Partner-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
(COOPERATE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach to treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in post-9/11 Veterans. It examines whether involving a partner in therapy sessions, known as Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE), is more effective than traditional Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. The goal is to improve PTSD symptoms, overall life functioning, and relationship health. Ideal participants are post-9/11 Veterans with a stable medication routine and a PTSD diagnosis, who are in a committed relationship of at least six months. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods that could enhance treatment outcomes.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial requires that you have been on stable medication for at least one month, so you do not need to stop your current medications if they are stable.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is a well-known and effective treatment for PTSD, particularly in reducing symptoms for many patients, including those with combat-related PTSD. PE is considered safe and is often the first choice for treating PTSD.
Earlier studies on Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) have shown promising results. This method includes significant others in the therapy process. These studies found that involving partners often leads to patients completing more of their treatment and experiencing significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and relationships. So far, PPE appears well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns reported.
For those considering joining a trial for PPE, current evidence suggests it is a safe option. Involving partners in therapy might enhance treatment benefits without added risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) therapy because it brings a fresh approach to treating PTSD by actively involving a partner in the therapeutic process. Traditional PTSD treatments, like Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, typically focus solely on the individual. PPE stands out by integrating a partner into the therapy sessions, which can enhance support and improve treatment outcomes. This collaborative method has the potential to strengthen relationships and provide a more supportive environment, potentially leading to better and faster recovery for those affected by PTSD.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD?
This trial will compare Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) therapy with traditional Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. Research has shown that PPE therapy can significantly improve PTSD symptoms. Studies have found that involving a partner in therapy often leads to better outcomes. Veterans who included their partners in treatment experienced more benefits. In past studies, more participants completed the treatment and saw significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and overall well-being. While traditional PE therapy is effective, PPE aims to enhance results by involving partners, potentially improving both PTSD symptoms and relationship health.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Laura Meis, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota, National Center for PTSD, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System
Leslie Morland, PhD
Principal Investigator
National Center for PTSD; San Diego VA Healthcare System
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for post-9/11 US Service Members with PTSD. Participants should be willing to involve their partners in the treatment process. The study excludes those who may not fully benefit from partnered therapy or have conditions that could interfere with the effectiveness of the treatments being tested.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, with intimate partners attending weekly sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 3 and 6 months posttreatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Trial Overview
The trial tests Partner-Assisted Prolonged Exposure (PPE) against standard Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD. It aims to see if involving a partner leads to better psychosocial functioning, fewer PTSD symptoms, and improved relationship health compared to individual therapy.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
United States Department of Defense
Lead Sponsor
Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research
Collaborator
Veterans Medical Research Foundation
Collaborator
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Collaborator
San Diego Veterans Healthcare System
Collaborator
Charleston VA Healthcare System
Collaborator
Arizona Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Collaborator
University of Minnesota
Collaborator
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Collaborator
Atlanta VA Medical Center
Collaborator
Citations
Cognitive–behavioural conjoint therapy versus prolonged ...
This study is the first to test a couple or family therapy against a well-established, front-line recommended treatment for PTSD, with expected ...
Written Exposure Therapy vs Prolonged ...
Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in PTSD symptom severity measured with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for ...
Effectiveness of an intensive outpatient treatment ...
Of all patients, 52 (70%) showed a clinically meaningful response, and 48 (65%) no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment.
The impact of prolonged exposure therapy on social ...
Conclusions: These results suggest that increased perceived social support is a secondary outcome of exposure therapy and may be one pathway ...
A Comparison of Web-Prolonged Exposure (Web-PE) and ...
The second aim is to examine the efficacy of Web-PE by comparing it to therapist-delivered PCT on the following outcomes: 1) Change in PTSD severity and ...
Enhancing Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD using ...
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is one of the most efficacious, evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Massed vs Intensive Outpatient Prolonged Exposure for ...
These findings suggest that both massed and intensive outpatient forms of prolonged exposure therapy are fast and effective for combat-related PTSD.
Prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic ...
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a well-established first-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is based on emotional ...
What works for whom and why: A narrative systematic ...
A narrative systematic review of interventions for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and problematic substance use among women with experiences of ...
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