A comparison of cognitive-processing therapy with prolonged exposure and a waiting condition for the treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder in female rape victims

Posttraumatic survivor guilt is associated with white matter microstructure alterations

BACKGROUND

Military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly experience posttraumatic guilt. Guilt over commission or omission evolves when responsibility is assumed for an unfortunate outcome (e.g., the death of a fellow combatant). Survivor guilt is a state of intense emotional distress experienced by the weight of knowing that one survived while others did not.

METHODS

This study of the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) analyzed structural and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data from 132 male Iraq/Afghanistan veterans with PTSD. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS-IV) was employed to classify guilt. Thirty (22.7 %) veterans experienced guilt over acts of commission or omission, 34 (25.8 %) experienced survivor guilt, and 68 (51.5 %) had no posttraumatic guilt. White matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy, FA), cortical thickness, and cortical volume were compared between veterans with guilt over acts of commission or omission, veterans with survivor guilt, and veterans without guilt.

RESULTS

Veterans with survivor guilt had significantly lower white matter FA compared to veterans who did not experience guilt (p < .001), affecting several regions of major white matter fiber bundles. There were no significant differences in white matter FA, cortical thickness, or volumes between veterans with guilt over acts of commission or omission and veterans without guilt (p > .050).

LIMITATIONS

This cross-sectional study with exclusively male veterans precludes inferences of causality between the studied variables and generalizability to the larger veteran population that includes women.

CONCLUSION

Survivor guilt may be a particularly impactful form of posttraumatic guilt that requires specific treatment efforts targeting brain health.

Long-term effects of dialectical behaviour therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder and cognitive processing therapy 9 months after treatment termination

Background: The complexity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to childhood abuse (CA) present challenges for effective psychotherapeutic treatment. Consequently, there is great interest in the long-term effectiveness of psychological treatments for this population.Objective: This study aims to investigate the long-term outcomes of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 9 months after treatment termination.Method: This is a long-term analysis from a randomised-controlled trial of DBT-PTSD versus CPT (registration number DRKS00005578). Initially, 193 individuals with CA-related PTSD were randomly allocated to receive either DBT-PTSD (n = 98) or CPT (n = 95). The primary outcome the Clinician-administered PTSD-Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) was administred at baseline, treatment completion (15 months post-randomization) and at the 9-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included self-reported PTSD severity (PCL-5), dissociation (DSS), severity of borderline symptoms (BSL-23), and psychosocial functioning (GAF).Results: No significant changes were observed in the primary (CAPS) and all other outcomes from post-intervention to 9-months follow-up in both the DBT-PTSD (CAPS: Mpost  = 15.60, Mfollow-up  = 14.93) and CPT group (CAPS: Mpost = 18.80, Mfollow-up = 17.41). Between-group analyses at 9-months follow-up were significantly in favour of DBT-PTSD compared to CPT with small to medium effect sizes on all outcomes ranging from d = 0.35 on the CAPS to d = 0.57 on the BSL-23 and GAF.Conclusions: Our results indicate that treatment effects of psychotherapy addressing complex presentations of PTSD persist 9 months after treatment termination. In addition, the superiority of DBT-PTSD as compared to CPT found at treatment termination, was confirmed at 9-months follow-up.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00005578..

A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of the Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence (STEP-AD) Intervention for Black Women Living with HIV

Black women living with HIV (BWLWH) face adversities associated with lower HIV medication adherence, viral non-suppression, and mental health symptoms (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder) such as trauma/violence, racism, HIV-related discrimination/stigma, and gender-related stressors. We developed the first intervention based in cognitive behavioral therapy and culturally congruent coping for BWLWH to increase medication adherence and decrease PTSD symptoms by enhancing resilience, self-care, engagement in care, and coping for trauma, racism, HIV-related discrimination/stigma, and gender-related stressors. A pilot randomized control trial was conducted with BWLWH and histories of trauma who were at risk for their HIV viral load remaining or becoming detectable (i.e., below 80% medication adherence, detectable viral load in the past year, and/or missed HIV-related appointments). 119 BWLWH were assessed at baseline and 70 met inclusion criteria, completed one session of Life-Steps adherence counseling, and were randomized to either nine sessions of STEP-AD (Striving Towards EmPowerment and Medication Adherence) or ETAU (enhanced treatment as usual consisting of biweekly check-ins). Women completed a post intervention follow up assessment (3 months post baseline) and 3-month post intervention follow-up (6 months post baseline). Via STATA the difference-in-difference methodology with mixed models compared STEP-AD to ETAU on changes in outcomes over time. BWLWH in STEP-AD compared to E-TAU had significantly higher ART adherence (estimate = 9.36 p = 0.045) and lower likelihood of being clinically diagnosed with PTSD (OR = .07, estimate = - 2.66, p = 0.03) as well as borderline significance on higher CD4 count (estimate = 161.26, p = 0.05). Our findings suggest preliminary efficacy of STEP-AD in improving ART adherence, mental health, and immune function.

Are There Differences Among Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Treating Different DSM-5 PTSD Symptom Clusters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials

ABSTRACT

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disease defined by four Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) symptom clusters: reexperiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and hyperarousal. There are effective evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD. However, given the variety of PTSD clinical presentations, we conducted the first meta-analysis investigating whether DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters show different responses to EBPs. We systematically reviewed the literature for controlled clinical trials in five databases, performed a meta-analysis, and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. We screened 633 studies and included seven. Three showed high risk, two showed some concerns, and one showed a low risk of bias. The symptom clusters do not seem to respond differently to EBPs (SMD cluster B: -0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.87 to 0.08; cluster C: -0.49; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.08; cluster D: -0.44; 95% CI, -0.94 to 0.05; cluster E: -0.54; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.0), even when analyzed by the therapeutic focuses. The findings dovetail nicely with the network theory of PTSD symptom, as although it is a heterogeneous disorder, the EBPs seem to promote a kind of cascade of symptom improvement.

Dyadic Investigation of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Daily Sleep Health in Patients With Cancer and Their Caregivers

OBJECTIVE

Cancer can be a traumatic experience affecting multidimensional aspects of sleep among patients and caregivers. This study examined the differential associations of cancer-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) with various sleep markers in this population.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer ( n = 138, mean age = 56.93 years, 31.88% female, 60.14% Hispanic, 6.53 months after diagnosis) and their sleep-partner caregivers ( n = 138, mean age = 55.32 years, 68.12% female, 57.97% Hispanic) completed questionnaires assessing the four PTSS clusters (intrusion, avoidance, alterations in arousal and reactivity, negative alterations in cognitions and mood). Participants also completed daily sleep diaries for 14 consecutive days, from which sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep duration were derived.

RESULTS

Actor-partner interdependence model revealed that caregivers' greater alterations in arousal and reactivity were associated with their own longer SOL ( b = 15.59, p < .001) and their patients' longer sleep duration ( b = 0.61, p = .014), whereas patients' arousal and reactivity were associated with their caregivers' shorter SOL ( b = -8.47, p = .050). Patients' and caregivers' greater negative alterations in cognitions and mood were associated with patients' longer SOL ( b = 9.15, p = .014) and shorter sleep duration ( b = -0.41, p = .050), respectively. Caregivers' greater intrusion was related to their own shorter SOL ( b = -10.14, p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

The four PTSS clusters, particularly arousal and reactivity and negative cognitions and mood, have distinct associations with sleep markers individually and dyadically in patients and caregivers affected by cancer. Investigations of psychosocial and biobehavioral pathways underlying these relations are warranted. Tailored trauma treatments and sleep interventions may improve the well-being of this population.

12-month follow-up of intensive outpatient treatment for PTSD combining prolonged exposure therapy, EMDR and physical activity

BACKGROUND

Preliminary evidence shows promising treatment outcomes at short-term follow-up for intensive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, but long-term follow-up studies are sparse. This study is a sequel to a previous pilot study and open trial, set out to investigate treatment outcomes at 12-month follow-up for outpatients completing an 8-day intensive treatment for PTSD.

METHODS

All patients were diagnosed with PTSD and had multiple previous psychotherapy attempts (M = 3.1). Patients were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 3- and 12-month follow-up. Of 35 treated patients, 32 (91.4%) attended the long-term follow-up assessment. The treatment programme combined prolonged exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and physical activity.

RESULTS

The effect sizes indicated large reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, and well-being. Changes in functioning showed a small-medium effect. Results were stable across the follow-up period. The treatment response rates showed that 46-60% of patients achieved recovery with respect to PTSD symptoms, and that 44-48% no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Time-limited and concentrated outpatient treatment for PTSD can yield large and enduring positive outcomes. Controlled trials are needed to establish relative efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in Current Research Information System In Norway (Cristin). Cristin-project-ID: 654,790. Date of registration: 18.03.2019.

