New psychotherapy for PTSD and depression after sexual assault

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 clinical trial tests a brief psychotherapy called Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single Session (PATH-SS) aimed at alleviating distress related to sexual assault, specifically targeting PTSD and depression symptoms. The study involves a sample of 45 college students who have experienced sexual assault, assessing their symptoms before and after a single 2-hour session of PATH-SS, as well as at a 1-month follow-up. Participants will undergo a pre-treatment assessment to confirm eligibility and will be compensated for their participation in assessments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range: from 18 to 65.
2. Has experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault with a minimum of 12 weeks since the event and a maximum of 5 years since the event.
3. Residence in the state of Ohio.
4. Elevated symptoms on either the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) or the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR), at least moderate: 18 on PDS-5 (Foa et al., 2016) and/or 11 on QIDS (moderate depression severity; Rush et al., 2003), with symptoms persisting for 1 month or longer.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or organic mental disorder as defined by DSM-5.
2. Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, or depression severe enough to require immediate psychiatric treatment (i.e., serious suicide risk with intent and plan).
3. Severe self-injurious behavior or suicide attempt within the previous three months.
4. Currently engaged in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
5. No clear memory of the event.
6. Unstable dose of psychotropic medications in prior 3 months.
7. Ongoing intimate relationship with the perpetrator.
8. Current diagnosis of a substance use disorder (DSM-5).
9. Residence outside the state of Ohio.

Where it's running

• Case Western Reserve University
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Norah C Feeny, PhD — Case Western Reserve University
• Study coordinator: Norah Feeny, PhD
• Email: ncf2@case.edu
• Phone: (216) 368-2695

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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.