Improving memory support in PTSD therapy

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.