Psychotherapy for PTSD Due to Military Sexual Trauma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to compare two kinds of therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): exposure therapy (ET) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The results of this study will allow us to see if IPT and ET are equally effective in treating PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma, with the long-term goal of making PTSD treatment effective for as many people as possible.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you have been stable on your psychotropic medication for the past 60 days, so you do not need to stop taking your current medications.
Is Prolonged Exposure Therapy safe for treating PTSD?
How is the treatment of Exposure Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma different from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it combines Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), which helps patients confront and process traumatic memories, with Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which focuses on improving social support and emotional awareness. While PE is well-established for PTSD, IPT's application to military-related PTSD is still being explored, offering a novel approach to addressing both trauma and interpersonal issues.46789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for PTSD due to military sexual trauma?
Who Is on the Research Team?
JoAnn Difede, PhD
Principal Investigator
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for male and female military personnel who have PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Participants must speak English, be able to consent, have been stable on psychotropic medication for 60 days, and score over 40 on the CAPS assessment. They should not have unstable medical conditions or substance dependence in the last 90 days.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 14 weekly 50-minute Interpersonal Psychotherapy sessions or 10 90-minute exposure therapy sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exposure Therapy
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Exposure Therapy is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
United States Department of Defense
Collaborator