Dropout in a clinical trial for comorbid PTSD and MDD among US service members: Are pretreatment characteristics predictive?

OBJECTIVE

Despite effective treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many patients do not complete therapy. This includes U.S. active duty service members, yet factors linked to attendance in this population remain understudied and dropout remains difficult to predict. Additionally, most studies have not examined samples with PTSD and co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD) despite high rates of comorbidity.

METHOD

The current study explored predictors of dropout among service members with comorbid PTSD and MDD (N = 94) randomized to cognitive processing therapy enhanced with behavioral activation (BA + CPT) or CPT as part of a clinical trial.

RESULTS

Using the Fournier approach, only two predictors were associated with lower dropout risk among over 20 examined: shorter duration between pretreatment assessment and Session 1 (p = .041) and past 3-month PTSD treatment engagement (p = .036).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest the possible utility of early momentum in starting therapy and leveraging recent treatment to improve attendance. However, this study also highlights the possible limitations of commonly assessed pretreatment factors in predicting attendance and current challenges in measuring dropout risk. Strategies to improve prediction, such as shifting focus to assess modifiable factors and processes more proximal to dropout during treatment, may be needed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02874131.

Crisis response planning rapidly reduces suicidal ideation among U.S. military veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among U.S. military veterans and is associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Crisis response planning (CRP), a brief safety planning-type intervention, has been shown to rapidly reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in emergency and acute care settings. CRP's effectiveness when combined with trauma-focused therapies remains unknown. In this randomized pragmatic clinical trial with one-year follow-up, 157 U.S. military personnel and veterans were randomly assigned to receive CRP or self-guided safety planning (SP) prior to beginning massed cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Among 51 (32.5 % of sample) participants endorsing suicidal ideation at baseline, reductions in the severity of suicidal ideation were significantly larger and faster in CRP (F(11,672)= 15.8, p < .001). Among 106 participants denying suicidal ideation at baseline, 8.5 % of CRP participants versus 11.9 % of SP participants (OR=0.69, 95 % CI=0.19-2.52) reported new-onset suicidal ideation during any follow-up assessment. PTSD symptoms significantly reduced over time with no differences between groups. Results support the effectiveness of CRP for rapidly reducing suicidal ideation and managing suicide risk during outpatient treatment for PTSD.

The top-100 cited articles on post-traumatic stress disorder: a historical bibliometric analysis

This is a bibliometric analysis of the most-cited articles on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the objective of identifying citation patterns for researchers, journals, centers, periods, topics, and nations. A search was conducted in Thomson Reuters' WoS Core Collection employing the expression TI = (posttraumatic stress disorder OR post-traumatic stress disorder OR PTSD). The 100 most-cited articles were downloaded, and the relevant data were extracted and analyzed. These studies had a total of 69,649 citations, ranging from a minimum of 360 to a maximum of 6029 citations, with an average of 696.49, a standard deviation of 720.92, mode of 369, and a median of 512. Eighty-eight percent of the most-cited articles on PTSD originated from the USA, with just six cities accounting for 52% of the publications and the Boston area alone responsible for almost one-fifth of the total output. The universities of Yale and Harvard headed the ranking of institutions with larger numbers of highly-cited articles. Female researchers represented 42.3% of all authors, 51% of the first authors, and 48% of the corresponding authors. The proportion of M.D. authors decreased significantly between the 1980-1999 (42%) and the 2000-2019 (27.2%) periods while that of Ph.D. authors increased from 44% to 57.4%. The most studied population was military veterans (28%). Female victims of sexual or physical violence, traumatized children, and adult survivors of childhood abuse were assessed in only 6-7% of the most-cited publications. Ten clinical trials evaluated psychological interventions but only three investigated pharmacotherapy. We concluded that influential research on PTSD remains centralized in the USA. A balanced gender representation in publications was found. There was a heavy reliance on combat veterans as the study population. Few highly-cited studies on the pharmacotherapy for PTSD were identified. Focused efforts are needed to address these challenges.

Mindful self-compassion for veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma: feasibility, acceptability, potential benefits, and considerations

Background: Military sexual trauma (MST) is reported by up to 74% of women veterans in the United States and is a driver of poor behavioural and physical health. Self-compassion is a transdiagnostic, protective factor linked with improved posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and health behaviours. Thus, Mindful Self-Compassion training (MSC) may help ameliorate MST-related impacts. However, MSC can also temporarily increase distress (i.e. backdraft). Delivering it with elective trauma-informed yoga (TIY), which regulates acute distress, may help address this issue.Objective: This VA quality improvement project examined feasibility, acceptability, and reported benefits and challenges of a manualized 8-week MSC including within non-randomized subgroups: MSC (n = 4) and MSC+ elective TIY classes (MSC+; n = 4).Methods: Nine women veterans with a history of MST at a Vet Center in the Northeastern U.S.A. enrolled; eight completed, excluding one MSC+ participant. Measures included attrition (n = 9), attendance (n = 8), weekly (n = 8) and posttreatment acceptability (n = 6), validated symptom severity assessments (n = 7), and an exit interview (n = 8).Results: Among completers, MSC attendance was excellent (89%) and higher among in MSC+ vs. MSC (94% vs. 84% sessions completed). On average across the two groups, depressive and PTSD symptom severity decreased by 21% and 30%, respectively. In exit interviews, participants across groups described improved coping with distress and psychiatric symptoms, reduced stress, and improved self-care and health behaviours. Although women in both groups reported backdraft during the programme, MSC+ also reported healthier coping and improved emotional processing.Conclusion: The results of this programme evaluation infer MSC may be feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for women survivors of MST in one Vet Center in the Northeastern USA. Further, temporary elevations in MSC-related distress may be ameliorated with adjunctive TIY. Given requests of women veterans in the USA. for additional complementary and integrative health treatment options, formal research on these approaches is warranted.

Latent-state and model-based learning in PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by altered emotional and behavioral responding following a traumatic event. In this article, we review the concepts of latent-state and model-based learning (i.e., learning and inferring abstract task representations) and discuss their relevance for clinical and neuroscience models of PTSD. Recent data demonstrate evidence for brain and behavioral biases in these learning processes in PTSD. These new data potentially recast excessive fear towards trauma cues as a problem in learning and updating abstract task representations, as opposed to traditional conceptualizations focused on stimulus-specific learning. Biases in latent-state and model-based learning may also be a common mechanism targeted in common therapies for PTSD. We highlight key knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to further elaborate how latent-state learning and its associated neurocircuitry mechanisms function in PTSD and how to optimize treatments to target these processes.

Posttraumatic growth-oriented peer-based training among U.S. veterans: evaluation of post-intervention and long-term follow-up outcomes

Introduction

Exposure to trauma among U.S. military veterans occurs at a high rate, often resulting in continued difficulty with emotional adjustment and a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study provides data from 184 U.S. military veterans who completed a manualized posttraumatic-growth oriented training program during an integrative seven-day retreat.

Methods

Data was collected at baseline, after program completion, and at 18-month follow-up.

Results

Results on primary outcomes indicated significant increases, with medium to large effect sizes, in growth related outcomes. Specifically, there was a significant increase in scores by 54% on the posttraumatic growth outcome measure (PTGI-X) from baseline (M = 50.2, SD = 31.1) to endpoint (M = 77.4, SD = 29.6), t(183) = -8.78, p < 0.001. Also, results indicate that immediately following training (Day 7), participants reported a significant decrease of 49% on the PCL-5 from baseline (M = 39.7, SD = 17.6) to endpoint (M = 20.1, SD = 13.2), t(183) = 11.75, p < 0.001. Depression subscale scores decreased by 60% from baseline (M = 8.0, SD = 5.2) to endpoint (M = 3.2, SD = 3.0), t(183) = 10.68, p < 0.001; Anxiety scores decreased by 28% from baseline (M = 5.8, SD = 4.3) to endpoint (M = 4.2, SD = 3.5), t(183) = 4.08, p < 0.001; and Stress scores decreased by 50% from baseline (M = 10.0, SD = 4.4) to endpoint (M = 5.0, SD = 3.3), t(183) = 12.21, p < 0.001. Eighteen-month follow-up data was available for 74 participants and indicated that all significant changes in growth-related outcomes were maintained. Further, all significant changes in symptomatology-related outcomes were also maintained at follow-up.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate both the immediate and the long-lasting impact of an integrative posttraumatic growth-oriented training program on psychological growth and PTSD symptom reduction among U.S. military veterans.

