Dismantling Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Frequent Trauma-related Nightmares
• Interventions: Behavioral: Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy

• Registration Number: NCT02236377
• Lead Sponsor: University of Tulsa

Brief Summary

The purpose of this case series dismantling study is to extend previous findings regarding the efficacy of a brief treatment for chronic post-trauma nightmares by examining the dose effect and mechanism of change.

Exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a promising psychological intervention developed to target trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. ERRT has exhibited strong support in reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares, as well as improving overall sleep quality in both civilian and veteran samples. In addition, significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptoms have been reported following treatment (Davis et al., 2011; Davis \& Wright, 2007; Long et al., 2011; Swanson, Favorite, Horin, \& Arnedt, 2009). ERRT is currently an evidence-level B suggested treatment (Cranston, Davis, Rhudy, \& Favorite, 2011).

Despite this evidence, the mechanism of change for ERRT remains unclear. We propose to conduct a set of case series in order to examine the possible mechanisms: psycho-education, dose response for exposure, and no exposure components of the treatment. Each part of the treatment is theorized to contribute to the improved treatment outcome and it is hypothesized that participants will benefit no matter what group they are in. All participants will receive 5 to 6 treatment sessions, conducted once per week for about 90 minutes, of a modified version of ERRT.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-08
• Study First Submitted: 2014-09-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-09-09
• Study First Posted: 2014-09-10
• Status Verified: 2024-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-07-01
• Last Update Posted: 2024-07-03
• Primary Completion: 2025-07
• Study Completion: 2025-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• 18 years of age or older at the time of the intake,
• experienced a traumatic event, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5),
• have approximately one nightmare each week for the past month
• be able to read and speak English.

Exclusion Criteria

• age of 17 or younger
• acute or apparent psychosis
• unmedicated bipolar disorder
• intellectual disability
• active suicidality,
• recent parasuicidal behaviors
• untreated substance use disorder in past 6 months

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
ERRT-Rescription	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with rescription but no exposure
ERRT - Consensus Manual	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy	Consensus Protocol, 6 sessions, includes components of ERRT and other nightmare protocols.
ERRT - Sleep and Relaxation	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy protocol, 5 sessions, focused on sleep and relaxation
ERRT-Sleep	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced sleep techniques
ERRT - Enhanced Exposure	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy	Exposure, Relaxation, and Rescripting Therapy, 5 sessions, with enhanced exposure techniques

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Nightmare Frequency Past Week	up to 6 months followup	This fill-in-the-blank variable assesses the number of nights the individual experienced nightmares in the past week (range = 0 - 7 nights). Higher values indicate more nights with nightmares (worse outcome).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Joanne L. Davis; 🇺🇸 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States