At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Treatment of Older Veterans With Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Relaxation Training (RT) for Combat Disorders and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Completed, enrolled 87 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This project represents the first randomized clinical trial of psychotherapy for older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will compare relaxation training (RT) to prolonged exposure therapy (PE). The project will also examine whether cognitive impairment influences psychotherapy outcome. Primary hypotheses: (1) Subjects in the PE condition will have significantly less severe PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and functional impairment than subjects in the RT condition at posttest; (2) Executive functioning will modify the response to both treatments, such that those with impaired executive functioning will demonstrate a smaller reduction in PTSD symptoms (representing less clinically significant change).
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
PE is a therapy that aims to reduce PTSD symptoms via a systematic exposure to feared memories (by imaginal exposure - repeated narration about the traumatic memory) and situations (by in vivo exposure - engaging in feared but safe activities or facing feared situations).
RT aims to teach relaxation methods in an effort to reduce anxiety. RT includes Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Imagery Rehearsal, and breathing training.