Combined Written Exposure and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is for women who have experienced a sexual assault in the past six weeks and use alcohol. The research involves completing a five week behavioral treatment for stress and alcohol use. Participants will complete surveys during visits. Participants may also be asked to complete brief daily assessments on their smart phones.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but if you are on psychotropic medications, you must be stabilized on them for at least two weeks before starting the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and its integration with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors?
Research shows that Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with outcomes similar to other established therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy. Additionally, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure therapy has been beneficial for individuals with both PTSD and alcohol use disorders, suggesting potential effectiveness for sexual assault survivors.12345
Is Written Exposure Therapy (WET) safe for humans?
How is the treatment for sexual assault survivors different from other treatments?
This treatment combines Written Exposure Therapy (WET), which is a brief, 5-session therapy focusing on writing about traumatic experiences, with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder, making it unique in addressing both trauma and alcohol use in a concise and integrated manner.12367
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for women aged 18-65 who've experienced sexual assault within the last six weeks, use alcohol, and may have PTSD or other mood disorders. They must understand English, consent to all treatments and surveys, score above certain thresholds on alcohol use and PTSD severity scales but not be at immediate suicide risk or undergoing severe withdrawal.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete a five-week behavioral treatment for stress and alcohol use, including surveys and daily assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with standardized repeated measures
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Written Exposure Therapy
- Written Exposure Therapy Integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder
Written Exposure Therapy Integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- PTSD
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Collaborator