Biomarkers in the Retina for Prognosticating Mental Health Treatments

In this study, individuals will undergo an assessment that includes taking a history of their previous exposure to traumatic events, an assessment of current mental health symptoms including those associated with PTSD, and an assessment of physiologic measures, including ERG as well as vital sign measurements, blood draw, and saliva sampling. Participants will be given a single dose of sertraline (50mg), and a repeat ERG will be administered. An optional open label phase of the study will follow, in which participants who undergo treatment with an antidepressant will be invited back for a follow-up assessment with repeat ERG.

Inclusion criteria

• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Current diagnosis of PTSD

Exclusion criteria

• Known diagnosis of a primary psychotic or major neurocognitive disorder
• Significant bilateral visual loss
• History of acute angle closure glaucoma
• Known inherited retinal disease
• Previous ERG deficits
• Known photosensitive epilepsy
• Known current pregnancy or lactation
• Allergy or previous adverse reaction to sertraline or SSRI
• Allergy to Sensor Strip gel
• Hepatic failure
• Damage to orbit structure or open lesion in soft tissue surrounding the eye
• Any use in the time period of at least 6 half-lives prior to baseline of sertraline or other drugs acting on serotonin and/or unwillingness to avoid these medications for the duration of the study.