Seeking Participants with PTSD & Complex PTSD for UQ Study

Researchers at the University of Queensland are looking for people who have been diagnosed with PTSD or complicated PTSD to participate in a clinical trial better to understand the effects on the brain and overall well-being.

According to study leader Dr. Lena Oestreich of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the School of Psychology, little is known about complicated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even though psychologists and psychiatrists recognize the disease often.

"Early estimates from around the world tell us that over 4 percent of the population will experience complex PTSD at some stage in their life," according to Dr. Oestreich.

"An acute event, such as a car accident or combat, frequently accompanies a typical PTSD diagnosis.

"However, complex PTSD is most commonly diagnosed in people who have been exposed to repeated or ongoing traumatic situations, such as domestic violence or child abuse."

"People with complex PTSD frequently struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, and the inability to build and sustain good relationships over time.

"We want to create a biobank - our database - so we can truly understand what is biologically driving the disorder and the potential treatment targets."

The researchers will collect participant information, such as questionnaires, MRI data, and blood samples.

"We will also ask participants to wear a smartwatch for seven days to assess sleep length and quality, as well as heart rate variability." Dr. Oestreich explained.

"This clinical study aims to create a publicly available database that will allow for further research into complex PTSD, hopefully leading to clinical trials to result in better treatment options for psychiatrists and psychologists."

Dr. Oestreich stated that existing therapy for this issue may be ineffectual and triggering for the patient.

"For example, Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EDMR) is a therapy commonly used when treating those with traditional PTSD, where patients work with a therapist to recall and process specific traumatic memories," she wrote.

"For patients with severe PTSD, this technique can be problematic because the trauma is typically extended and cumulative, making it difficult to isolate specific events or determine a clear cause.