1
|
P. van Valenberg FJ, van der Heijden AG, Cutie CJ, Bhanvadia S, Keegan KA, Hampras S, Sweiti H, Maffeo JC, Jin S, Chau A, Reynolds DL, Iarossi C, Kelley A, Li X, Stromberg KA, Michiel Sedelaar J, Steenbruggen JJ, Somford DM, Alfred Witjes J. The Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Gemcitabine-releasing Intravesical System (TAR-200) in American Urological Association-defined Intermediate-risk Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Patients: A Phase 1b Study. EUR UROL SUPPL 2024; 62:8-15. [PMID: 38585206 PMCID: PMC10998271 DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Patients with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (IR NMIBC) have a high risk of recurrence and need effective therapies to reduce the risk of disease recurrence or progression. This phase 1b study (NCT02720367) assessed the safety and tolerability of TAR-200, an intravesical drug delivery system, in participants with IR NMIBC. Methods Participants with recurrent IR NMIBC were eligible. Participants received either two 7-d or two 21-d TAR-200 dosing cycles over a 4-6-wk period in a marker lesion/ablation design. TAR-200 was placed in the window between the cystoscopy showing recurrent papillary disease and the subsequent complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumour. The primary endpoint was TAR-200 safety. The secondary endpoints included TAR-200 tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy. Key findings and limitations Twelve participants received TAR-200 treatment. No TAR-200-related serious or grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred. Nine participants had grade ≤ 2 TAR-200-related TEAEs, with urgency, dysuria, and haematuria being most common. Two participants refused a second dosing cycle due to urinary urgency and frequency. Insertion and removal of TAR-200 was successful in all cases. Plasma gemcitabine concentrations remained below the lower limit of detection. Five participants (42%) had complete response (CR): four had pathological CR and one had CR based on visual assessment. Conclusions and clinical implications TAR-200 appears to be safe and well tolerated, with encouraging preliminary efficacy in participants with IR NMIBC. This study lays the groundwork for the multiple phase 2 and 3 global studies that are currently on-going for TAR-200. Patient summary In this study, researchers evaluated the safety of the novel drug delivery system TAR-200 in participants with intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. They concluded that TAR-200 was safe and well tolerated with promising antitumour activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Johannes P. van Valenberg
- Department of Urology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Kirk A. Keegan
- Janssen Research & Development, Lexington, MA, USA
- Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shu Jin
- Janssen Research & Development, Lexington, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - April Kelley
- Janssen Research & Development, Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Janssen Research & Development, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Diederik M. Somford
- Department of Urology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoeboer CM, Kullberg MLJ, Oprel DAC, Schoorl M, van Minnen A, Antypa N, Mouthaan J, de Kleine RA, van der Does W. Impact of three variants of prolonged exposure therapy on comorbid diagnoses in patients with childhood abuse-related PTSD. Cogn Behav Ther 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38411129 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2318729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies indicated that Prolonged Exposure (PE) is safe and effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is unclear whether PE also leads to a reduction in comorbid diagnoses. Data from a large randomized controlled trial (N = 149) on the effects of three variants of PE for PTSD were used. We examined the treatment effects on co-morbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, substance abuse, psychotic, eating and personality disorders in a sample of patients with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Outcomes were assessed with clinical interviews at baseline, post-treatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. All variants of PE led to a decrease from baseline to post-treatment in diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders. Improvements were sustained during follow-up. We found an additional decrease in the number of patients that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of a depressive disorder between 6- and 12-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed for the presence of OCD, psychotic and eating disorders. Findings suggest that it is effective to treat PTSD related to childhood abuse with trauma-focused treatments since our 14-to-16 weeks PE for PTSD resulted in reductions in comorbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Hoeboer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Danielle A C Oprel
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Schoorl
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van Minnen
- PSYTREC, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Antypa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne A de Kleine
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Willem van der Does
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gomes SIL, Guimarães B, Fenoglio I, Gasco P, Paredes AG, Blosi M, Costa AL, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Advanced materials - Food grade melatonin-loaded Lipid Surfactant Submicron Particles (LSSP)-environmental impacts. Sci Total Environ 2024; 913:169748. [PMID: 38160813 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced materials (AdMa), particularly relevant for drug delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds, while also providing protection, stabilization, and controlled release of the drugs/active substances. The toxicological data available often focus on the specific applications of the LNPs-drug tested, with indication of low toxicity. However, the ecotoxicological effects of LNPs are currently unknown. In the present study, we investigated the ecotoxicity of a formulation of Lipid Surfactant Submicron Particles (LSSPs) loaded with melatonin at 1 mg/mL. The LSSPs formulation has been developed to be fully compliant with regulatory for its potential use in the market and all components are food additives. The same formulation without the thickening agent xanthan gum (stabilizer in water phase) designated as LSSP-xg, was also tested. Two soil model invertebrate species were tested in LUFA 2.2 soil: Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) and Folsomia candida (Collembola). Effects were assessed based on the OECD standard guideline (28 days) and its extension, the longer-term exposure (56 days). Assessed endpoints were survival, reproduction, and size. LSSPs and LSSP-xg were toxic to E. crypticus and F. candida reducing their survival and reproduction in a dose-dependent way: e.g., 28-day exposure: E. crypticus: LC/EC50 = 30/15 mg LSSPs/kg soil and F. candida LC/EC50 = 55/44 mg LSSPs/kg soil, with similar values for LSSP-xg. Size was also reduced for F. candida but was the least sensitive endpoint. There were no indications that toxicity increased with longer term exposure. The results provide relevant information on ecotoxicity of a AdMa and highlights the need for awareness of the potential risks, even on products and additives usually used in food or cosmetic industry. Further information on single components and on their specific assembly is necessary for the interpretation of results, as it is not fully clear what causes the toxicity in this specific AdMa. This represents a typical challenge for AdMa hazard assessment scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana I L Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Guimarães
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ivana Fenoglio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Magda Blosi
- National Research Council, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, 48018 Faenza, RA, Italy
| | - Anna L Costa
- National Research Council, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, 48018 Faenza, RA, Italy
| | | | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sele P, Hoffart A, Cloitre M, Hembree E, Øktedalen T. Comparing phase-based treatment, prolonged exposure, and skills-training for Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A randomized controlled trial. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 100:102786. [PMID: 37871452 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines treatment effects in STAIR Narrative Therapy (SNT), a phase-based treatment where Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) precedes Narrative Therapy (NT), compared to Prolonged Exposure (PE) and to STAIR. METHOD Ninety-two adult patients diagnosed with DSM-5 PTSD and ICD-11 CPTSD following childhood abuse were randomly assigned to enhanced versions of SNT (12 group STAIR sessions + 8 individual NT sessions), PE (8-16 individual sessions), or STAIR (12 group STAIR sessions) provided in residential care. Outcome was assessed by mixed models. RESULTS PE produced greater improvements in DSM-5 PTSD symptoms compared to SNT from pre-treatment to post-treatment, but not compared to STAIR. Reductions in ICD-11 CPTSD symptoms were not significantly different among conditions. From pre-treatment to 1 year follow-up, PE produced greater PTSD symptom improvements than SNT and STAIR, and PE and STAIR produced greater CPTSD symptom improvements than SNT. CONCLUSIONS The predicted stronger effect of SNT compared to PE and STAIR on DSM-5 PTSD and ICD-11 CPTSD symptoms was not supported by the findings. The benefits of immediate trauma-focused treatments (TFT) as compared to phase-based treatments, and the potential non-inferiority of skills-training as compared to TFT in CPTSD needs to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sele
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund N-3370, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Asle Hoffart
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund N-3370, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Marylène Cloitre
- National Center for PTSD, Division of Dissemination and Training, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, CA 94025, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Standford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hembree
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tuva Øktedalen
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund N-3370, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gomes SIL, Chidiamassamba SB, Trindade T, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Environmental hazards of WELGRO® Cu+Zn: A nano-enabled fertilizer. Environ Pollut 2023; 336:122469. [PMID: 37648058 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Nanoagrochemicals have the potential to revolutionize agriculture towards a precision farming system, able to reduce application rates and consequently their environmental footprint, while keeping efficacy. Several nanoagrochemicals (including nanopesticides (Npes) and nanofertilizers (Nfer)) are already commercialized but the environmental risk assessment of these advanced materials is often lacking. In the present study, we studied the commercial fertilizer WELGRO® Cu + Zn and assessed its ecotoxicity to the soil invertebrate species Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta), further comparing it to its individual active substances CuO and ZnO. To get a comprehensive picture of possible effects, we used four types of highly relevant tests in LUFA 2.2 soil: 1) avoidance behaviour (2 days), 2) reproduction (OECD standard, 28 d), 3) its extension (56 d), and 4) the full life cycle (FLC) (46 d) - this high level of hazard screening allows for increased interpretation. The results confirmed the nano-features of WELGRO® and a higher toxicity than the mixture of the individual components CuO + ZnO. E. crypticus avoided the soil spiked with WELGRO® and CuO + ZnO, this being the most sensitive endpoint - avoidance behaviour. Both WELGRO® and the active substances were little to non-toxic based on the OECD standard test. However, the toxicity dramatically increased in the tests focussing on longer-term sustainability measures, i.e., 56 days, ca. 170 for WELGRO®. This seems related to the nano-features of WELGRO®, e.g., slow release of ions from the nanoparticles throughout time. The FLCt results showed WELGRO® affected hatching and juveniles' survival, being these the most sensitive life stages. Hence, under actual real world field usage scenarios, i.e., based on the recommended application rates, nanoenabled WELGRO® can affect oligochaete populations like enchytraeids, both via the immediate avoidance behaviour and also via prolonged exposure periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana I L Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Tito Trindade
- Department of Chemistry & CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shea MT, Krupnick JL, Sautter FJ, Mete M, Green BL, Norman SB, Finley SL, Eaton E. A randomized clinical trial comparing Interpersonal Psychotherapy with Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of PTSD in veterans. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 99:102770. [PMID: 37738685 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-focused therapies are recommended as first-line treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but many veterans do not complete or sufficiently respond to these treatments. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a non-trauma focused approach that directly addresses the interpersonal and social impairments associated with PTSD. This two-site randomized controlled equivalence trial compared IPT with Prolonged Exposure (PE) in improving PTSD symptoms and interpersonal functioning in 109 veterans with PTSD. Secondary outcomes included functioning and quality of life. We hypothesized that IPT would be statistically equivalent to PE in reducing PTSD symptoms, and superior to PE in improving interpersonal functioning and secondary outcomes of work and social adjustment and quality of life. PTSD symptom severity decreased significantly in both treatments from pre- to post-treatment. Although IPT improved as much as PE and treatments did not differ significantly, the 95 % confidence interval for the difference between the groups did not fall completely within the margin of equivalence. IPT was not superior to PE in improvement in interpersonal functioning or on secondary outcomes. Findings from multi-level linear mixed models using longitudinal data (posttreatment, three and six month follow up) for the primary outcomes of PTSD and interpersonal functioning were consistent with the post-treatment analyses. Although statistically inconclusive in terms of equivalence, the comparable reduction in PTSD symptoms slightly favoring IPT suggests that IPT is an acceptable alternative to gold-standard trauma-focused treatments for veterans with PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Tracie Shea
- Department of Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System, Providence, RI, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Janice L Krupnick
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown Medical School, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Frederic J Sautter
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, United States of America; Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Mihriye Mete
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Bonnie L Green
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown Medical School, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sonya B Norman
- National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Shauna L Finley
- Brown Medicine Primary Care, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Erica Eaton
- Department of Veterans Affairs Providence Healthcare System, Providence, RI, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verdi EK, Katz AC, Gramlich MA, Rothbaum BO, Reger GM. Impact of dissociation on exposure therapy for PTSD outcomes and Adherence among U.S. Military service members. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:86-91. [PMID: 37751659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Emotional engagement is necessary for successful exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but dissociation is considered a barrier to emotional engagement. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRE) uses multi-sensory virtual environments to increase emotional engagement during exposure therapy, and average treatment outcomes are comparable to traditional exposure therapy. However, individual factors (e.g., depression) can predict differential responses to VRE. Studies have yet to investigate whether VRE would be more effective in treating patients with dissociation compared to traditional PE. This secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial explores whether dissociation predicts treatment outcomes to exposure therapy among active-duty soldiers (N = 108) diagnosed with PTSD. We also examine whether individuals reporting dissociative symptoms demonstrated differential treatment responses to VRE and PE. Results indicated a significant two-way interaction between dissociation and time in treatment, such that dissociation blunted the negative relationship between time and PTSD symptoms. Dissociation was not associated with treatment session attendance or drop out. Results also revealed no significant effect of treatment group (PE or VRE) on the relationship between dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Findings contribute to a body of literature supporting the potential clinical and research utility of a dissociative subtype of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Verdi
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, 9600 Veterans Drive Southwest, Tacoma, WA, 98493, USA.
| | - Andrea C Katz
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98174, USA.
| | - Michael A Gramlich
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, 9600 Veterans Drive Southwest, Tacoma, WA, 98493, USA.
| | - Barbara O Rothbaum
- Emory University School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Dr NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA.
| | - Greg M Reger
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, 9600 Veterans Drive Southwest, Tacoma, WA, 98493, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alpert E, Hayes AM, Foa EB. Examining emotional processing theory and predictors of outcome in prolonged exposure for PTSD. Behav Res Ther 2023; 167:104341. [PMID: 37307658 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure (PE) is an empirically supported treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study examined multiple facilitators and indicators of emotional processing to identify key predictors of outcome in PE using observational coding methods. Participants were 42 adults with PTSD who received PE. Video recordings of sessions were coded to capture negative emotion activation, negative and positive trauma-related cognitions, and cognitive rigidity. Two variables emerged as predictors of PTSD symptom improvement assessed via self-report, but not clinical interview: a greater decrease in negative trauma-related cognitions and lower average cognitive rigidity. Peak emotion activation, reductions in negative emotions, and increases in positive cognitions did not predict PTSD improvement (self-report or clinical interview). Findings contribute to growing evidence highlighting the importance of cognitive change as part of emotional processing and as a key ingredient of PE, beyond activation and reduction in negative emotions. Implications for evaluating emotional processing theory and for clinical practice are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Alpert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States.
| | - Adele M Hayes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States.
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lau W, Chisholm K, Gallagher M, Felmingham K, Murray K, Pearce A, Doyle N, Alexander S, O'Brien H, Putica A, Khatri J, Bockelmann P, Hosseiny F, Librado A, Notarianni M, O'Donnell M. 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. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 33:101134. [PMID: 37228903 PMCID: PMC10205430 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
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).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W. Lau
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K. Chisholm
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M.W. Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, The University of Houston, TX, USA
| | - K. Felmingham
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K. Murray
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A. Pearce
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N. Doyle
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S. Alexander
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - H. O'Brien
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A. Putica
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - J. Khatri
- Canberra Health Services, Australian Capital Territory Government, Canberra, Australia
| | - P. Bockelmann
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - F. Hosseiny
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Canada
| | - A. Librado
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M. Notarianni
- Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at The Royal, Canada
| | - M.L. O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sripada RK, Smith K, Walters HM, Ganoczy D, Kim HM, Grau PP, Nahum-Shani I, Possemato K, Kuhn E, Zivin K, Pfeiffer PN, Bohnert KM, Cigrang JA, Avallone KM, Rauch SAM. Testing adaptive interventions to improve PTSD treatment outcomes in Federally Qualified Health Centers: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 129:107182. [PMID: 37044157 PMCID: PMC10349653 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionately affects low-income individuals and is untreated in 70% of those affected. One third of low-income Americans are treated in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which do not have the capacity to provide all patients with first-line treatments such as Prolonged Exposure (PE). To address this problem, FQHCs could use low-intensity interventions (e.g., Clinician-Supported PTSD Coach: CS PTSD Coach) and medium-intensity interventions (e.g., PE for Primary Care: PE-PC) to treat PTSD with fewer resources. However, some patients will still require high-intensity treatments (e.g., full-length PE) for sustained clinical benefit. Thus, there is a critical need to develop stepped-care models for PTSD in FQHCs. METHOD We are conducting a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) with 430 adults with PTSD in FQHCs. Participants are initially randomized to CS PTSD Coach or PE-PC. After four sessions, early responders step down to lower frequency interaction within their assigned initial treatment strategy. Slow responders are re-randomized to either continue their initial treatment strategy or step up to Full PE for an additional eight weeks. The specific aims are to test the effectiveness of initiating treatment with PE-PC versus CS PTSD Coach in reducing PTSD symptoms and to test the effectiveness of second-stage strategies (continue versus step-up to Full PE) for slow responders. CONCLUSIONS This project will provide critical evidence to inform the development of an effective stepped-care model for PTSD. Testing scalable, sustainable sequences of PTSD treatments delivered in low-resource community health centers will improve clinical practice for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Sripada
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America.
| | - Kayla Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Heather M Walters
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - H Myra Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Peter P Grau
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Inbal Nahum-Shani
- Data-Science for Dynamic Decision-making Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Eric Kuhn
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Paul N Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A Cigrang
- School of Professional Psychology, College of Health Education and Human Services, Wright State University, Fairborn, OH, United States of America
| | - Kimberly M Avallone
- Department of Psychiatry, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- VA Atlanta Healthcare System, Decatur, GA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gomes SIL, Guimarães B, Gasco P, Blosi M, Costa AL, Scott-Fordsmand JJ, Amorim MJB. Nanoemulsion carriers for drug delivery: Assessment of environmental hazards. Environ Pollut 2023; 328:121669. [PMID: 37080512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanoemulsions (NEs) have been extensively studied as carriers for drug delivery, since these provide a good alternative to the existing non-nano systems, while promoting their target delivery and controlled release. NEs are considered safe drug carriers from a pre-clinical perspective, but there is currently no information on their ecotoxicological effects. In the present study we investigated the toxicity of a NE material (lecithin, sunflower oil, borate buffer) designed to be used as a liposomal excipient for eye drops, further referred to as (Lipid Particle:LP) LP_Eye and its dispersant (borate buffer) (LP_Eye disp.). Effects were assessed using two model species in soil ecotoxicology in LUFA 2.2 soil: Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) and Folsomia candida (Collembola), based on the OECD standard guideline (28 days) and its extension, a longer-term exposure (56 days). The endpoints evaluated included survival, reproduction, and size. LP_Eye and LP_Eye disp. were toxic to E. crypticus and F. candida, affecting all measured endpoints. The toxicity of LP_Eye in E. crypticus seemed to be induced by the dispersant, whereas for F. candida, more sensitive, this was less explanatory. There were no indications that toxicity increased with longer exposure. Current results provide ecotoxicological data for a group of NMs that was absent, revealing toxicity to relevant environmental species. Indications were that the dispersant contributed to most of the observed effects, thus there is room to improve the formulation and achieve lower environmental impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana I L Gomes
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Guimarães
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paolo Gasco
- Nanovector srl, Via livorno, 60, 10144, Torino, TO, Italy
| | - Magda Blosi
- National Research Council, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, 48018 Faenza, RA, Italy
| | - Anna L Costa
- National Research Council, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, 48018 Faenza, RA, Italy
| | | | - Mónica J B Amorim
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wheaton MG, Choo TH, Markowitz JC. Changes in avoidance and distress related to trauma reminders in PTSD psychotherapy. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 78:101805. [PMID: 36435547 PMCID: PMC10029731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Research has examined reductions in patient distress recounting trauma narratives in Prolonged Exposure (PE) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It remains unclear whether changes in distress and avoidance related to environmental trauma reminders matter in PE and other PTSD treatments, including non-exposure Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). METHODS Data came from adults with chronic PTSD (N = 92) who completed a treatment trial comparing PE, IPT, and Relaxation Therapy (RT). We employed the Self-Initiated In-Vivo Exposure Scale (SIIVES), which measures patient distress from and avoidance of situational trauma reminders, to calculate reliable change in distress and avoidance. PTSD symptoms, depression, quality of life, and functioning assessments were collected before and after 14 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Overall, 48.1% of patients experienced reliable change in avoidance, while 51.9% showed reliable change in distress. Rates of reliable change did not differ by treatment group, although PE appeared to achieve reliable change earlier. Only one baseline characteristic predicted reliable change: patients with comorbid depression were less likely to reliably change in avoidance. At post-treatment, patients achieving reliable change had lower PTSD severity and depression and increased quality of life and social functioning. Statistical modeling revealed that changes in distress and avoidance related to subsequent reduction in PTSD symptoms in all three treatment groups, though this relationship appeared strongest in PE. LIMITATIONS The sample was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS Change in avoidance and distress associated with situational trauma reminders was associated with a range of clinical outcomes and may represent important factors in multiple PTSD psychotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Wheaton
- Barnard College, Department of Psychology, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tse-Hwei Choo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA
| | - John C Markowitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao F, Wang J, Yang S, Ji M, Zhu G. Fear extinction induced by activation of PKA ameliorates anxiety-like behavior in PTSD mice. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109306. [PMID: 36341808 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy aiming to promote fear extinction is a useful treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the mechanisms underlying fear extinction and effective methods used to promote fear extinction in PTSD are still lacking. In this study, we displayed dysfunctions of cyclic adenosine 3,5-monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and calcium signaling in peripheral serum of PTSD patients using bioinformatics analysis. Later, we confirmed the dysfunctions of cAMP-PKA, AKT/mTOR and calcium signaling in the hippocampus of PTSD mice. Moreover, the reduction of calpain1 in the hippocampus enhanced fear memory acquisition. Single activation of PKA by systemic application of rolipram (ROL) or meglumine cyclic adenylate (M-cAMP) before re-exposure promoted fear extinction and improved anxiety-like behavior in PTSD mice. Moreover, systemic application of ROL before re-exposure improved hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling and calpain1/AKT/mTOR signaling. Interestingly, the effects of activation of PKA could be partially blocked by TrkB antagonist, ANA-12 and mTOR inhibitor, RAPA. Finally, intranasal administration of ROL could also adjust the abnormality of fear memory and improve anxiety-like behaviors in PTSD mice. Collectively, activation of PKA could promote fear extinction, which correlated with the reduction of anxiety-like behavior. The mechanisms were related to the BDNF/TrkB and calpain1/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. PKA activation might be a useful complementary therapy for PE in the symptom elimination of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Shaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Manman Ji
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Saraiya TC, Jarnecke AM, Rothbaum AO, Wangelin B, McTeague LM, Acierno R, Brown DG, Bristol E, Feigl H, Reese M, Cobb AR, Harley B, Adams RJ, Back SE. Technology-enhanced in vivo exposures in Prolonged Exposure for PTSD: A pilot randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:467-475. [PMID: 36347106 PMCID: PMC9811583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In vivo exposures (IVEs) are a key component of exposure-based treatments, during which patients approach fear-provoking, yet safe, situations in "real life." This pilot study assessed the use of a wearable technology (Bio Ware) during IVEs to enhance Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD. Bio Ware provides a clinician dashboard with real-time physiological and subjective data for clinicians to use for virtually guided IVEs. Participants (N = 40) were randomized to a Guided group that received standard PE and virtual, clinician-guided IVEs with the Bio Ware device, or a Non-Guided group that received standard PE and used the Bio Ware device on their own for IVEs. Multilevel linear models with bootstrapping were completed on the intent-to-treat (ITT; N = 39) and per-protocol samples (PP; n = 23), defined as completing at least eight sessions of PE and using the Bio Ware system during ≥ 1 IVEs. In the PP sample, there were significant effects of treatment condition (b = -14.55, SE = 1.47, 95% CI [-17.58, -11.78], p < .001) and time (b = -1.98, SE = 0.25, 95% CI [-2.47, -1.48], p < .001). While both groups showed reductions in PTSD symptoms, the Guided group evidenced significantly greater reductions than the Non-Guided group. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and safety of leveraging Bio Ware for virtual, clinician-guided IVEs during PE therapy for PTSD and suggest that virtual, clinician-guided exposures may enhance treatment outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04471207.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya C. Saraiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University—New Brunswick,Corresponding Author: Tanya C. Saraiya, Ph.D., Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Suite 217-C, Piscataway, NJ 08854.
| | - Amber M. Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Alex O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Department of Research and Outcomes, Skyland Trail
| | - Bethany Wangelin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Lisa M. McTeague
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Ron Acierno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas
| | - Delisa G. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Emily Bristol
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Hayley Feigl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | | | - Adam R. Cobb
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Department of Research and Outcomes, Skyland Trail,Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas-Austin
| | | | - Robert J Adams
- Zeriscope, Inc,Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Grau PP, Bohnert KM, Ganoczy D, Sripada RK. Who improves in trauma-focused treatment: A cluster analysis of treatment response in VA patients undergoing PE and CPT. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:159-166. [PMID: 36070830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) benefit from evidence-based treatments, questions persist concerning the profiles of those at risk for poor outcomes. To help address these gaps, this study analyzed a large clinical cohort of veterans receiving prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT). METHODS Cluster analysis using Ward's method with Euclidian distances identified clinically meaningful subgroups of veterans in a national cohort (n = 20,848) using variables maintained in the electronic medical record. The clusters were then compared via one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's HSD on indicators of treatment progress including PTSD symptom change, clinical recovery, clinically significant change, remission, and treatment completion. RESULTS Effect size differences on clinical outcome measures for PE and CPT were negligible. Less than half of veterans achieved at least a 15-point reduction in PCL-5 score and half completed treatment. We identified 10 distinct clusters. Higher rates of PTSD service-connected disability were linked to poorer outcomes across multiple clusters, especially when combined with Post-Vietnam service era. Non-White race was also linked with poorer clinical outcomes. Factors associated with better outcomes included a greater proportion of female veterans, especially when combined with recent service era, and longer PTSD diagnosis duration. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the need to improve PTSD treatment outcomes for non-White and male veterans, examine treatment response in Post-Vietnam era veterans, and consider ways in which the service connection process could hinder treatment response. The results from this study also indicate the benefits of integrating elements of clinical complexity into an analytic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter P Grau
- VA Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center (SMITREC), 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, United States.
| | - Kipling M Bohnert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, United States
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rebecca K Sripada
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, United States; Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Burger SR, van der Linden T, Hardy A, de Bont P, van der Vleugel B, Staring ABP, de Roos C, van Zelst C, Gottlieb JD, Mueser KT, van Minnen A, de Jongh A, Marcelis M, van der Gaag M, van den Berg D. Trauma-focused therapies for post-traumatic stress in psychosis: study protocol for the RE.PROCESS randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:851. [PMID: 36199107 PMCID: PMC9532824 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many people with psychotic disorders experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In recent years, several trauma-focused therapies (TFTs), including cognitive restructuring (CR), prolonged exposure (PE), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have been studied and found to be safe and effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in individuals with psychosis. However, studies were conducted in different countries, with varying inclusion criteria, therapy duration, control groups, and trial outcomes. RE.PROCESS will be the first study to compare the impact of CR, PE, and EMDR with a waiting list control condition within the same context. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is the protocol of a pragmatic, single-blind, multicentre, superiority randomized controlled trial, in which CR, PE, and EMDR are compared to a waiting list control condition for TFT (WL) in a naturalistic treatment setting. Inclusion criteria are as follows: age ≥ 16 years; meeting full DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), with a total CAPS score ≥ 23; and a psychotic disorder in the schizophrenia spectrum confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Participants (N=200) will be randomly allocated to 16 sessions of one of the TFTs or WL, in addition to receiving treatment as usual (TAU) for psychosis. The primary objective is to compare the effects of CR, PE, and EMDR to WL on researcher-rated severity of PTSD symptoms over time from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Secondary objectives are to examine these effects at the separate time-points (i.e., mid-treatment, post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up) and to test the effects for clinician-rated presence of PTSD diagnosis, and self-rated severity of (complex) PTSD symptoms. DISCUSSION This is the first RCT to directly compare the effects of CR, PE, and EMDR within the same context to TAU on PTSD symptoms in individuals with psychosis and PTSD. Secondary effects on clinical and functional outcomes will be investigated both directly after therapy and long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN56150327 . Registered 18 June 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone R Burger
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Room MF-B543, Van der Boechorstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands. .,Department of Psychosis Research and Innovation, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Tineke van der Linden
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Room MF-B543, Van der Boechorstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands.,Department of Research and Innovation, GGzE Mental Health Institute, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Amy Hardy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul de Bont
- GGZ Oost-Brabant Mental Health Institute, Boekel, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Carlijn de Roos
- Academic Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Level, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (location AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine van Zelst
- Department of Psychosis Research and Innovation, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer D Gottlieb
- Cambridge Health Alliance & Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Agnes van Minnen
- Behavourial Science Institute, Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,PSYTREC Mental Health Institute, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ad de Jongh
- PSYTREC Mental Health Institute, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Behavioral Science, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.,School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Machteld Marcelis
- Department of Research and Innovation, GGzE Mental Health Institute, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Room MF-B543, Van der Boechorstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychosis Research and Innovation, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - David van den Berg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Room MF-B543, Van der Boechorstraat 7, Amsterdam, 1081 BT, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychosis Research and Innovation, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yasinski CW, Watkins LE, Maples-Keller JL, Ragsdale KA, Sherrill AM, Burton MS, Rauch SAM, Rothbaum BO. Long-term effectiveness of a prolonged exposure-based intensive outpatient program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 152:313-320. [PMID: 35779388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Empirically-supported psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly effective and recommended as first-line treatments, yet dropout rates from standard outpatient therapy are high. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) that provide these therapies in condensed format with complementary interventions show promise, as they have demonstrated similar efficacy and higher retention rates. The current study examined initial and long-term outcomes up to 12-months following a 2-week PTSD IOP involving daily prolonged exposure therapy (PE) and adjunctive interventions for veterans and military service members. Participants (N = 376) demonstrated high retention (91%) and large effect size reductions in self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms after two weeks. Small increases in symptoms occurred after 3 months but these stabilized and large reductions compared to baseline were maintained up to 12 months. Piecewise multilevel modeling indicated that demographic variables did not predict PTSD or depression symptom trajectories. Higher PTSD and depression severity at intake predicted higher symptomatology across timepoints and larger relative gains during treatment. Greater alcohol use prior to treatment was associated with higher PTSD symptomatology but did not affect the magnitude of gains. A history of childhood sexual abuse was associated with greater reduction in depression symptoms over treatment, although this effect faded over follow-up. Together these findings underscore the long-term effectiveness of a PE-based IOP across a diverse range of veterans and service members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly W Yasinski
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Laura E Watkins
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Jessica L Maples-Keller
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Katie A Ragsdale
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Andrew M Sherrill
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Mark S Burton
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.
