The Sleep Research Data Repository (SRDR) aimed to systematically collect, analyze and store for future research sleep and sleep disorders related biological and psychological information. It will include sleep physiological measurements and the results of interviews, questionnaires, and laboratory tests. The SRDR will contain sleep related information obtained from healthy subjects and patients with psychiatric, substance abuse, neurological disorders, or any medical conditions associated with sleep disturbances. SRDR data will be made available to current and future IRB-approved investigators associated with this protocol.

This study is testing the efficacy of Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (PE) relative to treatment-as-usual in Veterans with severe and persistent mental illness (SMI; schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe unipolar disorder) treated at the Charleston VAMC.

This study is a prospective, randomized (1:1), controlled, multisite study of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction [MBSR] in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. MBSR will be compared to Present Centered Group Therapy [PCGT].

The specific aims of this study are:
Primary Aim: (H1) to evaluate the efficacy of MBSR in the treatment of PTSD.
Secondary Aims: (S1) to evaluate the effects of MBSR on mindfulness, depression, PTSD symptom clusters, rates of response and (S2) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of MBRS.

Exploratory Aims: It will also evaluate: (E1) whether or not the subjects’ treatment preference influences outcome; (E2) the stress-immunological-biomarkers as they relate to treatment outcome; (E3) the durability of therapeutic effects of MBSR in the treatment of PTSD, and (E4) the subjects’ acceptance of and satisfaction with MBSR.

The objective of the proposed study is to investigate the cortical excitability in combat related PTSD. To accomplish this objective, we will recruit combat veterans with and without PTSD. Clinical assessment will be performed to assess the severity of PTSD and combat exposure. A newly developed transcranial magnetic stimulation approach will be applied to examine the cortical excitability, then genetic analysis will be used to learn how genetic factors influence individual cortical excitability. We expect this innovative approach will enhance our knowledge about the mechnism of PTSD development.

Have you witnessed or experienced traumatic or stressful events in your lifetime? Individuals between 21-30 years old are being recruited for a research study looking at trauma history, personality differences, and alcohol preference. Healthy volunteers are also being recruited. This is not a treatment study. Compensation is available. Call study personnel at 792-1841 for more information and to find out if you are eligible.

Are you an OEF/OIF Veteran or Service Member?

Did you serve in the Iraq or Afghanistan or support those operations? If so, did you experience or witness a traumatic event, such as combat or a serious injury? Do you find that you are still affected by the event? For example, do you notice that you feel jumpy or irritable? Do you avoid situations that remind you of what happened, or have nightmares or unwanted memories? And do you find that you drink alcohol or use drugs to help cope with how the trauma has affected you? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a MUSC clinical trial testing a new therapy. You will be compensated for your time and information is kept strictly confidential. Transportation to appointments may be available.

Volunteers are needed for a study designed to help understand why people overeat and become overweight. If you are normal weight or obese and are currently not dieting and haven't been recently, please give us a call. This is a one-day study and compensation is available. As part of this study, you will also be given a complete body composition analysis along with a full detailed report regarding the results of the analysis.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether therapy for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans with PTSD symptoms can be delivered effectively using videoconferencing technology (telepsychology), which allows a therapist and patient who are not in the same room as one another to communicate. This study is being conducted at the Charleston VA and will involve approximately 250 participants. Compensation is provided for study participation. Participation in the study will last about 8 weeks, followed by 3 assessments over 12 months.

Have you been in a combat situation since 1980 and suffering from flashbacks, anxiety, poor sleep and isolation from others? If so, we are conducting a 14 week trial to determine the efficacy of a new medication called Nepicastat versus placebo in the treatment of PTSD in combat Veterans who have served since 1980 who are between the ages of 18 and 65.

Recruiting combat veterans with and without PTSD. Participation in this study will help us understand how genetics play a role in the mental health of combat veterans. The study involves ONE visit.