1
|
Eaton E, Capone C, Gully BJ, Brown ZE, Monnig M, Worden MS, Swift RM, Haass-Koffler CL. Design and methodology of the first open-label trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder: Considerations for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2024; 41:101333. [PMID: 39262902 PMCID: PMC11387902 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur and are associated with more severe symptomatology than either disorder alone, increased risk of suicide, and poorer response to existing treatments. A promising therapeutic intervention is the integration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and psychotherapy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated MDMA- assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) as a Breakthrough Therapy for PTSD based on results from six Phase 2 clinical trials. Case data from the first study evaluating MDMA-AT study for AUD found the treatment was well tolerated and alcohol use was significantly reduced post treatment. Methods This manuscript reports the premise, design, and methodology of the first open-label trial of MDMA-AT for military veterans (N = 12) with PTSD and AUD. Neuroimaging and biomarker data are included to evaluate brain changes, and neuroinflammation, pre-post treatment. Conclusions The clinical component (comorbidity) and the regulatory processes (Schedule I drug) for setting up this clinical trial are long and complex. The research community will benefit from this work to establish common clinical trial outcomes, standardized protocols, and risk assessments for FDA approval. Clinicaltrialsgov NCT05943665.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Eaton
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence Veteran Administration Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christy Capone
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence Veteran Administration Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brian J Gully
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Zoe E Brown
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mollie Monnig
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael S Worden
- Neuroscience Department, Providence, RI, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert M Swift
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence Veteran Administration Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carolina L Haass-Koffler
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Keefe JR, Kimmel D, Weitz E. A Meta-Analysis of Interpersonal and Psychodynamic Psychotherapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Am J Psychother 2024; 77:119-128. [PMID: 39104248 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20230043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Established trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have remission rates of approximately 30%-40%. Alternatively, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy (PDT) focus on disrupted attachment, mentalization, and social connection in PTSD and may help some patients. The authors conducted a meta-analysis on these interpersonal and affect-oriented approaches to treating PTSD. METHODS Building on a prior meta-analysis, the authors searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IPT or PDT with other established PTSD treatments or control conditions for adults diagnosed as having PTSD. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to assess outcome effect sizes and dropout rates. RCTs were rated via the Randomized Controlled Trial Psychotherapy Quality Rating Scale. RESULTS Ten RCTs (eight of IPT) comparing IPT or PDT with control (k=7) or active treatment (k=4) conditions were identified, nine of which were of adequate quality. IPT (k=5) and PDT (k=2), when analyzed together, were superior to control conditions overall (g=-1.14, p=0.011 [as was IPT alone: g=-0.88, p=0.034]) and to waitlist (g=-1.49) and treatment-as-usual (g=-0.70) groups. Effect sizes, however, may have been inflated by outliers or publication bias. IPT (k=3) and PDT (k=1), when analyzed together, were equally efficacious compared with other active PTSD treatments (primarily exposure-based psychotherapies), as was IPT alone, and had lower dropout rates (relative risk=0.63, p=0.049 for IPT and PDT analyzed together; relative risk=0.61, p=0.098 for IPT alone). CONCLUSIONS Affect-focused therapies hold promise in the treatment of PTSD. IPT has demonstrated efficacy in multiple trials, whereas the evidence base for PDT is sparse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Keefe
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University Brooklyn, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland-Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program, Baltimore (Kimmel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Weitz)
| | - Duncan Kimmel
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University Brooklyn, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland-Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program, Baltimore (Kimmel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Weitz)
| | - Erica Weitz
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University Brooklyn, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland-Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program, Baltimore (Kimmel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Weitz)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McLean CP, Foa EB. State of the Science: Prolonged exposure therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:535-550. [PMID: 38652057 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a well-established first-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is based on emotional processing theory. PE has been rigorously evaluated and tested in a large number of clinical trials in many countries covering a wide range of trauma populations. In this review, we summarize the evidence base supporting the efficacy of PE across populations, including adults with sexual assault-related PTSD and mixed trauma-related PTSD, military populations, and adolescents. We highlight important strengths and gaps in the research on PE with individuals from marginalized communities. We discuss the efficacy of PE on associated psychopathology and in the presence of the most commonly comorbid conditions, either alone or integrated with other treatments. In addition, we provide an overview of research examining strategies to augment PE. Much of this work remains preliminary, but numerous trials have tested PE in combination with other psychological or pharmacological approaches, interventions to facilitate extinction learning, and behavioral approaches, in the hopes of further increasing the efficiency and efficacy of PE. There are now several trials testing PE in novel formats that may have advantages over standard in-person PE, such as lower dropout and increased scalability. We examine this recent work on new models of delivering PE, including massed treatment, telehealth, and brief adaptations for primary care, all of which have the potential to increase access to PE. Finally, we highlight several promising areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen P McLean
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Edna B Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, Perlman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kitaj M, Goff DC. Why Do Veterans Not Respond as Well as Civilians to Trauma-Focused Therapies for PTSD? Harv Rev Psychiatry 2024; 32:160-163. [PMID: 38990904 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This column first reviews evidence that veterans have poorer response to trauma-focused therapies for PTSD compared to civilians. We then consider several explanations for this trend, starting with gender as a possible confounding variable. We also examine other hypotheses, including the effects of the military acculturation process, the unique influences of military traumas, such as combat and military sexual traumas, and the roles of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and moral injury. Future research, we conclude, must determine whether gender explains the differences in trauma-focused therapy response. If so, then the underlying reasons must be further explored. If not, then we must determine the unique characteristics of the veteran population that make it more resistant to treatment. Mining these elements will help us adapt our trauma-focused therapies to better help this population and close the response-rate gap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Kitaj
- From Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine (Drs. Kitaj and Goff)
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Koek RJ, Avecillas-Chasin J, Krahl SE, Chen JW, Sultzer DL, Kulick AD, Mandelkern MA, Malpetti M, Gordon HL, Landry HN, Einstein EH, Langevin JP. Deep brain stimulation of the amygdala for treatment-resistant combat post-traumatic stress disorder: Long-term results. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 175:131-139. [PMID: 38733927 PMCID: PMC11419692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) holds promise for neuropsychiatric conditions where imbalance in network activity contributes to symptoms. Treatment-resistant Combat post-traumatic stress disorder (TR-PTSD) is a highly morbid condition and 50% of PTSD sufferers fail to recover despite psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. Reminder-triggered symptoms may arise from inadequate top-down ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) control of amygdala reactivity. Here, we report long-term data on two TR-PTSD participants from an investigation utilizing high-frequency amygdala DBS. The two combat veterans were implanted bilaterally with quadripolar electrodes targeting the basolateral amygdala. Following a randomized staggered onset, patients received stimulation with adjustments based on PTSD symptom severity for four years while psychiatric and neuropsychiatric symptoms, neuropsychological performance, and electroencephalography were systematically monitored. Evaluation of vmPFC-Amygdala network engagement was assessed with 18FDG positron emission tomography (PET). CAPS-IV scores varied over time, but improved 55% from 119 at baseline to 53 at 4-year study endpoint in participant 1; and 44%, from 68 to 38 in participant 2. Thereafter, during 5 and 1.5 years of subsequent clinical care respectively, long-term bilateral amygdala DBS was associated with additional, clinically significant symptomatic and functional improvement. There were no serious stimulation-related adverse psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological, neurological, or neurosurgical effects. In one subject, symptomatic improvement was associated with an intensity-dependent reduction in amygdala theta frequency power. In our two participants, FDG-PET findings were inconclusive regarding the hypothesized mechanism of suppression of amygdala hyperactivity. Our findings encourage further research to confirm and extend our preliminary observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J Koek
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Blvd., Room 58-229, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095-1759; Psychiatry Service, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, VAGLAHS, 16111 Plummer St. (116A-11), North Hills, CA, USA, 91343.
| | - Josue Avecillas-Chasin
- Department of Neurosurgery University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, 42nd and Emile, Omaha, Nebraska USA, 68198.
| | - Scott E Krahl
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), 300 Stein Plaza Driveway Suite 420, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Research Service, VAGLAHS (Clinical Neurophysiology), 16111 Plummer St., Building 1, North Hills, CA, USA, 91343.
| | - James Wy Chen
- Department of Neurology, UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Neurology Service (Epilepsy Center of Excellence), VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90073.
| | - David L Sultzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Blvd., Room 58-229, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095-1759; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, 3214 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA, USA, 92697-4545.
| | - Alexis D Kulick
- Psychology Service (Neuropsychology), Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, VAGLAHS, 16111 Plummer St. (116A-11) North Hills, CA, USA, 91343.
| | - Mark A Mandelkern
- Imaging Department, VAGLAHS, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90073.
