Development Of a Virtual Stress Inoculation Training (SIT) Platform and Mobile Health App

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER, HOUSTON · Jul 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help U.S. military veterans and service members who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related issues. The study is testing a virtual program called Stress Inoculation Training (SIT), which participants can complete at their own pace using a computer or mobile app. The goal is to see if this online training can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and help improve resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from stress.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be veterans or service members who have been diagnosed with PTSD, have served in combat or dangerous areas, and can speak English. They also need to have access to a smartphone or tablet to use the app. Participants will take part in assessments throughout the study to track their progress. It's important to note that individuals who are currently experiencing severe mental health issues, such as active suicidal thoughts or certain serious disorders, cannot participate. If you or someone you know fits the criteria and is interested in helping with this important research, this trial could be a valuable opportunity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • US Military Veterans / Service Members
• • diagnosis of PTSD as measured by a Posttraumatic Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) score of \>33
• • history of combat trauma and/or military service in an imminent danger pay area
• • be fluent in English.
• • be capable of giving signed informed consent which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form and in this protocol.
• • have access to a SmartPhone or tablet to utilize the mobile health app and/OR access the virtual classroom.
• • agree to undergo psychometric testing and participate in ongoing assessments throughout the study duration.
• • be willing to comply with all study procedures, able to complete all assessments independently, and available for the duration of the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active suicidal ideation as assessed by the Investigator at screening or as identified during the study.
• • Clinically significant history of psychotic disorder, bipolar spectrum disorder, or neurodegenerative disease/dementia as assessed by the Investigator.
• • Active severe substance abuse as assessed by the investigator in accordance with DSM-5 Substance Abuse Disorder criteria, an AUDIT score \> 15, or partial Brief Addiction Monitor (BAM) indicating the presence of illicit substance use other than cannabis (\< 3 times weekly).
• • They are currently undergoing another form of treatment other than supportive therapy (\> 2 times per month).
• • Engaged in active trauma-focused therapy including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)Prolonged Exposure (PE), or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
• • Any other condition/situation that the Investigator believes may interfere with participant safety, study conduct, or interpretation of study data.