Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
PTSD
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction? Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAbbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD
Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples are provided with psychoeducation about PTSD and relationship functioning and are taught cognitive and behavioral skills to address the manifestation of PTSD in the couple relationship. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and once 1-2 weeks after the retreat.
BEHAVIORALPrevention and Relationship Education Program
Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format.The content of PREP and workshop experiences focuses on helping couples communicate effectively, manage conflict without harming their relationship, preserve and act on commitment, improve relationship decision-making, increase understanding of differences between partners, and protect positive connections between partners. Approximately 12 hours of PREP content will be delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and will check in with a member of the study staff 1-2 weeks after the retreat.
Sponsors
Penn State University
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
University of Denver
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Independent evaluators will be blinded as to participant treatment condition during follow-up assessments.
Intervention model description
Randomized controlled trial with parallel group design
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate. * Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex. * Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5. * Each partner is at least 18 years old. * Both partners able to speak and read English.
Exclusion criteria
* Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention * Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner * Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner warranting immediate intervention * Symptoms of moderate to severe other substance use warranting immediate intervention * Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner * Other psychiatric disorders severe enough to warrant designation as the primary disorder * Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner * Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship * Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy). * Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Interviewer ratings of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Participant's self-report of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms. |
| Patient Health Questionnaire-9 | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Self-reported depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Screener | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Self-reported general anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety. |
| Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Self-reported anger symptoms. Scores range from 5 to 25, with higher scores indicating greater anger. |
| Couples Satisfaction Index-32 | baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up | Self-reported relationship satisfaction. Scores range from 0 to 161, with higher scores indicating higher relationship satisfaction. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTSteffany J Fredman, Ph.D.
CONTACTAlan L Peterson, Ph.D.
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORSteffany J Fredman, Ph.D.
Penn State University
Outcome results
None listed