Effectiveness of Trauma Management Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Effectiveness of Trauma Management Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in an Active Duty Sample: A Comparison Study

The purpose of this requirement is to identify an effective exposure psychotherapy paradigm for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in active duty service members and veterans by comparing different exposure psychotherapy modalities. The long-term goal of exposure psychotherapy is to improve the mental health of U.S. service members and veterans with military-related PTSD. Recovery from PTSD will reduce the economic burden not only for those persons experiencing PTSD, but also for the health care system and society as a whole (Galovski & Lyons, 2004).

This study will provide an evaluation of performance and suitability of the compressed versions of exposure psychotherapy to support the capability gap for the treatment of active duty service members and veterans with PTSD by comparing different exposure psychotherapy modalities. The overall objective of this study is to determine if compressed psychotherapy can be used as an effective alternative treatment for PTSD and to compare the impact of TMT and PE on social, familial, and occupational impairment. The primary objectives will be to compare 1) 3 week TMT with 12 week PE and 2) 3 week TMT with 2 week PE for the effectiveness of reducing PTSD symptoms in a gated approach or some other method to control for multiplicity. Outcomes will be determined based upon self-report, clinician ratings, as well as other aspects of psychopathology, and social/emotional functioning. The addition of the TMT group component will be assessed in particular to determine its impact on social, familial, and occupational impairment. Blood samples should be collected from participants at baseline and at the end of the treatment period in order to identify PTSD biomarkers, e.g. predictors of response, biological subtypes of PTSD, and therapeutic markers. Collection, storage, and transfer of the blood samples to DoD should be performed according to standardized protocols provided by the DoD. One or more site visits may occur in order to assess adherence to standardized protocols.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active duty military personnel with a diagnoses of PTSD
• Traumatic event must have occurred during military service
• Military sexual trauma limited to attempted or completed sexual assault.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute cardiac difficulties
• Severe comorbid substance use disorders.
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
• Diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder
• Moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Use of benzodiazepines