Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD

(WEST Trial)

Overseen By Kevin Wenzel, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Potomac Health Foundations

Disqualifiers: Suicidal ideation, Untreated psychosis, others

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

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this pilot randomized clinical trial is to test the feasibility and efficacy of written exposure therapy (WET) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the context of residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. All participants meet criteria for PTSD and are in a short term residential SUD treatment program (target residential treatment duration = 28 days) regardless of the research. The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1) Is the delivery of WET feasible in short term residential SUD treatment for individuals with severe SUD; 2) Do participants in the TAU+WET condition have greater reductions in PTSD symptoms pre/post treatment compared to participants in TAU alone?

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with both substance use disorders (SUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who are currently in a short-term residential treatment program. The study is designed to see if adding written exposure therapy (WET) to their usual care helps reduce PTSD symptoms more than usual care alone.

Inclusion Criteria

Meet criteria for probable PTSD based on PCL-5 score

Have a clear memory of the traumatic event so they are able to write about it in detail

I am mentally capable of understanding and agreeing to participate in research.

Exclusion Criteria

Reports significant suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent, untreated psychosis, or have other health limitations that may interfere with their ability to participate in the research

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Written Exposure Therapy

Trial Overview The trial tests the addition of written exposure therapy, a treatment for PTSD, to the standard care given in a residential program for substance abuse. It aims to determine if this combined approach is feasible and effective at reducing PTSD symptoms within the context of severe SUD.

Participant Groups

Group I: TAU + Written Exposure Therapy (WET) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants in this condition receive everything included in TAU plus 5 individual sessions of WET delivered by a therapist. Sessions average less than 60 minutes and primarily involve writing about the traumatic experience that is guided by the therapist.

Group II: Treatment as Usual (TAU) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the TAU condition, which involves the standard clinical services available in a short term residential SUD treatment context. Examples of these services are: Individual counseling/case management; Group psychoeducation; Group counseling; Assessment and addiction related medical treatment from a physician; Pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders; 12-step groups. However, participants in this group do not receive treatment that is targeted at decreasing PTSD symptoms.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Potomac Health Foundations

Lead Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

490+

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

2,400+