'God Shot' may help PTSD sufferers

TAMPA (FOX 13) - An injection that some call the "God Shot" is showing promise in treating people suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.

"It was a completely different world for me," said Clint Byers, a former Army intelligence officer who had the injection two years ago in Chicago. "All the stress and anxiety was gone a soon as I woke up from the procedure."

The Pentagon is funding studies in three Army hospitals.  The procedure is called a stellate ganglion block.  Doctors say it essentially blocks the 'fight-or-flight' reaction that causes stress to the brain.

Psychologist Dr. Carrie Elk has treated several veterans who've had the procedure.

"Sometimes it doesn't work and they don't have an effect, but for those that do have an effect, they say it’s very positive and immediate at relieving their symptoms, but temporarily," said Elk, who wants to see more research.

Byers says he's a believer and his wife agrees. "I'm the happy, jovial, fun-loving guy that she hasn't seen in five, six, or seven years.”

The Veterans Administration has not yet approved the procedure for its hospitals.