Project Summary

Fatih Ozbay, M.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of Yale University School of Medicine, will conduct a trial to see if the drug riluzole (Rilutek) is effective in treating patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are resistant to the standard treatment of serotonin-reuptake inhibitor. With ongoing U.S. military operations sharply increasing the number of PTSD patients, the need is urgent for specific interventions targeting the underlying brain abnormalities in the disorder. Behavioral stress leads to a rapid release of the neurotransmitter glutamate and contributes to nerve-cell loss. Riluzole is a potent antiglutamatergic agent that has antidepressant and antianxiety properties and therefore may reduce PTSD symptoms.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS\Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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