A Trial of Group Psychotherapy for Veterans and Military Personnel With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A Trial of Group Psychotherapy for Veterans and Military Personnel With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of group psychotherapy designed specifically for male veterans and active-duty personnel with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and with disturbances in their sleep or daily routine.

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a group psychotherapy designed specifically for male veterans and active-duty personnel with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and with disturbances in their sleep or daily routine. We will compare two group therapies, one of which has been examined in previous studies for veterans with PTSD. Both group therapies have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in some veterans. However, neither group therapy has been proven to be more effective than treatment as usual for PTSD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veteran or active duty military personnel
• Current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at least moderate severity
• Criterion A exposure to trauma occurring after the age of 18
• Major depressive disorder (MDD), at least moderate severity
• Disturbances in sleep (primary insomnia, insomnia related to PTSD, or nightmare disorder) or daily routine

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past bipolar disorder
• Current psychotic disorder
• Substance abuse/dependence in last 30 days
• Uncontrolled serious medical condition or neurological disorder
• Currently working an overnight shift
• Primary untreated sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome