Given that up to 8% of the U.S. population and 20% of veterans are affected by PTSD, this study’s findings are important in expanding the reach of therapy for PTSD. 

The study’s findings were presented at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in November by Tanya Saraiya, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at MUSC. 

Saraiya served as one of the study therapists on the project and administered prolonged exposure therapy to participants.

Exposure therapy has long been known to be effective at reducing PTSD symptoms. A hallmark symptom of PTSD is avoidance. In exposure therapy, one aspect of the treatment focuses on teaching patients to approach stressful situations, activities or places “in real life” that are safe but avoided because they remind them of their traumatic experiences. For example, patients often visit stores or restaurants, where crowds or noises might trigger their stress response. For some patients, this can be too painful, leading them to drop out of therapy. Virtually guided exposures could provide these patients the support they need to complete treatment.

Dr. Brittany Bryant's invited commentary "Race as a Social Construct in Psychiatry Research and Practice" was recently published in JAMA Psychiatry. This important paper addresses race as a biological factor and how it contributes to misdiagnosis and health disparities.

Drs. Anna Kirkland (post-doctoral fellow), Matthew Fadus (former DART resident), Kevin Gray, and Lindsay Squeglia recently had their paper "A Scoping Review of the Use of Cannabidiol in Psychiatric Disorders" published in Psychiatry Research. Contrary to the marketing claims about CBD treating a host of psychiatric disorders, there is currently not enough high-quality evidence to suggest the clinical use of CBD for any psychiatric disorder. The most promising findings are regarding psychotic symptoms and anxiety. 

Drs. Matthew Fadus, Emilio Valadez (former clinical psychology intern), Brittany Bryant, Alexis Garcia, Brian Neelon, Rachel Tomko, and Lindsay Squeglia's paper "Racial Disparities in Elementary School Disciplinary Actions: Findings From the ABCD Study" in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was announced as one of JAACAP's Best of 2021 articles! 

The purpose of this research is to test out a new way of treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with low intensity focused ultrasound pulsation (LIFUP). If the subject agrees to participate in the research study, the participation will last approximately 10.5 hours over seven (7) days. The visits are as follows: 1- consent and MRI, 2- and 3- focused ultrasound will be delivered outside of the MRI environment, 4- MRI plus focused ultrasound, 5- assessments 1 week post focused ultrasound, and 6- one month follow-up assessments. Research studies are voluntary and include only people who agree to take part.

• Phone: 843-876-7227
• Email: covid-scheduling@musc.edu

LAB & TESTING OPTIONS

The following resource provides MUSC Health lab and testing options pertaining to COVID-19. Included on this page is information regarding drive-thru and “pop-up” mobile COVID testing locations, antibody or serology tests, drive-in lab and nurse visits, and original/classic lab testing.

MUSC Health Lab & Testing Options

MANDATORY SELF-MONITORING

Due to the activity of COVID-19 within the hospital and community, all employees, residents, fellows and students within all MUSC entities are directed to begin daily self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. This applies regardless of whether you have been working remotely on a full-time or intermittent basis. You need to continue daily self-monitoring, even if symptoms are not present.

• Self-Monitoring App
• Self-Monitoring Log