Exposure Versus Cognitive Restructuring Techniques in Brief Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Arabic-Speaking People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioral interventions delivered via the internet are demonstrably efficacious treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in underserved, Arabic-speaking populations. However, the role of specific treatment components remains unclear, particularly in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East and North Africa.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate 2 brief internet-based treatments in terms of efficacy, including change in PTSD symptom severity during treatment. Both treatments were developed in line with Interapy, an internet-based, therapist-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy protocol for PTSD and adapted to the specific research question. The first treatment comprised self-confrontation and social sharing (exposure treatment; 6 sessions); the second comprised cognitive restructuring and social sharing (cognitive restructuring treatment; 6 sessions). The 2 treatments were compared with each other and with a waitlist control group.

METHODS

In total, 365 Arabic-speaking participants from the Middle East and North Africa (mean age 25.49, SD 6.68 y) with PTSD were allocated to cognitive restructuring treatment (n=118, 32.3%), exposure treatment (n=122, 33.4%), or a waitlist control group (n=125, 34.2%) between February 2021 and December 2022. PTSD symptom severity, posttraumatic maladaptive cognitions, anxiety, depressive and somatoform symptom severity, and quality of life were assessed via self-report at baseline and after treatment or waiting time. PTSD symptom severity was also measured throughout treatment or waiting time. Treatment satisfaction was assessed after treatment completion. Treatment use and satisfaction were compared between the 2 treatment conditions using appropriate statistical tests (eg, chi-square and Welch tests). Multiple imputation was performed to address missing data and evaluate treatment-associated changes. These changes were analyzed using multigroup change modeling in the completer and intention-to-treat samples.

RESULTS

Overall, 200 (N=240, 83.3%) participants started any of the treatments, of whom 123 (61.5%) completed the treatment. Treatment condition was not significantly associated with the proportion of participants who started versus did not start treatment (P=.20) or with treatment completion versus treatment dropout (P=.71). High treatment satisfaction was reported, with no significant differences between the treatment conditions (P=.48). In both treatment conditions, PTSD, anxiety, depressive and somatoform symptom severity, and posttraumatic maladaptive cognitions decreased, and quality of life improved significantly from baseline to the posttreatment time point (P≤.001 in all cases). Compared with the baseline assessment, overall PTSD symptom severity decreased significantly after 4 sessions in both treatment conditions (P<.001). Moreover, both treatment conditions were significantly superior to the waitlist control group regarding overall PTSD symptom severity (P<.001) and most other comorbid mental health symptoms (P<.001 to P=.03). Differences between the 2 conditions in the magnitude of change for all outcome measures were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based cognitive behavioral treatments for PTSD focusing primarily on either self-confrontation or cognitive restructuring are applicable and efficacious for Arabic-speaking participants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00010245; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00010245.

Benchmarking secondary outcomes to posttraumatic stress disorder symptom change in response to cognitive processing and written exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has high comorbidity with other psychiatric conditions, including depression, generalized anxiety, and suicidality. Evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD are effective at reducing PTSD symptoms. However, evidence on the impact of PTSD EBTs on comorbid conditions is mixed and often uses pre-post analyses, which disregards PTSD symptom response. This study replicated and extended prior work on benchmarking quality of life to PTSD symptom response to a broader range of secondary outcomes using a research-based metric of clinically meaningful PTSD symptom change. Ninety-five active duty military members seeking treatment for PTSD participated in a randomized noninferiority trial examining two cognitive behavioral therapies for PTSD: Written Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Participants completed clinician-administered and self-rating assessments at baseline and 10 weeks post-first treatment session and were classified as PTSD treatment responders or nonresponders. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed effects models with repeated measures with fixed effects of time and PTSD symptom response category. PTSD treatment responders experienced significant improvements in secondary outcomes; nonresponders demonstrated statistically significant, but not clinically meaningful, comorbid symptom change. Our findings provide evidence that successfully treating PTSD symptoms may also positively impact psychiatric comorbidity.

Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Associated with an Eating Disorder and PTSD Are Responsive to Cognitive Processing Therapy

Objective

Eating disorders (EDs) are often associated with prior histories of trauma, subsequent PTSD and related psychiatric comorbidities. There is a paucity of information about their relationship to somatic symptom disorders, specifically psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), a type of functional neurological symptom disorder or conversion disorder.

Methods

We report a case of a 39-year-old bisexual female with bulimia nervosa (BN), PTSD, recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), cannabis use disorder, and PNES who responded to integrated trauma-focused treatment during residential ED treatment using cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Symptoms of ED, PTSD, major depression, and state-trait anxiety were measured using validated assessment instruments.

Results

During the course of CPT treatment, the patient's total scores on the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) went from 59 to 26, which is below the diagnostic threshold for PTSD. In addition, she demonstrated improvements in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global Severity score, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2) total score, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) total score, the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory scores, and the Eating Disorder Quality of Life (EDQOL) total score. Furthermore, her PNES also abated, and she remained seizure free for ∼1 year following discharge with the exception of one short seizure, per report of the patient.

Conclusion

The use of CPT as part of an integrated trauma-informed treatment approach during residential ED treatment was successful in a woman with PNES, BN, PTSD, MDD, and cannabis use disorder.

Patient Perceptions of In Vivo Versus Virtual Reality Exposures for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

BACKGROUND

Psychotherapy, and particularly exposure therapy, has been proven to be an effective treatment for many anxiety disorders, including social and specific phobias, as well as posttraumatic stress disorders. Currently, exposures are underused and mostly delivered in vivo. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) offers a more flexible delivery mechanism that has the potential to address some of the implementation barriers of in vivo exposures while retaining effectiveness. Yet, there is little evidence on how patients perceive different exposure therapy methods.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the perceptions of individuals with anxiety disorders toward in vivo and VRET. Our findings can inform therapists about the degree of patient interest in both methods while exploring the demand for VRET as an alternative and novel treatment approach.

METHODS

Web-based survey assessing the (1) interest in, (2) willingness to use, (3) comfort with, (4) enthusiasm toward, and (5) perceived effectiveness of exposure therapy when delivered in vivo and through VR. Participants included individuals with specific phobia, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, or acute stress disorder or reaction. Participants were presented with educational videos about in vivo and VRET and asked to provide their perceptions quantitatively and qualitatively through a rated scale and free-text responses.

RESULTS

In total, 184 surveys were completed and analyzed, in which 82% (n=151) of participants reported being willing to receive in vivo exposures and 90.2% (n=166) reported willingness to receive VRET. Participants reported higher interest in, comfort with, enthusiasm toward, and perceived effectiveness of VRET compared to in vivo. Most reported in vivo concerns were linked to (1) increased anxiety, (2) feelings of embarrassment or shame, and (3) exacerbation of current condition. Most reported VRET concerns were linked to (1) risk of side effects including increased anxiety, (2) efficacy uncertainty, and (3) health insurance coverage. The most frequently mentioned VRET benefits include (1) privacy, (2) safety, (3) the ability to control exposures, (4) comfort, (5) the absence of real-life consequences, (6) effectiveness, and (7) customizability to a wider variety of exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

On average, our participants expressed positive perceptions toward exposure therapy, with slightly more positive perceptions of VRET over in vivo exposures. Despite valid personal concerns and some misconceptions, our findings emphasize that VRET provides an opportunity to get much-needed therapy to patients in ways that are more acceptable and less concerning.

Psychosocial interventions for survivors of rape and sexual assault experienced during adulthood

BACKGROUND

Exposure to rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse has lifelong impacts for mental health and well-being. Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are among the most common interventions offered to survivors to alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological impacts. Beyond such trauma-focused cognitive and behavioural approaches, there is a range of low-intensity interventions along with new and emerging non-exposure based approaches (trauma-sensitive yoga, Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories and Lifespan Integration). This review presents a timely assessment of international evidence on any type of psychosocial intervention offered to individuals who experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse as adults.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of psychosocial interventions on mental health and well-being for survivors of rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse experienced during adulthood.