| | - Maura Malpetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Hailey L Gordon
- STEM Pathways at Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 402, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | | | - Evan H Einstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Blvd., Room 58-229, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90095-1759
| | - Jean-Philippe Langevin
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA, 300 Stein Plaza Driveway Suite 420, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Southwest VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Bldg 500 (10H2), Los Angeles, CA, USA, 90073.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Levin-Aspenson HF, Greene AL. Rethinking trauma-related psychopathology in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP). J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:361-371. [PMID: 38270594 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Research on trauma exposure and its consequences has made tremendous progress in elucidating the role of traumatic life events in the development and maintenance of psychopathology as well as in evaluating interventions aimed at addressing the personal and public burden of trauma-related psychopathology. However, there is growing concern that problems with predominant definitions of posttraumatic syndrome (e.g., content coverage and scope, within-category heterogeneity, excessive diagnostic comorbidity) limit further efforts to fully conceptualize trauma-related psychopathology and deliver appropriate, personalized interventions. As demonstrated by an impressive body of research over the past several years, the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) presents a compelling alternative to traditional nosologies in terms of empirically based characterizations of psychopathology phenotypes, with evidence of strong utility for research and clinical applications. However, HiTOP's primary focus on descriptive psychopathology has resulted in an unacceptable gap regarding the conceptualization of trauma-related psychopathology from a dimensional, transdiagnostic perspective. We see an important opportunity to clarify what HiTOP can offer the field of traumatic stress research and articulate a future for trauma-related psychopathology within HiTOP. We argue for disaggregating psychopathology symptoms from their purported causes and, instead, developing a detailed taxonomy of traumatic events alongside an ever-evolving HiTOP model. Doing so will help identify empirically based phenotypes of trauma-related psychopathology that (a) go beyond the traditional PTSD criterion sets and (b) allow for the possibility that different features of traumatic experiences (e.g., type, duration, subjective meaning) may be associated with different symptom sequelae across different psychopathology spectra.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Greene
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Adams SW, Layne CM, Contractor AA, Allwood MA, Armour C, Inslicht SS, Maguen S. The Middle-Out Approach to reconceptualizing, assessing, and analyzing traumatic stress reactions. J Trauma Stress 2024; 37:433-447. [PMID: 38049964 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Alternative models of traumatic stress and broader psychopathology have been proposed to address issues of heterogeneity, comorbidity, clinical utility, and equitable representation. However, systematic and practical methods and guidelines to organize and apply these models remain scarce. The Middle-Out Approach is a novel, integrative, contextually informed framework for organizing and applying existing empirical methods to evaluate current and alternative traumatic stress reactions. Rather than beginning to identify traumatic stress reactions from the top-down (i.e., disorder-first approach) or bottom-up (i.e., symptom-first approach), constructs are evaluated from the middle out (i.e., presentation-first approach), unconstrained by higher-order disorders or lower-order diagnostic symptoms. This approach provides innovation over previous methods at multiple levels, including the conceptualization of traumatic stress reactions as well as the type of assessments and data sources used and how they are used in statistical analyses. Conceptualizations prioritize the identification of middle-order phenotypes, representing person-centered clinical presentations, which are informed by the integration of multidimensional, transdiagnostic, and multimodal (e.g., psychosocial, physiological) assessments and/or data sources. Integrated data are then analyzed concurrently using person-centered statistical models to identify precise, discrete, and representative health outcomes within broader heterogeneous samples. Subsequent variable-centered analyses are then used to identify culturally sensitive and contextually informed correlates of phenotypes, their clinical utility, and the differential composition within and between broader traumatic stress reactions. Examples from the moral injury literature are used to illustrate practical applications that may increase clinical utility and the accurate representation of health outcomes for diverse individuals and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shane W Adams
- Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christopher M Layne
- College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | | | - Maureen A Allwood
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice-City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chérie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sabra S Inslicht
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Mental Health Service, VA San Francisco Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sayer NA, Kaplan A, Nelson DB, Wiltsey Stirman S, Rosen CS. Clinician Burnout and Effectiveness of Guideline-Recommended Psychotherapies. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e246858. [PMID: 38630477 PMCID: PMC11024738 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Clinician burnout has been associated with clinician outcomes, but the association with patient outcomes remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the association between clinician burnout and the outcomes of patients receiving of guideline-recommended trauma-focused psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was set at the US Veterans Affairs Health Care System and included licensed therapists who provided trauma-focused psychotherapies and responded to an online survey between May 2 and October 8, 2019, and their patients who initiated a trauma-focused therapy during the following year. Patient data were collected through December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from May to September 2023. Exposures Therapists completing the survey reported burnout with a 5-point validated measure taken from the Physician Worklife Study. Burnout was defined as scores of 3 or more. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was patients' clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms according to the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition). Patient dropout, therapist adherence, and session spacing was assessed through electronic health records. Multivariable random-effects logistic regression examined the association of therapist burnout and clinically meaningful improvement, adjusted for case-mix. Results In this study, 165 of 180 (91.7%) therapists (89 [53.9%] female) completed the burnout measure and provided trauma-focused psychotherapies to 1268 patients (961 [75.8%] male) with outcome data. Fifty-eight (35.2%) therapists endorsed burnout. One third of patients (431 [34.0%]) met criterion for clinically meaningful improvement. Clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms was experienced by 120 (28.3%) of the 424 patients seen by therapists who reported burnout and 311 (36.8%) of the 844 patients seen by therapists without burnout. Burnout was associated with lower odds of clinically meaningful improvement (adjusted odds ratio [OR],0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.85). The odds of clinically meaningful improvement were reduced for patients who dropped out (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.11-0.20) and had greater session spacing (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92). Therapist adherence was not associated with therapy effectiveness. Adjusting for dropout or session spacing did not meaningfully alter the magnitude of the association between burnout and clinically meaningful improvement. Conclusions and Relevance In this prospective cohort study, therapist burnout was associated with reduced effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapies. Studying when and how burnout affects patient outcomes may inform workplace interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina A. Sayer
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Adam Kaplan
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - David B. Nelson
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Shannon Wiltsey Stirman
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination and Training Division at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Craig S. Rosen
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Dissemination and Training Division at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen CK, Keefe JR, Srinivasan R. Recommendations for Dynamic Treatment of Identity-Based Trauma: Opening the "I" to Reflection. Am J Psychother 2024; 77:15-22. [PMID: 37853715 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20220059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for trauma are ineffective for many patients. For traumas involving violence that targets aspects of patients' identities, treatments that do not address systemic factors involved in the trauma (e.g., past and ongoing experiences of identity-based oppression and marginalization, developmental sequelae of invalidation or policing of identity, and identity-related patterns of transference and countertransference) may be ineffective. Psychodynamic approaches can flexibly address the identity-related dynamics between therapist and patient and incorporate patients' experiences of their various identities, in the context of trauma, into clinical formulation and treatment. The authors present concepts relevant to the dynamics of intersectional identities that may arise between therapist and patient and provide a case study illustrating how a patient's various identities affect their symptom manifestation and treatment course. The authors advocate for cultural humility and self-exploration of biases and assumptions among clinicians, because therapists do not hold expert knowledge of their patients' cultural experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cory K Chen
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York City (Chen); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York City (Chen, Srinivasan); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Srinivasan)
| | - John R Keefe
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York City (Chen); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York City (Chen, Srinivasan); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Srinivasan)
| | - Ranjana Srinivasan
- Department of Psychology, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York City (Chen); Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York City (Chen, Srinivasan); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Srinivasan)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cherian KN, Keynan JN, Anker L, Faerman A, Brown RE, Shamma A, Keynan O, Coetzee JP, Batail JM, Phillips A, Bassano NJ, Sahlem GL, Inzunza J, Millar T, Dickinson J, Rolle CE, Keller J, Adamson M, Kratter IH, Williams NR. Magnesium-ibogaine therapy in veterans with traumatic brain injuries. Nat Med 2024; 30:373-381. [PMID: 38182784 PMCID: PMC10878970 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02705-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability. Sequelae can include functional impairments and psychiatric syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans (SOVs) may be at an elevated risk for these complications, leading some to seek underexplored treatment alternatives such as the oneirogen ibogaine, a plant-derived compound known to interact with multiple neurotransmitter systems that has been studied primarily as a treatment for substance use disorders. Ibogaine has been associated with instances of fatal cardiac arrhythmia, but coadministration of magnesium may mitigate this concern. In the present study, we report a prospective observational study of the Magnesium-Ibogaine: the Stanford Traumatic Injury to the CNS protocol (MISTIC), provided together with complementary treatment modalities, in 30 male SOVs with predominantly mild TBI. We assessed changes in the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule from baseline to immediately (primary outcome) and 1 month (secondary outcome) after treatment. Additional secondary outcomes included changes in PTSD (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5), depression (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) and anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale). MISTIC resulted in significant improvements in functioning both immediately (Pcorrected < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.74) and 1 month (Pcorrected < 0.001, d = 2.20) after treatment and in PTSD (Pcorrected < 0.001, d = 2.54), depression (Pcorrected < 0.001, d = 2.80) and anxiety (Pcorrected < 0.001, d = 2.13) at 1 month after treatment. There were no unexpected or serious adverse events. Controlled clinical trials to assess safety and efficacy are needed to validate these initial open-label findings. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04313712 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten N Cherian
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jackob N Keynan
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Anker
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Afik Faerman
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Ahmed Shamma
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Or Keynan
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John P Coetzee
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Polytrauma Division, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Marie Batail
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angela Phillips
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Bassano
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gregory L Sahlem
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jose Inzunza
- Ambio Life Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trevor Millar
- Ambio Life Sciences, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - C E Rolle
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Keller
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maheen Adamson
- WRIISC-WOMEN & Department of Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H Kratter
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nolan R Williams
- Brain Stimulation Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
van der Kolk BA, Wang JB, Yehuda R, Bedrosian L, Coker AR, Harrison C, Mithoefer M, Yazar-Klosinki B, Emerson A, Doblin R. Effects of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD on self-experience. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295926. [PMID: 38198456 PMCID: PMC10781106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a resurgence of interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Primary findings from our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-site Phase 3 clinical trial of participants with severe PTSD (NCT03537014) showed that MDMA-assisted therapy induced significant attenuation in the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 compared to Therapy with placebo. Deficits in emotional coping skills and altered self-capacities constitute major obstacles to successful completion of available treatments. The current analysis evaluated the differential effects of MDMA-assisted therapy and Therapy with placebo on 3 transdiagnostic outcome measures and explored the contribution of changes in self-experience to improvement in PTSD scores. METHODS Participants were randomized to receive manualized therapy with either MDMA or placebo during 3 experimental sessions in combination with 3 preparation and 9 integration therapy visits. Symptoms were measured at baseline and 2 months after the last experimental session using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the 26-item Self Compassion Scale (SCS), and the 63-item Inventory of Altered Self-Capacities (IASC). RESULTS 90 participants were randomized and dosed (MDMA-assisted therapy, n = 46; Therapy with placebo, n = 44); 84.4% (76/90) had histories of developmental trauma, and 87.8% (79/90) had suffered multiple traumas. MDMA-assisted therapy facilitated statistically significant greater improvement on the TAS-20, the SCS, and most IASC factors of interpersonal conflicts; idealization disillusionment; abandonment concerns; identity impairment; self-awareness; susceptibility to influence; affect dysregulation; affect instability; affect skill deficit; tension reduction activities; the only exception was identity diffusion. CONCLUSION Compared with Therapy with placebo, MDMA-assisted therapy had significant positive effects on transdiagnostic mental processes of self-experience which are often associated with poor treatment outcome. This provides a possible window into understanding the psychological capacities facilitated by psychedelic agents that may result in significant improvements in PTSD symptomatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie B. Wang
