The Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies is conducting a number of clinical research studies involving Posttraumatic stress disorder, including two funded by the National Institutes of Health. The treatment offered through each of these studies is free. A free assessment may also be provided to determine eligibility for these studies.
Related Services
Vets Services
Virtual Iraq
WTC Related Treatment
Iraq War Virtual Reality Study
Participants: We are currently recruiting veterans of the Iraq War who meet criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to treat symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military exposure to the Iraq War using traditional treatment combined with the Virtual Reality Therapy program. We will also be examining the effects of using D-Cycloserine (DCS) in conjunction with the virtual reality treatment.
Details: Treatment is offered on an individual basis for 12-14 weekly sessions lasting approximately 75 minutes each. This cognitive-behavioral treatment aims to introduce skills and techniques that will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. One essential component of the treatment includes describing one's military experiences. To enhance the ability to retell the experience, participants will be presented with a computerized virtual reality Iraq combat scenario, in which they will see and hear a "virtual environment" through a headset. In addition, participants will be randomly assigned to take either a low dose of D-Cycloserine (DCS; a broad-spectrum antibiotic) or a placebo pill prior to their weekly session to examine the effects of DCS on treatment. Thus treatment incorporates traditional techniques that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, with cutting edge technology and pharmacology to enhance the treatment. Treating clinicians are all highly experienced in working with PTSD, military personnel and disaster workers.
World Trade Center 9/11 Virtual Reality Clinical Study
Participants: We are recruiting individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder related to 9/11 who witnessed the WTC attacks (i.e., who witnessed the planes hit the towers and/or witnessed the towers collapse)
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to treat symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from 9/11 using traditional treatment combined with the Virtual Reality Therapy program. We will also be examining the effects of using D-Cycloserine (DCS) in conjunction with the virtual reality treatment.
Details: Treatment is offered on an individual basis for 12-14 weekly sessions lasting approximately 75 minutes each. This cognitive-behavioral treatment aims to introduce skills and techniques that will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. One essential component of the treatment includes describing one's experiences on 9/11. To enhance the ability to retell the experience, participants will be presented with a computerized virtual reality World Trade Center scenario, in which they will see and hear a "virtual environment" through a headset. In addition, participants will be randomly assigned to take either a low dose of D-Cycloserine (DCS; a broad-spectrum antibiotic) or a placebo pill prior to their weekly session to examine the effects of DCS on treatment. Thus treatment incorporates traditional techniques that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, with cutting edge technology and pharmacology to enhance the treatment. Treating clinicians are all highly experienced in working with PTSD, civilians and disaster workers.
General Trauma Clinical Study
Participants: We are recruiting individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder related to a multitude of traumas including, but not limited to, accidents, assaults, injuries, natural disasters or terrorism.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to treat symptoms of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from various traumas using traditional treatment combined with the use of D-Cycloserine (DCS).
Details: Treatment is offered on an individual basis for 12-14 weekly sessions lasting approximately 75-90 minutes each. This cognitive-behavioral treatment aims to introduce skills and techniques that will reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. One essential component of the treatment includes describing one;s traumatic experience. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either a low dose of D-Cycloserine (DCS; a broad-spectrum antibiotic) or a placebo pill prior to their weekly session to examine the effects of DCS on treatment. Thus treatment incorporates traditional techniques that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD, with cutting edge pharmacology to enhance the treatment. Treating clinicians are all highly experienced in working with PTSD, civilians and disaster workers.
To schedule a free evaluation or to learn more about our studies, please call (212) 821-0783.
