Expressive writing intervention for sexual minority veterans
Expressive Writing to Reduce Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Veterans
NA · VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05897021
This study tests whether a short writing program can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety in sexual minority veterans by allowing them to express their thoughts and emotions about their experiences.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 85 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05897021 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research examines the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief, three-session expressive writing intervention aimed at reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms among sexual minority veterans. The intervention focuses on addressing distress related to sexual minority stressors, such as discrimination and stigma. Participants will engage in structured writing exercises to explore their thoughts and emotions related to these stressors. The study aims to provide a scalable and accessible mental health intervention tailored to the unique needs of sexual minority veterans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who identify as sexual minorities and experience clinically significant depressive or anxiety symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with current suicidal intent, unstable mania, psychosis, or severe substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms in sexual minority veterans, improving their overall mental health and well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that expressive writing can effectively reduce depression and anxiety in sexual minorities, but this specific approach has not been tested among sexual minority veterans.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants will be Veterans who: * identify as a sexual minority (i.e., identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or another identity other than heterosexual) * endorse clinically significant depressive or anxiety symptoms (score above 10 on the PHQ-9 or GAD-7) * report a history of sexuality-based minority stressor exposure that is contributing to distress on phone screening * be stable on psychotropic medication for at least 4 weeks if on a psychotropic medication Exclusion Criteria: The exclusion criteria for Veterans in this study are: * clear and current suicidal plan and/or intent (assessed via the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) * current presentation of unstable mania and/or psychosis (assessed via the Structured Interview for DSM-5) * current substance use disorder, severe (assessed via the Structured Interview for DSM-5) * significant cognitive impairment, including evidence of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, determined by an inability to comprehend baseline screening questionnaires
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelly L Harper, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Kelly L Harper, PhD
- Email: kelly.harper@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 364-4417
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: Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Sexual Minorities, Veterans