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States of America
- Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Leah Bedrosian
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Allison R. Coker
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Charlotte Harrison
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael Mithoefer
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Berra Yazar-Klosinki
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Amy Emerson
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation (MAPS PBC), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| | - Rick Doblin
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), San Jose, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rhodes JR, Tedeschi RG, Moore BA, Alldredge CT, Elkins GR. Posttraumatic growth-oriented peer-based training among U.S. veterans: evaluation of post-intervention and long-term follow-up outcomes. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1322837. [PMID: 38250126 PMCID: PMC10797000 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1322837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to trauma among U.S. military veterans occurs at a high rate, often resulting in continued difficulty with emotional adjustment and a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study provides data from 184 U.S. military veterans who completed a manualized posttraumatic-growth oriented training program during an integrative seven-day retreat. Methods Data was collected at baseline, after program completion, and at 18-month follow-up. Results Results on primary outcomes indicated significant increases, with medium to large effect sizes, in growth related outcomes. Specifically, there was a significant increase in scores by 54% on the posttraumatic growth outcome measure (PTGI-X) from baseline (M = 50.2, SD = 31.1) to endpoint (M = 77.4, SD = 29.6), t(183) = -8.78, p < 0.001. Also, results indicate that immediately following training (Day 7), participants reported a significant decrease of 49% on the PCL-5 from baseline (M = 39.7, SD = 17.6) to endpoint (M = 20.1, SD = 13.2), t(183) = 11.75, p < 0.001. Depression subscale scores decreased by 60% from baseline (M = 8.0, SD = 5.2) to endpoint (M = 3.2, SD = 3.0), t(183) = 10.68, p < 0.001; Anxiety scores decreased by 28% from baseline (M = 5.8, SD = 4.3) to endpoint (M = 4.2, SD = 3.5), t(183) = 4.08, p < 0.001; and Stress scores decreased by 50% from baseline (M = 10.0, SD = 4.4) to endpoint (M = 5.0, SD = 3.3), t(183) = 12.21, p < 0.001. Eighteen-month follow-up data was available for 74 participants and indicated that all significant changes in growth-related outcomes were maintained. Further, all significant changes in symptomatology-related outcomes were also maintained at follow-up. Discussion These findings demonstrate both the immediate and the long-lasting impact of an integrative posttraumatic growth-oriented training program on psychological growth and PTSD symptom reduction among U.S. military veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX, United States
| | - Richard G. Tedeschi
- Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth, Bluemont, VA, United States
| | - Bret A. Moore
- Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth, Bluemont, VA, United States
| | - Cameron T. Alldredge
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Gary R. Elkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hunt C, King-Casas B, Chiu PH, Smith LJ, Priorello L, Lee K, Estey M, Newsome MR, Wright Williams M. Pretreatment characteristics associated with symptom reduction during group cognitive processing therapy versus exposure therapy for PTSD: an exploratory study of Veterans. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:70-86. [PMID: 37969001 PMCID: PMC10842083 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2268277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Exposure and cognitive-based therapies are both effective for PTSD, but knowledge of which intervention is best for which patient is lacking. This lack of knowledge is particularly noticeable for group treatments, as no study has examined whether responses to different group therapies are associated with different pretreatment characteristics. Here, we explored whether pretreatment levels of three types of psychological characteristics-PTSD symptom clusters, posttraumatic cognitions, and emotion regulation difficulties-were associated with symptom reduction during group-delivered cognitive versus exposure-based PTSD treatment. Participants were Veterans with PTSD drawn from two previous clinical trials: one of group CPT (GCPT; n = 32) and the other of group-based exposure therapy (GBET; n = 21). Growth curve modeling was used to identify pretreatment variables that predicted weekly PTSD symptom changes during each therapy. Higher posttraumatic cognitions at pretreatment predicted steeper PTSD symptom reduction during GCPT but not GBET. Additionally, symptom reduction during each therapy was associated with different pretreatment emotion regulation difficulties: difficulties with goal-directed behavior for GBET and lack of emotional clarity and limited access to emotion regulation strategies for GCPT. These findings suggest that assigning Veterans to a group PTSD therapy that better matches their pretreatment psychological profile might facilitate a better therapeutic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hunt
- Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Excellence in Stress and Mental Health, San Diego Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brooks King-Casas
- Research Service Line, Salem Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Salem, Virginia, USA
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Pearl H. Chiu
- Research Service Line, Salem Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Salem, Virginia, USA
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Lia J. Smith
- Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Priorello
- Mayo Clinic Arizona, Division of Psychology and Psychiatry, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Kelly Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Mary R. Newsome
- Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M. Wright Williams
- Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zaccari B, Higgins M, Haywood TN, Patel M, Emerson D, Hubbard K, Loftis JM, Kelly UA. Yoga vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344862. [PMID: 38064219 PMCID: PMC10709771 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance First-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ie, trauma-focused therapy, while effective, is limited by low treatment initiation, high dropout, and high treatment refraction. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) vs first-line cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in women veterans with PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST) and the hypothesis that PTSD outcomes would differ between the interventions. Design, Setting, and Participants This multisite randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 1, 2015, to April 30, 2022, within 2 VA health care systems located in the southeast and northwest. Women veterans aged 22 to 71 years with MST-related PTSD were enrolled and randomized to TCTSY or CPT. Interventions The TCTSY intervention (Hatha-style yoga focusing on interoception and empowerment) consisted of 10 weekly, 60-minute group sessions, and the CPT intervention (cognitive-based therapy targeting modification of negative posttraumatic thoughts) consisted of 12 weekly, 90-minute group sessions. Main Outcome and Measures Sociodemographic data were collected via self-report survey. The primary outcome, PTSD symptom severity, was assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Assessments were conducted at baseline, midintervention, 2 weeks post intervention, and 3 months post intervention. Results Of 200 women veterans who consented to participate, the intent-to-treat sample comprised 131 participants (mean [SD] age, 48.2 [11.2] years), with 72 randomized to TCTSY and 59 randomized to CPT. Treatment was completed by 47 participants (65.3%) in the TCTSY group and 27 (45.8%) in the CPT group, a 42.6% higher treatment completion rate in the TCTSY group (P = .03). Both treatment groups improved over time on the CAPS-5 (mean [SD] scores at baseline: 36.73 [8.79] for TCTSY and 35.52 [7.49] for CPT; mean [SD] scores at 3 months: 24.03 [11.55] for TCTSY and 22.15 [13.56]) and the PCL-5 (mean [SD] scores at baseline: 49.62 [12.19] for TCTSY and 48.69 [13.62] for CPT; mean [SD] scores at 3 months: 36.97 [17.74] for TCTSY and 31.76 [12.47]) (P < .001 for time effects). None of the group effects or group-by-time effects were significant. Equivalence analyses of change scores were not significantly different between the TCTSY and CPT groups, and the two one-sided test intervals fell within the equivalence bounds of plus or minus 10 for CAPS-5 for all follow-up time points. Conclusions and Relevance In this comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial, TCTSY was equivalent to CPT in reducing PTSD symptom severity, with both groups improving significantly. The higher treatment completion rate for TCTSY indicates its higher acceptability as an effective and acceptable PTSD treatment for women veterans with PTSD related to MST that could address current VA PTSD treatment limitations. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02640690.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belle Zaccari
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Meghna Patel
- Mental Health Service Line, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David Emerson
- The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute, Needham, Massachusetts
| | - Kimberly Hubbard
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jennifer M. Loftis
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland
| | - Ursula A. Kelly
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Nursing and Patient Care Services, Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shayani DR, Canale CA, Sloan DM, Hayes AM. Predictors of dropout in cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: An examination of in-session treatment processes. Behav Res Ther 2023; 171:104428. [PMID: 37952284 PMCID: PMC10826797 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Dropout rates for treatments for adult posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are high. Process research can reveal client factors during treatment that predict dropout. An observational coding system was used to code client processes in audio-recorded early sessions of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a gold-standard treatment for PTSD. Data are from a randomized controlled noninferiority trial of CPT and written exposure therapy (WET), with higher rates of dropout in CPT than WET (39.7% vs. 6.4%). Participants in this study were 53 treatment-seeking adults with PTSD who were in the CPT arm of the trial and completed the CAPS-5 at pretreatment and at least one session. Of these, 15 (28.3%) dropped out of CPT early (completing ≤9 sessions) and 38 (71.7%) completed treatment. Sessions were coded with an observational coding system on a four-point scale (0 = absent to 3 = high) for maladaptive trauma-related responses (overgeneralized beliefs, ruminative processing, avoidance), affective engagement (negative emotions, physiological distress), and adaptive processing (cognitive emotional processing). Binary logistic regressions showed that more physiological distress and cognitive emotional processing predicted lower dropout, whereas more avoidance predicted higher dropout. Negative emotion, ruminative processing, and overgeneralization were not significant predictors. These findings highlight potential early indicators of treatment engagement that could be targeted to reduce dropout and perhaps facilitate further therapeutic change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Shayani
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Caroline A Canale
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Denise M Sloan
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adele M Hayes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
St Cyr K, Nazarov A, Le T, Nouri M, Saha P, Forchuk CA, Soares V, Wanklyn SG, Bird BM, Davis BD, King L, Ketcheson F, Richardson JD. Correlates of cannabis use in a sample of mental health treatment-seeking Canadian armed forces members and veterans. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:836. [PMID: 37964206 PMCID: PMC10644461 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05237-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans are more likely to experience mental health (MH) conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), than the general Canadian population. Previous research suggests that an increasing number of individuals are employing cannabis for MH symptom relief, despite a lack of robust evidence for its effectiveness in treating PTSD. This research aimed to: (1) describe the prevalence of current cannabis use among MH treatment-seeking CAF members and Veterans; and (2) estimate the association between current cannabis use and a number of sociodemographic, military, and MH-related characteristics. METHOD Using cross-sectional intake data from 415 CAF members and Veterans attending a specialized outpatient MH clinic in Ontario, Canada, between January 2018 and December 2020, we estimated the proportion of CAF members and Veterans who reported current cannabis use for either medical or recreational purposes. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios for a number of sociodemographic, military, and MH-related variables and current cannabis use. RESULTS Almost half of the study participants (n = 187; 45.1%) reported current cannabis use. Respondents who reported current cannabis use for medical purposes had a higher median daily dose than those who reported current cannabis use for recreational purposes. The multivariable logistic regression identified younger age, lower income, potentially hazardous alcohol use, and increased bodily pain as statistically significant correlates of current cannabis use among our MH treatment-seeking sample. PTSD severity, depressive severity, sleep quality, and suicide ideation were not statistically associated with current cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of our treatment-seeking sample reported current cannabis use for medical or recreational purposes, emphasizing the importance of screening MH treatment-seeking military members and Veterans for cannabis use prior to commencing treatment. Future research building upon this study could explore the potential impact of cannabis use on MH outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate St Cyr
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Anthony Nazarov
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tri Le
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Maede Nouri
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Priyonto Saha
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Callista A Forchuk
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Soares
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sonya G Wanklyn
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph's OSI Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian M Bird
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Brent D Davis
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa King
- St. Joseph's OSI Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | - Felicia Ketcheson
- St. Joseph's OSI Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada
| | - J Don Richardson
- MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- St. Joseph's OSI Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kummar AS, Correia H, Tan J, Fujiyama H. An 8-week compassion and mindfulness-based exposure therapy program improves posttraumatic stress symptoms. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37947043 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be debilitating. However, many people experiencing such symptoms may not qualify for or may not seek treatment. Potentially contributing to ongoing residual symptoms of PTSS is emotion dysregulation. Meanwhile, the research area of mindfulness and compassion has grown to imply emotion regulation as one of its underlying mechanisms; yet, its influence on emotion regulation in PTSS cohort is unknown. Here, we explored the potential effectiveness of an 8-week Compassion-oriented and Mindfulness-based Exposure Therapy (CoMET) for individuals with PTSS using a waitlist control design. A total of 28 individuals (27 females, age range = 18-39 years) participated in the study (17 CoMET; 11 waitlist control). Following CoMET, participants reported significant decreases in PTSS severity (from clinical to non-clinical levels), emotion dysregulation and experiential avoidance, as well as significant increases in mindfulness, self-compassion and quality of life. Electroencephalogram-based brain network connectivity analysis revealed an increase in alpha-band connectivity following CoMET in a network that includes the amygdala, suggesting that CoMET successfully induced changes in functional connectivity between brain regions that play a crucial role in emotion regulation. In sum, the current study demonstrated promising intervention outcomes of CoMET in effectively alleviating the symptoms of PTSS via enhanced emotion regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Auretta Sonia Kummar
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Correia
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Psychological Sciences, Australian College of Applied Professions, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jane Tan
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hakuei Fujiyama
- School of Psychology, College of Health & Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gray JC, Murphy M, Carter SE, Johnson MW, Wolfgang AS, Roy MJ, Maples-Keller JL. Beliefs and Perceived Barriers Regarding Psychedelic-assisted Therapy in a Pilot Study of Service Members and Veterans With a History of Traumatic Brain Injury. Mil Med 2023; 188:e3356-e3362. [PMID: 36564939 PMCID: PMC10629986 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are common in service members and veterans, and the response to currently available treatments is often modest at best. Recent studies suggest potential benefit with psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs), particularly 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy for PTSD and psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression. This study examined beliefs and perceived barriers regarding PAT among service members and veterans to inform the delivery of these treatments if they are approved by the FDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one service members and veterans (67% male, 81% White, and 43% active duty) with a history of traumatic brain injury and co-occurring cognitive and psychological symptoms completed a measure assessing baseline knowledge and views of PAT, read a brief psychoeducation regarding PAT, and then responded to questions related to their beliefs and perceived barriers to PAT. RESULTS Before psychoeducation, participants reported a neutral view of psychedelic drugs (M = 2.76; range: 1-5), PAT (M = 3.33), and interest in PAT (M = 3.10). After psychoeducation, participants reported a significantly more positive view of psychedelic drugs (M = 3.24, P = .014) and interest in PAT (M = 3.67, P = .016). Overall, participants indicated that they would support PAT availability in medical settings if proven beneficial (M = 4.52; 5 = "agree strongly") and they would support a loved one engaging in PAT (M = 4.29). The most frequently reported health concerns were concern of long-term effects (43%), fear of losing their mind (33%), fear of personality changes (33%), and fear of traumatic brain injury complications (24%). The most frequently endorsed barriers were time commitment, transportation, financial concerns, work, and childcare (33%-19%), with 48% reporting no barriers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to explore beliefs and perceived barriers regarding PAT among service members and veterans. These results indicate that military populations may be interested in PAT, particularly if psychoeducation and outreach regarding these treatments occurred. If FDA approved, it will be important to facilitate command support and address logistical barriers to ensure appropriate access within military contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Gray
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mikela Murphy
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Sierra E Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aaron S Wolfgang
- U.S. Army Medical Department, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Michael J Roy
- Department of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jessica L Maples-Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sloan DM, Marx BP, Acierno R, Messina M, Muzzy W, Gallagher MW, Litwack S, Sloan C. Written Exposure Therapy vs Prolonged Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:1093-1100. [PMID: 37610727 PMCID: PMC10448372 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Importance Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, but all require 8 to 15 sessions and thus are less likely to be completed than brief treatments. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief and efficacious treatment that has not been directly compared with prolonged exposure therapy (PE), a more time-intensive, exposure-based treatment. Objective To determine whether WET is noninferior to PE in treating PTSD among veterans. Design, Setting, and Participants A randomized noninferiority clinical trial was conducted between September 9, 2019, and April 30, 2022. Participants were 178 veterans with PTSD presenting to 1 of 3 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Inclusion criteria consisted of a primary diagnosis of PTSD and stable medication. Exclusion criteria included current psychotherapy for PTSD, high suicide risk, active psychosis, unstable bipolar disorder, and severe cognitive impairment. Independent evaluations were conducted at baseline and 10, 20, and 30 weeks after the first treatment session. Data were analyzed from January 1 to March 31, 2023. Interventions Participants assigned to WET (n = 88) received five to seven 45- to 60-minute sessions. Participants assigned to PE (n = 90) received eight to fifteen 90-minute sessions. The WET sessions included 30 minutes of writing-based imaginal exposure conducted in session, whereas PE sessions included 40 minutes of in-session imaginal exposure and between-session in vivo exposures. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in PTSD symptom severity measured with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) from baseline to the 20-week assessment; noninferiority was defined as a less than 10-point difference between the 2 treatment groups. Difference in treatment dropout was also examined. Results Of the 178 participants, 134 (75.3%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 44.97 (13.66) years. In terms of race, 37 participants (20.8%) were Black, 112 (62.9%) were White, 11 (6.2%) were more than 1 race, and 18 (10.1%) were of other race (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander [some participants did not specify their race when selecting the category "other"]); in terms of ethnicity, 19 participants (10.7%) were Hispanic. Changes in PTSD symptom severity from baseline to all subsequent assessments among individuals randomized to WET were noninferior relative to individuals randomized to PE. The largest difference between treatments was observed at 10 weeks and was in favor of WET (mean difference, 2.42 [95% CI, 0.35-1.46] points). Participants were significantly less likely to drop out of WET compared with PE (11 [12.5%] vs 32 [35.6%]; χ2 = 12.91; Cramer V = 0.27). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, WET was noninferior to PE in PTSD symptom change and was associated with significantly less attrition. Findings suggest that WET may transcend previously observed barriers to PTSD treatment for both patients and clinicians. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03962504.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise M. Sloan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian P. Marx
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ron Acierno
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Houston
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael Messina
- William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Wendy Muzzy
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | | | - Scott Litwack
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Colleen Sloan
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kindt M, Soeter M. A brief treatment for veterans with PTSD: an open-label case-series study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1260175. [PMID: 37928919 PMCID: PMC10620904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1260175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the positive outcomes observed in numerous individuals undergoing trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD, veterans with this condition experience notably diminished advantages from such therapeutic interventions in comparison to non-military populations. Methods In a preliminary study we investigated the efficacy of an innovative treatment approach in a small sample of veterans (n = 7). Recognizing that accessing and targeting trauma memory in veterans with PTSD may be more challenging compared to other patient populations, we employed unique and personalized retrieval cues that engaged multiple senses and were connected to the context of their trauma. This was followed by a session focused on memory reconsolidation, which incorporated both psychological techniques (i.e., imagery rescripting) and a pharmacological component (i.e., 40 mg of propranolol). Results The findings from this small-scale case series cautiously indicate that this brief intervention, typically consisting of only one or two treatment sessions, shows promise in producing significant effects on symptoms of PTSD, distress and quality of life.This is particularly noteworthy given the complex symptomatology experienced by the veterans in this study. Conclusion To summarize, there are grounds for optimism regarding this brief treatment of combat-related PTSD. It appears that the potential for positive outcomes is far greater than commonly believed, as demonstrated by the encouraging results of this pilot study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke Soeter
- Work Health Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ackland PE, Koffel EA, Goldsmith ES, Ullman K, Miller WA, Landsteiner A, Stroebel B, Hill J, Wilt TJ, Duan-Porter W. Implementation of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2023; 50:792-812. [PMID: 37326899 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines strongly recommend trauma-focused therapies to treat posttraumatic stress disorder. Implementation of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and non-VHA settings began in 2006. We conducted a systematic review of implementation facilitators and challenges and strategies to address barriers. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception until March 2021 for English-language articles. Two individuals reviewed eligibility and rated quality. Quantitative results were abstracted by one reviewer and verified by a second. Qualitative results were independently coded by two reviewers and finalized through consensus. We used RE-AIM and CFIR frameworks to synthesize findings. 29 eligible studies addressed CPT/PE, mostly conducted in VHA. Training/education with audit/feedback was the primary implementation strategy and was linked to improved provider CPT/PE perceptions and self-efficacy. Use was not widespread. Only six studies tested other implementation strategies with mixed impact. Following VHA implementation, strong support for training, perceived effectiveness for patients and benefits for clinics, and positive patient experiences and relationships with providers were reported. However, barriers persisted including perceived protocol inflexibility, complex referral processes and patient complexity and competing needs. In non-VHA settings, providers perceived fewer barriers, but few were CPT/PE trained. Across both settings, fewer studies targeted patient factors. Training/education with audit/feedback improved perceptions and the availability of CPT/PE, but not consistent use. Studies testing implementation strategies to address post-training challenges, including patient-level factors, are needed. A few studies are underway in VHA to test patient-focused and other implementation strategies. Research assessing actual vs perceived barriers in non-VHA settings is needed to elucidate unique challenges experienced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Princess E Ackland
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | | | - Elizabeth S Goldsmith
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kristen Ullman
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Wendy A Miller
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Adrienne Landsteiner
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Benjamin Stroebel
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Jessica Hill
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Timothy J Wilt
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wei Duan-Porter
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Veterans Affairs Evidence Synthesis Program, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Keefe JR, Louka C, Moreno A, Spellun J, Zonana J, Milrod BL. Open Trial of Trauma-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among LGBTQ Individuals. Am J Psychother 2023; 76:115-123. [PMID: 37203147 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20220037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals report higher rates of exposure to traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with heterosexual and cisgender individuals. No treatment outcomes research has focused on PTSD in the LGBTQ population. Trauma-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy (TFPP) is a brief, manualized, attachment- and affect-focused psychotherapy for PTSD. TFPP explicitly incorporates broad identity-related and societal factors into its conceptualization of trauma and its consequences, which may be especially helpful for LGBTQ patients with minority stress who seek affirmative care. METHODS Fourteen LGBTQ patients with PTSD, assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), received 24 sessions of twice-weekly (12 weeks) TFPP via teletherapy provided by supervised early-career therapists inexperienced in the modality. Sessions were videotaped to monitor therapists' treatment adherence. Patients were assessed at baseline, week 5, termination (week 12), and 3 months posttreatment for PTSD symptoms (assessed with the CAPS-5) and secondary outcomes. RESULTS TFPP was well tolerated by patients, with 12 (86%) completing the intervention. CAPS-5-measured PTSD symptoms, including dissociation, significantly improved during treatment (mean decrease=-21.8, d=-1.98), and treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. Most patients experienced PTSD clinical response (N=10, 71%) or diagnostic remission (N=7, 50%). Patients generally experienced significant, concomitant improvements in complex PTSD symptoms, general anxiety, depression, and psychosocial functioning. Adherence to the intervention among therapists was high, with 93% of rated sessions meeting adherence standards. CONCLUSIONS TFPP shows promise in the treatment of PTSD among sexual and gender minority patients seeking LGBTQ-affirmative PTSD care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Keefe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| | - Charalambia Louka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| | - Andrew Moreno
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| | - Jessica Spellun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| | - Jess Zonana
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| | - Barbara L Milrod
