To participate in a research study, email the lab or contact the coordinators listed below each study.
Please note, there are currently no available positions on the study team.
Non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Opioid Use Disorders
This study looks at non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) in patients with Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs). Our prior studies showed that nVNS blocks sympathetic responses to traumatic scripts in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients with OUDs in withdrawal, similar to PTSD patients, have increased peripheral sympathetic nervous system function that leads to withdrawal symptoms, like racing heart, dry mouth, anxiety, pale dry skin, and so on. By blocking this response we hope to alleviate withdrawal and promote recovery. We are looking for OUD patients in withdrawal, either seeking treatment or otherwise. There are two studies, both involving nVNS compared to a sham stimulation while viewing videos of using opioids, one involves measurement of autonomic function, the other brain imaging and measurement of biomarkers in blood.
Contact | William Yun PH: 470-377-3245, Email
Vietnam Era Twins Study of Electrophysiology in PTSD (VetsEP)
This study, in collaboration with Rollins School of Public Health, aims to examine the relationship between PTSD and electrophysiological instability in an e-cohort of 1,000 veteran male twins from the Vietnam War era. The study includes a comprehensive, week-long assessment of daily PTSD symptoms and ECG-based measures of sudden cardiac death risk that includes microvolt T-wave alternans and heart rate variability by leveraging the twins design, we can also examine the heritability of these potential associations.
Contact | Lejy Mathew PH 678-539-9987, Email