Helping individuals recover from trauma and PTSD

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 investigates the effects of cognitive processing therapy and self-compassion therapy on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from sexual trauma. It employs a multiple baseline single case experimental design, screening up to 100 participants to identify 12 eligible individuals who will undergo a series of assessments and interventions over a period of up to 34 weeks. Participants will alternate between two different therapeutic approaches, allowing researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of each method in addressing trauma-related mental contamination and associated emotional distress.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* individuals with a history of sexual trauma meeting past-month diagnostic criteria for PTSD (meeting diagnostic status on the DIAMOND and score greater than or equal to 36 on the PCL-5) and
* reporting current experiences of trauma-related mental contamination (greater than or equal to 10 on the PEMC).
* 18 years of age or older
* fluent in English
* Patients on psychotropic medications will be included if they have been maintained on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to beginning the study and are willing to maintain a stable dosage throughout the study period; this procedure allows for a broader range of participants and avoids having outcomes assessment confounded by the initiation of medication during treatment.
* Finally, patients must be willing to refrain from additional trauma-related treatment for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* We will exclude individuals diagnosed with psychological conditions that may be better addressed by alternative treatments; these conditions include
* psychotic disorders
* dissociative identity disorder
* unmanaged (i.e., unmedicated or currently experiencing a manic/hypomanic episode) bipolar disorder
* bulimia nervosa
* anorexia nervosa
* imminent risk of suicide (i.e., intent/plan)
* severe substance use disorders.

Where it's running

• University of Kentucky Clinic for Emotional Health (CEH)
  Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christal L Badour, PhD — University of Kentucky
• Study coordinator: Christal L Badour, PhD
• Email: Christal.badour@uky.edu
• Phone: 859-323-3817

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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.