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City (Keefe, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City (Keefe, Moreno, Spellun, Zonana, Milrod); Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City (Louka); Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, Connecticut (Zonana)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Richerson JT, Wagner TH, Abrams T, Skelton K, Biswas K, Illarmo S, McSherry F, Fallon MT, Frakt A, Pizer S, Magruder KM, Groer S, Dorn PA, Huang GD, Stock EM. Therapeutic and Economic Benefits of Service Dogs Versus Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans With PTSD. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:790-800. [PMID: 36718602 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work aimed to assess the therapeutic and economic benefits of service dogs versus emotional support dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS Veterans with PTSD (N=227) participating in a multicenter trial were randomly assigned to receive a service or emotional support dog; 181 veterans received a dog and were followed up for 18 months. Primary outcomes included overall functioning (assessed with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale II [WHODAS 2.0]) and quality of life (Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey [VR-12]). Secondary outcomes included PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), suicidal ideation, depression, sleep quality, health care costs and utilization, medication adherence, employment, and productivity. RESULTS Participants paired with a dog had a mean±SD age of 50.6±13.6 years (range 22-79), and most were male (80%), White (66%), and non-Hispanic (91%). Adjusted linear mixed repeated-measures models indicated no difference between the two groups on WHODAS 2.0 or VR-12 scores. Participants with service dogs had a 3.7-point greater reduction in PTSD symptoms versus participants with emotional support dogs (p=0.036). No reduced health care utilization or cost was associated with receiving a service dog. Veterans with service dogs had an increase of 10 percentage points in antidepressant adherence compared with those with emotional support dogs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both groups appeared to benefit from having a service or emotional support dog. No significant differences in improved functioning or quality of life were observed between the groups. Those in the service dog group had a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms and better antidepressant adherence, improvements that should be explored further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Richerson
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Todd H Wagner
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Thad Abrams
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kelly Skelton
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kousick Biswas
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Samantha Illarmo
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Frances McSherry
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Michael T Fallon
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Austin Frakt
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Steven Pizer
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Kathryn M Magruder
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Shirley Groer
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Patricia A Dorn
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Grant D Huang
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| | - Eileen M Stock
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Tennessee Valley Health Care System, Nashville (Richerson); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California (Wagner, Illarmo); Center for Access Delivery Research and Evaluation, VA Iowa City Healthcare System, and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City (Abrams); Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta (Skelton, Fallon); Perry Point/Baltimore Coordinating Center, Cooperative Studies Program, Office of Research and Development, VA, Perry Point, Maryland (Biswas, McSherry, Stock); Partnered Evidence-Based Policy Resource Center, Research and Development, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston (Frakt, Pizer); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Military Sciences Division, and Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Magruder); VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C. (Groer, Dorn, Huang)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Maguen S, Batten A, Hubbard A, Holder N, Burkman K, Cottonham D, Purcell N, Mehlman H, Shiner B. Advancing health equity by understanding race disparities and other factors associated with PTSD symptom improvement following evidence-based psychotherapy. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 98:102747. [PMID: 37515867 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Several studies found that Black veterans demonstrate less posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom improvement than White veterans following PTSD evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs). We aimed to understand this disparity among veterans receiving EBPs by modeling race with demographic, clinical, and service utilization factors. Using electronic health records, we employed a cohort study of Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans who initiated PTSD EBP treatment and completed > 2 PTSD symptom measures (N = 21,751). Using hierarchical Bayesian logistic regressions, we modeled the probability of PTSD symptom improvement. Black race was associated with less PTSD improvement (mean posterior odds ratio [MPOR] = 0.92; 95 % plausibility interval [PI] = 0.84, 1.0), as was group therapy (MPOR = 0.67; 95 % PI = 0.62, 0.73). Factors associated with greatest improvement included prolonged exposure (MPOR = 1.35; 95 % PI = 1.25, 1.45) and treatment density (MPOR = 1.40; 95 % PI = 1.36, 1.45). On average, Black veterans evidenced PTSD EBP improvement disparities. Clinical and utilization did not fully account for these disparities, although disproportionate representation of Black veterans in group CPT may explain some of these differences. Understanding experiences such as race-based trauma and chronic racism and discrimination is critical to provide Black veterans with the most effective PTSD care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Adam Batten
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Asale Hubbard
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Holder
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Burkman
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Cottonham
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Natalie Purcell
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Haley Mehlman
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Shiner
- White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Spiller TR, Duek O, Buta E, Gross G, Smith NB, Harpaz-Rotem I. Comparative effectiveness of group v. individual trauma-focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4561-4568. [PMID: 35959560 PMCID: PMC10388318 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) delivered in an individual setting are efficacious and effective treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Group CPT has been shown to be less efficacious than individual CPT, however, evidence regarding real-world effectiveness is limited. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational, comparative effectiveness study including veterans that received at least eight sessions of group CPT, individual CPT, or individual PE, and were discharged from PTSD residential treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs between 1 October 2015, and 30 September 2020. PTSD symptom severity was assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and treatments delivered in a group (CPT) or individual (CPT or PE) setting were compared at discharge and 4-month post-discharge follow-up. RESULTS Of 6735 veterans, 3888 [653 women (17%), median (IQR) age 45 (35-55) years] received individual and 2847 [206 women (7.2%), median (IQR) age 42 (34-54)] received group therapy. At discharge, improvement in PTSD severity was statistically greater among those treated individually (mean difference on the PCL-5, 2.55 (95% CI 1.61-3.49); p = <0.001]. However, the difference was smaller than the minimal clinically important difference of 7.9 points. The groups did not differ significantly at 4-month follow-up [mean difference on the PCL-5, 0.37 (95% CI -0.86 to 1.60); p = 0.551]. CONCLUSION Group CPT was associated with a slightly smaller reduction of PTSD symptom severity than individual CPT or PE in veterans at the end of residential treatment. There were no differences at 4-month follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias R. Spiller
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Or Duek
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Eugenia Buta
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Georgina Gross
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Noelle B. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Feder A, Costi S, Rutter SB, Collins AB, Govindarajulu U, Jha MK, Horn SR, Kautz M, Corniquel M, Collins KA, Bevilacqua L, Glasgow AM, Brallier J, Pietrzak RH, Murrough JW, Charney DS. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Repeated Ketamine Administration for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:296-305. [PMID: 37404970 PMCID: PMC10316213 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.23021014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and disabling disorder, for which available pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy. The authors' previous proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial of single-dose intravenous ketamine infusion in individuals with PTSD showed significant and rapid PTSD symptom reduction 24 hours postinfusion. The present study is the first randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy and safety of repeated intravenous ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic PTSD. Methods Individuals with chronic PTSD (N=30) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive six infusions of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or midazolam (0.045 mg/kg) (psychoactive placebo control) over 2 consecutive weeks. Clinician-rated and self-report assessments were administered 24 hours after the first infusion and at weekly visits. The primary outcome measure was change in PTSD symptom severity, as assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), from baseline to 2 weeks (after completion of all infusions). Secondary outcome measures included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and side effect measures. Results The ketamine group showed a significantly greater improvement in CAPS-5 and MADRS total scores than the midazolam group from baseline to week 2. At week 2, the mean CAPS-5 total score was 11.88 points (SE=3.96) lower in the ketamine group than in the midazolam group (d=1.13, 95% CI=0.36, 1.91). Sixty-seven percent of participants in the ketamine group were treatment responders, compared with 20% in the midazolam group. Among ketamine responders, the median time to loss of response was 27.5 days following the 2-week course of infusions. Ketamine infusions were well tolerated overall, without serious adverse events. Conclusions This randomized controlled trial provides the first evidence of efficacy of repeated ketamine infusions in reducing symptom severity in individuals with chronic PTSD. Further studies are warranted to understand ketamine's full potential as a treatment for chronic PTSD.Reprinted from Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:193-202, with permission from American Psychiatric Association Publishing. Copyright © 2021.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lewis BR, Byrne K. A Review of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:247-256. [PMID: 37404966 PMCID: PMC10316220 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20220088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder that may develop after exposure to a traumatic life event. There are existing evidence-based psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for PTSD; however, these treatments have significant limitations. 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was granted "breakthrough therapy" status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of PTSD in conjunction with psychotherapy after preliminary Phase II results. This treatment is currently being investigated in Phase III trials with anticipated FDA approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in late 2023. This article reviews the evidence base for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, pharmacology and the proposed causal mechanisms of MDMA, risks and limitations of the current evidence, and challenges and future directions for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Byrne
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hunt C, Park J, Bomyea J, Colvonen PJ. Sleep efficiency predicts improvements in fear extinction and PTSD symptoms during prolonged exposure for veterans with comorbid insomnia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 324:115216. [PMID: 37099850 PMCID: PMC10395069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure (PE) is an evidenced-based psychotherapy for PTSD, but many Veterans fail to achieve a clinically meaningful response. Sleep issues are prevalent in Veterans and may interfere with PE by disrupting the learning and consolidation of fear extinction memories during PE exposures. Here, we examined whether changes in fear extinction across imaginal exposures and PTSD symptoms during PE were predicted by diary-assessed levels of nightly sleep efficiency (SE; i.e., percent of time in bed spent sleeping), which may indirectly index sleep fragmentation and sleep-facilitated memory processes. Participants were Veterans with PTSD and comorbid insomnia (N = 40) participating in a clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia plus PE. SE was measured via nightly sleep diaries, fear extinction was operationalized as a reduction in peak distress between weekly imaginal exposures, and PTSD symptoms were assessed bi-weekly. Cross-lagged panel models revealed that higher sleep efficiency during the week predicted lower peak distress at the subsequent imaginal exposure and lower PTSD symptoms at the subsequent assessment, whereas PTSD symptoms and peak distress did not predict subsequent sleep efficiency. Efficient sleep may facilitate fear extinction and PTSD reduction during PE. Targeting sleep efficiency could improve PE effectiveness for Veterans with comorbid insomnia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hunt
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
| | - Jane Park
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Bomyea
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Peter J Colvonen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Folke S, Roitmann N, Poulsen S, Andersen SB. Feasibility of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Danish Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Mixed Method Pilot Study. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:425-431. [PMID: 37307409 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The BraveMind virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been developed and has shown efficacy for U.S. service members and veterans. As the first study to date, the present study examined the feasibility of BraveMind VRET for non-U.S. military veterans. Moreover, the study sought to explore in-depth the participants' experiences with BraveMind VRET. Nine Danish veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after deployment to Afghanistan participated in the study. PTSD, depression, and quality of life were assessed at pretreatment, post-treatment, and 3-month followup. The treatment consisted of 10 BraveMind VRET sessions. Semistructured interviews with treatment completers were conducted post-treatment to ascertain views about the treatment, in general, and the BraveMind VR system in particular. Thematic qualitative analysis was conducted at the semantic level using an inductive approach. There were significant reductions in pre- to post-treatment self-reported PTSD and significant improvements in quality of life. Treatment gains were maintained at 3-month followup. Pre- to post-treatment Cohen's d effect sizes were large for self-reported PTSD (PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version [PCL-C]: d = 1.55). Qualitative results indicated that the virtual environment of the BraveMind VR system does not entirely map the reality of Danish soldiers in Afghanistan. However, this was not experienced as a hindering factor in therapy. Findings indicate that BraveMind VRET is an acceptable, safe, and effective treatment for Danish veterans with PTSD. The qualitative results emphasize the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, as VRET is experienced as more emotional straining than regular trauma-focused therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Folke
