Bay Pines VA Healthcare System to study effectiveness of 7-Keto compound in PTSD

The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System announced that it will begin a research study related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will focus on whether the use of a naturally occurring compound known as 7-Keto® assists in the treatment of PTSD.

“There are case studies that suggest that adding 7-Keto® to existing treatment regimens may be beneficial in relieving some of the symptoms associated with PTSD”

PTSD develops after a traumatic ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm. PTSD affects about 8 million American adults. The demand for PTSD treatment is increasing, particularly in military personnel. At present, there are few medications that are effective in the treatment of PTSD.

PTSD has multifaceted manifestations. People with PTSD may startle easily, become emotionally numb (especially in relation to people with whom they used to be close), lose interest in things they used to enjoy, have trouble feeling affectionate, be irritable, and have disturbed sleep with frequent nightmares.

The study is to be conducted under the guidance of Dr. Carol O'Brien, the Chief of PTSD Programs for the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. "We are very excited about this research," said Dr. O'Brien. "It is impossible to overstate the importance of exploring PTSD treatments for our Veterans and newly returning men and women in uniform."

Humanetics Corporation is the developer of 7-Keto®, which is patented for its use as a treatment for PTSD. Ronald Zenk, President of Humanetics, describes 7-Keto® as a natural compound that has been shown in previous studies to block the negative effects of cortisol, a steroid hormone that the body releases in response to stress.

"There are case studies that suggest that adding 7-Keto® to existing treatment regimens may be beneficial in relieving some of the symptoms associated with PTSD," said Zenk. "We look forward to further exploring a potential method of addressing this problem and welcome this study by Dr. O'Brien."