Neurosteroids for PTSD in Veterans

Eligibility Criteria

• * DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD with CAPS-5 Total Score 3
• * Females will be required to use a medically and study approved contraceptive or otherwise not be of child-bearing potential
• * Birth control methods must be non-hormonal
• * No anticipated need to alter psychiatric medications for duration of study involvement
• * Ability to participate fully in the informed consent process
• * History of allergy to pregnenolone
• * Medical disorders that may preclude safe administration of pregnenolone or exacerbate PTSD symptoms
• * Current suicidal or homicidal ideation necessitating clinical intervention or representing an imminent concern
• * Prior suicide attempt history or suicidal ideation that does not require clinical intervention or represent an imminent concern is permitted
• * Serious unstable medical illness, such as:
• * history of cerebrovascular accident
• * prostate
• * uterine or breast cancer
• * others (at the discretion of the PI and medical oversight team)
• * Medical conditions not well controlled will be excluded, at the discretion of the PI and Medical Team
• * Standard pharmacological interventions for PTSD will not be exclusionary, including, but not limited to:
• * antidepressant medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, bupropion, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, and nefazodone
• * mood stabilizers such as carbamazepine, divalproex, lamotrigine, topiramate
• * atypical antipsychotics, and other agents including prazosin
• * However, there may be no changes in psychotropic medications for PTSD 4 weeks prior to study randomization
• * Benzodiazepine use
• * Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, or cognitive disorder due to a general medical condition other than mild TBI (assessed at screening)
• * Initiation or change in psychotherapy within 3 months of randomization
• * i.e., psychotherapy must be stable for 3 months prior to study start
• * Participants on hormonal therapies such as finasteride or hormonal birth control
• * Female participants who are pregnant or breast-feeding
• * As indicated by the DSM-5, moderate or severe Substance Use Disorders (excluding caffeine and tobacco) within 1 month of study entry
• * Mild Alcohol Use Disorder is not exclusionary, at the judgment of the PI and her medical team