- Department of Military Psychology, Danish Veterans Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research and Knowledge Centre, Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Roitmann
- Stolpegaard Psychotherapy Centre, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Stig Poulsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren B Andersen
- Research and Knowledge Centre, Danish Veterans Centre, Ringsted, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Veraart J, van Westenbrugge M, van Wulfften Palthe J, van der Meij A, Schoevers R, de Jong J. Repeated oral esketamine in patients with treatment resistant depression and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15883. [PMID: 37223704 PMCID: PMC10200841 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ketamine and its S-enantiomer esketamine are novel pharmacotherapeutic options for treatment resistant depression (TRD). There is growing evidence on the efficacy for other psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is hypothesized that psychotherapy may further potentiate the effects of (es)ketamine in psychiatric disorders. Methods Repeated oral esketamine was prescribed once or twice weekly in five patients suffering from TRD and comorbid PTSD. We describe the clinical effects of esketamine and report data from psychometric instruments and patients' perspectives. Results Esketamine treatment duration ranged from six weeks to a year. In four patients, we observed improvement in depressive symptoms, increased resilience and more receptiveness to psychotherapy. One patient experienced symptom worsening in response to a threatening situation during esketamine treatment, highlighting the need for a safe setting. Discussion (Es)ketamine treatment within a psychotherapeutic framework appears promising in patients with treatment resistant symptoms of depression and PTSD. Controlled trials are warranted to validate these results and to elucidate the optimal treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J.K.E. Veraart
- PsyQ Depression Treatment Centre, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M. van Westenbrugge
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - A. van der Meij
- Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Depression Expertise Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - R.A. Schoevers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J. de Jong
- PsyQ Psychotrauma Department, The Hague, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hansen C, Iannos M, Van Hooff M. Assistance dogs help reduce mental health symptoms among Australian Defence Force veterans and emergency services personnel: A pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2023; 324:115212. [PMID: 37079934 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two specialized Australian PTSD assistance dog programs in reducing PTSD and mental health symptoms over a one-year period. A total of 44 participants who were partnered with an assistance dog were analysed. Using an intent to treat analysis, compared to the baseline measures, all mental health outcomes exhibited statistically significant reductions in scores at the 3-month follow-up, and persisted at the 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. When comparing baseline to 3-month follow-up the effect size (Cohen's d) was strongest for stress (d = 0.993), followed by PTSD (d = 0.892), anxiety (d = 0.837). Analyses among those who also completed the waitlist-baseline assessment (n = 23) showed slight reductions in stress and depression prior to receiving their dog (whilst waiting for their dog). However, larger reductions were yielded across all mental health measures when comparing waitlist-baseline to 3-month follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Hansen
- Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), The Hospital Research Foundation Group, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - M Iannos
- Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), The Hospital Research Foundation Group, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Van Hooff
- Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA), The Hospital Research Foundation Group, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pang T, Murn L, Williams D, Lawental M, Abhayakumar A, Kip KE. Comparison of Accelerated Resolution Therapy for PTSD Between Veterans With and Without Prior PTSD Treatment. Mil Med 2023; 188:e621-e629. [PMID: 34383937 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder commonly caused by a traumatic event(s) and prevalent among service members and veterans. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an emerging "mind-body" psychotherapy for PTSD that is generally briefer and less expensive than current first-line treatments, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. This study examined the results of ART for treatment of military-related PTSD, with stratification by prior PTSD treatment types, including service members/veterans with reported residual PTSD symptoms following receipt of first-line recommended psychotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups were constructed and compared based on self-reported prior PTSD treatment history: treatment-naïve (n = 33), pharmacotherapy only (n = 40), first-line psychotherapy (CPT and/or PE) (n = 33), and other psychotherapy (n = 42). Participants were assessed for PTSD symptoms at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up using the 17-item Military PTSD Checklist (PCL-M), as well as assessment of depressive, anxiety, and sleep symptoms. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at University of South Florida. RESULTS Among 148 veterans/service members who enrolled and started treatment with ART, 106 (71.6%) completed treatment in a mean of 3.5 treatment sessions, and 55 (51.9%) provided 6-month follow-up data. Mean age was 43.8 years, 95% were male, and 84% were of white race. Within-group standardized effect sizes for pre-to-post changes in PTSD scores (PCL-M) were large at 1.48, 1.11, 1.88, and 1.03 for the treatment-naïve, pharmacotherapy only, first-line psychotherapy, and other psychotherapy groups, respectively. Among treatment completers, the clinically significant treatment response rate (reduction of ≥10 points on the PCL-M) was highest in the treatment-naïve (83%) and first-line psychotherapy (88%) groups. Similar significant symptom reductions were observed for measures of depression and anxiety, and favorable treatment effects were generally sustained at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION In a brief treatment period, ART appears to result in substantial reductions in symptoms of PTSD among veterans, including those with residual PTSD symptoms after prior treatment with first-line psychotherapies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs. These results suggest that ART be considered as a potential first-line treatment modality for veterans with PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Pang
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Lindsay Murn
- Minnesota State University-Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
| | - Dana Williams
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida
| | - Maayan Lawental
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | | | - Kevin E Kip
- Clinical Analytics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dawud LM, Holbrook EM, Lowry CA. Evolutionary Aspects of Diverse Microbial Exposures and Mental Health: Focus on "Old Friends" and Stress Resilience. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 61:93-117. [PMID: 35947354 PMCID: PMC9918614 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of inflammatory disease conditions, including allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders, increased during the latter half of the twentieth century, as societies transitioned from rural to urban lifestyles. A number of hypotheses have been put forward to explain the increasing prevalence of inflammatory disease in modern urban societies, including the hygiene hypothesis and the "Old Friends" hypothesis. In 2008, Rook and Lowry proposed, based on the evidence that increased inflammation was a risk factor for stress-related psychiatric disorders, that the hygiene hypothesis or "Old Friends" hypothesis may be relevant to psychiatric disorders. Since then, it has become more clear that chronic low-grade inflammation is a risk factor for stress-related psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma- and stressor-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evidence now indicates that persons raised in modern urban environments without daily contact with pets, relative to persons raised in rural environments in proximity to farm animals, respond with greater systemic inflammation to psychosocial stress. Here we consider the possibility that increased inflammation in persons living in modern urban environments is due to a failure of immunoregulation, i.e., a balanced expression of regulatory and effector T cells, which is known to be dependent on microbial signals. We highlight evidence that microbial signals that can drive immunoregulation arise from phylogenetically diverse taxa but are strain specific. Finally, we highlight Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659, a soil-derived bacterium with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, as a case study of how single strains of bacteria might be used in a psychoneuroimmunologic approach for prevention and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lamya'a M Dawud
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Evan M Holbrook
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- Center for Microbial Exploration, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
- inVIVO Planetary Health, Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), West New York, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nijdam MJ, Vermetten E, McFarlane AC. Toward staging differentiation for posttraumatic stress disorder treatment. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 147:65-80. [PMID: 36367112 PMCID: PMC10100486 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several medical and psychiatric disorders have stage-based treatment decision-making methods. However, international treatment guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fail to give specific treatment recommendations based on chronicity or stage of the disorder. There is convincing evidence of a finite range of PTSD symptom trajectories, implying that different phenotypes of the disorder can be distinguished, which are highly relevant for a staging typology of PTSD. METHODS State-of-the-art review building on prior work on staging models in other disorders as a mapping tool to identify and synthesize toward PTSD. RESULTS We propose a four-stage model of PTSD ranging from stage 0: trauma-exposed asymptomatic but at risk to stage 4: severe unremitting illness of increasing chronicity. We favor a symptom description in various chronological characteristics based on neurobiological markers, information processing systems, stress reactivity, and consciousness dimensions. We also advocate for a separate phenomenology of treatment resistance since this can yield treatment recommendations. CONCLUSION A staging perspective in the field of PTSD is highly needed. This can facilitate the selection of interventions that are proportionate to patients' current needs and risk of illness progression and can also contribute to an efficient framework to organize biomarker data and guide service delivery. Therefore, we propose that a neurobiologically driven trajectory-based typology of PTSD can help deduct several treatment recommendations leading to a more personalized and refined grid to strategize, plan and evaluate treatment interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam J Nijdam
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander C McFarlane
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Held P, Splaine CC, Smith DL, Kaysen D. Examining trauma cognition change trajectories among initial PTSD treatment non-optimal responders: a potential avenue to guide subsequent treatment selection. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2237361. [PMID: 37564032 PMCID: PMC10424629 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2237361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their general effectiveness, 14-50% of individuals do not fully respond to evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although changes in negative posttrauma cognitions (NPCs) are considered a likely PTSD treatment mechanism, less is known about how NPCs change among individuals who continue to be symptomatic following treatment (non-optimal responders). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine NPC change trajectories among individuals who were determined to be non-optimally responsive to intensive PTSD treatment. METHOD Using a 3-week Cognitive Processing Therapy-based intensive PTSD treatment sample (ITP; N = 243), the present study examined the number of distinct NPC change trajectories among non-optimal responders via Group Based Trajectory Modeling and assessed predictors of non-optimal responders' NPC change trajectory membership. Analyses were replicated in a separate 2-week ITP sample (N = 215). RESULTS In both non-optimal responder samples, two trajectories emerged; a no NPC change group which represented those with an overall lack of NPC change throughout treatment and an NPC change group which represented those with an overall reduction of NPCs occurring primarily later in treatment. Changes in PTSD symptom severity during treatment was the only consistent predictor of NPC change trajectory group membership among treatment non-optimal responders across ITPs. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest NPC change among non-optimal responders is nuanced and may inform subsequent intervention selection, resulting in testable hypotheses for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Held
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cailan C. Splaine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dale L. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois – Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Maguen S, Madden E, Holder N, Li Y, Seal KH, Neylan TC, Lujan C, Patterson OV, DuVall SL, Shiner B. Effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder in clinical practice. Psychol Med 2023; 53:419-428. [PMID: 34001290 PMCID: PMC9899565 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721001628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a first-line treatment, its real-world effectiveness is unknown. We compared cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) each to an individual psychotherapy comparator group, and CPT to PE in a large national healthcare system. METHODS We utilized effectiveness and comparative effectiveness emulated trials using retrospective cohort data from electronic medical records. Participants were veterans with PTSD initiating mental healthcare (N = 265 566). The primary outcome was PTSD symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist (PCL) at baseline and 24-week follow-up. Emulated trials were comprised of 'person-trials,' representing 112 discrete 24-week periods of care (10/07-6/17) for each patient. Treatment group comparisons were made with generalized linear models, utilizing propensity score matching and inverse probability weights to account for confounding, selection, and non-adherence bias. RESULTS There were 636 CPT person-trials matched to 636 non-EBP person-trials. Completing ⩾8 CPT sessions was associated with a 6.4-point greater improvement on the PCL (95% CI 3.1-10.0). There were 272 PE person-trials matched to 272 non-EBP person-trials. Completing ⩾8 PE sessions was associated with a 9.7-point greater improvement on the PCL (95% CI 5.4-13.8). There were 232 PE person-trials matched to 232 CPT person-trials. Those completing ⩾8 PE sessions had slightly greater, but not statistically significant, improvement on the PCL (8.3-points; 95% CI 5.9-10.6) than those completing ⩾8 CPT sessions (7.0-points; 95% CI 5.5-8.5). CONCLUSIONS PTSD symptom improvement was similar and modest for both EBPs. Although EBPs are helpful, research to further improve PTSD care is critical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Maguen
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Erin Madden
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nicholas Holder
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Yongmei Li
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Karen H. Seal
- Integrative Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Thomas C. Neylan
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Callan Lujan
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Olga V. Patterson
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Scott L. DuVall
- VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Brian Shiner
- Mental Health Service, White River Junction VA Medical Center, and National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Executive Division, White River Junction, VT
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Goel R, Tse T, Smith LJ, Floren A, Naylor B, Williams MW, Salas R, Rizzo AS, Ress D. Framework for Accurate Classification of Self-Reported Stress From Multisession Functional MRI Data of Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2023; 7:24705470231203655. [PMID: 37780807 PMCID: PMC10540591 DOI: 10.1177/24705470231203655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant burden among combat Veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While empirically supported treatments have demonstrated reductions in PTSD symptomatology, there remains a need to improve treatment effectiveness. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback has emerged as a possible treatment to ameliorate PTSD symptom severity. Virtual reality (VR) approaches have also shown promise in increasing treatment compliance and outcomes. To facilitate fMRI neurofeedback-associated therapies, it would be advantageous to accurately classify internal brain stress levels while Veterans are exposed to trauma-associated VR imagery. Methods: Across 2 sessions, we used fMRI to collect neural responses to trauma-associated VR-like stimuli among male combat Veterans with PTSD symptoms (N = 8). Veterans reported their self-perceived stress level on a scale from 1 to 8 every 15 s throughout the fMRI sessions. In our proposed framework, we precisely sample the fMRI data on cortical gray matter, blurring the data along the gray-matter manifold to reduce noise and dimensionality while preserving maximum neural information. Then, we independently applied 3 machine learning (ML) algorithms to this fMRI data collected across 2 sessions, separately for each Veteran, to build individualized ML models that predicted their internal brain states (self-reported stress responses). Results: We accurately classified the 8-class self-reported stress responses with a mean (± standard error) root mean square error of 0.6 (± 0.1) across all Veterans using the best ML approach. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the predictive ability of ML algorithms applied to whole-brain cortical fMRI data collected during individual Veteran sessions. The framework we have developed to preprocess whole-brain cortical fMRI data and train ML models across sessions would provide a valuable tool to enable individualized real-time fMRI neurofeedback during VR-like exposure therapy for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Goel
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Teresa Tse
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lia J. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Floren
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bruce Naylor
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - M. Wright Williams
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ramiro Salas
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Albert S. Rizzo
- Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Ress
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yahalom J, Yarns BC, Clair K, Cloitre M, Lang AJ, Hamilton AB. Patient experiences and reported effectiveness of a multimodal short-term pilot therapy group for veteran men with military sexual trauma. J Clin Psychol 2022; 78:2410-2426. [PMID: 35332551 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite recognition of its prevalence and impact, little is known about treatment for veteran men with a history of military sexual trauma (MST). While research suggests that such veterans may suffer from gender-based distress that poses unique treatment challenges, MST-focused treatment draws upon contemporary PTSD best practices that may overlook gender. The current initial pilot study evaluated a multimodal, time-limited men's MST group therapy that integrated exposure- and mindfulness-based, psychoeducational, and psychodynamic group interventions. METHOD This study examined pre- and posttreatment data from patients who completed group treatment (n = 24). Three-fourths of patients were 60 years or older, over 80% Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Assessment data were collected using the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), an adaptation of the Recovery Assessment Scale, and open-ended written responses. Paired-samples t tests and effect sizes (Hedge's g) were calculated. Indictive thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. RESULTS Qualitative and quantitative data showed improvements in shame, self-forgiveness, and belonginess. There were significant reductions from pre- to posttreatment in total PCL-5 score (g = -0.69) and all 4 symptom clusters (g = -0.51--0.71), and significant improvements in 8 out of 10 recovery items (g = 0.44-2.46). CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to assess whether veteran men with a history of MST benefit from treatment that provides multimodal, multitheoretical interventions that address gender-based symptoms in addition to PTSD. The results of this study support future research in a randomized controlled study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Yahalom
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Brandon C Yarns
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Clair
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ariel J Lang
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research & Development, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cuyler RN, Katdare R, Thomas S, Telch M. Real-world outcomes of an innovative digital therapeutic for treatment of panic disorder and PTSD: A 1,500 patient effectiveness study. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:976001. [PMID: 36465089 PMCID: PMC9712796 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.976001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Prior clinical trials have shown consistent clinical benefit for Capnometry Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI), a prescription digital therapeutic for the treatment of panic disorder (PD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study is to report real-world outcomes in a series of patients treated with the intervention in clinical practice. Design This paper reports pre- and post-treatment self-reported symptom reduction, measures of respiratory rate and end-tidal carbon dioxide levels, drop-out and adherence rates drawn from an automatic data repository in a large real-world series of patients receiving CGRI for panic disorder and PTSD. Setting Patients used the intervention in their homes, supported by telehealth coaching. Participants Patients meeting symptom criteria for panic disorder (n = 1,395) or posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 174) were treated following assessment by a healthcare professional. Intervention Capnometry Guided Respiratory Intervention is a 28-day home-based treatment that provides breath-to-breath feedback of respiratory rate and exhaled carbon dioxide levels, aimed at normalizing respiratory style and increasing patients' mastery for coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety, and panic. Health coaches provide initial training with weekly follow up during the treatment episode. Remote data upload and monitoring facilitates individualized coaching and aggregate outcomes analysis. Main outcome measures Self-reported Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores were obtained at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results Panic disorder (PD) patients showed a mean pre-to-post-treatment reduction in total PDSS scores of 50.2% (P < 0.001, d = 1.31). Treatment response rates for PD (defined as a 40% or greater reduction in PDSS total scores) were observed in 65.3% of the PD patients. PTSD patients showed a pre-to-post-treatment reduction in total PCL-5 scores of 41.1% (P < 0.001, d = 1.16). The treatment response rate for PTSD (defined as a ≥10-point reduction in PCL-5 scores) was 72.4%. In an additional analysis of response at the individual level, 55.7% of panic disorder patients and 53.5% of PTSD patients were classified as treatment responders using the Reliable Change Index. Patients with both normal and below-normal baseline exhaled CO2 levels experienced comparable benefit. Across the 28-day treatment period, mean adherence rates of 74.8% (PD) and 74.9% (PTSD) were recorded during the 28-day treatment. Dropout rates were 10% (PD) and 11% (PTSD) respectively. Conclusions The results from this cohort of 1,569 patients treated with the CGRI intervention demonstrate significant rates of symptom reduction and adherence consistent with prior published clinical trials. The brief duration of treatment, high adherence rates, and clinical benefit suggests that CGRI provides an important addition to treatment options for panic disorder and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael J. Telch
- Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Randomized controlled experimental study of hydrocortisone and D-cycloserine effects on fear extinction in PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1945-1952. [PMID: 34799682 PMCID: PMC9485259 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fear extinction underlies prolonged exposure, one of the most well-studied treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There has been increased interest in exploring pharmacological agents to enhance fear extinction learning in humans and their potential as adjuncts to PE. The objective of such adjuncts is to augment the clinical impact of PE on the durability and magnitude of symptom reduction. In this study, we examined whether hydrocortisone (HC), a corticosteroid, and D-Cycloserine (DCS), an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor partial agonist, enhance fear extinction learning and consolidation in individuals with PTSD. In a double-blind placebo-controlled 3-group experimental design, 90 individuals with full or subsyndromal PTSD underwent fear conditioning with stimuli that were paired (CS+) or unpaired (CS-) with shock. Extinction learning occurred 72 h later and extinction retention was tested one week after extinction. HC 25 mg, DCS 50 mg or placebo was administered one hour prior to extinction learning. During extinction learning, the DCS and HC groups showed a reduced differential CS+/CS- skin conductance response (SCR) compared to placebo (b = -0.19, CI = -0.01 to -37, p = 0.042 and b = -0.25, CI = -08 to -0.43, p = 0.005, respectively). A nonsignificant trend for a lower differential CS+/CS- SCR in the DCS group, compared to placebo, (b = -0.25, CI = 0.04 to -0.55, p = 0.089) was observed at retention testing, one week later. A single dose of HC and DCS facilitated fear extinction learning in participants with PTSD symptoms. While clinical implications have yet to be determined, our findings suggest that glucocorticoids and NMDA agonists hold promise for facilitating extinction learning in PTSD.
Collapse
|
41
|
Kehle-Forbes SM, Nelson D, Norman SB, Schnurr PP, Shea MT, Ackland PE, Meis L, Possemato K, Polusny MA, Oslin D, Hamblen JL, Galovski T, Kenny M, Babajide N, Hagedorn H. Comparative effectiveness of trauma-focused and non-trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD among veterans with comorbid substance use disorders: Protocol & rationale for a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 120:106876. [PMID: 35987487 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) is common and concurrent treatment is recommended. Relatively little is known about which evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD are most effective for patients with varying substance use profiles. We aim to examine the comparative effectiveness of trauma-focused therapy (TFT) and non-trauma-focused therapy (NTFT) among Veterans with PTSD and SUD. TFT has been found to be effective among those with PTSD/SUD, though effects are smaller and rates of treatment non-completion are higher than in those without SUD. NTFTs suggested for the treatment of PTSD, such as Present Centered Therapy, (PCT) have not been examined among those with co-occurring SUD, despite lower rates of treatment dropout. We will also examine the comparative effectiveness of TFT and NTFT for patients with varying SUD severity, type of substances used, and patient treatment preference. METHOD 420 Veterans with PTSD and SUD will be randomized in a prospective, pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial at 14 Veterans Health Administration facilities. Participants will receive either TFT (Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy) or NTFT (PCT) after enrolling in concurrent SUD treatment-as-usual. Assessments will occur at baseline, posttreatment, 3- and 6 -months posttreatment. Main outcomes are PTSD symptom severity and PTSD treatment dropout. Clinician, patient, and leadership stakeholder panels advise study activities, and a process evaluation will identify strategies to enhance the implementation of evidence-based PTSD treatments in SUD care settings. CONCLUSIONS Results will provide critical information to guide clinicians when recommending PTSD treatments to patients with comorbid SUD. CLINICALTRIALS gov Identifier: NCT04581434.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Kehle-Forbes
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America.
| | - David Nelson
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Sonya B Norman
- National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03577, United States of America
| | - M Tracie Shea
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America
| | - Princess E Ackland
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Laura Meis
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States of America
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, 800 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13204, United States of America
| | - Melissa A Polusny
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2312 South 6(th) Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States of America
| | - David Oslin
- VISN 4 MIRECC, Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 1 191049, United States of America
| | - Jessica L Hamblen
- National Center for PTSD, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03577, United States of America
| | - Tara Galovski
- Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 S. Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Marie Kenny
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America
| | - Nofisat Babajide
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America
| | - Hildi Hagedorn
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2312 South 6(th) Street, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
McLean CP, Levy HC, Miller ML, Tolin DF. Exposure therapy for PTSD in military populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 90:102607. [PMID: 35926254 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Military populations are disproportionally affected by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may experience less benefit from first line psychotherapies for PTSD relative to civilians. We examined the efficacy of exposure therapy among Veterans and active duty military personnel across various control conditions and tested potential treatment-related, demographic, and clinical moderators. Randomized controlled trials of exposure-based therapies for PTSD in military populations were identified from a recent meta-analysis and through PsycINFO and Medline. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis (total N = 2905). Exposure therapy had medium to large effects compared to waitlist and treatment as usual, a small effect compared to non-trauma-focused therapy, and no effect relative to other trauma-focused therapy. The overall effect was similar at post-treatment and follow up. The effect size for exposure was larger in studies with younger participants, more women, fewer participants with comorbid major depression, and fewer participants taking psychiatric medication. Effect sizes were not impacted by treatment length or type, participant race or ethnicity, comorbid substance use, Veteran versus active duty status, or study risk of bias. Findings document the variable efficacy of exposure therapy in military populations across comparator types and point to several potentially important moderators of outcome that should be examined in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen P McLean
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5717, United States.
