Improving communication in PTSD treatment
Official title: Enhancing PTSD Treatment Outcomes by Improving Patient-Provider Communication
Run by Boston University · NCT06088303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding a writing exercise to standard PTSD treatments can help people feel better by improving communication with their therapists.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06088303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who have been stable on psychiatric medications for at least four weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current unstable bipolar disorder, psychosis, or severe substance use issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing PTSD treatments, specifically cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE), by incorporating an Adjunctive Writing intervention for Amplifying Response and Engagement (AWARE). The AWARE intervention involves a brief writing task that encourages patients to articulate their treatment experiences, along with guided therapist responses to foster better communication. The study will compare the outcomes of patients receiving CPT and PE with AWARE against those receiving standard CPT and PE without the writing component. The goal is to determine if improved patient-provider communication can lead to better treatment outcomes for individuals with PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes through improved patient-provider communication, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of PTSD * Stable on psychiatric medications for at least 4 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Current unstable bipolar disorder * Current psychosis * Current active suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent or plan * Current severe substance use that warrants immediate medical attention * Current trauma-focused treatment * Significant cognitive impairment that would prevent engagement in assessments and therapy (e.g., advanced dementia, severe traumatic brain injury).
Where it's running
-
National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth Alpert, PhD — National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, BU School of Medicine, Psychiatry
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth Alpert, PhD
- Email: elizabeth.alpert@va.gov
- Phone: 857-364-6190
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial tests whether Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) helps kids aged 7–17 with developmental trauma more than usual therapy.
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Adaptive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Therapist Training
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.