Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Adults With PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Several psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a strong evidence base for their efficacy, but nonresponse rates are high, particularly among older Veterans. Accumulating evidence indicates that memory deficits and poor learning of therapy contents adversely affect psychotherapy treatment response in PTSD. However, limited research has examined methods for increasing learning of therapy contents in psychotherapy for PTSD. The proposed study aims to examine the feasibility of integrating an intervention to increase learning and memory of psychotherapy content into the provision of a widely used psychotherapy, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), for older adults with PTSD. The ultimate goal of this line of research is to develop novel rehabilitation interventions to increase functioning for individuals with PTSD.
Description
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among Veterans and is a substantial public health burden. Several psychotherapies, including cognitive processing therapy (CPT), have a strong evidence base for their efficacy in PTSD. However, many individuals show limited benefit from such treatments, particularly older Veterans. One factor likely affecting treatment response is poor encoding, storage, and retrieval of the skills and treatment points that are learned in psychotherapy. Individuals with PTSD display deficits in learning and memory, and aging is independently associated with dec…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans with DSM-5 diagnoses of PTSD via the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) * Age \>59 Exclusion Criteria: * daily benzodiazepine use (due to memory impairing effects) * bipolar or psychotic disorders * current suicidal ideation with plan or intent * current moderate or severe substance use disorder not in remission for \>1 mo. * severe traumatic brain injury * a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) indicative of dementia * or other disorders that would severely limit study participation
Interventions
- BehavioralCognitive Processing Therapy
CPT as described in the treatment manual
- BehavioralCognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) + Memory Support
CPT+Memory support will also incorporate frequent and intentional use of strategies to enhance learning and memory of this content.
Location
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PAPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania