Self-Help Intervention for Depression and PTSD

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Robyn L Shepardson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Must not be taking: Psychotropics

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Psychotherapy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 14

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a self-help program called Resilience Training for Veterans (REST-V) to assist post-9/11 Veterans in managing depression and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The researchers aim to determine if a self-guided approach, which teaches healthy coping strategies, can enhance mental health and the use of support services compared to usual resources. Veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and experience depression or PTSD symptoms might be a good fit, especially if they are not currently in therapy. Participants will complete several assessments over 40 weeks to track their progress. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions and potentially benefit from new coping strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have started or changed the dosage of psychotropic medication in the past 4 weeks, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this self-help intervention is safe for Veterans?

Research has shown that resilience training programs like REST-V have been studied for their effects on veterans. In a study with over 7,500 veterans, these programs significantly improved PTSD and depression. This suggests that such programs can be helpful and are generally well-received.

In another study, veterans rated their satisfaction with the skills they learned at an average of 4.65 out of 5, indicating that the program is well-tolerated.

Overall, REST-V is designed to help veterans learn coping strategies and access support services, which may contribute to its positive reception. While specific side effects are not detailed in the sources, the high satisfaction levels and improvements in mental health suggest it is a safe and effective option for many veterans. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Resilience Training for Veterans (REST-V) is unique because it offers a self-help approach specifically tailored for veterans dealing with depression and PTSD. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medication or intensive therapy sessions, REST-V empowers veterans to actively participate in their own recovery through resilience-building techniques. Researchers are excited about REST-V because it provides a more accessible and potentially cost-effective option, allowing veterans to improve their mental health on their own terms. This innovative method could significantly enhance treatment accessibility and effectiveness for those who may face barriers to traditional therapy.

What evidence suggests that this self-help intervention is effective for depression and PTSD?

Research has shown that Resilience Training for Veterans (REST-V), which participants in this trial may receive, can help lessen PTSD and depression symptoms. One study found that veterans who participated in similar programs experienced improvements in PTSD, depression, and adjustment to civilian life. Another study found that REST-V reduced PTSD symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and depression, while also enhancing mindfulness and quality of life. These findings suggest that REST-V might effectively help veterans manage their mental health by teaching coping strategies for independent use. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Robyn L. Shepardson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for post-9/11 Veterans experiencing symptoms of depression or PTSD who prefer to manage problems independently. Participants should be willing to engage in a self-help intervention and complete multiple assessments over 40 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

Enrolled at Syracuse or Durham VA Healthcare System (had an encounter in primary care or Military 2VA clinic in past 24 months)

Report current functional impairment (PHQ-9 item 10)

I am a veteran aged 18 or older who served after September 11, 2001.

Exclusion Criteria

Visual impairment that precludes reading self-help materials

Hearing impairment that precludes completing telephone assessments

Serious mental illness (diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a self-help intervention or receive usual resources for 8 weeks

8 weeks

6 assessments (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

32 weeks

Assessments every 8 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Resilience Training for Veterans (REST-V)

Trial Overview

The study compares two approaches: usual resources available to veterans versus a specific program called Resilience Training for Veterans (REST-V). It aims to teach coping strategies and encourage the use of recovery support services.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention condition Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Self-help intervention

Group II: Control condition Active Control 1 Intervention

Usual resources

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Citations

1.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2673-866X/4/1/7

Pilot Study of a Resiliency Based and Trauma Informed ...

Results showed reductions in symptoms of PTSD, avoidance, depression, and somatic pain, increases in mindfulness, and better quality of life.

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6456014/

Treatment Efficacy for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress ...

Evidence suggests that veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a poorer treatment response than nonveterans.

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12000787/

Digital Health Resilience and Well-Being Interventions for ...

Overall, 24 (35%) of the DMHIs were recommended for military members, 20 (29%) for PSP, and 41 (59%) for veterans. The most common aim across ...

4.

journal-veterans-studies.org

journal-veterans-studies.org/articles/10.21061/jvs.v11i2.683

Evidence Integration Review of Multimodal Interventions ...

Results: Forty studies involving over 7,500 veterans were included. Interventions showed significant improvements in PTSD, depression, and reintegration.

5.

ptsd.va.gov

ptsd.va.gov/professional/articles/article-pdf/id1558917.pdf

Self‐reported exercise frequency and PTSD: results from ...

Conclusions: Results of this study suggest a “U-shaped” association between self-reported exercise frequency and the prevalence of probable PTSD among U.S. ...

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2291522225000336

Digital Health Resilience and Well-Being Interventions for ...

Overall, 24 (35%) of the DMHIs were recommended for military members, 20 (29%) for PSP, and 41 (59%) for veterans. The most common aim across ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7755975/

The National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

5.2% of veterans screened positive for past-month PTSD and a new 6-factor model of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms was found to provide the best dimensional representation ...