Mitigating PTSD-CUD After Sexual Assault

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS · Aug 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new digital therapy designed to help women who have experienced sexual assault and are at risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Every year, many women face the trauma of sexual assault, and a significant number of them may struggle with PTSD and turn to cannabis as a way to cope. The goal of this research is to see how well this digital therapy works and how acceptable it is for those who need it. The study aims to help the women who seek emergency care after an assault, providing them with a new way to prevent these serious issues.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be women who have survived a sexual assault and sought emergency care within 72 hours of the event. They should be at least 18 years old, speak English, and own a smartphone that has been in service for over a year. Participants will need to report using cannabis more than once a week and show signs of anxiety. Throughout the trial, women will receive training and support while using the digital therapy. It's important to note that certain conditions, such as being currently pregnant or having serious cognitive issues, may exclude someone from participating. This trial represents an important step in finding new ways to support women in their recovery after such traumatic experiences.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Women sexual assault survivors presenting for emergency care \<72 hours post-assault at 1 of our 4 emergency care sites
• • 2. English speakers
• • 3. 18+ years of age
• • 4. Able to provide informed consent
• • 5. Have a smartphone with continuous service \>1 year
• • 6. Report \>1x/weekly cannabis use on a substance use screener
• • 7. Report elevated AS (\>17 on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Inability to provide informed consent (e.g., serious injury preventing the ability to hear, speak, or see to consent and participate, or other causes (e.g., diagnosed cognitive deficits, diagnosed dementia, asleep at time of screening)).
• • 2. Prisoner
• • 3. Currently pregnant
• • 4. Lives with assailant and plans to continue to do so
• • 5. Admitted patient
• • 6. No mailing address
• • 7. Previously enrolled
• • 8. No sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) examination
• • 9. Reporting current plan and intent for suicide or homicide
• • 10. Does not understand written and spoken English