| | - Barbara O Rothbaum
- Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30326, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Karimi A, Ghadiri-Moghaddam F, Valipour M, Yahyavi Y. Effects of prolonged exposure to ELF-EMF on HERVs expression in human melanoma cells. Mol Biol Res Commun 2022; 11:67-71. [PMID: 36059930 PMCID: PMC9336785 DOI: 10.22099/mbrc.2022.42754.1706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient remnants of exogenous retroviral infections. Their abnormal activation is associated with several diseases, such as cancer and autoimmunity. Epigenetic and environmental factors are probably playing essential roles in the expression of these elements. This study aimed to examine the 96-hour effects of ELF-EMF on HERV-H, K, and W expression in human melanoma cells. SK-MEL-37 cells (the human skin malignant melanoma) were continuously exposed to ELF-EMF (50 Hz) at 1.5 and 3 mT intensity for 96 hours. Following mRNA extraction, the expression level of HERV-H, K, and W was assessed by qPCR. According to our results, exposure to ELF-EMF intensities for 96 hours could significantly downregulate HERV-H, K, and W env gene expression (P<0.001). Our obtained data suggest that low intensity and long-term exposure to ELF-EMF may pave using this type of radiation as a novel therapeutic approach by neutralizing the HERVs upregulated expression in melanoma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Karimi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Corresponding Author: Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Golgasht St., Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran. Tel: +98 41 33355789, Fax: +98 41 33355789. E. mail:
| | | | - Masoumeh Valipour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yahya Yahyavi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sripada RK, Walters HM, Ganoczy D, Avallone KM, Cigrang JA, Rauch SAM. Feasibility and Acceptability of Prolonged Exposure in Primary Care (PE-PC) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Pilot Study. Adm Policy Ment Health 2022; 49:722-734. [PMID: 35445362 PMCID: PMC9020756 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-022-01195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects 6% of U.S. adults, yet is treated in only 30% of affected individuals and even fewer low-income individuals. One third of the nation’s low-income individuals are treated in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Most of these facilities lack capacity to provide their patients with first-line, evidence-based treatments for PTSD such as Prolonged Exposure (PE). To address this problem, PE has been adapted for use in a primary care setting and demonstrated efficacy in a brief model for military service members (PE in Primary Care: PE-PC). The effectiveness of this treatment in civilian, low-resource settings such as FQHCs is unknown. This pilot study tested the feasibility and acceptability of PE-PC in 30 Michigan FQHC patients. High rates of therapy participation suggest that the intervention was feasible and acceptable. Semi-structured interview data from 10 patients and 5 FQHC providers indicated that the intervention was helpful and filled a critical need for effective PTSD treatment in the FQHC setting. Interviews also elucidated barriers such as transportation, provider training, and time commitment for patients and providers. These findings set the stage for a full-scale randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of PE-PC on PTSD symptoms in this low-resource, high-need setting. Trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03711266. October 18, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Sripada
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Heather M Walters
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dara Ganoczy
- Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pincus LE, Brown LA, Capaldi S, Comeau C, Foa EB. Trauma Exposure and PTSD in Philadelphia Community Mental Health. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:547-52. [PMID: 34052961 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Based on feedback received during post-training consultation within a Prolonged Exposure (PE) implementation initiative, additional assessment training was added to help community providers identify patients who met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and were considered appropriate for PTSD treatment. The current study investigated the rates of trauma exposure and PTSD in the community sample, as well as the percentage of individuals deemed "appropriate" for PE by community therapists. METHOD Clinicians involved in the PE Initiative administered the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5) to 10,260 individuals across 13 community agencies. Clinicians were also asked to report whether patients were perceived as appropriate for PE. RESULTS Consistent with our hypothesis, the rates of potential PTSD in Philadelphia community mental health (58.2% of our total sample) far exceeded national averages (8.3%). Contrary to our hypothesis, 100% of patients who scored above the clinical cutoff for PTSD were considered appropriate for PE by their community clinician. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study emphasize the high prevalence of PTSD among individuals presenting for treatment to community mental health centers. Despite common misconceptions that patients are often perceived as ineligible or not appropriate for PE, 100% of patients in the PE Initiative who scored above the clinical cutoff for PTSD were considered good candidates for treatment according to their clinicians. This suggests that with sufficient training and post-training consultation, as provided in this community initiative, community clinicians may be more likely to perceive PE as an appropriate treatment option.
Collapse
|
21
|
Maples-Keller JL, Yasinski C, Stojek M, Ravi M, Watkins LE, Patton SC, Rothbaum AO, Unongo M, Dunlop BW, Rauch SAM, Michopoulos V, Rothbaum BO. The relations between C-reactive protein and trauma exposure, PTSD and depression symptoms, and PTSD psychotherapy treatment response in treatment seeking veterans and service members. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:84-92. [PMID: 34990746 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While inflammatory markers have been implicated in the link between PTSD and poor health outcomes, there is a paucity of research investigating C-reactive protein (CRP) and psychotherapy treatment response for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study utilized a large, well-characterized sample of veterans and service members (N = 493) engaged in intensive psychotherapy to investigate the associations between CRP, trauma exposure, related variables, and PTSD and depression, as well as investigating if CRP was associated with PTSD psychotherapy treatment response. Bivariate correlation results indicate that CRP was significantly associated with BMI (r = 0.48) and severity of experiences of childhood physical and sexual abuse (r = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively) and was not significantly associated with baseline PTSD total symptom severity, PTSD symptom clusters, or depression symptom severity (rs ranging from -0.03 to 0.04). In multivariate regression models investigating if CRP and related variables were associated with PTSD baseline symptom severity, CRP was not a significant predictor (β = -0.03). Hierarchical linear modeling did not identify CRP as a significant predictor of PTSD psychotherapy outcome. Given that findings indicate that CRP was broadly elevated in this treatment seeking sample but not associated with PTSD and depression symptom severity, results suggest CRP may not be a specific biomarker for PTSD or depression but may be elevated in psychiatric disease more generally.
Collapse
|
22
|
McLean CP, Levy HC, Miller ML, Tolin DF. Exposure therapy for PTSD: A meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 91:102115. [PMID: 34954460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with high morbidity and functional impairment in the absence of effective treatment. Exposure therapy for PTSD is a trauma-focused treatment that typically includes in vivo and/or imaginal exposure. The goal of this meta-analysis was to examine the overall efficacy of exposure therapy for PTSD compared to various control conditions. We also assessed the efficacy of individual exposure-based treatments and the potentially moderating impact of various demographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors. PsycINFO and Medline were searched for randomized controlled trials of exposure-based therapies for adult PTSD. A total of 934 abstracts were screened for initial eligibility; of these, 65 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis (total N = 4929 patients). Exposure therapy showed large effects relative to waitlist and treatment-as-usual, a small effect relative to non-trauma-focused comparators and a negligible effect relative to other trauma-focused treatments or medication. At follow-up most effects sizes were stable, except for a medium effect favoring exposure over medication. The individual exposure-based therapies examined were similarly effective. Moderator analyses revealed larger effect sizes in studies with fewer sessions, younger samples, fewer participants diagnosed with substance use disorder, and fewer participants on psychiatric medication. Effect sizes were also larger in studies of refugees and civilians compared to military samples, studies of PTSD related to natural disasters and transportation accidents vs. other traumatic events, and studies of individual vs. group therapy. Findings support the overall efficacy of exposure therapy and highlight that there are a number of efficacious exposure-based therapies available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen P McLean
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5717, USA.
| | - Hannah C Levy
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Madeleine L Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - David F Tolin
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, USA; Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Allard CB, Norman SB, Straus E, Kim HM, Stein MB, Simon NM, Rauch SAM. Reductions in guilt cognitions following prolonged exposure and/or sertraline predict subsequent improvements in PTSD and depression. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 73:101666. [PMID: 34147766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Reduction of trauma related negative cognitions, such as guilt, is thought to be a mechanism of change within PTSD treatments like prolonged exposure (PE). Research suggests PE can directly address guilt cognitions. However, whether pharmacotherapies for PTSD can remains unclear. METHODS Data from a randomized controlled trial of PE plus placebo (PE + PLB), sertraline plus enhanced medication management (SERT + EMM), and their combination (PE + SERT) in 195 Veterans from recent wars was analyzed. RESULTS The unadjusted means and mixed-effects model showed guilt decreased significantly over the follow-up time as expected; however, contrary to our hypothesis, PE conditions were not associated with greater reductions in guilt than the SERT + EMM condition. As hypothesized, week 12 reduction in guilt predicted post-treatment (weeks 24-52) reduction in PTSD and depression, but not impairments in function. LIMITATIONS Generalizability of findings is limited by the sample being comprised of combat Veterans who were predominantly male, not on SSRI at study entry, willing to be randomized to therapy or medication, and reporting low levels of guilt. To reduce differences in provider attention, SERT + EMM was administered over 30 min to include psychoeducation and active listening; it is unknown if this contributed to effects on guilt. CONCLUSIONS PE + PLB, SERT + EMM, and PE + SERT were equally associated with reduction in trauma related guilt. Reducing trauma related guilt may be a pathway to reducing PTSD and posttraumatic depression symptoms. Further study is needed to determine how best to treat trauma related guilt and to understand the mechanisms by which guilt improves across different treatments for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn B Allard
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Daley Hall, 10455 Pomerado Rd, San Diego, CA, 92131, USA.
