Reducing safety aids for PTSD treatment in veterans
Examination of a Safety Aid Reduction Protocol for Treatment Resistant PTSD Among Veterans
This study is testing a new approach to help veterans with PTSD by reducing safety aids that might be making their anxiety worse, to see if it can lower their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (New Orleans, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT04515784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a safety aid reduction treatment (START) for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study focuses on veterans who have declined traditional trauma-focused therapies, exploring an alternative approach that targets maladaptive safety aids contributing to their anxiety. By implementing cognitive behavioral interventions, the study seeks to determine if START can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms both immediately and over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are currently receiving care at the New Orleans VA and have opted out of evidence-based psychotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients with substance dependence requiring detoxification, active psychosis, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, severe suicidal intent, or those currently engaged in psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide veterans with an effective alternative for managing PTSD symptoms without relying on traditional trauma-focused therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored safety aid reduction in anxiety disorders, this specific approach for PTSD in veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans receiving care at New Orleans VA * Veterans with diagnosis of PTSD who decline trauma focused treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Substance dependence requiring detoxification * Active psychosis * Uncontrolled Bipolar Disorder * Severe suicidal intent requiring hospitalization * Current engagement in psychotherapy
Where this trial is running
New Orleans, Louisiana
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amanda M Raines, PhD — Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA
- Study coordinator: Amanda M Raines, PhD
- Email: amanda.raines@va.gov
- Phone: (504) 507-2000
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.