Researchers to study PTSD treatment

SAN ANTONIO, March 21 (UPI) -- Military and civilian researchers from across Texas will be involved in a five-year study of the best way to detect and treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

The $33 million project will be led by the University of Texas Health Science Center and open to soldiers serving or being treated at Texas military installations, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Few studies have been conducted that look for the best way to treat veterans and active duty personnel, said Alan Peterson, a retired U.S. Air Force psychologist and health science center professor.

The study will evaluate current forms of the standard treatment and medications. In addition, it will include neuro-imaging to observe changes in brain and genetic studies to search for genes that may place some people at greater risk for the disorder.

"They see things that no human should have to see," said Peterson, the study's lead scientist. "And when they see these things, it's hard to get them out of their heads. The standard reaction is to just put it behind you and press on but in many cases that doesn't work well."