Photo: Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. ShinsekiVA, DOD to Fund $100 Million PTSD and TBI Study
From a Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2012 - The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense today announced they are investing more than $100 million in research to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
"At VA, ensuring that our veterans receive quality care is our highest priority," Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. "Investing in innovative research that will lead to treatments for PTSD and TBI is critical to providing the care our veterans have earned and deserve."
The two groups, The Consortium to Alleviate PTSD and the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium will be jointly managed by VA, and by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, on behalf of the DOD.
More than 15 percent of service members and veterans suffer impaired functioning as a result of PTSD. CAP will study potential indicators of the trauma, as well as prevention strategies, possible interventions, and improved treatments. Biomarker-based research will be a key factor for CAP's studies.
A primary goal of CENC is to establish an understanding of the after-effects of an mTBI. Potential comorbidities also will be studied; that is, conditions associated with and worsen because of a neurotrauma.
"PTSD and mTBI are two of the most-prevalent injuries suffered by our warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, and identifying better treatments for those impacted is critical," Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Jonathan Woodson said. "These consortia will bring together leading scientists and researchers devoted to the health and welfare of our nation's service members and veterans."
On Aug. 31, President Barack Obama signed an executive order to improve access to mental health services for veterans, service members and military families. As part of that executive order, Obama directed DOD, the VA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education to develop a National Research Action Plan that will include strategies to improve early diagnosis and treatment effectiveness for TBI and PTSD. He further directed DOD and HHS to conduct a comprehensive mental health study, with an emphasis on PTSD, TBI, and related injuries to develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options.
VA, which has the largest integrated health care system in the country, also has one of the largest medical research programs.
This year, approximately 3,400 researchers will work on more than 2,300 projects with nearly $1.9 billion in funding. Specific information on the consortia, including the full description of each award, eligibility, and submission deadlines, and general application instructions, are posted on the Grants.gov and CDMRP websites.
