Methylphenidate for PTSD and Cognitive Complaints

This study is investigating if methylphenidate can help Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who also experience difficulties with concentration, memory, and staying organized. Many people with PTSD struggle with these cognitive issues, and current treatments don't always fully address them. You might be able to join if you are a US military Veteran between 18 and 65 years old, have a PTSD diagnosis, and meet specific symptom criteria. Participants will either take methylphenidate (10mg twice daily) or an inactive pill (placebo) twice daily. The main goal is to see if methylphenidate improves PTSD symptoms, measured after 4 weeks.

Study design
This study plans to enroll 70 participants. It uses an "N-of-1" design, which means each participant acts as their own control.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
PTSD symptoms will be measured at 4 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05776056

Methylphenidate for the Treatment of PTSD With Associated Neurocognitive Complaints

Recruiting
PHASE4Ages 18–65InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~70 participants
Updated 2026-08-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MethylphenidatePlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Measured over 4 weeks
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
3 sites across 2 states
Alabama2
Washington1
  • Rebecca C. Hendrickson, MD PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA

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  • PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)4 weeks

    PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report that assesses how much the participant was bothered by each DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD with a rating of 0 "not at all" to 4 "extremely;" summed score ranges from 0-80 with higher score indicating more severe symptoms.