Emory Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit
Research at the ECNRU
Benzodiazepine Receptor in PTSD
We are conducting a study to learn more about benzodiazepine receptor binding in the brain. We are enrolling returning Iraq Veterans and non-deployed Veterans who may or may not have PTSD for this study. Benzodiazepine receptor sites are where drugs like Valium attach in the brain. Flumazenil is a compound that binds to benzodiazepine receptor sites. Studies in patients with anxiety disorders, including PTSD and panic disorder have found decreased binding in hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Tests and procedures include: questions about your current and past mental health history, mood and anxiety, a physical, MRI and PET scan with intervals of blood collection.
If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for the study, we will schedule and appointment for you to sign an informed consent form then have a study screening. The screening will ask you questions about your history and current mood and behaviors. If you are included into the study, you will have a routine physical, questionnaires about your mental health, mood and behaviors, PTSD symptoms and history of stress. These tests will be on the same day of your screening. On another day or on two separate days, you will have a MRI and a PET scan of your brain at a time that is convenient for you. A PET scan or Positron Emission Tomography shows the functioning of the brain or activated areas of the brain. During the PET scan, an IV will be placed in an artery in your wrist by an anesthesiologist to allow the injection of flumazenil. You will have bruising and possible swelling. The flumazenil will go to the benzodiazepine receptor sites in the brain. As these receptor sites are trying to bind to the flumazenil, we can see where the sites are due to the energy that is being emitted. A series of small samples of blood will be drawn at different intervals during the 75 minute-scan. The whole procedure will take about 3 hours of your time. In addition to the PET brain scan, you will have an MRI scan (no contrast/die) for structural pictures of your brain. This procedure will take about 30 minutes. Compensation for the whole study is $350.00. If you no longer wish to be a participant, you may stop at any time and be compensated for what you have completed.
We are seeking volunteers for this study. We pay for participation.
Other studies at the ECNRU.