Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Sponsor
- Penn State University
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 11 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms?
- Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction?
Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.
Investigators
Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology
Penn State University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate.
- •Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex.
- •Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-
- •Each partner is at least 18 years old.
- •Both partners able to speak and read English.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention
- •Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner
- •Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/or warranting immediate intervention
- •Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner
- •Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner
- •Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship
- •Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy).
- •Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
Time Frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up
Interviewer ratings of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms.
Secondary Outcomes
- PTSD Checklist for DSM-5(baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)
- Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5(baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)
- Couples Satisfaction Index-32(baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9(baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Screener(baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)