Behavioral treatment for PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares in firefighters
An Efficient Treatment for Posttraumatic Injury for Firefighters
NA · Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research · NCT05950035
This study is testing a new therapy that combines different treatments to help firefighters with PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05950035 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate a behavioral intervention that combines three cognitive behavioral therapies: written exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares, specifically for firefighters. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of this intervention in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and nightmares. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving immediate treatment and the other placed on a 2-4 week waitlist. The trial will involve self-report measures and interviews to evaluate symptom changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are firefighters aged 18-65 who experience clinically significant symptoms of PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares.
Not a fit: Patients with serious mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or psychosis, or those at risk of suicide or homicide, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce PTSD, insomnia, and nightmare symptoms in firefighters, improving their overall mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with cognitive behavioral therapies for PTSD and related conditions, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years old * Firefighter * Able to speak and read English * Clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms: CAPS-5 total score ≥ 25; ≥ 1 intrusion symptom; ≥ 1 avoidance symptom * Clinically significant symptoms of insomnia: SCISD insomnia criteria are met; ISI ≥ 15 * Clinically significant symptoms of nightmare disorder: SCISD nightmare disorder criteria are met, nightmares ≥ 1 monthly. Exclusion Criteria: * Current suicide or homicide risk meriting crisis intervention * Inability to speak and read English * Inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires * Unwilling to remain abstinent from alcohol during treatment * Serious mental health diagnosis such as bipolar disorder or psychosis.
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Missouri
- NDRI_USA — Kansas City, Missouri, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara A Jahnke, PhD
- Email: jahnke@ndri-usa.org
- Phone: (913) 238-5648
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Insomnia, Nightmare