SEARCH METHODS

In January 2022, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 12 other databases and three trials registers. We also checked reference lists of included studies, contacted authors and experts, and ran forward citation searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Any study that allocated individuals or clusters of individuals by a random or quasi-random method to a psychosocial intervention that promoted recovery and healing following exposure to rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse in those aged 18 years and above compared with no or minimal intervention, usual care, wait-list, pharmacological only or active comparison(s). We classified psychosocial interventions according to Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Group's psychological therapies list.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 36 studies (1991 to 2021) with 3992 participants randomly assigned to 60 experimental groups (3014; 76%) and 23 inactive comparator conditions (978, 24%). The experimental groups consisted of: 32 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); 10 behavioural interventions; three integrative therapies; three humanist; five other psychologically oriented interventions; and seven other psychosocial interventions. Delivery involved 1 to 20 (median 11) sessions of traditional face-to-face (41) or other individual formats (four); groups (nine); or involved computer-only interaction (six). Most studies were conducted in the USA (n = 26); two were from South Africa; two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; with single studies from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Five studies did not disclose a funding source, and all disclosed sources were public funding. Participants were invited from a range of settings: from the community, through the media, from universities and in places where people might seek help for their mental health (e.g. war veterans), in the aftermath of sexual trauma (sexual assault centres and emergency departments) or for problems that accompany the experience of sexual violence (e.g. sexual health/primary care clinics). Participants randomised were 99% women (3965 participants) with just 27 men. Half were Black, African or African-American (1889 participants); 40% White/Caucasian (1530 participants); and 10% represented a range of other ethnic backgrounds (396 participants). The weighted mean age was 35.9 years (standard deviation (SD) 9.6). Eighty-two per cent had experienced rape or sexual assault in adulthood (3260/3992). Twenty-two studies (61%) required fulfilling a measured PTSD diagnostic threshold for inclusion; however, 94% of participants (2239/2370) were reported as having clinically relevant PTSD symptoms at entry. The comparison of psychosocial interventions with inactive controls detected that there may be a beneficial effect at post-treatment favouring psychosocial interventions in reducing PTSD (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.22 to -0.44; 16 studies, 1130 participants; low-certainty evidence; large effect size based on Cohen's D); and depression (SMD -0.82, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.48; 12 studies, 901 participants; low-certainty evidence; large effect size). Psychosocial interventions, however, may not increase the risk of dropout from treatment compared to controls, with a risk ratio of 0.85 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.44; 5 studies, 242 participants; low-certainty evidence). Seven of the 23 studies (with 801 participants) comparing a psychosocial intervention to an inactive control reported on adverse events, with 21 events indicated. Psychosocial interventions may not increase the risk of adverse events compared to controls, with a risk ratio of 1.92 (95% CI 0.30 to 12.41; 6 studies; 622 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We conducted an assessment of risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool on a total of 49 reported results. A high risk of bias affected 43% of PTSD results; 59% for depression symptoms; 40% for treatment dropout; and one-third for adverse events. The greatest sources of bias were problems with randomisation and missing outcome data. Heterogeneity was also high, ranging from I2 = 30% (adverse events) to I2 = 87% (PTSD).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that survivors of rape, sexual violence and sexual abuse during adulthood may experience a large reduction in post-treatment PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms after experiencing a psychosocial intervention, relative to comparison groups. Psychosocial interventions do not seem to increase dropout from treatment or adverse events/effects compared to controls. However, the number of dropouts and study attrition were generally high, potentially missing harms of exposure to interventions and/or research participation. Also, the differential effects of specific intervention types needs further investigation. We conclude that a range of behavioural and CBT-based interventions may improve the mental health of survivors of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse in the short term. Therefore, the needs and preferences of individuals must be considered in selecting suitable approaches to therapy and support. The primary outcome in this review focused on the post-treatment period and the question about whether benefits are sustained over time persists. However, attaining such evidence from studies that lack an active comparison may be impractical and even unethical. Thus, we suggest that studies undertake head-to-head comparisons of different intervention types; in particular, of novel, emerging therapies, with one-year plus follow-up periods. Additionally, researchers should focus on the therapeutic benefits and costs for subpopulations such as male survivors and those living with complex PTSD.

Mental Health Clinician Practices and Perspectives on Treating Adults with Co-Occurring Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorders

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) commonly co-occur and represent a complex, challenging clinical comorbidity. Meta-analytic studies and systematic reviews suggest that trauma-focused treatments are more efficacious than non-trauma focused interventions for co-occurring PTSD/SUD. However, relatively little is known about mental health clinicians' practices or preferences for treating co-occurring PTSD/SUD. The present study aimed to describe the current clinical practices of mental health clinicians who treat PTSD and/or SUD-related conditions and to assess interest in novel integrative treatments for PTSD/SUD.

METHODS

Licensed mental health clinicians (N = 76; Mage = 39.59, SD = 8.14) who treat PTSD and/or SUD completed an anonymous online survey from April 2021 to July 2021.

RESULTS

The majority (61.8%) of clinicians reported using integrative treatments for PTSD/SUD. The most commonly used trauma-focused treatments were 1) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT: 71.1%) and 2) Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE: 68.4%) for PTSD. Approximately half (51.3%) of clinicians endorsed using Relapse Prevention (RP) for SUD. The vast majority (97.4%) of clinicians were somewhat or very interested in a new integrative CPT-RP intervention, and 94.7% of clinicians believed patients would be interested in a CPT-RP intervention. In the absence of an available evidence-based integrative treatment using CPT, 84.0% of clinicians reported modifying extant treatment protocols on their own to address PTSD and SUD concurrently.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate mental health clinician support of integrative treatments for PTSD/SUD. The most commonly used trauma-focused intervention was CPT and clinicians expressed strong interest in an integrative intervention that combines CPT and RP. Implications for future treatment development are discussed.

Professionals' perspectives on relevant approaches to psychological care in moral injury: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

Despite the increasing consensus that moral injury (MI) is a unique type of psychological stressor, there is an ongoing debate about best practices for psychological care. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of UK and US professionals in the field of MI investigating advances and challenges in treatment or support delivery and issues relating to treatment/support feasibility and acceptability.

METHODS

15 professionals were recruited. Semi-structured, telephone/online interviews were carried out, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two interconnected themes emerged: perceived barriers to appropriate care for MI cases and recommendations for providing effective care to MI patients. Professionals highlighted the challenges that occur due to the lack of empirical experience with MI, the negligence of patients' unique individual needs and the inflexibility in existing manualised treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illustrate the need to evaluate the effectiveness of current approaches and explore alternative pathways, which will effectively support MI patients in the long-term. Key recommendations include the use of therapeutic techniques which lead to a personalised and flexible support plan to meet patients' needs, increase self-compassion and encourage patients to reconnect with their social networks. Interdisciplinary collaborations (e.g., religious/spiritual figures), could be a valuable addition following patients' agreement.

Study protocol: implementing and evaluating a trauma-informed model of care in residential youth treatment for substance use disorders

Introduction

Comorbidity between Substance Use Disorders and trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, particularly within residential treatment services. Comorbidity is associated with poorer treatment retention and treatment outcomes. Integrated treatment approaches are increasingly recommended but are still under examined in residential treatment services. This study will implement and evaluate a novel model of trauma-informed care (TIC) in a youth (18-35 years) residential substance use treatment service.

Methods and analysis

A single-armed, phase 1 implementation trial will be conducted in one residential treatment service. The model, co-developed with staff, incorporates: (i) workforce development in TIC through staff training and clinical supervision; adaptions to the service (ii) policies, procedures, and physical settings and (iii) treatment program adaptions (in delivery style and content) to be more trauma-informed; (iv) client screening and feedback for trauma and PTSD at service entry; and (v) the provision of support, referral and/or trauma-focused therapy to those with PTSD. Service outcomes will include adherence to the TIC model and client treatment completion. Client substance use and mental health measures will be collected at service entry, and 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months follow up. Staff outcomes, including workplace satisfaction, burnout, and fatigue, as well as perceptions and confidence in delivering TIC will be collected at baseline, and at 3-, 6-, 12- and 18-months following training in the model. The sustainability of the delivery of the TIC model of care will be evaluated for 12 months using service and staff outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval by the University of Queensland (Approval number: 2020000949). The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, presentations at scientific conferences, and distributed via a report and presentations to the partner organization.Clinical trial registration: ACTRN12621000492853.

Moving toward precision PTSD treatment: predicting veterans' intensive PTSD treatment response using continuously updating machine learning models

BACKGROUND

Considerable heterogeneity exists in treatment response to first-line posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Relatively little is known about the timing of when during a course of care the treatment response becomes apparent. Novel machine learning methods, especially continuously updating prediction models, have the potential to address these gaps in our understanding of response and optimize PTSD treatment.

METHODS

Using data from a 3-week (n = 362) CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program (ITP), we explored three methods for generating continuously updating prediction models to predict endpoint PTSD severity. These included Mixed Effects Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (MixedBART), Mixed Effects Random Forest (MERF) machine learning models, and Linear Mixed Effects models (LMM). Models used baseline and self-reported PTSD symptom severity data collected every other day during treatment. We then validated our findings by examining model performances in a separate, equally established, 2-week CPT-based ITP (n = 108).

RESULTS

Results across approaches were very similar and indicated modest prediction accuracy at baseline (R2 ~ 0.18), with increasing accuracy of predictions of final PTSD severity across program timepoints (e.g. mid-program R2 ~ 0.62). Similar findings were obtained when the models were applied to the 2-week ITP. Neither the MERF nor the MixedBART machine learning approach outperformed LMM prediction, though benefits of each may differ based on the application.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing continuously updating models in PTSD treatments may be beneficial for clinicians in determining whether an individual is responding, and when this determination can be made.

