SIU Medicine Launches Clinical Trial to Study PTSD

Do you suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or know someone who does?

SIU School of Medicine has launched a clinical trial to study the safety and efficacy of an investigational drug for PTSD. Local researchers are evaluating an investigational drug that has received FDA approval for schizophrenia and as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder. In the new study, doctors want to evaluate the investigational drug in combination with the drug sertraline for treatment of PTSD.

Jeffrey Bennett, MD, is associate professor of psychiatry at SIU School of Medicine and the principal investigator for the study. “PTSD is a serious and widely recognized condition affecting men and women of all ages. During the pandemic, people may be feeling more stress and uncertainty,” he said. “If a past traumatic event also exists that affects a person’s emotional health, it can sometimes seem overwhelming.”

“Newer treatments are needed to improve the symptomatic relief from PTSD.”

To see if you qualify for the study, you must:

• Be 18 to 65 years of age
• Have had PTSD symptoms for at least 6 months prior to this study
• Be able to understand the nature of the trial and follow protocol requirements
• Be willing to discontinue all prohibited medications prior to and during the trial period

The participants’ health and safety will be monitored closely throughout the study period. Everyone who enrolls will have all study-related visits, tests and study drugs provided at no cost. In addition, reimbursement for travel may be provided.

PTSD can be brought on in different ways. If you’ve experienced or witnessed a traumatic event that causes unwanted memories, or you struggle with fear and anxiety, or feel isolated, you could have PTSD.

While treatments are available, not everyone responds to them. As a result, many who suffer from PTSD continue to live with its mood-altering symptoms.

For more information about the study and enrollment, contact Vineela Sunkepalli at 217.545.7321, Erin Bauer at 217.545.6955 or Sara Boarman at 217.545.6829.

The mission of SIU School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community. SIU Medicine, the health care practice of the school of medicine, includes clinics and offices with more than 300 providers caring for patients throughout the region.