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; National Center for PTSD, VA Medical Center, 215 North Main st, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Straus
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - H Myra Kim
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; University of Michigan, Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, 3550 Rackham, 950 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Murray B Stein
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Naomi M Simon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, One Bowdoin Square, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, One Park Avenue 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30029, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lortye SA, Will JP, Marquenie LA, Goudriaan AE, Arntz A, de Waal MM. Treating posttraumatic stress disorder in substance use disorder patients with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of different types and timings of treatment. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:442. [PMID: 34493253 PMCID: PMC8423329 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) have high comorbidity. Although prior research indicated that PTSD can effectively be treated with Prolonged Exposure (PE) in these patients, reported effects are small and treatment dropout rates high. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) are other promising treatment options for PTSD, that have not yet been examined in this patient group. Furthermore, it is unclear whether PTSD treatment is most effective when offered simultaneous to or after SUD treatment. METHODS In this article, the Treatment Of PTSD and Addiction (TOPA) study is described: a Dutch randomized controlled trial (RCT) that studies the effectiveness of PTSD treatment as an add-on to regular SUD treatment in patients with SUD and co-occurring PTSD. Effects of PE, EMDR, ImRs, and a 3-month SUD treatment only condition will be compared, as well as simultaneous SUD/PTSD treatment to sequential SUD/PTSD treatment. The primary outcome measure is PTSD symptoms. Secondary outcomes are: treatment completion, psychological distress, substance use, interpersonal problems, emotion dysregulation, and trauma-related emotions guilt, shame, and anger. DISCUSSION This study is the first to compare effects of PE, EMDR, and ImRs in one study and to compare simultaneous SUD/PTSD treatment to sequential SUD/PTSD treatment as well. This RCT will provide more knowledge about the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for PTSD in patients with co-occurring SUD and will ultimately improve treatment outcomes for patients with this common co-morbidity worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), Identifier: NL7885 . Registered 22 July 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sera A. Lortye
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne P. Will
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loes A. Marquenie
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E. Goudriaan
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Amsterdam UMC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.16872.3a0000 0004 0435 165XAmsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud Arntz
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen M. de Waal
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Jellinek, Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dondanville KA, Fina BA, Straud CL, Finley EP, Tyler H, Jacoby V, Blount TH, Moring JC, Pruiksma KE, Blankenship AE, Evans WR, Zaturenskaya M. Launching a Competency-Based Training Program in Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD: Supporting Veteran-Serving Mental Health Providers in Texas. Community Ment Health J 2021; 57:910-919. [PMID: 32666417 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Community mental health providers play an essential role in delivering services to veterans who either have limited access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities or who prefer to seek care outside of the VA. However, there are limited training opportunities in evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outside of the VA. In 2017, the STRONG STAR Training Initiative was established to develop competency-based training in two evidence-based therapies for PTSD and to provide that training for mental health providers serving veterans and their families in community settings in Texas. This article describes the program's development and implementation, baseline characteristics of participating clinicians, and lessons learned toward the scale-up and extension of this competency-based training effort to include other interventions and locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Brooke A Fina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Casey L Straud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Erin P Finley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hannah Tyler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Vanessa Jacoby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Tabatha H Blount
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - John C Moring
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Kristi E Pruiksma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Abby E Blankenship
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Wyatt R Evans
- VA North Texas Health Care System, 4500 S Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mariya Zaturenskaya
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hoeboer CM, de Kleine RA, Oprel DAC, Schoorl M, van der Does W, van Minnen A. Does complex PTSD predict or moderate treatment outcomes of three variants of exposure therapy? J Anxiety Disord 2021; 80:102388. [PMID: 33831660 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One reason for the inclusion of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) was its suspected relevance for treatment indications. We investigated whether CPTSD predicted and moderated treatment outcomes of Prolonged Exposure (PE), intensified PE (iPE) and Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation followed by PE (STAIR + PE). We expected that CPTSD would predict worse treatment outcomes across treatments. Secondly, we expected that CPTSD would lead to better treatment effect in STAIR + PE compared to PE and iPE. METHODS We analyzed 149 patients with childhood-abuse related PTSD from a randomized clinical trial. CPTSD diagnosis and symptom severity were measured with the International Trauma Questionnaire. The main outcome was change in clinician-assessed PTSD symptoms. Assessments took place at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 16 (post-treatment) and at a 6-and 12-month follow-up. Analyses were based on an intention-to-treat sample using mixed effect models. RESULTS More than half (54 %) of the patients met criteria for CPTSD at baseline. CPTSD was related to more severe PTSD symptoms and higher comorbidity at baseline. CPTSD neither predicted nor moderated treatment outcome. LIMITATIONS Inclusion was limited to patients with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Replication is needed in different samples. CONCLUSIONS CPTSD is associated with more severe PTSD and with higher comorbidity. CPTSD did not predict treatment outcome and did not indicate differential treatment outcome of STAIR + PE compared to PE and iPE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Hoeboer
- Leiden University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands; Parnassiagroep, PsyQ The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Rianne A de Kleine
- Leiden University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Danielle A C Oprel
- Leiden University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands; Parnassiagroep, PsyQ The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Maartje Schoorl
- Leiden University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Willem van der Does
- Leiden University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden, the Netherlands; Parnassiagroep, PsyQ The Hague, the Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Agnes van Minnen
- PSYTREC, Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shea MT, Krupnick JL, Sautter FJ, Mete M, Finley SL, Norman SB, Green BL. Rationale, design, and methods of a two-site randomized controlled trial: Comparative effectiveness of two treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 105:106408. [PMID: 33872802 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PTSD is associated with serious problems in interpersonal functioning, including higher rates of marital conflict and divorce, disrupted relationships with family and friends, estrangement from others and social isolation. Cognitive behavioral and trauma focused treatments are effective for treating PTSD symptoms, but a substantial proportion of individuals, particularly veterans, with PTSD, do not engage, complete, or fully respond to these treatments, and the effects of these treatments on interpersonal functioning are unknown. There is a critical need for alternative treatments with established efficacy, and for treatments that directly address problems in relationship functioning. Interpersonal Psychotherapy for PTSD (IPT-PTSD) is a promising candidate for such a treatment. This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods of the first randomized controlled equivalence trial comparing IPT-PTSD with a first-line gold standard treatment for PTSD (Prolonged Exposure; PE) in the treatment of PTSD in veterans. Both treatments include up to 12 weekly individual sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline, following sessions four and eight, end of treatment, and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Primary hypotheses are that IPT-PTSD will be statistically equivalent to PE in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms, and superior to PE in improving interpersonal functioning. Secondary hypotheses propose that IPT will be superior to PE in improving overall social adjustment and quality of life, and in reducing suicidal ideation. Findings from this study have the potential to improve treatment options for veterans struggling with PTSD and interpersonal problems.
Collapse
|
28
|
Glashouwer KA, de Jong PJ. The revolting body: Self-disgust as a key factor in anorexia nervosa. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 41:78-83. [PMID: 33979751 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we present a theoretical model that points to disgust-induced avoidance as a mechanism that can help explain the persistent and excessive food restriction in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). Disgust is characterized by intense negative feelings of revulsion and an overwhelming and irresistible urge to avoid potential disgust elicitors. When eating, or even the prospect of eating, elicits overwhelming feelings of disgust in individuals with AN, this could explain why food restriction persists even when someone is in a state of starvation. Following this model, disgust is elicited by the expected impact of food on the own body ("becoming fat") resulting in body-related self-disgust. We argue that limiting food intake may serve to avoid self-disgust. This implies that when self-disgust remains unchanged after treatment of AN, residual levels of self-disgust after treatment could make individuals vulnerable to relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaske A Glashouwer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Eating Disorders, Accare Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Postbus 660, 9700 AR, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter J de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS, Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bragesjö M, Arnberg FK, Särnholm J, Olofsdotter Lauri K, Andersson E. Condensed internet-delivered prolonged exposure provided soon after trauma: A randomised pilot trial. Internet Interv 2021; 23:100358. [PMID: 33384946 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to trauma is common and may have detrimental psychological consequences. Brief exposure therapy provided early after trauma has shown encouraging results in promoting recovery. To scale up treatment availability, we developed a 3-week internet-delivered intervention comprised of four modules based on prolonged exposure (condensed internet-delivered prolonged exposure; CIPE) with therapist support. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of CIPE delivered within 2 months after the index event. Thirty-three participants were randomised to CIPE or a waiting list (WL). The frequency, vividness and distress of intrusive recollections or flashback memories of the traumatic event were assessed using an intrusive memory smartphone app. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress were assessed by the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The most common index traumas in the sample were rape, interpersonal violence and life-threatening accidents. A majority of participants (82%) randomised to CIPE completed all modules, and the number of logins per participant to the Internet platform was high during the three-week intervention (M = 19.6, SD = 11.8). At post-treatment, the CIPE participants had a more favourable reduction than the WL group on the vividness and distress ratings, as well as on the PCL-5 sum score (bootstrapped d = 0.85; 95% CI [0.25-1.45]). Treatment effects were sustained at 6-months follow up and no severe adverse events associated with the intervention were found. CIPE seems to be a feasible and possibly efficacious early intervention after trauma. Large-scale trials are needed to assess its efficacy and long-term benefits.
Collapse
|
30
|
Walker RSW, Marks EH, Jaeger J, Duax JM, Feeny NC, Zoellner LA. Imaginal exposure exacerbation revisited: Deconstructing patient characteristics associated with worse reactions to the initiation of imaginal exposure in PTSD. Behav Res Ther 2020; 135:103747. [PMID: 33049550 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines whether imaginal exposure leads to symptom exacerbation, systematically comparing individuals who received prolonged exposure (PE) to those who received pharmacotherapy. The study also examined whether common clinical features increase the likelihood of symptom exacerbation. METHOD In 151 men and women with PTSD, we examined rates of reliable exacerbation of PTSD and depression symptoms after initiation of imaginal exposure and compared it to those receiving sertraline. We also examined relationships between exacerbation, treatment outcome, dropout, imaginal distress, and specific clinical features, including co-occurring MDD, multiple co-occurring disorders, childhood sexual abuse as target trauma, and a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse. RESULTS Symptom exacerbation was not more common in PE compared to sertraline, not associated with higher dropout, or predictive of worse outcome. Those with co-occurring depression or multiple disorders, a target trauma of child sexual abuse, or a history of child abuse reported functionally equivalent peak distress at onset of imaginal as those without these characteristics. These factors did not lead to more exacerbation or worse adherence. CONCLUSION Exacerbation was not specific to PE and patients with and without symptom worsening showed comparable treatment gains, suggesting symptom exacerbation may reflect a common clinical process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeff Jaeger
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, USA
| | - Jeanne M Duax
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Norah C Feeny
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Harlé KM, Simmons AN, Norman SB, Spadoni AD. Neural affective mechanisms associated with treatment responsiveness in veterans with PTSD and comorbid alcohol use disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2020; 305:111172. [PMID: 32927371 PMCID: PMC8486287 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2020.111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with neuro-physiological abnormalities reflecting increased anticipatory anxiety and reactivity to traumatic cues. It remains unclear whether neural mechanisms associated with PTSD treatment responsiveness, i.e. hyperactivation of the affective salience network in the brain, extend to a comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder population. Thirty-one Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring alcohol use disorder (AUD) were randomly assigned to either prolonged exposure or a non-exposure based treatment. They completed an affective anticipation task while undergoing fMRI, immediately prior and after completing treatment. After controlling for type and length of treatment, larger reduction of PTSD symptoms was associated with decreased anticipatory activation to negative trauma-related cues in the right pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA), a region associated with emotion regulation. Smaller reduction in PTSD severity was associated with enhanced anticipatory activation to those cues within the right para-hippocampal region, an affective processing region. Our findings suggest that post-treatment reductions in anticipatory reactivity to trauma-related cues in the pre-SMA and para-hippocampal area are associated with larger PTSD symptom reduction in individuals with co-occurring PTSD and AUD. These results may offer neurofeedback training targets as an alternative to or enhancement of other PTSD treatment modalities in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia M Harlé
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Alan N Simmons
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Andrea D Spadoni
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ogbeide SA, Young A, Houston B, Knight C. Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with a Prolonged Exposure Protocol Within Primary Care Behavioral Health: A Case Example. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2021; 28:575-83. [PMID: 33090302 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-020-09747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that impacts anywhere from 2 to 39% of primary care patients. Research suggests overall health, instances of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and utilization of primary care services are impacted by a diagnosis of PTSD. Evidenced based treatments such as cognitive process therapy and prolonged exposure (PE) are available in specialty mental health but pose many barriers to treatment and implementation into primary care. This case study serves as the first known case example with an ethnic minority civilian, examining the treatment of PTSD within the Primary Care Behavioral Health Model using the brief (5 visits), PE protocol for primary care (PE-PC). PTSD was assessed using the PCL-5. Additional variables were assessed and tracked with the following tools: PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms), GAD-7 (anxiety symptoms), QLES-SF (quality of life), and the AAQ-2 (psychological flexibility) pre/post treatment, 6 months post-treatment and 9 months post-treatment. The patient reported clinically significant decreases in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the patient's scores on quality of life and psychological flexibility improved. Brief, exposure-based treatment for PTSD can be delivered within the PCBH model. This treatment may result in improved quality of life and has the potential to reduce health care costs. This case encourages the treatment of PTSD within primary care, increasing access to care for patients. Future research is needed to further investigate this protocol in primary care with underserved, civilian populations and to explore patient attitudes toward brief treatment for PTSD in a primary care setting.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kline AC, Baier AL, Klein AB, Feeny NC, Zoellner LA. Differentiating "types" of treatment dropout: Nonstarters in an RCT of prolonged exposure versus sertraline. Behav Res Ther 2020; 135:103750. [PMID: 33035741 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite effective interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many patients prematurely drop out. Differentiating "types" of dropout at various stages of treatment may improve our ability to predict and prevent attrition. Using data from a doubly randomized preference trial, this study examined patient dropout prior to treatment and compared these "nonstarters" with treatment starters and in-treatment dropouts. Patients (N = 200) with chronic PTSD were randomized to "choice" (prolonged exposure [PE] or sertraline) or "no choice" (re-randomized to PE or sertraline) and received up to 10 weeks of treatment. Overall dropout rate was 33.0% (n = 66). A substantial minority were nonstarters (n = 19; 28.8%). Relative to patients who began treatment, nonstarters reported less severe PTSD symptomatology (p = .03, d = 0.57) and were less likely to have received their preferred treatment (p < .001). These differences remained even when comparing nonstarters to patients that began treatment but eventually dropped out. Differences in beliefs (i.e., perceived credibility) toward one treatment versus the other were also linked to pretreatment dropout. Reasons underlying dropout likely differ during various treatment stages. Better understanding risk factors for types of dropout may inform strategies to boost engagement and retention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
34
|
Mu W, Narine K, Farris S, Lieblich S, Zang Y, Bredemeier K, Brown L, Foa E. Trauma-related cognitions predict treatment response in smokers with PTSD: Evidence from cross-lagged panel analyses. Addict Behav 2020; 108:106376. [PMID: 32413581 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compared to smokers without posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), smokers with PTSD smoke more heavily and are less successful in quitting smoking. However, limited research has examined the cognitive pathways underlying this heightened comorbidity. The current study is the first to simultaneously model the cross-sectional and lagged relationships between trauma-related cognitions and cigarette smoking, as well as between trauma-related cognitions and PTSD severity, in smokers with comorbid PTSD receiving treatment. METHOD Participants (n = 142) were seeking treatment for smoking cessation and PTSD as part of a randomized controlled trial of varenicline and smoking cessation counseling with or without adjunctive Prolonged Exposure (varenicline + PE vs. varenicline only) (Foa et al., 2017). Data were available for both baseline and end-of-treatment assessments of trauma cognitions severity of cigarette smoking and PTSD symptoms. We conducted both cross-sectional and lagged analysis to simultaneously examine the bidirectional relationship from trauma cognitions and 1) cigarette smoking and 2) PTSD symptoms. RESULTS Trauma cognitions (specifically, negative beliefs about the self and the world) were significantly associated with cigarette/day at the end of treatment for participants who received varenicline only. However, baseline trauma cognitions did not predict post-treatment cigarettes/day. Baseline trauma cognitions (specifically negative beliefs about the self and world) were associated with PTSD severity at both baseline and end of treatment; furthermore, these negative cognitions at baseline positively and prospectively predicted end-of-treatment PTSD severity, but not vice versa. Wald tests revealed that there were no treatment effects on these cross-lagged relationships. Conclusions These findings provide novel empirical support for the importance of addressing trauma-related cognitions in the smoking cessation treatment efforts for patients with comorbid PTSD and cigarette smoking.
Collapse
|
35
|
Kline AC, Feeny NC, Zoellner LA. Race and cultural factors in an RCT of prolonged exposure and sertraline for PTSD. Behav Res Ther 2020; 132:103690. [PMID: 32650231 PMCID: PMC7398839 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among African Americans is less clear given underrepresentation in clinical research. Additionally, intervention research examining race has typically not considered within-group heterogeneity, such as acculturation, ethnic identity, and cultural attitudes. In a randomized controlled trial, African American (n = 43) and Caucasian (n = 130) individuals received prolonged exposure (PE) or sertraline for PTSD, comparing: treatment response, retention, and treatment beliefs and preferences. Indirect effects of cultural variables were also examined. African Americans reported stronger ethnic identity (d = 0.71), less positive attitudes toward other groups (d = 0.36), and less acculturation (d = 0.51) than Caucasians. Noninferiority analyses indicated clinically equivalent PTSD outcomes for African Americans and Caucasians in both treatments. Groups showed comparable improvements in depression and functioning, and similar treatment preferences and beliefs. African Americans attended fewer sessions in PE (d = 0.87) and sertraline (d = 0.53) than Caucasians. Indirect effects analyses indicated positive cultural attitudes toward other ethnoracial groups were consistently associated with better treatment outcome and retention. Despite no differential effectiveness, findings may highlight the need to target retention among African Americans. Within-group cultural aspects of race may be an informative complement to basic, categorical conceptualizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Kline
- PTSD Treatment and Research Program, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7123, USA.
| | - Norah C Feeny
- PTSD Treatment and Research Program, Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7123, USA
| | - Lori A Zoellner
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Guthrie Hall, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, 98195-1525, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Foa EB, McLean CP, Brown LA, Zang Y, Rosenfield D, Zandberg LJ, Ealey W, Hanson BS, Hunter LR, Lillard IJ, Patterson TJ, Rosado J, Scott V, Weber C, Wise JE, Zamora CD, Mintz J, Young-McCaughan S, Peterson AL; STRONG STAR Consortium. The effects of a prolonged exposure workshop with and without consultation on provider and patient outcomes: a randomized implementation trial. Implement Sci 2020; 15:59. [PMID: 32727509 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-020-01014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is underutilized in the military health system. Standard workshop training in PE may not be sufficient to alter provider behavior, but post-workshop consultation requires significant resources. Therefore, it is important to determine the incremental utility of post-workshop consultation. Methods This study used a hybrid type III randomized implementation trial at 3 US Army installations. Providers were randomized to receive a 4-day prolonged exposure workshop (Standard training condition, n = 60), or the prolonged exposure workshop followed by 6–8 months of post-workshop expert case consultation (Extended training condition, n = 43). The effects training condition were examined on provider attitudes (self-efficacy in delivering PE, expectations for patient improvement, and beliefs about PE), use of PE and PE components, and clinical outcomes of patients with PTSD (using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)). Results Extended condition providers reported greater improvements in self-efficacy, b = .83, 95% CI [.38, 1.27], t(79) = 3.71, p = .001, and d = .63. A greater proportion of patients in the Extended condition (44%) than in the Standard condition (27%) received at least 1 PE session, b = .76, t(233) = 2.53, p = .012, and OR = 2.13. Extended condition providers used more PE components (M = .9/session) than did Standard condition providers (M = .5/session), b = .54, 95% CI [.15, .93], t(68) = 2.70, p = .007, and d = .68. Finally, decrease in patients’ PTSD symptoms was faster for patients of Extended condition providers than for patients of Standard condition providers, b = − 1.81, 95% CI [− 3.57, − .04], t(263) = − 2.02, p = .045, and d = .66, and their symptoms were lower at the second assessment, b = − 5.47, 95% CI [− 9.30, − 1.63], t(210) = − 2.81, p = .005, and d = .66. Conclusions Post-workshop consultation improved self-efficacy for delivering PE, greater use of PE, faster PTSD reduction, and lower PTSD severity at the second assessment. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that post-workshop case consultation for PE improves patient outcomes. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02982538. Registered December 5, 2016; retrospectively registered
Collapse
|
37
|
Reger GM, Bourassa K, Norr AM, Buck B. The impact of exposure therapy on stigma and mental health treatment attitudes among active duty U.S. soldiers with combat related PTSD. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 126:98-104. [PMID: 32442781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although cognitive behavioral interventions improve attitudes toward mental health treatment and reduce stigma, little is known about which types of attitudes change, or how this change occurs. Active duty soldiers with PTSD (N = 162) were randomized to 10 sessions of exposure therapy or a waitlist. Soldiers were assessed for PTSD and completed measures of stigma and attitudes towards mental health services before randomization and after 5- and 10- sessions of therapy. At post-treatment, soldiers in exposure therapy demonstrated significant improvements in openness to talking about mental health problems and concerns about what others may think if they knew they were seeking mental health treatment, relative to those in the waitlist. There were significant indirect effects from treatment to changes in stigma and attitudes towards mental health treatment through changes in PTSD symptoms at post-treatment. There was also a significant indirect effect from treatment to changes in stigma at post-treatment through changes in attitudes towards mental health treatment at mid-treatment, suggesting attitude change may occur first. Baseline characteristics did not moderate treatment's change in stigma or attitudes. Improvements in PTSD symptoms and positive changes in attitudes towards mental health treatment appear to separately predict later reductions in stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Reger
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 9600 Veterans Drive, A-116, Tacoma, WA, 98493, United States; University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195-6560, United States.