Factors Associated with Engaging in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy During the First Year of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Between 2017 and 2019

To address the burden of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD at all VHA medical centers. Prior investigations show EBP utilization has increased following the initial nationwide implementation. However, most patients still do not engage in EBPs and those who do often have substantial delays between diagnosis and treatment which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The goal of the current study is to identify patient and clinical factors associated with initiating EBP and completing a minimally adequate dose of treatment within the first year of a new PTSD diagnosis. Overall, 263,018 patients started PTSD treatment between 2017 and 2019 and 11.6% (n = 30,462) initiated EBP during their first year of treatment. Of those who initiated EBP, 32.9% (n = 10,030) received a minimally adequate dose. Older patients were less likely to initiate EBP, but more likely to receive an adequate dose when they did initiate. Black, Hispanic/Latino/a, and Pacific Islander patients' likelihood of initiating EBP was not significantly different than White patients, but these patients were less likely to receive an adequate dose. Patients with comorbid depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or substance use disorders were less likely to initiate EBP, while patients reporting MST were more likely to initiate EBP. This study identifies several patient-level disparities that could be prioritized to increase EBP utilization. In our evaluation, most patients did not engage in EBP during their first year of PTSD treatment, which is consistent with previous evaluations of EBP utilization. Future research should focus on understanding the flow of patients from PTSD diagnosis to treatment to support effective PTSD care delivery.

Self-reported sleep problems in active-duty US Army personnel receiving posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in group or individual formats: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sleep disturbances are common in military personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may persist following treatment. This study examined service members seeking treatment for PTSD, reporting insomnia symptoms, nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness, and potential obstructive sleep apnea at baseline and the impact of sleep disturbances on a course of PTSD treatment.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis, sleep was evaluated in 223 service members who participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD delivered in individual or group formats. Sleep assessments included the Insomnia Severity Index, the Trauma-Related Nightmare Survey, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale administered at baseline and 2 weeks posttreatment.

RESULTS

Following PTSD treatment, there were significant improvements for insomnia symptoms (MΔ = -1.49; d = -0.27), nightmares (MΔ = -0.35; d = -0.27), and excessive daytime sleepiness (MΔ = -0.91; d = -0.16). However, mean scores remained in clinical ranges at posttreatment. Participants with baseline insomnia symptoms had worse PTSD severity throughout treatment. Participants with baseline excessive daytime sleepiness or probable obstructive sleep apnea had greater PTSD severity reductions when treated with Cognitive Processing Therapy individually vs. in a group. Those with insomnia symptoms, nightmare disorder, and sleep apnea had greater depressive symptoms throughout treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia symptoms, nightmares, and excessive daytime sleepiness were high at baseline in service members seeking treatment for PTSD. While sleep symptoms improved with PTSD treatment, these sleep disorders were related to worse treatment outcomes with regards to symptoms of PTSD and depression. Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy is recommended over group Cognitive Processing Therapy for patients with either excessive daytime sleepiness or probable obstructive sleep apnea.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Group vs. Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-related PTSD; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02173561; Identifier: NCT02173561.

CITATION

Puriksma KE, Taylor DJ, Wachen JS, et al. Self-reported sleep problems in active-duty US Army personnel receiving posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in group or individual formats: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(8):1389-1398.

Perceived key change phenomena of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of severe PTSD: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of clinical integration sessions

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition that significantly impacts daily functioning in patients but lacks adequate treatment options. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) as an adjunct to psychotherapy for the treatment of PTSD has been studied increasingly for the last two decades and has shown promising results through quantitative data. However, few qualitative studies have been conducted to investigate patients' experiences who participate in these trials. This study intends to complement and clarify the quantitative findings resulting from a Phase-II clinical trial for assessing the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD by using a qualitative approach based on available material of 4 recorded and transcripted integrative sessions per participant. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted for 7 participants who met criteria for severe PTSD to develop a deeper understanding of the treatment and its efficacy. Analysis results provided real-life statements from participants that reflect perceived mechanisms of change and showed to what extent their proposed working mechanisms integrate into daily life.

Comparative effectiveness of group v. individual trauma-focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans

BACKGROUND

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) delivered in an individual setting are efficacious and effective treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Group CPT has been shown to be less efficacious than individual CPT, however, evidence regarding real-world effectiveness is limited.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational, comparative effectiveness study including veterans that received at least eight sessions of group CPT, individual CPT, or individual PE, and were discharged from PTSD residential treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1 October 2015, and 30 September 2020. PTSD symptom severity was assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and treatments delivered in a group (CPT) or individual (CPT or PE) setting were compared at discharge and 4-month post-discharge follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 6735 veterans, 3888 [653 women (17%), median (IQR) age 45 (35-55) years] received individual and 2847 [206 women (7.2%), median (IQR) age 42 (34-54)] received group therapy. At discharge, improvement in PTSD severity was statistically greater among those treated individually (mean difference on the PCL-5, 2.55 (95% CI 1.61-3.49); p = <0.001]. However, the difference was smaller than the minimal clinically important difference of 7.9 points. The groups did not differ significantly at 4-month follow-up [mean difference on the PCL-5, 0.37 (95% CI -0.86 to 1.60); p = 0.551].

CONCLUSION

Group CPT was associated with a slightly smaller reduction of PTSD symptom severity than individual CPT or PE in veterans at the end of residential treatment. There were no differences at 4-month follow-up.

Primary care-based mindfulness intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms among Black adults: A pilot feasibility and acceptability randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

There is support for the use of mindfulness-based approaches with trauma-exposed adults. However, limited data are available on feasibility and acceptability of group-based mindfulness interventions in urban medical clinics serving primarily Black adults with low socioeconomic resources, where rates of trauma exposure are high. The present randomized pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week adapted mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group for trauma-exposed Black adults who screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in an urban primary care clinic setting.

METHOD

Participants were randomized to waitlist control (WLC) or MBCT. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through examination of retention rates, measures of group satisfaction and treatment barriers, and qualitative interview. Forty-two Black adults (85% women) were consented; of those, 34 (81%) completed preassessment and randomization.

RESULTS

Feasibility of study design was shown, with > 75% (n = 26) of randomized participants completing the study through postassessment. Twenty-four individuals (70.5%) completed through 1-month follow-up. Results showed high levels of group acceptability across quantitative and qualitative measures. Perceived barriers to psychological treatment were high, with an average of > 6 barriers present.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate feasibility and acceptability of MBCT group interventions in urban primary care settings with trauma-exposed patients with significant psychopathology. However, substantial barriers to treatment engagement were endorsed and to improve numbers for successful engagement in the intervention, continued efforts to reduce treatment barriers and increase access to mindfulness-based interventions in underresourced communities are needed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparing the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders to prolonged exposure for the treatment of PTSD: Design of a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

Background

Prolonged Exposure (PE), a trauma-focused therapy, is one of the most efficacious treatments available for PTSD. However, many people with PTSD do not lose their diagnosis following delivery of PE. The Unified Protocol (UP) for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is a non-trauma focused treatment that may offer an alternative treatment for PTSD.

Methods

This paper describes the study protocol for IMPACT, an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial that examines the non-inferiority of UP relative to PE for participants who meet DSM-5 criteria for current PTSD. One hundred and twenty adult participants with PTSD will be randomized to receive either 10 × 90-min sessions of UP or PE with a trained provider. The primary outcome is severity of PTSD symptoms assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) at post-treatment.

Discussion

While evidence-based treatments are available for PTSD, high levels of treatment dropout and non-response require new approaches to be tested. The UP is based on emotion regulation theory and is effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders, however, there has been limited application to PTSD. This is the first rigorous study comparing UP to PE in a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial and may help improve clinical outcomes for those with PTSD.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID (ACTRN12619000543189).

Development and feasibility testing of an integrated PTSD and adherence intervention cognitive processing therapy-life steps (CPT-L) to improve HIV outcomes: Trial protocol

Despite high rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in persons living with HIV (PLWH) and poor HIV-related health outcomes associated with PTSD, an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD symptoms in PLWH does not exist. Negative reinforcement conceptual models posit that avoidant behavior (hallmark symptom of PTSD) demonstrated by PLWH with co-occurring PTSD can contribute to poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. However, research evaluating the impact of evidence-based treatment for PTSD among HIV infected populations on HIV outcomes is scarce. The Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) protocol is an evidence-based PTSD treatment that may address internalized stigma with targeted modifications and improve ART adherence and subsequent viral suppression through reduction of avoidant coping. This study will be the first pilot open-label randomized control trial (RCT) to test feasibility of an integrated evidence-based PTSD treatment (CPT) with an adherence intervention (Lifesteps) delivered in a Ryan White clinic to improve PTSD symptoms, adherence to ART, and retention in HIV care. Primary aims are to (1) conduct theater testing of the CPT and Lifesteps research protocol and evaluate acceptability (n = 12) and (2) deliver a modified CPT protocol (CPT-Lifesteps, or CPT-L) in 60 PLWH/PTSD exploring impact of CPT-L on PTSD symptoms and HIV outcomes compared to a Lifesteps + Standard of Care condition. This innovative research extends PTSD treatment approaches as a paradigm to reduce barriers to ART adherence. Findings of this innovative study are significant because they support the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U[bond, double bond]U) campaign and can help prevent the transmission of HIV infection through increased viral suppression.

Relations Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Positive Memory Characteristics Among Women Reporting Intimate Partner Violence: A Micro-Longitudinal Study

Evidence links posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms to positive autobiographical memory characteristics. To extend this research, we uniquely utilized micro-longitudinal data to examine (1) the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days; and (2) if more vividness and accessibility of retrieved positive memories at the daily level predicted decreases in the trajectory of PTSD symptom count across 30 days. The current study was a secondary data analysis of a larger study. The sample included 74 women who reported physical or sexual victimization in the past 30 days by their current male partner and reported the use of alcohol and/or drugs during that time (M_age = 39.68 years; 37.80% with diagnostic PTSD; 43.2% White; 37.8% Black or African American). They completed thrice daily measures of PTSD symptoms and positive memory characteristics (vividness and accessibility) across 30 days. Results of the random effects longitudinal multilevel model indicated that, on average, the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness was positive and statistically significant (0.19, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [0.2, 0.35]); and the relation between PTSD symptom count and positive memory accessibility was positive and statistically significant (0.31, 95% CI [0.15, 0.47]). The relationship between PTSD symptom count and positive memory vividness/accessibility (i.e., slopes) varied significantly across participants, with a wide range of positive and negative regression coefficients. Future research needs to investigate why and how positive memory vividness and accessibility may relate to trajectories of PTSD symptoms over time, with potential clinical implications for positive memory interventions addressing PTSD.

Leveraging observational data to identify in-session patient and therapist predictors of cognitive processing therapy response and completion

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about in-session process variables that predict symptom reduction and treatment completion during CPT. Examining potentially malleable factors that may promote or impede recovery can inform care delivery and enhance outcomes. The current study used observational ratings of CPT session recordings to examine in-session patient and therapist factors in cognitive, affective, and interpersonal domains to identify their relative contributions to predicting symptom outcomes and treatment completion. Participants were 70 adult survivors of interpersonal violence who received CPT. Predictors of better posttreatment PTSD outcomes included less patient fear, β = .32, and less patient avoidance of engaging with the therapist, β = .35. When using the last available PTSD score, less fear, β = .23, and avoidance, β = .28, continued to predict better outcomes, and more patient cognitive flexibility emerged as a stronger predictor of outcome, β = -.33. Predictors of a higher likelihood of treatment completion included more therapist use of Socratic dialogue, OR = 6.75, and less therapist encouragement of patient affect, OR = 0.11. Patient sadness and anger and therapist expression of empathy did not predict symptom outcomes or treatment completion versus dropout. The results highlight the importance of patients' cognitions, emotions, and engagement with their therapist in CPT as well as the role of therapist behaviors in patient completion of treatment.

Comparative effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD delivered in VA residential PTSD treatment

BACKGROUND

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) are first-line treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There have been few direct comparisons of CPT and PE intended to determine their comparative effectiveness, none of which have examined outcomes among military veterans receiving these treatments in a residential setting such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) residential rehabilitation treatment programs (RRTPs). Such work is essential given that these veterans are among the most complex and severely symptomatic patients with PTSD treated in VA. In this study we compared changes in PTSD and depressive symptoms across admission, discharge, four months and 12 months following discharge among veterans who received CPT or PE within VA RRTPs.

METHODS

Using linear mixed models conducted on program evaluation data derived from the electronic medical record and follow-up surveys, we compared self-reported PTSD and depressive symptom outcomes among 1130 veterans with PTSD who were treated with individual CPT (n = 832, 73.5%) or PE (n = 297, 26.5%) in VA PTSD RRTPs in fiscal years 2018-2020.

RESULTS

PTSD and depressive symptom severity did not significantly differ at any time points. The CPT and PE groups both showed large-sized reductions in PTSD (CPT d = 1.41, PE d = 1.51) and depression (CPT d = 1.01, PE d = 1.09) from baseline to 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes for PE and CPT do not differ among a highly complex population of veterans with severe PTSD and several comorbid conditions that can make it difficult to engage in treatment.

Impact of morally injurious traumatic event exposure on cognitive processing therapy outcomes among Veterans and service members

LAY SUMMARY

Military personnel frequently report actions taken by themselves or others that violate deeply held moral beliefs, which can be experienced as a kind of moral injury. Some have questioned whether existing treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as cognitive processing therapy, are effective for those who have been exposed to a morally injurious traumatic event. These analyses demonstrate that active duty service members and Veterans seeking treatment for PTSD who reported potentially morally injurious trauma had PTSD and depression outcomes that were as good as those whose traumas were not primarily seen as morally injurious, suggesting that cognitive processing therapy is an efficacious treatment for PTSD in the context of morally injurious trauma.

If it's offered, will they come? Practical considerations when offering intensive PTSD treatment in an outpatient Veterans Affairs PTSD clinic

Evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are efficacious; however, treatment dropout remains high. The delivery of intensive EBPs for PTSD (i.e., sessions three times per week or more) and telemental health may address barriers impacting dropout. Current evidence for intensive EBPs comes primarily from programs specifically designed for this level of care. Therefore, the feasibility of delivering intensive EBPs for PTSD in traditional outpatient clinics remains unclear. The aim of this pilot study was to identify veteran level of interest in intensive treatment and explore the feasibility of delivering intensive treatment via telemental health in an outpatient PTSD clinic at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. One provider offered intensive treatment to 14 veterans. Three of the veterans initiated intensive treatment and completed with benefit. Veteranand system-level barriers, as well as veteran preferences for initiating intensive therapy and suggestions for implementing intensive EBPs in a routine outpatient clinic, are discussed.

Aerobic exercise in the treatment of PTSD: An examination of preclinical and clinical laboratory findings, potential mechanisms, clinical implications, and future directions

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with heightened emotional responding, avoidance of trauma related stimuli, and physical health concerns (e.g., metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Existing treatments such as exposure-based therapies (e.g., prolonged exposure) aim to reduce anxiety symptoms triggered by trauma reminders, and are hypothesized to work via mechanisms of extinction learning. However, these conventional gold standard psychotherapies do not address physical health concerns frequently presented in PTSD. In addition to widely documented physical and mental health benefits of exercise, emerging preclinical and clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that precisely timed administration of aerobic exercise can enhance the consolidation and subsequent recall of fear extinction learning. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise may be a promising adjunctive strategy for simultaneously improving physical health while enhancing the effects of exposure therapies, which is desirable given the suboptimal efficacy and remission rates. Accordingly, this review 1) encompasses an overview of preclinical and clinical exercise and fear conditioning studies which form the basis for this claim; 2) discusses several plausible mechanisms for enhanced consolidation of fear extinction memories following exercise, and 3) provides suggestions for future research that could advance the understanding of the potential importance of incorporating exercise into the treatment of PTSD.

Latent emotion profiles of PTSD and specific emotions predicting differential therapy outcomes in a dismantling study of cognitive processing therapy

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is theoretically maintained by avoidance of emotions elicited from trauma-related beliefs. Whether PTSD symptom profiles and specific emotions predict treatment response is unknown. This secondary data analysis examined: a) whether individuals with PTSD can be sub-classified based on symptom clusters and specific emotions, and b) if these subgroups predict differential responses to cognitive versus exposure-based PTSD interventions. Women with physical or sexual assault-related PTSD were randomized to CPT (cognitive processing therapy elements only), CPT with written accounts (CPT+A), or written accounts (WA) only (n = 150). Participants completed baseline measures of PTSD, state anxiety, internalized anger, externalized anger, shame, and guilt, and weekly PTSD measures during and 6 months after treatment. Latent profile analyses revealed four subgroups: low symptoms and emotions; moderate-high reexperiencing, low internalized emotions (i.e., moderate-high reexperiencing, moderate avoidance/hyperarousal/guilt, low shame/internalized anger/anxiety); low reexperiencing, moderate emotions (i.e., low re-experiencing, moderate avoidance/hyperarousal/guilt, moderate other emotions); and high symptoms and emotions (high symptoms and emotions except moderate externalized anger). The high symptom and emotion subgroup experienced greater PTSD symptom improvements in cognitive conditions than WA. Other groups did not exhibit differential change across conditions. Cognitive interventions may be well-suited for severe PTSD with high self-directed emotions. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT00245232.

Effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder in clinical practice

BACKGROUND

While evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a first-line treatment, its real-world effectiveness is unknown. We compared cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) each to an individual psychotherapy comparator group, and CPT to PE in a large national healthcare system.

METHODS

We utilized effectiveness and comparative effectiveness emulated trials using retrospective cohort data from electronic medical records. Participants were veterans with PTSD initiating mental healthcare (N = 265 566). The primary outcome was PTSD symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist (PCL) at baseline and 24-week follow-up. Emulated trials were comprised of 'person-trials,' representing 112 discrete 24-week periods of care (10/07-6/17) for each patient. Treatment group comparisons were made with generalized linear models, utilizing propensity score matching and inverse probability weights to account for confounding, selection, and non-adherence bias.

RESULTS

There were 636 CPT person-trials matched to 636 non-EBP person-trials. Completing ⩾8 CPT sessions was associated with a 6.4-point greater improvement on the PCL (95% CI 3.1-10.0). There were 272 PE person-trials matched to 272 non-EBP person-trials. Completing ⩾8 PE sessions was associated with a 9.7-point greater improvement on the PCL (95% CI 5.4-13.8). There were 232 PE person-trials matched to 232 CPT person-trials. Those completing ⩾8 PE sessions had slightly greater, but not statistically significant, improvement on the PCL (8.3-points; 95% CI 5.9-10.6) than those completing ⩾8 CPT sessions (7.0-points; 95% CI 5.5-8.5).

CONCLUSIONS

PTSD symptom improvement was similar and modest for both EBPs. Although EBPs are helpful, research to further improve PTSD care is critical.

The Role of Social Support in Coping with Psychological Trauma: An Integrated Biopsychosocial Model for Posttraumatic Stress Recovery

This theoretical review proposes an integrated biopsychosocial model for stress recovery, highlighting the interconnectedness of intra- and interpersonal coping processes. The proposed model is conceptually derived from prior research examining interpersonal dynamics in the context of stressor-related disorders, and it highlights interconnections between relational partner dynamics, perceived self-efficacy, self-discovery, and biological stress responsivity during posttraumatic recovery. Intra- and interpersonal processes are discussed in the context of pre-, peri-, and post-trauma stress vulnerability as ongoing transactions occurring within the individual and between the individual and their environment. The importance of adopting an integrated model for future traumatic stress research is discussed. Potential applications of the model to behavioral interventions are also reviewed, noting the need for more detailed assessments of relational dynamics and therapeutic change mechanisms to determine how relational partners can most effectively contribute to stress recovery.

Effectiveness of treatments for symptoms of post-trauma related guilt, shame and anger in military and civilian populations: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic event can develop profound feelings of guilt, shame and anger. Yet, studies of treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have largely investigated changes in PTSD symptoms relating to a sense of ongoing fear or threat and the effectiveness of such treatments for post-trauma related guilt, shame or anger symptom reduction is comparatively not well understood.

METHODS

This review systematically examined the effectiveness of existing treatment approaches for three symptoms associated with exposure to traumatic events: guilt, shame and anger. Studies included had to be published after 2010 with a sample size of n=50 or greater to ensure stable treatment outcome estimates.

RESULTS

15 studies were included, consisting of both civilian and (ex-) military population samples exposed to a wide range of traumatic events (eg, combat-related, sexual abuse). Findings indicated a moderate strength of evidence that both cognitive-based and exposure-based treatments are similarly effective in reducing symptoms. Cognitive-based treatments were found to effectively reduce post-trauma related guilt and anger, while exposure-based treatments appeared effective for post-trauma related guilt, shame and anger.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the importance of confronting and discussing the traumatic event during therapy, rather than using less directive treatments (eg, supportive counselling).Nonetheless, while these results are promising, firm conclusions regarding the comparative effectiveness and long-term impact of these treatments could not be drawn due to insufficient evidence. Further empirical research is needed to examine populations exposed to traumatic events and investigate which treatment approaches (or combination thereof) are more effective in the long-term.

Evaluating changes in negative posttrauma cognition as a mechanism of PTSD severity changes in two separate intensive treatment programs for veterans

BACKGROUND

A wealth of evidence has illustrated that reductions in negative posttrauma cognitions (NPCs) predict improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during treatment. Yet, the specific temporal arrangement of changes in these constructs is less well understood. This study examined the temporal association between NPC changes and PTSD symptom changes in two distinct intensive PTSD treatment samples.

METHODS

Data from 502 veterans who completed a 3-week CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program was used to test the extent to which lagged NPC measurement predicted the next occurring PTSD severity measurement using linear mixed effects regression models. PTSD severity was assessed every other day during treatment. NPCs were assessed at three treatment timepoints. A second sample of 229 veterans who completed a 2-week CPT-based intensive PTSD treatment program was used to replicate these findings.

RESULTS

Across both intensive PTSD treatment programs, NPCs generally increased from intake the end of the first treatment week, which was followed by gradual decreases in NPCs throughout the rest of both programs. Change in NPCs during both the 3-week (b = .21, p < .001, R2 = .38) and the 2-week programs (b = 0.20, p < .001, R2 = .24) were significant predictors of change in PTSD symptom severity. However, the reverse was true as well, with change in PTSD severity predicting latter change in NPCs during both the 3-week (b = 1.51, p < .001, R2 = .37) and 2-week (b = 1.37, p < .001, R2 = .33) programs, further raising questions about temporality of the association between NPCs and PTSD symptom severity during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that changes in NPCs may not temporally precede changes in PTSD symptom severity in PTSD treatment samples. Instead, we observed earlier PTSD symptom changes and a bidirectional association between the two constructs across both samples. Clinically, the study supports the continued focus on NPCs as an important treatment target as they are an important indicator of successful PTSD treatment, even if they may not be a direct mechanism of treatment-based changes in PTSD severity. Future research should attempt to identify alternative mechanisms of change in CPT.

Cannabinoid modulation of brain activation during volitional regulation of negative affect in trauma-exposed adults

Emotion dysregulation is considered a core component of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive reappraisal is one therapeutic emotion regulation strategy that has been widely studied among individuals with mood and anxiety disorders, and numerous differences in brain activation patterns have been shown between individuals with and without PTSD during tasks of cognitive reappraisal. Prior research among healthy subjects suggests that an acute, low dose of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) could attenuate the neurophysiological discrepancies that exist between individuals with and without PTSD during tasks of emotional processing; however, the effect of an acute, low dose of THC on corticolimbic activity during emotion regulation among individuals with PTSD has not yet been studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of THC on negative affect and brain activation in a priori regions of interest during cognitive reappraisal among trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD. Using a double-blind design, 51 individuals were randomized to receive THC or placebo (PBO) before participating in a well-established emotion regulation task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). THC but not PBO reduced negative affect during reappraisal, and THC increased dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) activation in response to neutral images. Individuals with PTSD displayed less activation in the angular gyrus, overall, compared to the trauma-exposed control (TEC) group, however THC increased angular gyrus activation in the PTSD group so that there was no significant difference in angular gyrus activation between the TEC and PTSD groups that received THC. Compared to PBO, THC also increased cerebellar activation during exposure to neutral images in individuals with PTSD. Lastly, in participants that received THC, greater posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus activation during reappraisal was associated with less self-reported negative affect following reappraisal blocks. Together these findings suggest that THC may prove to be a beneficial pharmacological adjunct to cognitive reappraisal therapy in the treatment of PTSD.

Predictors of Attrition and Response in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Interpersonal Trauma Survivors with PTSD

With the establishment of empirically validated treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of such treatments in real-world clinical settings. Specifically, premature termination and treatment response limit the effectiveness of these interventions. The current study investigated factors potentially related to premature termination and treatment response in Cognitive Processing Therapy with Account (CPT-A). Participants in this study included 42 women (Mage = 30.70 SDage = 9.40) with PTSD from exposure to interpersonal trauma. Demographic characteristics, pre-treatment symptoms of PTSD and depression, and transdiagnostic factors were examined as predictors of attrition and treatment response. Hierarchical regression and logistic regression models were analyzed to test the variance explained and predictive value of these factors. The present study revealed that age was a significant factor related to dropout from CPT-A whereas baseline PTSD symptom severity was significantly related to treatment response. Results of this study suggest the importance of the interrelationships among pre-treatment predictors as well as the consideration of attrition and treatment response as distinct metrics of treatment outcome. Further, these results inform the application of CPT-A for PTSD in survivors of interpersonal trauma, as consideration of the identified predictors of dropout and non-response at intake may contribute to treatment retention and response.

