Comparing brief therapy to standard care for PTSD after spinal cord injury

Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress: A RCT of Modified Brief Prolonged Exposure Therapy (Brief PE) During Inpatient Rehabilitation Post Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

NA · Baylor Research Institute · NCT05233111

This study tests whether a short therapy called Brief PE can help people with spinal cord injuries feel less PTSD symptoms compared to regular care during their rehab.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBaylor Research Institute (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05233111 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of brief prolonged exposure therapy (Brief PE) in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms among individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) during inpatient rehabilitation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Brief PE, consisting of three 60-minute sessions, or standard clinical care. The study aims to evaluate the impact of this intervention on PTSD symptoms and related mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety, at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a spinal cord injury following a traumatic event.

Not a fit: Patients who are acutely suicidal, have severe cognitive impairment, or are experiencing active psychosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve overall mental health for patients recovering from spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD, suggesting that this approach may be effective in similar contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation hospital diagnosed with a SCI following a traumatic event

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients in police custody
* Not fluent in the English language
* Severe cognitive impairment
* Patients who are acutely suicidal
* Patients with active psychosis

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, SCI, Spinal Cord Injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.