Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms?
• Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction?

Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate.
• Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex.
• Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5.
• Each partner is at least 18 years old.
• Both partners able to speak and read English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention
• Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner
• Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/or warranting immediate intervention
• Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner
• Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner
• Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship
• Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy).
• Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.