START for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(START-PTSD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called START, which helps veterans with PTSD reduce their reliance on anxiety-avoiding behaviors. It targets veterans who avoid traditional PTSD therapies. By reducing these 'safety aids,' the treatment aims to help them face their fears and feel less anxious over time.
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 safety data exists for the START treatment for PTSD?
The research highlights that safety data in psychotherapy trials, including those for PTSD, often lack standardization in assessing harm. While serious adverse events like hospitalizations are monitored, other potential side effects, such as temporary increases in anxiety, are not consistently documented.12345
How is the Safety Aid Reduction Treatment (START) for PTSD different from other treatments?
The Safety Aid Reduction Treatment (START) for PTSD is unique because it focuses on reducing reliance on safety behaviors, which are actions people take to feel safe but can actually maintain anxiety. This approach is different from other treatments like Seeking Safety, which integrates coping skills and psychoeducation for PTSD and substance use disorders.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the Safety Aid Reduction Treatment (START) for PTSD?
The Seeking Safety treatment, which is similar to START, has shown significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and substance use in various studies, including a pilot study at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Additionally, Seeking Safety is a flexible therapy that has been effective in treating PTSD and substance use disorder together, which suggests potential benefits for START in similar contexts.6891112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amanda M Raines, PhD
Principal Investigator
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans at the New Orleans VA with PTSD who are not currently in psychotherapy and have declined trauma-focused treatment. It's not open to those with severe suicidal intent, active psychosis, substance dependence needing detox, or uncontrolled Bipolar Disorder.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive the Safety Aid Reduction Treatment (START) for PTSD over a 10-week period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD symptoms, safety aid usage, and other psychological measures
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Safety Aid Reduction Treatment for PTSD
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor