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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00879255

Telemental Health and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rural Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The immediate objective of this project was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a telemental health modality (video-teleconferencing) for providing an evidence-based group intervention (Cognitive Processing Therapy; CPT) to rural OIF/OEF Reservists, National Guardsmen, and veterans suffering with PTSD.

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Key information

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mental Disorders Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Primary location

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819-1522, United States

About this study

The project was a 5-year prospective randomized clinical trial which conducted a direct comparison of the VTC and in-person modalities using rigorous methodology and a sophisticated analysis of equivalency between clinical and process outcome domains. In addition, cost effectiveness of this modality will be addressed. Approximately 130 combat Reservists, National Guardsmen, or veterans were recruited from multiple clinical sites. Prospective participants received a comprehensive assessment at baseline to determine eligibility. The exclusion criteria selected are consistent with large PTSD randomized clinical trials as well as research using the CPT protocol with military populations with PTSD. The treatment was delivered twice a week over 6 weeks by a doctoral level psychologist. Quality control procedures were incorporated into the study's design to ensure integrity, fidelity and standard administration of the CPT intervention across both conditions. Participants received additional assessments at mid-treatment, immediately post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Outcome domains include: 1) clinical outcomes (symptom severity, social functioning); 2) process outcomes (perception of treatment, satisfaction, group therapy alliance, treatment compliance, and attrition and treatment credibility); and (3) cost-effectiveness outcomes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • diagnosis of current combat related PTSD determined by the Clinician Administered PSTD Scale (CAPS-IV)
  • participants taking psychoactive medications have to have a stable regimen for at least 45 days prior to study entry

Exclusion criteria

  • active psychotic symptoms/disorder as determined by the SCID for DSM-IV
  • active homicidal or suicidal ideation as determined by the structured clinical interview
  • any significant cognitive impairment or history of Organic Mental Disorder as determined by the structured clinical interview
  • active (current) substance dependence as determined by the SCID (lifetime substance dependence/abuse not excluded)
  • unwillingness to refrain from substance abuse during treatment
  • female veterans

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive Processing Therapy Group Videoteleconference

Behavioral

Cognitive Processing Group Therapy is delivered to male combat veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD, through videoteleconference.

Other names: CPT-VT

Cognitive Processing Therapy Group In-Person

Behavioral

Cognitive Processing Group Therapy is delivered to male combat veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD, in-person, rather than through videoteleconference.

Other names: CPT-NP

Primary outcomes

  1. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, for DSM-IV (CAPS IV)

    Time frame: Post-treatment (two-weeks following end of treatment)

    The CAPS is a 30-item interview measure that assesses the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms during the past month and the impact these symptoms have had on social and occupational functioning. The CAPS also provides a global scale score of PTSD severity (range 0 - 136) with higher scores indicating worse symptoms, which was used as the primary outcome measure. Scores reported here are differences between individuals follow up scores (e.g. post-treatment CAPS score assessed at two-weeks following end of treatment) minus their baseline CAPS scores, such that negative numbers represent reductions in CAPS scores (or improvement) over time.

  2. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, for DSM-IV (CAPS IV)

    Time frame: 3-month Post-treatment

    The CAPS is a 30-item interview measure that assesses the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms during the past month and the impact these symptoms have had on social and occupational functioning. The CAPS also provides a global scale score of PTSD severity (range 0 - 136) with higher scores indicating worse symptoms, which was used as the primary outcome measure. Scores reported here are differences between individuals follow up scores (e.g. 3-month post-treatment) minus their baseline CAPS scores, such that negative numbers represent reductions in CAPS scores (or improvement) over time.

  3. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, for DSM-IV (CAPS IV)

    Time frame: 6 months post-treatment

    The CAPS is a 30-item interview measure that assesses the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms during the past month and the impact these symptoms have had on social and occupational functioning. The CAPS also provides a global scale score of PTSD severity (range 0 - 136) with higher scores indicating worse symptoms, which was used as the primary outcome measure. Scores reported here are differences between individuals follow up scores (e.g. 6-month post-treatment) minus their baseline CAPS scores, such that negative numbers represent reductions in CAPS scores (or improve) over time.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Fed

Registry information

Official study title

Telemental Health and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Rural Combat Veterans With PTSD

Acronym: CPTVTEL

Important dates

Study start
2008
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2014
First posted
Apr 9, 2009
Registry last updated
May 12, 2015

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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