| | - Kyle Bourassa
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 9600 Veterans Drive, A-116, Tacoma, WA, 98493, United States; Duke University Medical Center, Center for Aging and Human Development, 2020 W. Main St., Durham, NC, 27707, United States
| | - Aaron M Norr
- VISN 20 Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA, 98108, United States; University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195-6560, United States
| | - Benjamin Buck
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 9600 Veterans Drive, A-116, Tacoma, WA, 98493, United States; University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195-6560, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bourassa KJ, Smolenski DJ, Edwards-Stewart A, Campbell SB, Reger GM, Norr AM. The impact of prolonged exposure therapy on social support and PTSD symptoms. J Affect Disord 2020; 260:410-417. [PMID: 31539674 PMCID: PMC7570950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results in high costs to society, particularly among military personnel. Much is known about PTSD treatments-such as exposure therapies-and their outcomes, but less is known about how treatment might impact social support and PTSD symptoms over the course of treatment. METHODS In the current study, soldiers with PTSD (N = 162) were randomized to complete prolonged exposure therapy (either with or without virtual reality) or a waitlist control condition. We examined the impact of treatment on perceived social support as a secondary treatment outcome, as well as the associations between social support and PTSD symptoms over time. RESULTS Exposure therapy increased perceived social support at the end of treatment compared to waitlist control, β = 0.43, 95% CI [0.13, 0.73]. Multigroup structural equation modeling using a cross-lagged panel design provided evidence that perceived social support was an antecedent of PTSD symptom improvement for participants engaging in treatment, but not for participants in the waitlist control. Treatment effects on change in PTSD symptoms was mediated by change in perceived social support (B = 1.10, 95% CI [0.20, 3.05]). LIMITATIONS The results should be considered in light of limitations, including the characteristics of the sample of active duty soldiers, the measurement of social support, and missingess over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that increased perceived social support is a secondary outcome of exposure therapy and may be one pathway through which treatment reduces PTSD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. J. Bourassa
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System,University of Arizona, Department of Psychology,Duke University Medical Center, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
| | - D. J. Smolenski
- Defense Health Agency, Psychological Health Center of Excellence
| | | | - S. B. Campbell
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System,University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - G. M. Reger
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System,University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - A. M. Norr
- University of Washington School of Medicine,VISN 20 Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Maples-Keller JL, Rauch SAM, Jovanovic T, Yasinski CW, Goodnight JM, Sherrill A, Black K, Michopoulos V, Dunlop BW, Rothbaum BO, Norrholm SD. Changes in trauma-potentiated startle, skin conductance, and heart rate within prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD in high and low treatment responders. J Anxiety Disord 2019; 68:102147. [PMID: 31669786 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
While exposure-based psychotherapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) given strong evidence for its effectiveness, some patients fail to receive full benefit. Psychophysiological data may be important complementary indices for investigating variability in treatment response and changes over the course of treatment. The focus of the present investigation was to examine change in psychophysiological indices pre- to post-treatment and to investigate if changes differed for high versus low PTSD treatment responders. Participants included veterans with primary PTSD diagnoses who received a two-week intensive prolonged exposure (PE) treatment. Psychophysiological assessment included trauma-potentiated startle, heart rate, and skin conductance recordings during presentation of three standard virtual reality (VR)-based, trauma-relevant scenes presented through a head mounted display. Results indicate that 48.6% were classified as high treatment responders (≥50% reduction in PCL-5 from baseline). Trauma-potentiated startle was observed in all patients at pre-treatment, F = 13.58, p < .001, in that startle magnitude was increased during VR stimuli relative to baseline regardless of responder status. However, in high treatment responders, there was an interaction of VR with time, F = 14.10, p = .001; VR scenes did not potentiate startle post-treatment. Specifically, high treatment responders were less reactive to trauma stimuli following PE treatment. There was no effect of time in the low responder group. Heart rate reactivity data revealed a significant main effect of treatment, F = 45.7, p = .035, but no significant interaction with responder status. Skin conductance reactivity did not significantly change from pre to post-treatment. These results suggest that trauma-potentiated startle may represent an objective marker of fear- and anxiety-related symptom reduction that is sensitive to both traditional outpatient as well as intensive treatment approaches.
Collapse
|
40
|
Norr AM, Bourassa KJ, Stevens ES, Hawrilenko MJ, Michael ST, Reger GM. Relationship between change in in-vivo exposure distress and PTSD symptoms during exposure therapy for active duty soldiers. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 116:133-7. [PMID: 31233896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study sought to examine the relationship between changes in distress for items on in-vivo exposure hierarchies and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom change over the course of exposure therapy. METHODS Active duty army soldiers (N = 108) were recruited from a military base in the U.S. and were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing Prolonged Exposure (PE), Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE), and a wait-list control for the treatment of PTSD stemming from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. PTSD diagnosis followed DSM-IV-TR criteria. Outcome measures were assessed via self-report and clinician interview. The relationships between in-vivo exposure distress, imaginal exposure distress, and PTSD symptoms, were examined in a factor of curves model for participants in the treatment conditions. RESULTS Analyses revealed that, when controlling for one another, changes in in-vivo exposure distress were significantly associated with changes in PTSD symptoms (β = 0.75, 95% CI [0.60, 0.90]), while changes in imaginal exposure distress were not (β = 0.03, 95% CI [-0.27, 0.33]). The model also revealed that after accounting for the shared variation in trajectories of change, symptom clusters did not have unique variation, meaning that symptom clusters did not change independently. CONCLUSION Results suggest the possibility that in-vivo exposures are more closely tied to changes in overall PTSD symptoms than imaginal exposures during exposure therapy. Furture research should incorporate more frequent measurement of in-vivo exposure distress to better elucidate these relations over the course of treatment.
Collapse
|
41
|
Jeffirs SM, Jarnecke AM, Flanagan JC, Killeen TK, Laffey TF, Back SE. Veterans with PTSD and comorbid substance use disorders: Does single versus poly-substance use disorder affect treatment outcomes? Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 199:70-5. [PMID: 31009834 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known, however, about how individuals with a single SUD diagnosis (relating to only one substance) compare to individuals with poly-SUD diagnoses (relating to more than one substance) on substance use and PTSD treatment outcomes. To address this gap in the literature, we utilized data from a larger study investigating a 12-week integrated, exposure-based treatment (i.e., Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure, or COPE) to examine treatment outcomes by single vs. poly-SUD status. METHOD Participants were 54 Veterans (92.6% male, average age = 39.72) categorized as having single SUD (n = 39) or poly-SUD (n = 15). T-tests characterized group differences in baseline demographics and presenting symptomatology. Multilevel models examined differences in treatment trajectories between participants with single vs. poly-SUD. RESULTS Groups did not differ on baseline frequency of substance use, PTSD symptoms, or treatment retention; however, individuals with poly-SUD evidenced greater reductions in percent days using substances than individuals with a single SUD, and individuals with a single SUD had greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than individuals with poly-SUD over the course of treatment. DISCUSSION The findings from this exploratory study suggest that Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring poly-SUD, as compared to a single-SUD, may experience greater improvement in substance use but less improvement in PTSD symptoms during integrated treatment. Future research should identify ways to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with poly-SUD, and to better understand mechanisms of change for this population.
Collapse
|
42
|
Arieli R. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity in saturation dives with PO 2 close to the lower end of the toxic range - A quantitative approach. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2019; 268:103243. [PMID: 31158523 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary oxygen toxicity (POT) has been extensively described at partial pressures of oxygen (PO2) ≥ 1 bar, but much less so at lower PO2. We proposed the POT index [K = t2 × (PO2)4.57] as a means of evaluating the severity of POT, expressed either as reduced lung function or the incidence of POT in a group of divers. In the exponential recovery process (e - [- 0.42 + 0.384 × (PO2)ex] × tr), the time constant increases linearly from 0.0024 to 0.54 h-1 for a PO2 of 1.1 to 2.5 bar. A linear relationship was demonstrated between the incidence of POT and the POT index, given by the equation: POT incidence % = 1.85 + 0.171 × K. In saturation diving, PO2 is kept close to the lower end of the toxic limits for POT, which is approximately 0.5 bar. We suggested that at this low range of PO2, the two processes of cumulative toxicity and recovery operate simultaneously. For one example of saturation diving, we show that a recovery time constant of 0.0135 h-1 yields the measured incidence of POT. We therefore propose the formula K = t2 × PO24.57 × e-0.0135 × t for calculation of the POT index in further analyses of POT in saturation diving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Arieli
- Israel Naval Medical Institute, Israel Defence Forces Medical Corps, Haifa, Israel; Eliachar Research Laboratory, Western Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Brown LA, McLean CP, Zang Y, Zandberg L, Mintz J, Yarvis JS, Litz BT, Peterson AL, Bryan CJ, Fina B, Petersen J, Dondanville KA, Roache JD, Young-McCaughan S, Foa EB. Does prolonged exposure increase suicide risk? Results from an active duty military sample. Behav Res Ther 2019; 118:87-93. [PMID: 31022593 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of prolonged exposure (PE) on suicide ideation (SI) as a secondary outcome among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of PE in two formats (spaced, S-PE, 10 sessions over 8 weeks, and massed, M-PE, 10 sessions over 2 weeks) to Present Centered Therapy (PCT) and minimal contact control (MCC) on SI exacerbation among patients without suicide intent or plans. Active duty military personnel (n = 335) were randomized to: (1) S-PE vs. PCT and (2) M-PE vs. MCC. All participants completed the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation and the Beck Depression Inventory (Suicide item) at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-ups. S-PE and PCT had significant and comparable reductions in SI during treatment. M-PE had significantly steeper reductions in SI during treatment compared to MCC. Specifically, more participants in M-PE compared to MCC had reliable improvement versus reliable exacerbation. Reduction in PTSD symptoms was significantly associated with reduction of SI. PE was associated with significant reductions in SI over time that were comparable to PCT and superior to MCC. These findings suggest that both trauma- and non-trauma-focused treatments are associated with reductions in SI, and that trauma-focused treatments improve SI relative to waitlist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily A Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Carmen P McLean
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA; (b)National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd., Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Yinyin Zang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laurie Zandberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jim Mintz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Yarvis
- Headquarters, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, 36065 Santa Fe Avenue, Fort Hood, TX, USA
| | - Brett T Litz
- Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiological Research Center, VA Boston Health Care System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, 720 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan L Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA; Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Craig J Bryan
- National Center for Veterans Studies, 332 S 1400 E, Building 73, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychology, The University of Utah, 1721 Campus Center Drive Saec, 3220 S, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brooke Fina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Julie Petersen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - John D Roache
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Stacey Young-McCaughan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St., Suite 600 North, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Back SE, Killeen T, Badour CL, Flanagan JC, Allan NP, Ana ES, Lozano B, Korte KJ, Foa EB, Brady KT. Concurrent treatment of substance use disorders and PTSD using prolonged exposure: A randomized clinical trial in military veterans. Addict Behav 2019; 90:369-377. [PMID: 30529244 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A substantial amount of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) also meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD, but there is limited data on its use among individuals with current alcohol or drug use disorders. This study evaluated the efficacy of an integrated treatment that incorporates PE (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure or COPE) among veterans. METHOD Military veterans (N = 81, 90.1% male) with current SUD and PTSD were randomized to 12 sessions of COPE or Relapse Prevention (RP). Primary outcomes included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M), and the Timeline Follow-back (TLFB). RESULTS On average, participants attended 8 out of 12 sessions and there were no group differences in retention. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed that COPE, in comparison to RP, resulted in significantly greater reductions in CAPS (d = 1.4, p < .001) and PCL-M scores (d = 1.3, p = .01), as well as higher rates of PTSD diagnostic remission (OR = 5.3, p < .01). Both groups evidenced significant and comparable reductions in SUD severity during treatment. At 6-months follow-up, participants in COPE evidenced significantly fewer drinks per drinking day than participants in RP (p = .05). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to report on the use of an integrated, exposure-based treatment for co-occurring SUD and PTSD in a veteran sample. The findings demonstrate that integrated, exposure-based treatments are feasible and effective for military veterans with SUD and PTSD. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Therese Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christal L Badour
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Santa Ana
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Brian Lozano
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kristina J Korte
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen T Brady
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Buck B, Norr A, Katz A, Gahm GA, Reger GM. Reductions in reported persecutory ideation and psychotic-like experiences during exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2019; 272:190-5. [PMID: 30584951 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
While psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), including persecutory ideation and auditory or visual hallucinations, are common in PTSD, questions remain about their relationships to core PTSD symptoms and responsiveness to treatment. This study examined data from a waitlist (WL) controlled clinical study of the effect of virtual reality (VR) and prolonged exposure (PE) in a sample of active-duty service members with deployment-related trauma (n = 161). PLEs were assessed and examined with regard to their responsiveness to trauma focused treatment (combining conditions) relative to the WL, as well as their relationships to PTSD symptoms. Persecutory ideation symptoms, which were most closely related to PTSD Cluster C (avoidance and numbing) symptoms, were reduced post-treatment in the trauma-focused condition relative to WL. Auditory and visual hallucinations-which were most closely associated with PTSD re-experiencing-decreased from baseline to post-treatment assessments for WL and exposure therapy participants. The presence of PLEs at baseline did not predict a reduced PTSD symptom response to treatment. Trauma-focused treatments appear effective in addressing psychotic-like experiences that can emerge in individuals with PTSD.
