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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01559688

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for Psychological Trauma

Service members and veterans often experience symptoms of psychological trauma following combat deployments. While efforts are being made in the military and at the Veteran's Affairs to meet the large number of soldiers and veterans experiencing symptoms of psychological trauma, there remains a need to evaluate new treatments, particularly those that are designed to be brief in length.

A new therapy, known as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), is a type of psychological therapy that is designed for rapid resolution of symptoms of psychological trauma. This approach uses a combination of talking and sets of eye movements guided by the therapist. During therapy, this interactive personal guidance is thought to be helpful in resolving problems (such as bad memories).

The purpose of this study is to:

1. Evaluate how effective ART is in treating symptoms of psychological trauma among non-active duty veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and in Afghanistan or other combat conflicts. 2. Learn if there is improvement in symptoms of psychological trauma (such as bad memories, anxiety, depression, and guilt) after receiving Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

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Key information

Conditions

Psychological Trauma Mental Disorders PTSD Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Non-active duty U.S. veteran of any prior deployment(s) with recruitment emphasis on those who previously served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan (OIF and OEF).
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Symptoms indicative of psychological trauma. This includes a score of >40 on the PCL-M Checklist, or in the absence of a score >40, therapist assessment of symptoms of PTSD, as determined from the Checklist for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) Standard Protocol. Individuals with previous treatment for psychological trauma, yet with residual symptoms, will be eligible.
  • Ability to read and speak English to complete survey questions.
  • Denial of suicidal ideation or intent, including homicidal ideation or intent, and no evidence of psychotic behavior or being in psychological crisis

Exclusion criteria

  • Brain injury prohibiting speech, writing, and purposeful actions
  • Identified to have current suicidal ideation
  • Major psychiatric disorder concomitant to symptoms of psychological trauma
  • Currently undergoing substance abuse treatment
  • Previous diagnosis of eye movement disorder
  • Any medical condition that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator and/or ART therapist, may place the individual at high risk due to a potential heightened emotional reaction

Treatment and study plan

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Behavioral

ART is a cognitive based therapy which integrates an eye movement technique while focusing on a problem (traumatic experience) during the therapy session.

Waitlist

Behavioral

Fitness assessment or career counseling

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in PTSD Checklist (PCL-M) score from baseline to end of treatment

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

    This questionnaire asks about symptoms in response to "stressful military experiences."

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in psychological wellness as measured by Brief Symptom Inventory from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  2. Change in trauma-related guilt as measured by Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  3. Change in depressive symptoms as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Depression (CES-D) scale from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  4. Change in anxiety symptoms as measured by State-Trait Inventory from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  5. Change in anger as measured by Aggression Questionnaire from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  6. Change in sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

  7. Change in self-compassion scale score from baseline to endpoint

    Time frame: approximately 2 weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of South Florida

Other

Collaborators

  • United States Department of Defense

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2013
First posted
Mar 21, 2012
Registry last updated
Jul 29, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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