Psychiatry Research

The University of Maryland Medical Center conducts different psychiatry research studies to learn more about the treatment of several conditions, including but not limited to:

Treating people trying to reduce or stop drinking or drug use
Schizophrenia
Other serious mental health disorders

Research on Medications to Reduce Heavy Drinking in People Who Have Experienced Trauma

Pharmacogenetic Treatment with Anti-Glutaminergic Agents for Comorbid PTSD & AUD

The goal of this 14-week research study is to determine the impact of a medication called pregabalin in reducing heavy drinking and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will also look at the safety and tolerability of pregabalin in participants with alcohol-use disorder and co-occurring PTSD.

Participants will have a screening visit to see if they are eligible. Those who are eligible are asked to complete weekly study visits for an additional 12 weeks that include taking study medication, providing information about drinking and PTSD symptoms, and completing a brief educational meeting. Bankole Johnson, MD, pictured at right on top, and Melanie Bennett, MD, are co-principal investigators.

University of Maryland Medical Center psychologist Bankole Johnson, MD

We are looking for individuals who are:

Adults 18-65 years of age
Of African-American descent
Have experienced trauma at some point
In good physical health

Participants will be compensated for their time.

Learn more about this pregabalin trial by visiting its clinicaltrials.gov website

Contact Us

For more information or to participate, please contact Cindy Smith at csmith@som.umaryland.edu or 667-214-2111.