A Brief Intervention for PTSD - BWRT

Background: Although existing treatment methods are effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms, several barriers to care exist, such as waiting lines, avoidant tendencies, shame and stigma, potentially leading to fewer people seeking therapy or premature dropouts. A potential solution to battling these barriers is Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT), a single-session intervention for PTSD. Although not yet subjected to empirical investigation, clinical experiences suggest an often immediate and long-lasting effect following the intervention related to patient's symptomatology and functional abilities.

Methods: The current study protocol outlines a plan to conduct the first non-inferiority randomized controlled trial aimed to explore the efficacy of BWRT compared to treatment as usual (TAU). Eighty-two participants will be allocated at a 1:1 ratio to one of the following treatment conditions: (1) BWRT or (2) treatment as usual. Participants will be compared on several variables, including changes in PTSD symptoms (primary objective), and changes in perceived quality of life, rumination, functional and cognitive ability (secondary objective). Data collection will take place baseline (T1), three weeks post treatment (T2) and at 6-month follow-up (T3).

Discussion: Should BWRT prove to be non-inferior to treatment as usual, this brief intervention may be an important contribution to future psychological treatment for PTSD, by making trauma treatment more accessible and battling current barriers to care.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must have experienced at least one traumatic experience throughout their lifetime
• Participants must meet the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, or subthreshold PTSD
• The following DSM-5 criteria must be fulfilled:
• A (exposure to traumatic stressor),
• in addition to three out of four of the following symptom-clusters;
• B (intrusion),
• C (avoidance),
• D (negative alterations in cognitions and mood),
• E (alterations in arousal and reactivity)
• A marked decline in functioning and symptom persistence for over a month

Exclusion criteria

• ongoing psychotic disorders, or a history of psychosis,
• severe suicidal ideation,
• bipolar disorder,
• BMI index too low to benefit from psychological interventions,
• severe alcohol or substance dependence,
• serious somatic illness or brain damage,
• participation in concurrent psychotherapy.