Pilot Study of Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Pilot Study of Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Puerto Ricans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The purpose of this project is to examine the feasibility of a culturally adapted, manual based Prolonged Exposure therapy intervention for the treatment of Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans with posttraumatic stress disorder

This project seeks to lay the foundation for an effectiveness trial that will lead to the advancement of treatments for PTSD among Spanish-speaking Latinos, particularly Puerto Ricans. This area of research is important in light of the limited treatment options currently available for Spanish-speakers with PTSD and the long-term negative consequences of this condition. Participants in this study are recruited by referral from mental health providers in a general health setting. Patients meeting criteria for enrollment will be randomly assigned to receive either Prolonged Exposure therapy or treatment as usual. Assessments for all participants will be collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16 after randomization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of PTSD
• CAPS score of at least 45
• 18 to 65 years old
• Spanish speaker
• competent to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of bipolar disease, schizophrenia or psychotic disorder
• alcohol or drug abuse in the past three months
• moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
• applying for or receiving disability benefits
• clinically judged to have a high acute suicide risk
• life-threatening medical condition
• currently receiving psychotherapy for PTSD or changed psychotropic medication within 2 months of randomization