Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSD, Insomnia, and Nightmares
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores new ways to help individuals with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), insomnia, and nightmares. Researchers will compare two treatments: one combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia and nightmares with written exposure therapy (WET) for PTSD, while the other uses sleep hygiene tips (healthy sleep habits) instead of therapy for insomnia and nightmares. Active-duty military personnel or veterans experiencing significant PTSD symptoms, frequent insomnia, and nightmares, and willing to pause new treatments during the study, might find this trial beneficial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment combinations for those seeking relief from these challenging symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires participants to refrain from starting any new behavioral health or medication treatments for PTSD, sleep, and nightmares during the study. However, it does not specify if you need to stop your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) is safe and effective for people with PTSD and sleep difficulties. Studies have found that it improves sleep quality, with benefits lasting at least six months. Importantly, these studies reported no serious side effects.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBTn) is also considered safe. A small study with military personnel found the treatment easy to complete and well-received by participants, with no major negative effects.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is another treatment in this study and is safe for people with PTSD. Research indicates it is effective, even for those with mood disorders. WET is brief and typically causes fewer side effects than other treatments.
Overall, these therapies are well-tolerated and have a good safety record based on past research. Participants in this study can expect them to be safe options for addressing insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares because they combine cognitive-behavioral therapies in a novel way. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBTn) are specifically designed to address sleep-related issues, which are common but often neglected in PTSD treatment. Additionally, Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a brief and efficient approach that may offer faster relief compared to traditional, lengthy talk therapies like prolonged exposure therapy. By integrating these therapies, the hope is to create a comprehensive treatment that tackles both the psychological and physiological aspects of PTSD, potentially leading to more effective and quicker outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares?
This trial will evaluate different therapy combinations for PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares. Research has shown that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), which participants in this trial may receive, helps people with PTSD sleep better, with improvements lasting at least six months. Those who try CBTi often experience better sleep quality and feel less afraid of sleeping, which also eases PTSD symptoms. Evidence for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBTn), another therapy option in this trial, is encouraging, as it can reduce nightmares and improve overall well-being according to some studies. Written Exposure Therapy (WET), also being tested in this trial, effectively lessens PTSD symptoms, and research suggests it works well even for those with mood or substance use challenges. Together, these therapies show strong promise for treating PTSD, insomnia, and nightmares.12346
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for active-duty military or veterans aged 18-65 with PTSD, experiencing frequent nightmares and significant insomnia. Participants must speak English, not start new treatments for these conditions during the study, and have a PTSD symptom score above a certain threshold.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive accelerated cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia and nightmares integrated with Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD over a 5-day group treatment format, preceded and followed by individual treatment sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares (CBTn)
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
Trial Overview
The trial compares two behavioral therapies: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for both insomnia and nightmares versus sleep hygiene education. Both are combined with Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD in an accelerated group format over five days plus individual sessions.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research
Lead Sponsor
University of Arizona
Collaborator
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Collaborator
NDRI-USA, Inc.
Collaborator
Citations
Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of post ...
Exposure therapy and CBT led to a 48% and 53% reduction on PTSD symptoms, respectively, with no difference between them on any measure; results were maintained ...
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Posttraumatic ...
Overall psychosocial functioning improved following CBT-I. The initial evidence regarding CBT-I and nightmares is promising but further research is needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Post-traumatic Stress ...
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral group psychotherapy interventions in controlling the subjective sleep ...
Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatment for ...
Objective: This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility of a 4-week, digital self-paced intervention combining cognitive behavioral therapy for ...
Treatment Development Report of an Intensive Group ...
Open pilot evaluation suggests that participants experienced reductions in PTSD symptoms, insomnia, and nightmares, and were satisfied with the ...
A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral ...
This pilot study demonstrates that a cognitive behavioral treatment for nightmares in an active duty military sample is acceptable and feasible.
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