Seeking Participants with and without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Researchers at the UCLA Sumner Stress Lab are partnering both with individuals who have experienced a traumatic or very stressful event, and individuals with PTSD to better understand how these experiences may play a role in heart health.
Conducted in Los Angeles, CA
Compensation Provided
Must not be taking medications such as Xanax, Valium, Zoloft, Prozac, Seroquel, Ativan, Adderall, Ritalin, or Lithium
18+ years old
Fast Facts
Experienced a traumatic or stressful event
Study Background How does trauma or PTSD affect heart health? Stress has long been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we want to examine how trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affect endothelial function, which is a measure of blood vessel function associated with heart health. By participating in this study, you will be helping researchers identify potential future treatment targets for individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Help advance research and join our compensated study today! |
Additional Information
This research study examines how experiences of trauma and emotional responses to these events are associated with endothelial dysfunction, a measure of blood vessel function that relates to heart health.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18+ years old
- Have experienced a very stressful, traumatic, or sudden tragic event (e.g., natural disaster, physical assault)
- Fluent in English
- Willing to and capable of providing informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of cardiovascular disease (i.e., diagnosis of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, or stroke)
- Unable to comply with the study protocol
- Bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
- Mild or more severe cognitive impairment
- Current severe substance use disorder
- Acute, unstable, or severe medical disorder or pregnancy
- Needing immediate psychiatric intervention (e.g., active suicidality)
- Use of antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, antidepressant, or stimulant medication in the past 4 weeks
- Daily benzodiazepine use in the past 2 weeks
Initial screening for study eligibility occurs via phone.
If eligible, study participation involves two assessments:
1) a Zoom interview that asks about your emotional responses to trauma and your physical health, and
2) a lab visit at UCLA that will measure your blood pressure, blood vessel function, height, and weight and collect urine and blood samples.
In addition, you will complete tasks that collect your responses to shapes and sounds and measure your attention to faces. You will also have the opportunity to complete an optional 2-year follow-up where you will answer questions about your emotional and physical health and repeat the lab visit procedures.
If eligible, study participation involves two assessments:
1) a Zoom interview that asks about your emotional responses to trauma and your physical health, and
2) a lab visit at UCLA that will measure your blood pressure, blood vessel function, height, and weight and collect urine and blood samples.
In addition, you will complete tasks that collect your responses to shapes and sounds and measure your attention to faces. You will also have the opportunity to complete an optional 2-year follow-up where you will answer questions about your emotional and physical health and repeat the lab visit procedures.
Eligible participants will be compensated up to $245 for one Zoom interview and lab visit at UCLA, and up to $195 for a 2-year follow-up visit at UCLA.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.