Novel Telemedicine-Delivered Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Treating PTSD in Individuals With OUD
University of Vermont
Summary
Among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents a significant clinical challenge. The prevalence of PTSD is substantially higher in individuals with OUD than in the general population, with nearly 90% reporting lifetime trauma exposure and 33% meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel telemedicine-delivered prolonged exposure therapy protocol for improving PE attendance and reducing PTSD symptom severity in individuals with concurrent PTSD and OUD.
Description
Nearly 90% of individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) report lifetime trauma exposure and 33% meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients with co-occurring PTSD and OUD are at significantly greater risk for poor substance use and mental health outcomes vs. those with OUD alone. Although Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is a first-line treatment for PTSD, its efficacy is commonly undermined by poor attendance. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel telemedicine-delivered prolonged exposure therapy protocol for improving PE attendance a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * \>18 years old * Maintained on a stable methadone or buprenorphine dose for \>1 month prior to the study * Meet current DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder criteria based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 * Participants receiving psychotropic medications must be maintained on a stable dose for \>1 month prior to enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Current delusions or hallucinations, unstable bipolar disorder, imminent risk for suicide as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview * Cognitive impairment as evidenced by scores \<22 on t…
Interventions
- BehavioralProlonged exposure therapy
Twelve weekly 60-minute telemedicine-delivered prolonged exposure therapy sessions provided by therapists trained in prolonged exposure therapy.
- BehavioralFinancial incentives
Financial incentives contingent upon completion of prolonged exposure therapy sessions
- BehavioralTreatment as usual
Continued standard buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment from current treatment provider.
Location
- University of VemontBurlington, Vermont