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Neurobiological Correlates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) During Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep

Neurobiological Correlates of PTSD During REM Sleep (REM-P)

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00871650
Acronym
REM-P
Enrollment
24
Registered
2009-03-30
Start date
2009-03-31
Completion date
2011-11-30
Last updated
2013-01-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Keywords

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Brain, Imaging, PET, Neural, Sleep, REM Sleep

Brief summary

The overarching aim of this Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21) is to explore the neurobiological correlates of PTSD during REM sleep by using state-of-the science positron emission tomography (PET) sleep imaging. This study will allow us to gain insight into the differences in sleep and waking brain mechanisms between veterans with PTSD and those without PTSD.

Interventions

OTHERSleep data recording

After completing the screening procedures, eligible participants will sleep in the laboratory for three consecutive nights of EEG sleep studies, one waking \[18F\]-FDG PET scan, and one REM sleep PET scan according to published methods.

OTHERPET scan - waking

After completing the screening procedures, eligible participants will sleep in the laboratory for three consecutive nights of EEG sleep studies, one waking \[18F\]-FDG PET scan, and one REM sleep PET scan according to published methods.

OTHERPET scan - REM Sleep

After completing the screening procedures, eligible participants will sleep in the laboratory for three consecutive nights of EEG sleep studies, one waking \[18F\]-FDG PET scan, and one REM sleep PET scan according to published methods.

Sponsors

University of Pittsburgh
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

General Inclusion Criteria: * Male OIF/OEF returnees between the ages of 18 and 45 years old * Combat Exposure Scale score \> 17 * Not taking medications known to affect sleep or wake function for at least 2 weeks (6 weeks for fluoxetine). * No history of trauma before age 18 Specific Inclusion Criteria for Subjects with PTSD: * Meet diagnostic criteria for current PTSD according to the CAPS-1 * CAPS-1 score is less than 80 Specific Inclusion Criteria for Subjects without PTSD: * Total CAPS-1 scores \< 17 * Does not meet criteria for PTSD

Exclusion criteria

* Trauma occurred less than 3 months prior to study entry * CES score \< 17 * Taking medications known to affect sleep and / or brain glucose metabolism * Current diagnosis of depression as determined by the SCID or BDI score \> 13 * History of psychotic or bipolar disorder * Current history (within 3 months) of substance or alcohol abuse as determined by the SCID * Positive alcohol blood test at screening or during the PET protocol * Significant or unstable acute or chronic medical conditions * Other current sleep disorders, such as insufficient sleep syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, periodic leg movement disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and current night shift work, suspected during the structured interview. Individuals who are found to have a apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) \> 10 or an index of periodic leg movements with arousal \> 15 will be excluded. * Presence of implanted devices such as cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clip, ear implant, shrapnel, neurostimulators or other metal devices * Fear of closed spaces * Previous radiation. Due to the risk of radiation exposure, we will exclude subjects who have had PET scans or other radiotracer exposure in the previous year. * History of open head injury.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Brain glucose metabolismDuring waking

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026