Reducing Dropout and Improving Outcomes From PTSD Therapy: When to Switch Therapies or Stay the Course

Description

Investigators' overall objective is to compare methods of identifying individuals who may be experiencing challenges in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and compare methods of intervening to optimize treatment retention and outcomes. Investigators' specific aims are: 1. to determine whether the use of CPT skills versus collaboratively considering switching to Present Centered Therapy (PCT) is more effective in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing challenges with CPT. Outcomes include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity \[primary\], depression, functioning, and treatment retention; 2. to compare two approaches to identifying individuals in CPT in need of additional support during treatment; 3. to study the barriers and facilitators of implementing these intervention strategies. Finally, exploratory aims will examine the stability of differences between treatment conditions, compare combinations of interventions tested, and examine moderators of intervention effects.

Conditions

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Investigators' overall objective is to compare methods of identifying individuals who may be experiencing challenges in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and compare methods of intervening to optimize treatment retention and outcomes. Investigators' specific aims are: 1. to determine whether the use of CPT skills versus collaboratively considering switching to Present Centered Therapy (PCT) is more effective in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing challenges with CPT. Outcomes include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity \[primary\], depression, functioning, and treatment retention; 2. to compare two approaches to identifying individuals in CPT in need of additional support during treatment; 3. to study the barriers and facilitators of implementing these intervention strategies. Finally, exploratory aims will examine the stability of differences between treatment conditions, compare combinations of interventions tested, and examine moderators of intervention effects.

Reducing Dropout and Improving Outcomes From PTSD Therapy: When to Switch Therapies or Stay the Course

Reducing Dropout and Improving Outcomes From PTSD Therapy: When to Switch Therapies or Stay the Course

Condition
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Phoenix

VA Phoenix Health Care System, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85012

New Orleans

New Orleans VA Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 70119

Charleston

Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System (Charleston VA), Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29401

Houston

VA Houston Healthcare System, Houston, Texas, United States, 77030

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

  • * Veterans interested in outpatient VA psychotherapy for PTSD
  • * Meets DSM-5 criteria for PTSD
  • * Be able to provide informed consent
  • * Be willing to be randomized
  • * Agree to not receive non-study psychotherapy for PTSD during study treatment (case management, supportive therapy/group, and concurrent substance use treatment are allowable)
  • * Severe cognitive impairment
  • * Current suicidal or homicidal intent with a specific plan
  • * Uncontrolled psychotic or manic symptoms
  • * A psychiatric medication change in the past month
  • * A severe SUD as diagnosed by the DSM-5

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

United States Department of Defense,

Laura Meis, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD; University of Minnesota

Princess Ackland, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Minnesota

Study Record Dates

2028-08-31