Improving memory support in PTSD therapy
Enhancing Memory and Learning in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is testing whether adding memory support techniques to therapy can help people with PTSD remember and benefit more from their treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05310097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining Memory Support (MS) with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The aim is to enhance the learning and retention of therapy content by integrating techniques that facilitate memory encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. A pilot randomized controlled trial will compare the outcomes of participants receiving CPT alone versus those receiving CPT with MS. The study will assess both the efficacy of the combined approach and its acceptability among participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults diagnosed with PTSD, particularly veterans, who are stable on psychiatric medications.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable bipolar disorder, psychosis, or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the therapeutic outcomes for patients with PTSD by enhancing their ability to learn and remember critical therapy content.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that integrating memory support techniques into cognitive therapies can improve outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) * For potential participants on psychiatric medication, dose must be stable for the past four weeks. * Veteran status Exclusion Criteria: * Current DSM-5 diagnoses of unstable bipolar disorder, past or present psychosis, or organic mental disorder * Active suicidal or homicidal ideation with plan or intent * Current moderate or severe substance use disorder, as defined by DSM-5 \[i.e., at least 4 diagnostic symptoms of Substance use disorder (SUD) present\] * Prior receipt of CPT or concurrent therapy for PTSD * Significant cognitive impairment as indicated by a score \<10th percentile on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment * History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method and Veterans Administration/ Department of Defense (VA/DOD) guidelines * High verbal memory ability, as indicated by a score \>1 standard deviation (SD) above the population mean on the California Verbal Learning Test® Third Edition (CVLT-3) immediate recall task
Where this trial is running
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System — Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph Carpenter, PhD MA — VA Boston Healthcare System, BUSM Psychiatry Dept.
- Study coordinator: Joseph Carpenter, PhD MA
- Email: jcarpen@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-435-5319
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.