Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Overseen By Michael R Koenigs, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Psychosis, Suicidal ideation, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 6-12 weeks

900 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) can reduce PTSD symptoms in incarcerated individuals. CPT helps individuals change unhelpful beliefs related to their trauma. Participants will either begin therapy immediately or join a waitlist and start later, with sessions lasting 6 or 12 weeks depending on frequency. The trial seeks individuals who are currently incarcerated, have PTSD, and can participate in group therapy. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that may enhance mental health support for incarcerated individuals.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that Cognitive Processing Therapy is safe for treating PTSD?

Research has shown that Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is generally safe for treating PTSD. Studies have found that most people handle it well, with few reports of negative side effects. One review found moderate evidence that CPT can help reduce PTSD and depression symptoms. Another study showed that people find it acceptable and practical, even when done through telehealth. These findings suggest that CPT is a safe option for managing PTSD symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is unique because it focuses on changing the way individuals process and understand their traumatic experiences, rather than just managing symptoms like other treatments such as medication or exposure therapy. Researchers are excited about CPT because it empowers patients to reframe their thoughts about trauma, potentially leading to long-term relief from PTSD. Additionally, while most treatments involve medication or extensive therapy, CPT can be completed in a shorter timeframe, offering flexibility with session lengths and frequency, which can be more accessible for many patients.

What evidence suggests that Cognitive Processing Therapy is effective for PTSD?

Research has shown that Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) helps reduce symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In this trial, some participants will receive CPT, while others will initially join a waitlist control group before receiving CPT. One study found that people who received CPT had fewer PTSD symptoms than those on a waitlist. In another study, most patients completed the treatment and experienced a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms. Data from military and veteran programs also showed improvements in PTSD and depression. Overall, CPT has proven to provide lasting benefits for PTSD in various groups. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michael R Koenigs, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for incarcerated men and women who are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants will be selected from six different locations, with a total of 692 individuals expected to join. The study lasts up to 24 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants will be enrolled from the Department of Corrections trauma treatment waitlist who have been screened for:

Have not participated in the previous CPT groups with UW project

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

No active symptoms of psychosis that would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the group

No active suicidal ideation with intent or plan

I am willing to join group therapy sessions.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in 10-12 sessions over 6 to 12 weeks

6-12 weeks

10-12 visits (in-person)

Waitlist Control

Participants in the waitlist control group will receive CPT after the initial treatment group completes their sessions

6-12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a final follow-up three months post-treatment

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Processing Therapy

Trial Overview

The intervention being tested is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which aims to help participants address and modify unhelpful beliefs related to their trauma. This therapy, commonly used in community settings, is now being evaluated within the incarceration environment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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

Participant groups of 6-10 people to receive CPT to treat PTSD over 6 weeks or 12 weeks, depending on session frequency.

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

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Arnold Ventures

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

2,100+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39908018/

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress ...

The CPT-TAU group showed a mean (SE) reduction in CAPS-5 scores of 14.00 (1.92) points, with a low dropout rate (2 of 29 [6.9%]). Patients in ...

2.

jamanetwork.com

jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829857

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress ...

In this randomized clinical trial of CPT-TAU vs WL-TAU, CPT was superior in reducing PTSD symptoms. These results strengthen the evidence for use of CPT in ...

3.

ptsd.va.gov

ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/cpt_for_ptsd_pro.asp

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD - VA.gov

Program evaluation data from intensive treatment programs serving military and Veteran patients receiving CPT have shown improvements in PTSD and depression ...

4.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2589979124000027

Effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD in ...

This study provides promising data on the outcomes associated with a modified CPT protocol for treating PTSD in a high need but under-treated SMI population.

5.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30332919/

A meta-analytic review of cognitive processing therapy for ...

These meta-analytic findings indicate that CPT is an effective PTSD treatment with lasting benefits across a range of outcomes.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11800015/

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress ...

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there is little evidence on ...

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1077722924000749

Feasibility, Safety, and Acceptability of Cognitive ...

This case study investigates the effectiveness of weekly, telehealth-delivered CPT for a client with PTSD following a suicide attempt on the anniversary of a ...

8.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04230668

NCT04230668 | Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for ...

A pilot effectiveness trial of cognitive processing therapy augmented with suicide risk management for individuals with comorbid PTSD and BPD conditions.