Using direct advertising to help Veterans access effective PTSD therapies
Direct to consumer marketing to engage Veterans in evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD
This study is looking at how to better encourage Veterans with PTSD to try helpful therapies by using friendly ads that tackle common concerns, like stigma and lack of information, to see which messages work best in getting them to seek treatment and improve their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10989867 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the use of evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for Veterans suffering from PTSD by employing direct-to-consumer marketing strategies. The approach focuses on overcoming barriers such as stigma and lack of knowledge about these therapies through targeted advertisements. By comparing different marketing messages, the research seeks to identify the most effective ways to encourage Veterans to seek treatment. The ultimate goal is to enhance the initiation of EBPs, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected by PTSD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who may be hesitant to seek treatment due to stigma or lack of information.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Veterans or those who do not have PTSD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of Veterans accessing effective treatments for PTSD, leading to better mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While direct-to-consumer marketing has shown success in promoting psychotropic medications, this specific approach for EBPs in mental health is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hundt, Natalie E — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hundt, Natalie E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.