An Efficient Treatment for Posttraumatic Injury for Firefighters

Description

The goal of this two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial is to test a behavioral intervention that integrates three evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions (written exposure therapy; WET, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia; CBT-I, and cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares; CBT-N) among firefighters. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the behavioral intervention feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, insomnia, and nightmares? * What is the efficacy of efficient treatment vs. delayed treatment (2-4 week waitlist) in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, insomnia, and nightmares? We will beta test the intervention in 1-2 groups of 3-5 firefighters. Then we will randomize 50 participants to immediate or delayed (2-4 week waitlist) treatment. Consented participants will: * Complete self-report and interview measures assessing posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia (PTSD), and nightmares * Attend an individual treatment orientation session * Attend a 4-day (\~3 hours per day over 4 consecutive days) group treatment that integrates WET, CBT-I, and CBT-N * Attend an individual booster session held approximately one week later * Complete self-report measures before, during, and after treatment, and at a 3-month follow up assessment and a clinical interview before and after treatment to assess program efficacy.

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Insomnia, Nightmare

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial is to test a behavioral intervention that integrates three evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions (written exposure therapy; WET, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia; CBT-I, and cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares; CBT-N) among firefighters. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the behavioral intervention feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, insomnia, and nightmares? * What is the efficacy of efficient treatment vs. delayed treatment (2-4 week waitlist) in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, insomnia, and nightmares? We will beta test the intervention in 1-2 groups of 3-5 firefighters. Then we will randomize 50 participants to immediate or delayed (2-4 week waitlist) treatment. Consented participants will: * Complete self-report and interview measures assessing posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia (PTSD), and nightmares * Attend an individual treatment orientation session * Attend a 4-day (\~3 hours per day over 4 consecutive days) group treatment that integrates WET, CBT-I, and CBT-N * Attend an individual booster session held approximately one week later * Complete self-report measures before, during, and after treatment, and at a 3-month follow up assessment and a clinical interview before and after treatment to assess program efficacy.

An Efficient Treatment for Posttraumatic Injury for Firefighters

An Efficient Treatment for Posttraumatic Injury for Firefighters

Condition
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Kansas City

NDRI_USA, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 66224

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18-65 years old
  • * Firefighter
  • * Able to speak and read English
  • * Clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms: CAPS-5 total score ≥ 25; ≥ 1 intrusion symptom; ≥ 1 avoidance symptom
  • * Clinically significant symptoms of insomnia: SCISD insomnia criteria are met; ISI ≥ 15
  • * Clinically significant symptoms of nightmare disorder: SCISD nightmare disorder criteria are met, nightmares ≥ 1 monthly.
  • * Current suicide or homicide risk meriting crisis intervention
  • * Inability to speak and read English
  • * Inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires
  • * Unwilling to remain abstinent from alcohol during treatment
  • * Serious mental health diagnosis such as bipolar disorder or psychosis.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research,

Study Record Dates

2024-08-20