Collapse
|
46
|
Reger GM, Smolenski D, Norr A, Katz A, Buck B, Rothbaum BO. Does virtual reality increase emotional engagement during exposure for PTSD? Subjective distress during prolonged and virtual reality exposure therapy. J Anxiety Disord 2019; 61:75-81. [PMID: 29935999 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure (PE) is a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on emotional processing theory. According to this theory, emotional engagement during imaginal exposure is critical to clinical outcome. One rationale for virtual reality exposure therapy (VRE) is the ability of trauma-relevant, multi-sensory stimuli to increase emotional engagement. This study compared the subjective distress of active duty soldiers (N = 108) during exposure via PE or VRE. Soldiers with higher mean or peak distress during the first imaginal exposure had higher baseline PTSD symptom severity. There was no difference between groups on average or peak distress during imaginal exposure at the first or final exposure session. There were no significant differences in between-session habituation observed between VRE and PE groups. However, each ten-point decrease in SUDS scores, either mean or peak, from the initiation of imaginal exposure to the end of treatment, was associated with a greater decrease in CAPS-W scores for both groups. There were no group differences in these trajectories or the magnitude of the association between distress/habituation, and PTSD symptoms. Future research on VRE should measure patient ratings of engagement during exposure to better understand which patients are aided by this innovative approach to treatment.
Collapse
|
47
|
Oprel DAC, Hoeboer CM, Schoorl M, De Kleine RA, Wigard IG, Cloitre M, Van Minnen A, Van der Does W. Improving treatment for patients with childhood abuse related posttraumatic stress disorder (IMPACT study): protocol for a multicenter randomized trial comparing prolonged exposure with intensified prolonged exposure and phase-based treatment. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:385. [PMID: 30541492 PMCID: PMC6291949 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood abuse related posttraumatic stress disorder (CA-PTSD) is associated with a high burden of disease and with treatment response rates that leave room for improvement. One of the treatments for PTSD, prolonged exposure (PE), is effective but has high drop-out rates and remission rates are relatively low. An intensified form of PE (iPE) was associated with good response and low drop-out rates in PTSD and has not yet been tested in a controlled trial in CA-PTSD. Phase-based treatment (PBT), in which PE is preceded by skills training may improve overall outcomes in this population. We will assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of standard PE, iPE and PBT in patients with CA-PTSD. METHODS/DESIGN Multi-center randomized controlled trial. Treatment conditions are: prolonged exposure (PE; maximum of 16 sessions in 16 weeks); intensified PE (iPE; maximum of 12 sessions in four weeks and two booster sessions); phase-based treatment (PBT; maximum of eight sessions skills training followed by eight sessions PE in 16 weeks). PRIMARY OUTCOME Clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity. SECONDARY OUTCOMES loss of PTSD diagnosis, self-reported PTSD symptom severity, comorbid symptom severity and quality of life. Moreover, we will examine cost-effectiveness and moderators and mediators of treatment outcome. TARGET POPULATION adults with CA-PTSD (N = 150). Assessments in weeks 0, 4, 8, 16, 26 and 52. DISCUSSION Given that no consensus yet exists about the treatment guidelines for patients with CA-PTSD, the present study may have important implications for the treatment of CA-PTSD. TRAIL REGISTRATION Registered at C.C.M.O. on Sept 7, 2016 (NL57984.058.16); retrospectively registered at June 21, 2017 at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03194113 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. A. C. Oprel
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Wassenaarsweg 22, 3332 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Parnassiagroep, PsyQ, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - C. M. Hoeboer
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Wassenaarsweg 22, 3332 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Parnassiagroep, PsyQ, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M. Schoorl
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Wassenaarsweg 22, 3332 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Parnassiagroep, PsyQ, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R. A. De Kleine
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Wassenaarsweg 22, 3332 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I. G. Wigard
- Parnassiagroep, PsyQ, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Overschiestraat 61, 1062 XD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Cloitre
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA USA
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - A. Van Minnen
- PSYTREC, Prof. dr. Bronkhorststraat 2, 3723 MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Behavioural Science Institute, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - W. Van der Does
- Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Wassenaarsweg 22, 3332 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Parnassiagroep, PsyQ, Lijnbaan 4, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rossouw J, Yadin E, Alexander D, Seedat S. Prolonged exposure therapy and supportive counselling for posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents in a community-based sample, including experiences of stakeholders: study protocol for a comparative randomized controlled trial using task-shifting. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:288. [PMID: 30189857 PMCID: PMC6127988 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a dearth of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in developing countries. The primary aim of the study is to examine the effects of prolonged exposure therapy compared with supportive counseling for adolescents with PTSD delivered by nurses trained as counselors. METHODS/DESIGN A single-blind randomized clinical trial comprising 90 adolescents with PTSD using a permuted block design will be utilized. Nurses previously naïve to prolonged exposure and supportive counselling will be trained to provide these treatments at the adolescents' high schools. Data collection will last from March 2014 to December 2017 and annually thereafter, dependent on the availability of funding. Participants will receive seven to fourteen 60 min sessions of prolonged exposure treatment (n = 45) or supportive counselling (n = 45). All assessments will be conducted before treatment, at mid-treatment, immediately after treatment completion, at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up, and annually thereafter. It is hypothesized that PE-A will be superior to SC in reducing PTSD symptoms at post-treatment as measured by the CPSS-I administered by an independent evaluator. It is further hypothesized that PE-A treatment gains will be maintained at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups and annually thereafter. DISCUSSION While early indications are that PE-A is an effective treatment for PTSD in adolescents, this study will help determine the effectiveness of PE-A in a South African, community setting (school-based) when task-shifted to nurses, as compared to SC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR201511001345372 , retrospectively registered 11 November 2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaco Rossouw
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape South Africa
- Centre for Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, 67 Visagie Street, Monte Vista, Cape Town, Western Cape 7460 South Africa
| | - Elna Yadin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Debra Alexander
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Norr AM, Smolenski DJ, Reger GM. Effects of prolonged exposure and virtual reality exposure on suicidal ideation in active duty soldiers: An examination of potential mechanisms. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 103:69-74. [PMID: 29783077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study sought to investigate the effects of exposure therapy on suicidal ideation (SI), as well as potential mechanistic pathways of SI reduction among active duty military personnel. METHODS Active duty army soldiers (N = 162) were recruited from a military base in the U.S. and were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial comparing Prolonged Exposure (PE), Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE), and a wait-list control for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan. PTSD diagnosis followed DSM-IV-TR criteria. Outcome measures were assessed via self-report and clinician interview. PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and SI were included in an autoregressive cross-lagged panel model to examine mechanistic pathways. RESULTS Analyses revealed that PE/VRE had a lower probability of post-treatment suicidal ideation (OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.06, 0.86]) compared to the waitlist control. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect from treatment condition to post-treatment PTSD symptoms through mid-treatment SI (Estimate = -1.420, 95% CI -3.559, -0.223]). Baseline suicidal ideation did not interact with treatment condition to predict PTSD symptom change at mid-treatment (p = .231) or post-treatment (p = .672). CONCLUSION PE/VRE successfully reduced SI, and the presence of SI at baseline did not affect PTSD symptom reduction, promoting the utility of using PE/VRE to address suicidality among individuals with PTSD. Mediation analyses suggest that reductions in SI were achieved early in treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Norr
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Tacoma/Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Derek J Smolenski
- Defense Health Agency, Psychological Health Center of Excellence, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Greg M Reger
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Tacoma/Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Flanagan JC, Sippel LM, Wahlquist A, Moran-Santa Maria MM, Back SE. Augmenting Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD with intranasal oxytocin: A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 98:64-9. [PMID: 29294429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, debilitating condition for which Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is highly efficacious. However, for some individuals, premature dropout and residual PTSD symptoms remain obstacles. The neuropeptide oxytocin is a promising candidate to enhance PE due to its ability to enhance 1) prosocial cognition and behavior, which are theorized to promote positive working alliance, and 2) extinction learning, which is the central mechanism of action underlying successful PE treatment. Despite a robust theoretical rationale, no studies to date have combined evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD with oxytocin. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial examined the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of augmenting PE with oxytocin. Participants were 17 individuals with diverse index traumas. Participants self-administered intranasal oxytocin (40 IU) or matching placebo 45 min prior to each weekly PE therapy session. One adverse event occurred in the placebo group and three individuals dropped out (17.6%; 2 oxytocin group and 1 placebo group). The oxytocin group demonstrated lower PTSD and depression symptoms during PE, and had higher working alliance scores, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Although preliminary, the findings support the feasibility of oxytocin combined with PE. Adequately powered studies are necessary to determine whether oxytocin enhances PE treatment outcomes and to examine potential mechanisms, such as accelerating extinction learning, enhancing early response, and preventing premature dropout. NCT03238924.
Collapse
|