Effects of current treatments for trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder on reducing a negative self-concept: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: A negative self-concept is characterised by dysfunctional cognitions about the self and has been suggested to be a key factor involved in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, the current definitions of PTSD according to DSM-5 and the new ICD-11 diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) include aspects of negative self-concept in their diagnostic criteria. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesise the currently available evidence on the effects of psychological interventions for PTSD on negative self-concept. Methods: PubMed, PsychINFO, PSYNDEX, PTSDpubs and Cochrane Library were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological treatments for PTSD symptoms in adults, published up to February 2021. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, with risk of bias assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Results: A total of 25 RCTs (N = 2585) were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that psychological interventions significantly improve a negative self-concept with a moderate to large controlled effect size (k = 30, g = 0.67, 95% CI [0.31, 1.02], p < .001) at post-treatment. Heterogeneity between studies was large but could not be accounted for by moderators included in the current analysis, i.e. different types of interventions (e.g. with vs. without a cognitive restructuring component, trauma-focused vs. not). Conclusions: Current treatments for PTSD are effective in reducing a negative self-concept. However, more research is needed to identify moderators of this effect and identify interventions that are most effective for reducing negative self-concept.

A participant-randomized pilot hybrid II trial of group cognitive processing therapy for incarcerated persons with posttraumatic stress and substance use disorder symptoms: study protocol and rationale

BACKGROUND

Trauma exposure and drug addiction go hand-in-hand for the 2.17 million people who are incarcerated in US prisons; prevalence of both exceed 80% among this population. This manuscript describes the rationale and methods for a participant-randomized effectiveness-implementation hybrid type II pilot trial designed to: 1) examine the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy group (CPT), an evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for reducing post-release drug use and PTSD symptoms when adapted for and delivered in prisons; and 2) provide data on implementation outcomes associated with the use of implementation facilitation as a strategy for supporting uptake of CPT in prisons.

METHOD

Participants in the effectiveness portion of the trial (N = 120) will be incarcerated men and women who are randomly assigned to one of two group therapies: CPT or a control condition (PTSD coping skills group; PCS). Participants will complete assessment measures three times: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3 months following release from incarceration. CPT groups will be led by prison counselors who are receiving implementation facilitation to support their efforts. PCS groups will be led by trained clinicians on the research team. Implementation outcomes will include acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, feasibility, fidelity, and sustainability. After enrollment ends, the research team will monitor CPT sustainment and recidivism outcomes of study participants for one year.

DISCUSSION

This study will lay the groundwork for a larger study of interventions for co-occurring PTSD and SUD in prisons and, critically, inform the development of strategies (such as implementation facilitation) for supporting their uptake in routine practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04007666 , clinicaltrials.gov, 24 June 2019, 02 September 2021.

Longitudinal relationships among posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters in response to positive memory processing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Avoidance, inherent to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, is theoretically and empirically linked to the maintenance of PTSD symptom severity. While research indicates traumatized individuals avoid positive and trauma memories, several PTSD treatments focus exclusively on traumatic memories. We examined the mediating role of PTSD's avoidance in the relationship between processing positive memories and PTSD cluster severity (intrusion, mood/cognitions, arousal).

METHODS

Sixty-five trauma-exposed college students (M_age = 22.52; 86.10% female) were randomly assigned to 3 conditions: narrating/processing, writing/processing, or control (same task across baseline [T0] and follow-up [T1]).

RESULTS

Half-longitudinal mediation models indicated participation in the narrating vs. writing and control conditions predicted decreases in T1 intrusion severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity. Similarly, participation in the narrating vs. writing and control conditions predicted decreases in T1 mood/cognitions' severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity. Participation in the narrating vs. writing condition predicted decreases in T1 arousal severity via reduction in T1 avoidance severity.

LIMITATIONS

Data was obtained from an analogue small-size sample of university students. In addition, sessions were only 6-8 days apart, with the processing component of each session lasting ∼30 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Processing positive memories may relate to lower PTSD severity via a reduction in PTSD's avoidance, paralleling effects of processing trauma memories. Our findings support future investigations of the mechanisms underlying impacts of positive memory processing in the context of PTSD treatments.

Cognitive Processing Therapy Versus Medication for the Treatment of Comorbid Substance Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Egyptian patients (Randomized Clinical Trial)

"Earlier research has established that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) frequently coexist. Aims: Cognitive Processing Therapy was compared to Sertraline and a placebo in an RCT for treating patients with comorbid SUD and PTSD. Methods: 150 patients with SUD and PTSD were interviewed by clinicians and asked to fill out the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Timeline Follow Back Interview (TLFB), and Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM). Patients were randomly assigned to the following conditions: CPT (n=50), Sertraline (n=50), or Placebo (n=50). Pretreatment, posttreatment, six and, twelve-month follow-up assessments were conducted. Results: When compared to the sertraline group, CPT resulted in much higher reductions in CAPS scores at posttreatment assessment (d=0.93, p < .000). When compared to the control group, CPT considerably reduced PTSD symptoms (the effect size, d=1.9, p < .000). Sertraline resulted in many significant decreases in CAPS when compared to control groups (the effect size , d=1.11, p<.000). At posttreatment, SUD and depression severity were significantly reduced in both CPT and Sertraline groups. After six and twelve months of follow-up, these differences persisted. Conclusion: Comparatively to the control group, CPT and Sertraline significantly decreased PTSD, SUD, and depression."

Shame Mediates the Relationship Between Negative Trauma Attributions and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in a Trauma Exposed Sample

Background

Theoretical models of self-conscious emotions indicate that shame is elicited through internal, stable, and global causal attributions of the precipitating event. The current study aimed to investigate whether these negative attributions are related to trauma-related shame and PTSD symptom severity.

Method

A total of 658 participants aged 18 to 89 (M = 33.42; SD = 12.17) with a history of trauma exposure completed a range of self-report measures assessing trauma exposure, negative trauma-related attributions, shame, and PTSD symptoms.

Results

Higher levels of internal, stable, and global trauma-related attributions were significantly associated with shame and PTSD. Shame mediated the association between trauma-related attributions and PTSD symptom severity, even after controlling for the effects of number of trauma exposures, worst index trauma and depression.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that negative attributions are a critical cognitive component related to shame and in turn, PTSD symptom severity. Future research should aim to replicate these findings in a clinical sample and extend these findings using prospective designs.

Changes in guilt cognitions in intensive PTSD treatment among veterans who experienced military sexual trauma or combat trauma

Unresolved trauma-related guilt has been identified as a factor that can intensify posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD symptomology and is associated with many negative mental health outcomes. Evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), have been shown to successfully reduce trauma-related guilt. However, less is known about how trauma-related guilt cognitions change over the course of PTSD treatment and, more specifically, intensive PTSD treatments. The current study examined whether guilt cognitions (i.e., hindsight bias/responsibility, insufficient justification, wrongdoing) changed over the course of a 3-week CPT-based intensive treatment program (ITP), whether guilt cognition changes predicted PTSD and depression symptom reductions over time, and whether guilt cognition changes and their association with PTSD and depression symptom changes differed based on whether they worked on combat trauma or military sexual trauma. Data were collected from 360 veterans enrolled in a 3-week ITP. Results from linear mixed effects models suggested that trauma-related guilt cognitions reduced significantly over the course of treatment (ps < .001), changes in wrongdoing (p = .032) and hindsight bias/responsibility (p = .003) were significant predictors of PTSD symptom reductions and hindsight bias/responsibility (p = .032) was the only significant predictor of depression symptom reduction. Overall differences in guilt cognitions over time based on cohort type were only significant for insufficient justification (p = .001). These findings suggest that changes in hindsight bias/responsibility demonstrated the largest effect size (d = 0.1.14), implying that hindsight bias/responsibility may be one of the most important guilt cognitions to target. This study also highlights the importance of the relationship between trauma-related guilt and PTSD and depression symptoms. Future research should examine whether changes in guilt cognitions precede changes in PTSD and depression symptoms, and if addressing certain types of guilt cognitions is more important to achieving PTSD and depression symptom reductions.

Decreases in psychiatric symptoms persist following exposure-based group therapy for sexual violence victimization among incarcerated women

Survivors Healing from Abuse: Recovery through Exposure (SHARE) is a brief, exposure-based group treatment for incarcerated female survivors of sexual violence. Preliminary evaluations of SHARE showed declines in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms from pre- to posttreatment. However, prior investigations have not included a longitudinal follow-up period and thus knowledge of whether therapeutic benefits persist following the termination of the group is lacking. Here, we examined data from 57 incarcerated women who completed SHARE and provided follow-up data while still incarcerated (M = 95 days posttreatment). Results from a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms from pre- to posttreatment (large effect sizes), with symptoms further reduced during the follow-up period. In addition, McNemar tests showed a significant reduction in the proportion of participants at or above the clinical cut-off for probable PTSD and depression from pre- to posttreatment as well as from posttreatment to the follow-up assessment. Together, results suggest that the therapeutic benefits of SHARE persist after treatment is completed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).