Family involvement to improve PTSD treatment outcomes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans by incorporating family members into the therapeutic process. It focuses on a Brief Family Intervention (BFI) designed to complement existing evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). The study will assess the effectiveness of the BFI in reducing dropout rates and improving PTSD symptoms among Veterans who have recently started individual therapy. Preliminary results indicate that family involvement can significantly boost retention and treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria for Veterans will include:

* a current DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD
* Veteran status
* willing to have a family member involved in the study
* has recently begun or is currently initiating individual CPT or PE (completed no more than 3 sessions of the protocol at the time of the baseline assessment)

  * If taking psychotropic medication, the Veteran must be on a stable dose for at least 30 days.

Inclusion criteria for family members will include:

* age 18 or older, family member of the Veteran (significant other, parent, adult child, sibling, etc.)
* currently having frequent contact with the Veteran (three or more times per week)

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for Veterans will include:

* current engagement in couple/family treatment with the identified family member participant
* current severe substance use disorder (mild/moderate use disorders will not be excluded; any level of nicotine or caffeine use disorder accepted)
* current psychosis or unstable bipolar disorder diagnosis
* high suicidal risk
* significant cognitive impairment

Exclusion criteria for family members will include:

* same as listed for Veterans. Additionally
* family members will NOT be permitted to participate if they meet criteria for current PTSD

Where it's running

• VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
  Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
• Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
  Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Johanna Thompson-Hollands, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
• Study coordinator: Johanna Thompson-Hollands, PhD
• Email: Johanna.Thompson-Hollands@va.gov
• Phone: (857) 364-2067

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.