide full-care and support throughout the duration of the treatment program. Additional support is available for at least 3 months after completion of the program. Treatment is available at no cost to eligible participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Complicated grief symptoms related to the loss of significant others or close friend on September 11, 2001.
- 18-70 years old; Both men and women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Jose Hernandez at 212-543-5367.
Trauma-Related Treatment Programs
Treatment of Chronic Insomnia Induced by Trauma (IRB# 5421)
*Currently Recruiting Participants- Call 212-543-6747 for more information
Principal Investigator: Smit Sinha, MD
Overview of the Study:
Chronic insomnia is one of the hallmark symptoms of the human response to traumatic events. Trauma is a specific, extreme form of stressful life event that disrupts the normal sleep regulatory mechanism by sensitizing the central nervous system’s arousal centers. The aim of this study is to determine whether an FDA-approved sleep medication is effective in the treatment of trauma-induced insomnia. Participants will be randomized to medication or placebo. Participants will receive treatment and be assessed by a psychiatrist weekly for 6 weeks. Additional support will be available for 3 months after completion of the program. Treatment is available at no cost to eligible participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Insomnia related to a traumatic event
- Age Range 18-55
- Men and Women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Helena Rosenfeld 212-543-6747
The Neurochemistry and Neurocircuitry of Panic Disorder: Part II, Regional Brain 5-HT1A Receptor Status and Functional Correlates within Fear Circuits (IRB #5103)
*Currently Recruiting Participants- Call 212-543-5902 for more information
Principal Investigator: Gregory M. Sullivan, MD
Overview of the Study:
We have previously found that panic disorder is associated with lower levels of a brain protein of the serotonin system in areas of the brain believed to be involved in panic attacks. In the present study we are using PET (with [11C]WAY100635) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in individuals with panic disorder and healthy volunteers to assess for a relationship between this serotonin receptor and heightened reactivity in areas of the brain involved in fearful behaviors and anxiety. Eligible participants age 18-65 years old who have panic disorder receive a choice of six months of treatment with a cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder, pharmacological therapy, or both.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Panic Disorder
- Age Range 18-65
- Men and Women
To schedule a confidential screening, please call Brendan Carroll at 212 543-5902.
