Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-occurring Lived Experience Stress: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Boston University
Summary
Populations facing health disparities include groups with significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder than the general population who frequently experience lived experience stress, which may complicate posttraumatic stress disorder symptom presentations. However, there are currently no posttraumatic stress disorder treatments designed to meet the unique needs of these individuals. The proposed study will pilot an adaptation of Cognitive Processing Therapy (a gold-standard treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder) that has been modified to incorporate the impact of lived experience stress as an additional treatment target. This project has the potential to advance our understanding of how to enhance Cognitive Processing Therapy in order to optimize posttraumatic stress disorder treatment response and mitigate health disparities.
Description
This study will occur in two phases. Phase 1 will involve refining Cognitive Processing Therapy Lived Experience Adapted Protocol (CPT-LEAP) and includes beta testing of CPT-LEAP (n=6). Phase 2 will involve a pilot RCT in which participants (n=52) will be randomized (1:1) to standard CPT or CPT-LEAP. The investigators anticipate 26 participants will be enrolled in each treatment arm.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of PTSD * Self-identification as a sexual or gender minority (SGM) individual * Endorsement of SGM stress experiences with moderate distress * For patients who take psychiatric medication, stable dose one month prior to enrollment * Reside in Massachusetts. Exclusion Criteria: * Current active suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent or plan * Unstable bipolar disorder/current mania * Unstable psychotic disorder/current psychosis * Current severe substance use that warrants immediate medical attention * Cognitive impairment or organic disorder (e.g.…
Interventions
- BehavioralStandard CPT
CPT focuses on teaching skills to identify and challenge PTSD-maintaining maladaptive beliefs related to the trauma itself, the world, and oneself. Worksheets and assignments are given between each session.
- BehavioralCPT-LEAP
CPT-LEAP frames each session in relation to beliefs about both traumatic and lived experience stressors and their interactions and impacts, including not only beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, but also one's identity, and use of relevant examples throughout the protocol.
Location
- VA Boston Healthcare SystemJamaica Plain, Massachusetts