Exploring the link between alcohol misuse, PTSD, and intimate partner violence in couples
Advancing Couple and Family Alcohol Treatment Through Patient-Oriented Research and Mentorship
This study is testing how alcohol misuse and PTSD affect violence between partners in couples to find better ways to prevent and treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05786157 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their combined effects on intimate partner violence (IPV) among couples. It will involve 70 couples participating in controlled laboratory settings where alcohol will be administered to assess its impact on IPV. The research aims to integrate findings from alcohol misuse and PTSD literature to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for alcohol-related IPV. The study is led by Dr. Flanagan, who will enhance her research skills through mentorship and training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are couples aged 21 and older, where at least one partner has experienced physical intimate partner violence and reports heavy drinking episodes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of alcohol misuse or intimate partner violence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment approaches for couples dealing with alcohol misuse and PTSD, ultimately reducing instances of intimate partner violence.
How similar studies have performed: While there is a growing body of literature on alcohol misuse and PTSD, this specific combined approach to studying their effects on IPV is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria 1. Any gender identity; any race or ethnicity; ages 21 years or older. 2. Must report ≥ 2 heavy drinking episodes in the past 30 days (i.e., 4 or more drinks for women, 5 or more for men in ≤ 2 hours) and consumed a quantity of alcohol that is equal to or greater than the standard dose administered for their weight in the laboratory (assessed via the TLFB). 3. At least one instance of physical IPV in the current relationship reported by at least one partner within the couple (assessed by the CTS-2). 4. Participants must agree not to drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the experimental visit day. Transportation will be provided if necessary. 5. One or both partners in half the couples will be required to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD (assessed by the CAPS-5). Exclusion criteria: 1. Possible drug use disorder (except caffeine or nicotine) as meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria via the QuickSCID; Recent recreational drug use (e.g., cannabis) is acceptable. 2. Severe alcohol use disorder as meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria via the QuickSCID. Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only. 3. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for a history of or current psychotic or bipolar disorders. 4. Current suicidal or homicidal ideation and intent. 5. History of or current psychiatric or medical condition for which alcohol administration is medically contraindicated. 6. Body weight \> 250 lbs (in order to rigorously control alcohol dosing). Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only. 7. Use of medications such as lithium, methadone, alpha or beta blockers or cholinergic/ anticholinergic drugs likely to confound normative cardiovascular responding for the psychophysiological component of the project. Applies to those receiving alcohol administration only. 8. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. 9. Severe or unilateral partner violence in the past 6 months as measured by the CTS-2.
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stacey Sellers
- Email: sellersst@musc.edu
- Phone: 843-792-5807
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.