Peer-led Trauma Recovery Program for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: York University

Disqualifiers: Suicidal behavior, Elevated BPD symptoms

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of the Trauma Recovery Program treatment for PTSD?

Research shows that peer-led trauma recovery programs can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and improve coping skills, similar to traditional clinician-led treatments. Additionally, peer support programs have been found to help individuals accept PTSD into their daily lives, which can lead to improved functioning and reduced distress. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Peer-led Trauma Recovery Program for PTSD safe for humans?

The available research on peer-led trauma recovery programs, including those for PTSD and related conditions, suggests they are generally safe for participants. These programs often involve group therapy and peer support, which have been shown to improve symptoms and participant satisfaction without significant safety concerns. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

How is the Peer-led Trauma Recovery Program for PTSD different from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it is led by peers who have experienced similar trauma, which can increase access to and engagement with PTSD treatment, especially in low-resource settings. Unlike traditional therapy, it focuses on acceptance of PTSD into daily life rather than just symptom resolution, and it has been shown to be as effective as clinician-led treatments in reducing symptoms and improving coping skills. ^{1 2 3 7 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project involves developing and piloting a peer-led intervention focused on posttraumatic stress symptoms for the family members and significant others of people with borderline personality disorder. The project involves collaborating with The Sashbear Foundation who will be delivering the trauma response program (TRP) that was developed by the investigative team to its network. In phase 1 of this project, the investigators will evaluate the first delivery of the TRP at The Sashbear Foundation and solicit feedback from peer-facilitators and recipients who consent to research participation. In phase 2 of this project, the investigators will evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of the delivery of the next two to four TRPs delivered at The Sashbear Foundation consisting of up to approximately 10 group members (maximum number of TRP recipient research participants in phase 2 is 40).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for family members or significant others who have experienced trauma related to a loved one with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Participants must have completed the Family Connections program at Sashbear and not engaged in self-harm or shown elevated BPD symptoms within the last year.

Inclusion Criteria

I have completed the Family Connections program at Sashbear for BPD.

You have experienced a traumatic event related to a loved one with BPD or related issues that still affects you.

Exclusion Criteria

Engagement in suicidal or self-injurious behaviour in the past year

I have symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase 1: Initial TRP Delivery and Feedback

Evaluation of the first delivery of the Trauma Response Program (TRP) at The Sashbear Foundation, including feedback from peer-facilitators and recipients.

7 weeks

3 visits (in-person or virtual)

Phase 2: Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

Evaluation of the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of the next two to four TRPs delivered at The Sashbear Foundation.

17 weeks

5 visits (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with measures taken at one and three months post-intervention.

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Trauma Recovery Program

Trial Overview The study tests a peer-led Trauma Recovery Program developed for those affected by someone with BPD. It involves feedback collection, efficacy evaluation, and safety assessment of the program delivered through The Sashbear Foundation.

Participant Groups

Group I: Trauma Recovery Program (official title TBD) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The trauma recovery program (TRP) is a seven-session, peer-led, group program for family members/significant others of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation. It draws on principles of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD and cognitive behavioural conjoint therapy for PTSD to target PTSD symptoms in these individuals that are related to having a loved one with BPD or emotion dysregulation. As a peer-support model, it is not a psychotherapy. The TRP involves learning about common reactions to trauma and learning methods of challenging trauma-related beliefs that inhibit trauma recovery. Group members are asked to practice exercises outside of sessions that focus on challenging beliefs that fall into several key trauma-related themes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

York University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

64

Recruited

521,000+

The Sashbear Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

610+

Findings from Research

A pilot study involving 18 participants with probable PTSD showed that peer-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy was feasible and highly acceptable, with participants reporting high satisfaction with the intervention.

The study found significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, as well as reductions in depressive, anxiety, and general stress symptoms, suggesting that peer support could effectively enhance access to mental health care in low-resource settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer delivery of a brief cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study. Smith, AM., Stewart, K., Baul, T., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 291 adults with PTSD and/or substance use disorders, peer providers delivered the Seeking Safety (SS) program with similar effectiveness to licensed clinicians, showing non-inferiority in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving coping skills.

At 6 months, both peer-led and clinician-led groups experienced significant decreases in PTSD symptoms and increases in coping skills, suggesting that peer-delivered interventions could enhance access to mental health treatment, especially in underserved areas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Peer-Delivered Trauma Treatment in a Rural Community: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial. Crisanti, AS., Murray-Krezan, C., Reno, J., et al.[2020]

In a study of 172 patients with PTSD at a trauma center, those with private insurance, a high school diploma or higher, and more severe PTSD symptoms were more likely to participate in Trauma Recovery Services (TRS) programming, which aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve patient satisfaction.

Patients living further away from the TRS location were less likely to participate, suggesting that reducing travel distance could enhance participation in psychosocial programs for PTSD recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors influencing participation in psychosocial programming among orthopaedic trauma patients with PTSD. Furdock, RJ., Feldman, B., Sinkler, M., et al.[2022]

The PTSD Recovery Program, which includes group therapy alongside individual therapy and medication, was effectively used to treat PTSD in 18 refugees over 10 weekly sessions, showing positive outcomes based on pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.

Qualitative data from participants indicated symptom improvement, and providers reported high satisfaction with the program, supporting its efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using a Veterans Affairs Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Group Therapy Program With Refugees. Haefner, J., Abedi, M., Morgan, S., et al.[2019]

A pilot study evaluated a peer-led version of the Seeking Safety (SS) program for 18 women with co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and trauma-related issues, showing significant improvements in trauma symptoms, mental health, and coping skills.

Participants reported high satisfaction with the peer-led SS approach, indicating its potential as an effective intervention for those facing both SUD and trauma-related challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-led seeking safety: results of a pilot outcome study with relevance to public health. Najavits, LM., Hamilton, N., Miller, N., et al.[2018]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer delivery of a brief cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support in an outpatient program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Translating participant experiences into a recovery model. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Peer-Delivered Trauma Treatment in a Rural Community: A Randomized Non-inferiority Trial. [2020]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors influencing participation in psychosocial programming among orthopaedic trauma patients with PTSD. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using a Veterans Affairs Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Group Therapy Program With Refugees. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Helping the patient cope with the sequelae of trauma through the self-help group approach. [2019]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-led seeking safety: results of a pilot outcome study with relevance to public health. [2018]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Veterans' Perspectives on Benefits and Drawbacks of Peer Support for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. [2017]