Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD in Incarcerated Individuals

Overseen By Michael R Koenigs, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Suicidal ideation, Self-harm, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 17

Duration: 6-12 weeks

140 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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD in incarcerated individuals?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in various populations, including sexual assault survivors and military personnel. Studies indicate that participants who completed CPT experienced notable improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms, which were maintained over time. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) safe for humans?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been widely used and studied for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in various populations, including military veterans and sexual assault survivors. The research indicates that CPT is generally safe and well-tolerated, with many participants showing significant improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

How is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) unique for treating PTSD in incarcerated individuals?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is unique because it combines education, exposure, and cognitive components to help individuals process and come to terms with their traumatic experiences. Unlike some other PTSD treatments, CPT can be delivered in a group format, which may be more efficient and supportive for incarcerated individuals. ^{1 2 3 4 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Study examining the psychological response to group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in incarcerated men and women with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study will be conducted in male and female incarcerated populations and will include 2 groups of individuals for both CPT and waitlist control in both populations (140 participants total).

Research Team

Michael Koenigs, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for incarcerated men and women aged 18 or older with PTSD, who can read at a 4th-grade level or higher, have stable medication use for at least one month, and an IQ of 70 or above. They must be willing to join group therapy but not currently in trauma-focused treatment involving processing of trauma.

Inclusion Criteria

Meet PCL-5 criteria for current PTSD diagnosis within 2 months of enrollment

Able to understand the consent form as measured by the consent quiz

No serious self-harm within the past 6 months

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment testing session to assess baseline PTSD symptomology and other psychological measures

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in 12 sessions over 6 to 12 weeks

6-12 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Post-treatment

Post-treatment testing to assess changes in PTSD symptoms and other psychological measures

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including follow-up testing and interviews

3 months

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Therapist-facilitated Support group

Trial Overview The study tests how effective Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is compared to Therapist-facilitated Support groups in treating PTSD among the prison population. It involves four groups each for CPT and support sessions over a period of up to 22 weeks.

Participant Groups

Group I: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participant groups to receive CPT to treat PTSD

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participant groups will provide data as a control group first, and will then receive CPT to treat PTSD

Cognitive Processing Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Cognitive Processing Therapy for:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Approved in European Union as Cognitive Processing Therapy for:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Wisconsin Partnership Program

Collaborator

Trials

9

Recruited

590+

Findings from Research

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) significantly improved PTSD and depression symptoms in 19 sexual assault survivors after 12 weekly group sessions, with benefits maintained for 6 months post-treatment.

In contrast, a comparison group of 20 individuals who waited for therapy showed no improvement, highlighting the efficacy of CPT in treating PTSD symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims. Resick, PA., Schnicke, MK.[2022]

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) effectively reduced PTSD symptoms in a study of 18 patients, with 15 participants showing statistically significant improvements in their symptom scores.

The study highlights the successful adaptation of the CPT protocol to address specific barriers faced by trauma survivors, demonstrating its potential for broader implementation in similar treatment settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a residential treatment setting. Zappert, LN., Westrup, D.[2019]

In a study of 268 active-duty servicemembers, individual cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was found to be more effective than group CPT in reducing PTSD severity, with significant improvements noted immediately after treatment.

Both individual and group formats of CPT led to reductions in depression and suicidal ideation, but about 50% of participants still experienced PTSD symptoms after treatment, highlighting the need for improved or new therapeutic options in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Group vs Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy in Active-Duty Military Seeking Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Resick, PA., Wachen, JS., Dondanville, KA., et al.[2022]

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD in active duty military personnel, as demonstrated in a case study of a service member who underwent 13 therapy sessions.

The case study highlights significant progress in reducing PTSD symptoms and achieving treatment goals, showcasing the practical application of CPT in an outpatient setting and addressing clinical challenges faced during therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Case Study of Cognitive Processing Therapy for a Military Medic With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Wiley, RE.[2020]

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an effective treatment for PTSD in veterans, but many do not complete the full program, often receiving only four sessions instead of the full 12, highlighting the need for a more efficient treatment format.

A study involving 270 veterans used a fractional factorial design to identify the most effective components of CPT, aiming to create a shorter version that could reduce dropout rates and improve treatment accessibility for PTSD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the multiphase optimization strategy to adapt cognitive processing therapy (CPT MOST): study protocol for a randomized controlled factorial experiment. Sripada, RK., Peterson, CL., Dziak, JJ., et al.[2023]

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD, particularly for individuals who have experienced combat, assault, or interpersonal violence, as supported by randomized controlled trials.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has successfully implemented CPT across its healthcare system, with trained clinicians showing good adoption of the therapy and significant improvements in patients' PTSD and depressive symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dissemination and experience with cognitive processing therapy. Chard, KM., Ricksecker, EG., Healy, ET., et al.[2022]

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) effectively reduced PTSD symptoms in a 74-year-old woman veteran, indicating its potential utility for older adults with PTSD.

The case study suggests that CPT can be applied to older adults without significant modifications, highlighting its adaptability as a first-line treatment for PTSD in this demographic.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivered as Described: A Successful Case of Cognitive Processing Therapy With an Older Woman Veteran With PTSD. Reuman, L., Davison, EH.[2023]

References

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

Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims. [2022]

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

Cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a residential treatment setting. [2019]

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

Effect of Group vs Individual Cognitive Processing Therapy in Active-Duty Military Seeking Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2022]

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

A Case Study of Cognitive Processing Therapy for a Military Medic With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. [2020]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the multiphase optimization strategy to adapt cognitive processing therapy (CPT MOST): study protocol for a randomized controlled factorial experiment. [2023]

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

Dissemination and experience with cognitive processing therapy. [2022]

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

Delivered as Described: A Successful Case of Cognitive Processing Therapy With an Older Woman Veteran With PTSD. [2023]