Massed Prolonged Exposure for PTSD in Substance Use Treatment

Launched by VETERANS MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION · Feb 28, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a treatment called Prolonged Exposure Therapy for veterans who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use issues. The main goal is to see if having multiple therapy sessions each week (called the "massed format") is better for helping participants manage their PTSD symptoms and reduce their substance use compared to having one session per week. By comparing these two approaches, researchers hope to find out which method helps participants more effectively.

To take part in this study, you need to be a veteran aged 18 or older who has served since September 2001, is currently enrolled in a substance use treatment program at a VA facility, and meets certain criteria for PTSD and substance use disorders. Participants will attend therapy sessions either weekly or multiple times a week, and they can expect a supportive environment focused on their recovery. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to provide valuable insights into improving treatment for those facing these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Veterans
• • age 18+
• • who have served since September 2001
• • who are enrolled in a SUD IOP at a participating VA
• • meet DSM-5 criteria for a current SUD (Tobacco Use Disorder alone not sufficient for inclusion)
• • meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD
• • report substance use at least 20 of the last 90 days
• • are able to give informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • severe cognitive impairment
• • current suicidal or homicidal intent requiring immediate treatment
• • current unstable psychotic or manic symptoms not attributable to SUD