Crisis Response Planning added to intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy to reduce suicide risk in PTSD
Augmenting Massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to Prevent Suicide Risk Among Patients With PTSD
We will test whether adding Crisis Response Planning to intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy helps reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in military members and veterans with PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 190 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Hood, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07238192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial enrolls active-duty service members and veterans with PTSD or subthreshold PTSD who have recent suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt. Participants are randomly assigned to massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (10 daily sessions over two consecutive weeks) plus either Crisis Response Planning (CRP) or usual-care safety planning. CRP is introduced at intake and reviewed throughout the CPT course while outcomes such as suicidal ideation, attempts, and PTSD symptoms are tracked. The study combines two evidence-based interventions to see if the addition of CRP improves short-term suicide-related outcomes during an intensive PTSD treatment protocol.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Active-duty service members or veterans aged 18 or older who are eligible for military medical care, meet criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD, have recent active suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt, and regularly use a smartphone are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with current acute suicide or homicide risk that requires immediate crisis intervention, active psychosis or mania, or those unable to participate in daily in-person treatment sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding CRP could lower suicidal thoughts and attempts and improve the safety of PTSD treatment for high-risk military personnel and veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Cognitive Processing Therapy and Crisis Response Planning each have supporting evidence for PTSD treatment and suicide risk reduction respectively, but combining CRP with massed CPT for recently suicidal military populations is a newer application that has not been widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Active duty service member or veteran aged 18 or older eligible for military medical care. 2. Able to read, write, and speak English. 3. Meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD (i.e., meeting diagnostic threshold for 3 of 4 symptom criteria within the past month) on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). 4. Active suicidal ideation within the past week as assessed by scoring ≥ 1 on Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) item 4 (i.e., active suicidal ideation within the past month) or report an interrupted, aborted, or actual suicide attempt within the preceding month on the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Revised (SITBI-R). 5. Regular use of an iPhone or Android smartphone. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to comprehend and complete the consent and baseline screening questionnaires. 2. Current suicide or homicide risk meriting crisis intervention. 3. Serious mental health symptoms, such as mania, psychosis, alcohol or substance use disorders warranting immediate clinical attention based on interviewer assessment and clinical judgement. 4. Currently engaged in evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD (e.g., Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy).
Where this trial is running
Fort Hood, Texas
- Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center — Fort Hood, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Craig J Bryan — University of Vermont
- Study coordinator: C. Rosie Bauder, PhD, MPH
- Email: rosie.bauder@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-814-0119
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.