Improving communication in PTSD treatment
Enhancing PTSD Treatment Outcomes by Improving Patient-Provider Communication
NA · Boston University · NCT06088303
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06088303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who have been stable on psychiatric medications for at least four weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with current unstable bipolar disorder, psychosis, or severe substance use issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes through improved patient-provider communication, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- 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
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: Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Cognitive processing therapy, Prolonged exposure, Adjunctive writing for amplifying response and engagement, Health communication, Patient-provider communication