Methylphenidate for the Treatment of PTSD With Associated Neurocognitive Complaints

Recruiting now · Phase 4 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In brief

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently accompanied by difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and inability to keep up with tasks, which negatively impacts a person's ability to function at work and in relationships. Currently available treatments do not fully relieve all symptoms. A published research report showed positive evidence that the stimulant medication methylphenidate was beneficial in treating these problems. This study will evaluate the ability of methylphenidate to treat PTSD and associated neurocognitive complaints in Veterans. An innovative feature is the study's N-of-1 design. In this design, every participant will move back and forth every 4-5 weeks between treatment with methylphenidate and treatment with placebo, in random order and under double-blind conditions, over a 20-week period. The investigators will compare the aggregated change in PTSD and neurocognitive symptoms between periods of treatment with methylphenidate versus placebo. Results will help clinicians to better choose the best treatment for Veterans living with PTSD.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT05776056
Run by: VA Office of Research and Development
People needed: 70
Starts: 2024-02-05
Expected to finish: 2027-03-31
Last updated by the study team: 2026-01-09

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Any gender Veteran of the US military between the ages of 18 and 65 years
Independent decision-making capacity to sign informed consent and HIPAA (i.e., no surrogate consent)
Diagnosis of PTSD defined by DSM-5 symptom count on CAPS-5
CAPS-5 past month total score greater than or equal to 26
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.

You may not qualify if…

Diagnosis of DSM-5-defined bipolar I, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders (by MINI)
Presence of severe psychotic symptoms such that, based on the clinical judgement of the investigator or treatment provider, treatment with an antipsychotic is required.
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.
History of severe TBI as defined by the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method.
Diagnosis of dementia or related progressive neurocognitive disorder, based on clinical records.
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).
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).
Use of any investigational drug, MPH formulation, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, stimulants, atomoxetine, or bupropion within 2 weeks of baseline.
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.
A clinically significant acute or uncontrolled chronic medical/surgical illness that would contraindicate use of MPH, or a known terminal illness.
Prior allergic reaction to any MPH formulation.
Litigating for compensation for a psychiatric disorder outside the Veterans benefits compensation and pension process.
Current enrollment in another interventional trial for PTSD.

Where it is running

Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (enrolling)
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (enrolling)
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA — Seattle, Washington, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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