Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

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Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

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Advancing Psychological Health and Resilience through Trauma Research, Education, and Consultation. Government

The appearance of advertising on this page does not imply endorsement by CSTS, USU or the U.S. The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) was established in 1987 to address United States Department of Defense concerns around the psychological impact and health consequences resulting from the impact of traumatic events, to include weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and natural disasters.

10/28/2026

The NIH estimates 21 million adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode.

This , learn about our resources on depression here: https://www.cstsonline.org/education-and-training/health-campaigns/october-is-depression-awareness-month

📸Pfc. P. Behringer for DVIDS

10/23/2026

How do we relate to others during times of crisis and high stress?

In a new research article by CSTS’s Drs. Ursano, Mash, and Fullerton, the authors show that we connect by “thinking by similarity.”

Whether that’s the automatic thought of “it could have been me” during a disaster or seeking out the familiar when under threat, this mechanism is essential for empathy, social cohesion, and resilience.

However, under extreme stress, it can also heighten psychological vulnerability and trauma responses.

📖 Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.2025.2609249

10/21/2026

Can prescription-strength vitamin B9 help US service members stay healthy and expand readiness? Join us to answer this question.

An upcoming vitamin B9 clinical trial will focus on reducing su***de risk and supporting service member health.

Researchers invite active-duty US personnel to test a new online recruitment platform. We are looking for active-duty service members who are not leaving the service in the next year. You do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to participate. Participation can be completed in 10 minutes and is completely online.

Click the link below to learn more or participate:

10/19/2026

This recently published systematic review, coauthored by CSTS Scientists, brings together evidence from MDMA-assisted therapy trials to offer a closer look at what we know—and what we don't.

📖 Read the full article in Harvard Review of Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000478

10/13/2026

In honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 last month, USU interviewed CSTS’s Drs. Stephen J. C***a, David M. Benedek, and Robert J. Ursano on their experiences at the Pentagon on 9/11.

🔗 Read more at: https://news.usuhs.edu/2026/09/making-sense-of-chaos-how-usu.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=twau-2026-09-14

📸 FEMA photo by Bri Rodriguez

10/09/2026

Congratulations to our STARRS team on 150 peer-reviewed publications 🎉

On August 12th, the STARRS team published its 150th article in JAMA Psychiatry.

The STARRS team has been conducting research on risk and protective factors associated with su***de, su***de-related behavior, and other mental health issues in Army Soldiers for over 15 years.

Read the article at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42584912/

10/05/2026

A future clinical trial will study vitamin B9, focusing on reducing su***de risk and supporting service member health.

Active-duty US personnel are invited to help test a new online recruitment platform to prepare for the upcoming study. Participation is completely online and only takes 10 minutes. You don’t have to have a mental health diagnosis to participate, and could be the first to enroll in the upcoming vitamin B9 study later this year.

Click the link below to learn more:
https://redcap.hjf.org/surveys/?s=HARPDRRWPHFLTRR7

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) was established in 1987 to address United States Department of Defense concerns around the psychological impact and health consequences resulting from the traumatic impact.

09/30/2026

95% of su***de attempts occur among Service members who didn’t disclose risk during routine screenings.

This , learn how SAFEGUARD uses machine learning to identify at-risk personnel before crisis strikes.

📲 Read more: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-026-01664-6

09/28/2026

🚨 Video and transcript now available! 🚨

The recording of our Brain, Behavior, & Mind 2026 Fall Lecture is now available to watch online. Learn about the four pillars of a healthy mind with Dr. Richard J. Davidson (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

📽️ Watch now: https://brainbehaviormind.org/lecture-series/2026-fall-lecture/introduction

09/27/2026

This , learn how to have conversations regarding safe storage of fi****ms with gun owners through CSTS’ podcast Let’s Talk About Your Guns.

📻All 15 episodes are available now at:
https://www.cstsonline.org/su***de-prevention-program/podcasts/lets-talk-about-your-guns

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