OSA PAP Treatment for Veterans With SUD and PTSD on Residential Treatment Unit

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Nov 30, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can help veterans who are dealing with both substance use disorder (SUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while they are in a residential treatment program. OSA is a condition where a person has trouble breathing while sleeping, and it can make both SUD and PTSD symptoms worse. The researchers want to see if providing treatment for OSA using positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy will lead to better outcomes in a veteran's daily functioning, substance use, and PTSD symptoms compared to those who do not receive this treatment right away.

To participate in this study, veterans must be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of SUD and PTSD, and meet certain health criteria, such as having a specific severity of OSA. The trial is open to all genders, and participants will be recruited from the residential treatment unit. Veterans who are eligible can expect to receive either the OSA treatment or be placed on a waitlist before starting their treatment. This study is important because it aims to improve the quality of life for veterans facing the challenges of these co-occurring conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • a Veteran of the U.S. military or Reserve/National Guard member
• • at least 18 years of age
• • have an AHI 5 per hour
• • experienced trauma that occurred in childhood or adulthood; at least one month post-trauma
• • have current DSM-5 diagnoses of SUD via SCID-SUD module with a minimum 20 days of substance use in the last 90 days (Timeline Follow-back)
• • Full PTSD diagnosis via clinician administered PTSD scale
• • are literate in English
• • are on the PTSD track of the SARRTP unit
• • are capable of giving informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have central sleep apnea (AHI \>=5 and \> 50% central apneas)
• • arrives on the SARRTP unit already using a PAP device (Veteran's previously diagnosed with OSA, but not using PAP therapy will be eligible)
• • the SARRTP medical staff advises against the study based on medical history and physical examination; d) history of severe cognitive impairment (via MOCA \< 26)
• • history of psychosis or mania independent of substance use will be excluded because the presence of these disorders can impede therapy progress