Prolonged Exposure Therapy + Emotion Regulation Training for PTSD

(PE+ER Trial)

Overseen by Amanda Gilmore, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Prior research has found that Veterans with military sexual trauma (MST) who have more difficulties with emotion regulation were more likely to drop out of PTSD treatment prematurely. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether integrating evidence-based emotion regulation skills training with a scientifically validated treatment for PTSD called Prolonged Exposure (PE), will enhance PTSD treatment retention and 'dose received' and subsequently improve treatment outcomes for MST-related PTSD and difficulties with emotion regulation. Results from this project that examine the feasibility of integrating these two treatments will provide methodological evidence and justification for a randomized control trial, if warranted.

Research Team

Wendy Muzzy, MRA, MLIS

Principal Investigator

Medical University of South Carolina

Amanda Gilmore, PhD

Principal Investigator

Georgia State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans who have PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) and struggle with managing their emotions. They must be diagnosed using specific scales for PTSD and emotion regulation issues. However, those with active psychosis, dementia, severe substance use disorder, suicidal intent or participating in other PTSD/depression trials cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I have PTSD from military sexual trauma, confirmed by a CAPS test.

You have trouble controlling your emotions as determined by a specific test called the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). If your score on this test is high, it could mean that you have greater difficulty managing your emotions than most women.

You have experienced a significant medical event related to MST (Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma with Elevated LDH) condition.

Exclusion Criteria

Having a household member who is already enrolled in the study

You have a mental condition like dementia or active psychosis during the screening process.

You have expressed a desire to harm yourself and have a detailed plan to do so.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• PE+ER (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests a combined treatment called PE+ER which integrates Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD with emotion regulation skills training. The goal is to see if this approach helps veterans stay in treatment longer and improves their PTSD symptoms related to MST as well as their ability to regulate emotions.

Participant Groups

Group I: Prolonged Exposure + Emotion Regulation Skills Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Twelve, 90-minute sessions of Prolonged Exposure (PE) with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotion Regulation Skills Training.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Medical University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

994

Recruited

7,408,000+

Georgia State University

Collaborator

Trials

71

Recruited

33,600+