Methylphenidate for the Treatment of PTSD With Associated Neurocognitive Complaints

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Mar 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of a medication called methylphenidate to help veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who also have trouble with memory, concentration, and completing tasks. These issues can make it hard for them to work and maintain relationships. The trial aims to see if methylphenidate can improve both PTSD symptoms and these cognitive difficulties. Participants will alternate between taking the medication and a placebo (a non-active treatment) every 4-5 weeks over a 20-week period, allowing researchers to compare how each treatment affects their symptoms.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be U.S. military veterans aged 18 to 65 with a formal diagnosis of PTSD and experience cognitive problems. They should be able to make their own decisions and sign consent forms. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join can expect to receive careful monitoring and support throughout the study. It’s important to note that certain health conditions and medications may exclude individuals from participating, so potential candidates should discuss their eligibility with the study team.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Any gender Veteran of the US military between the ages of 18 and 65 years
• • 2. Independent decision-making capacity to sign informed consent and HIPAA (i.e., no surrogate consent)
• • 3. Diagnosis of PTSD defined by DSM-5 symptom count on CAPS-5
• • 4. CAPS-5 past month total score greater than or equal to 26
• • 5. Subjective neurocognitive impairment, defined as a total score of greater than or equal to 25 (1 standard deviation below the mean) on the NeuroQoL Cognitive Function 8-item self-report form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Diagnosis of DSM-5-defined bipolar I, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders (by MINI)
• • 2. Presence of severe psychotic symptoms such that, based on the clinical judgement of the investigator or treatment provider, treatment with an antipsychotic is required.
• • 3. Diagnosis of moderate or severe substance use disorder (except for caffeine and nicotine) during the preceding 2 months. Patients who utilize alcohol or cannabis but do not meet criteria for moderate or severe disorder are permitted at the discretion of the investigator. Participants must agree to abstain from illicit drugs, including cannabis products containing THC even when legal by state law.
• • 4. History of severe TBI as defined by the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method.
• • 5. Diagnosis of dementia or related progressive neurocognitive disorder, based on clinical records.
• • 6. Increased risk of suicide that necessitates inpatient treatment or treatment excluded by the protocol; and/or intensity of suicidal ideation (Type 4 or Type 5) or any suicidal behavior in the past 2 months on Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
• • 7. Pregnancy or lactation, or anticipated pregnancy at any point during study participation. Participants of child-bearing potential must have negative pregnancy test at study entry and must agree to adhere to a medically acceptable method of birth control (e.g., oral, implantable, injectable, or transdermal hormone-based contraceptives; intrauterine device; double-barrier method).
• • 8. Use of any investigational drug, MPH formulation, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, stimulants, atomoxetine, or bupropion within 2 weeks of baseline.
• • 9. Treatment with evidence-based trauma-focused therapy for PTSD within 2 weeks of baseline (if participant is receiving therapy, he/she must complete treatment prior to entering study). Supportive psychotherapy may be continued during the study.
• • 10. A clinically significant acute or uncontrolled chronic medical/surgical illness that would contraindicate use of MPH, or a known terminal illness.
• • 11. Prior allergic reaction to any MPH formulation.
• • 12. Litigating for compensation for a psychiatric disorder outside the Veterans benefits compensation and pension process.
• • 13. Current enrollment in another interventional trial for PTSD.