Study of Electroretinogram ERG Changes After a Single Dose of Sertraline in Veterans with PTSD to Explore Biomarkers for SSRI Response

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore the electroretinogram ERG as a potential biomarker in veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. The study focuses on how a single dose of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI sertraline affects ERG waveforms. Researchers want to understand the relationship between baseline ERG signals and changes after SSRI treatment, providing insight into brain-retina connections related to PTSD. Participants will undergo ERG recordings before and after taking a single 50 mg dose of sertraline. The study includes assessments of PTSD symptoms, treatment history, and physiological measures such as vital signs, blood draws, and saliva samples. After these initial steps, participants who start antidepressant treatment in routine care may join an optional open-label phase to have a follow-up ERG recorded within a year. During the study, veterans will provide clinical information and undergo several evaluations, including PTSD symptom assessments and physiological tests. Outcome measures include changes in ERG b-wave amplitude before and after sertraline, as well as PTSD symptom scores from the CAPS-5 and PCL-5 scales. Safety and effects are monitored through these assessments over the study period, which may last up to one year for some participants.

Biomarkers in the Retina for Prognosticating Mental Health Treatments