Partner-assisted therapy for PTSD in veterans
A Hybrid 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Partner-Assisted Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
This study tests if involving partners in therapy can help veterans with PTSD feel better and improve their treatment results.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 420 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | United States Department of Defense Federal |
| Locations | 4 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06990191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) therapy for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It aims to enhance traditional trauma-focused therapies by involving significant others in the treatment process, which may improve patient engagement and outcomes. The study will include veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and are in committed relationships, assessing the impact of partner involvement on treatment efficacy. By addressing the challenges faced by veterans in conventional PTSD treatments, this approach seeks to provide a more supportive and effective therapeutic environment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are post-9/11 veterans diagnosed with PTSD who have been in a committed relationship for at least six months.
Not a fit: Patients experiencing imminent suicidality, severe cognitive impairment, or those with a partner who has PTSD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for veterans with PTSD by leveraging the support of their partners.
How similar studies have performed: While partner-involved interventions for PTSD show promise, there is currently no established couples approach that has demonstrated superior outcomes compared to individual treatment models.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Post-9/11 Veteran Enrolled in VHA * 1 \> mo stable medication * Committed relationship 6+ months * DSM-5-R PTSD Diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Imminent suicidality/homicidally * Mania, psychosis, or severe substance use disorder, past 3 mos * Severe cognitive impairment * Severe intimate partner violence in last 6 months * Fear of or intimidation by partner * Partner screens positive for PTSD
Where this trial is running
Phoenix, Arizona and 3 other locations
- Phoenix VA Healthcare System — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- San Diego VA Healthcare System — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Charleston VA Healthcare System — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Meis, PhD — University of Minnesota, National Center for PTSD, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Emily M Hudson, PhD
- Email: emily.hudson@va.gov
- Phone: 612-629-7262
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.