| | - Hannah C Levy
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, United States
| | - Madeleine L Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - David F Tolin
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jacoby VM, Straud CL, Bagley JM, Tyler H, Baker SN, Denejkina A, Sippel LM, Kaya R, Rozek DC, Fina BA, Dondanville KA. Evidence-based posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in a community sample: Military-affiliated versus civilian patient outcomes. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1072-1086. [PMID: 35201657 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health issue among military service members and veterans. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides crucial resources for behavioral health care, many veterans seek mental health services through community clinics. Previous research illustrates that military and veteran patients benefit less from evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD than civilians. However, most PTSD treatment outcome research on military and veteran populations is conducted in VA or military settings. Little is known about outcomes among military-affiliated patients in community settings. The primary aim of this study was to directly compare civilian versus military-affiliated patient outcomes on PTSD and depression symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in a community setting. Participants (N = 502) included military-affiliated (veteran, Guard/Reservist, active duty) and civilian patients who engaged in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD in community clinics. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions on the PCL-5, military-affiliated: d = -0.91, civilian: d = -1.18; and PHQ-9, military-affiliated: d = -0.65, civilian: d = -0.88, following treatment. However, military-affiliated patients demonstrated smaller posttreatment reductions on the PCL-5, Mdiff = 5.75, p = .003, and PHQ-9, Mdiff = 1.71, p = .011, compared to civilians. Results demonstrate that military-affiliated patients benefit from EBTs for PTSD, albeit to a lesser degree than civilians, even in community settings. These findings also highlight the importance of future research on improving EBTs for military personnel with PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Jacoby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Casey L Straud
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Research and Development Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jenna M Bagley
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hannah Tyler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Shelby N Baker
- UCF RESTORES & Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Florida, Orlando, USA
| | - Anna Denejkina
- Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University, South Penrith, Australia
| | - Lauren M Sippel
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, White River Junction, Vermont, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Psychiatry, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert Kaya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - David C Rozek
- UCF RESTORES & Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Florida, Orlando, USA
| | - Brooke A Fina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Katherine A Dondanville
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | -
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Voigt RM, Zalta AK, Raeisi S, Zhang L, Brown JM, Forsyth CB, Boley RA, Held P, Pollack MH, Keshavarzian A. Abnormal intestinal milieu in posttraumatic stress disorder is not impacted by treatment that improves symptoms. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G61-G70. [PMID: 35638693 PMCID: PMC9291416 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00066.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder, resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Current recommended first-line interventions for the treatment of PTSD include evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Psychotherapies are effective for reducing PTSD symptoms, but approximately two-thirds of veterans continue to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment, suggesting there is an incomplete understanding of what factors sustain PTSD. The intestine can influence the brain and this study evaluated intestinal readouts in subjects with PTSD. Serum samples from controls without PTSD (n = 40) from the Duke INTRuST Program were compared with serum samples from veterans with PTSD (n = 40) recruited from the Road Home Program at Rush University Medical Center. Assessments included microbial metabolites, intestinal barrier, and intestinal epithelial cell function. In addition, intestinal readouts were assessed in subjects with PTSD before and after a 3-wk CPT-based intensive treatment program (ITP) to understand if treatment impacts the intestine. Compared with controls, veterans with PTSD had a proinflammatory intestinal environment including lower levels of microbiota-derived metabolites, such as acetic, lactic, and succinic acid, intestinal barrier dysfunction [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein], an increase in HMGB1, and a concurrent increase in the number of intestinal epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles. The ITP improved PTSD symptoms but no changes in intestinal outcomes were noted. This study confirms the intestine is abnormal in subjects with PTSD and suggests that effective treatment of PTSD does not alter intestinal readouts. Targeting beneficial changes in the intestine may be an approach to enhance existing PTSD treatments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study confirms an abnormal intestinal environment is present in subjects with PTSD. This study adds to what is already known by examining the intestinal barrier and evaluating the relationship between intestinal readouts and PTSD symptoms and is the first to report the impact of PTSD treatment (which improves symptoms) on intestinal readouts. This study suggests that targeting the intestine as an adjunct approach could improve the treatment of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Voigt
- Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alyson K Zalta
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shohreh Raeisi
- Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
| | - J Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Center for Microbiome and Human Health, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christopher B Forsyth
- Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Randy A Boley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Philip Held
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark H Pollack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Rush Center for Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Jones C, Smith-MacDonald L, Brown MRG, VanDehy J, Grunnet-Jepsen R, Ordek VP, Kruger S, Ayres Gerhart A, van Veelen N, Nijdam MJ, Burback L, Cao B, Roy MJ, Sessoms P, Vermetten E, Brémault-Phillips S. The Redesign and Validation of Multimodal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation Hardware and Software: Mixed Methods, Modified Delphi-Based Validation Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e33682. [PMID: 35819834 PMCID: PMC9328788 DOI: 10.2196/33682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the delivery of evidence-based therapies targeting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been the focus of the Departments of Defense in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States. More than 66% of military members continue to experience symptoms of PTSD that significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life after completing evidence-based treatments. Innovative, engaging, and effective treatments for PTSD are needed. Multimodal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) is an exposure-based, virtual reality-supported therapy used to treat military members and veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. Given the demonstrated efficacy of 3MDR in recently published randomized control trials, there is both an interest in and a need to adapt the intervention to other populations affected by trauma and to improve accessibility to the treatment. OBJECTIVE We aimed to further innovate, develop, and validate new and existing hardware and software components of 3MDR to enhance its mobility, accessibility, feasibility, and applicability to other populations affected by trauma, including public safety personnel (PSP), via international collaboration. METHODS This study used a modified Delphi expert consultation method and mixed methods quasi-experimental validation with the purpose of software validation among PSP (first responders, health care providers) participants (N=35). A team of international experts from the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada met on the web on a weekly basis since September 2020 to discuss the adoption of 3MDR in real-world contexts, hardware and software development, and software validation. The evolution of 3MDR hardware and software was undertaken followed by a mixed methods software validation study with triangulation of results to inform the further development of 3MDR. RESULTS This study resulted in the identification, description, and evolution of hardware and software components and the development of new 3MDR software. Within the software validation, PSP participants widely acknowledged that the newly developed 3MDR software would be applicable and feasible for PSP affected by trauma within their professions. The key themes that emerged from the thematic analysis among the PSP included the desire for occupationally tailored environments, individually tailored immersion, and the applicability of 3MDR beyond military populations. CONCLUSIONS Within the modified Delphi consultation and software validation study, support for 3MDR as an intervention was communicated. PSP participants perceived that 3MDR was relevant for populations affected by trauma beyond military members and veterans. The resulting hardware and software evolution addressed the recommendations and themes that arose from PSP participants. 3MDR is a novel, structured, exposure-based, virtual reality-supported therapy that is currently used to treat military members and veterans with PTSD. Going forward, it is necessary to innovate and adapt 3MDR, as well as other trauma interventions, to increase effectiveness, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy among other populations affected by trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Jones
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lorraine Smith-MacDonald
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew R G Brown
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jacob VanDehy
- Department of Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States.,Leidos Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Rasmus Grunnet-Jepsen
- Department of Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States.,Leidos Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Vrajeshri P Ordek
- Department of Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States.,Leidos Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sarah Kruger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anne Ayres Gerhart
- Department of Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nancy van Veelen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam J Nijdam
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, Diemen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa Burback
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bo Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael J Roy
- Department of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pinata Sessoms
- Department of Warfighter Performance, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wingo TS, Gerasimov ES, Liu Y, Duong DM, Vattathil SM, Lori A, Gockley J, Breen MS, Maihofer AX, Nievergelt CM, Koenen KC, Levey DF, Gelernter J, Stein MB, Ressler KJ, Bennett DA, Levey AI, Seyfried NT, Wingo AP. Integrating human brain proteomes with genome-wide association data implicates novel proteins in post-traumatic stress disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3075-3084. [PMID: 35449297 PMCID: PMC9233006 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several risk loci for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, how they confer PTSD risk remains unclear. We aimed to identify genes that confer PTSD risk through their effects on brain protein abundance to provide new insights into PTSD pathogenesis. To that end, we integrated human brain proteomes with PTSD GWAS results to perform a proteome-wide association study (PWAS) of PTSD, followed by Mendelian randomization, using a discovery and confirmatory study design. Brain proteomes (N = 525) were profiled from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using mass spectrometry. The Million Veteran Program (MVP) PTSD GWAS (n = 186,689) was used for the discovery PWAS, and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium PTSD GWAS (n = 174,659) was used for the confirmatory PWAS. To understand whether genes identified at the protein-level were also evident at the transcript-level, we performed a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) using human brain transcriptomes (N = 888) and the MVP PTSD GWAS results. We identified 11 genes that contribute to PTSD pathogenesis via their respective cis-regulated brain protein abundance. Seven of 11 genes (64%) replicated in the confirmatory PWAS and 4 of 11 also had their cis-regulated brain mRNA levels associated with PTSD. High confidence level was assigned to 9 of 11 genes after considering evidence from the confirmatory PWAS and TWAS. Most of the identified genes are expressed in other PTSD-relevant brain regions and several are preferentially expressed in excitatory neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. These genes are novel, promising targets for mechanistic and therapeutic studies to find new treatments for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Wingo
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Yue Liu
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Duc M Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Selina M Vattathil
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana Lori
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Michael S Breen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetic and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam X Maihofer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Health Care System, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Psychiatric Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel F Levey
- Department of Psychiatry Yale, University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry Yale, University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Center System, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aliza P Wingo
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Atlanta Health Care System, Decatur, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kehle-Forbes SM, Ackland PE, Spoont MR, Meis LA, Orazem RJ, Lyon A, Valenstein-Mah HR, Schnurr PP, Zickmund SL, Foa EB, Chard KM, Alpert E, Polusny MA. Divergent experiences of U.S. veterans who did and did not complete trauma-focused therapies for PTSD: A national qualitative study of treatment dropout. Behav Res Ther 2022; 154:104123. [PMID: 35644083 PMCID: PMC9873271 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are first-line treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have been disseminated throughout the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. Treatment non-completion is common and lessens clinical effectiveness; however, prior work has failed to identify factors consistently associated with non-completion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a national sample of veterans who recently completed (n = 60) or did not complete (n = 66) PE or CPT. Non-completer interviews focused on factors that contributed to veterans' decisions to drop out and efforts undertaken to complete PE/CPT. Completer interviews focused on challenges faced in completing treatment and facilitators of completion. Transcripts were coded using a mixed deductive/inductive approach; constant comparison was used to identify differences between completers and non-completers. Completers and non-completers differed in the extent of treatment-specific therapist support received, therapists' flexibility in treatment delivery, the type of encouragement offered by the care team and social supports, their interpretation of symptom worsening, the perceived impact of treatment on functioning, and the impact of stressors on their treatment engagement. Treatment-specific therapist support, more patient-centered and flexible treatment delivery, leveraging the full care team, and addressing functional concerns are potential targets for PE and CPT engagement interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Kehle-Forbes
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA,Women’s Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA,University of Minnesota, Department of Medicine, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA,Corresponding author. Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA. (S.M. Kehle-Forbes)
| | - Princess E. Ackland
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA,University of Minnesota, Department of Medicine, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Michele R. Spoont
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA,University of Minnesota, Department of Medicine, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA,National Center for PTSD, Pacific Islands Division, 459 Patterson Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96819, USA
| | - Laura A. Meis
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA,University of Minnesota, Department of Medicine, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Robert J. Orazem
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Alexandra Lyon
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Helen R. Valenstein-Mah
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Paula P. Schnurr
- National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs, 163 Veterans Dr, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA,Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Rope Ferry Rd, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Susan L. Zickmund
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement & Analytic Sciences Center, Salt Lake City VA, 500 S Foothill Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Edna B. Foa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 6th Gateway, 3535 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Chard
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 3200 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA
| | - Elizabeth Alpert
- Women’s Health Sciences Division at VA Boston, National Center for PTSD, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Melissa A. Polusny
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA,University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Jin J, Weiman K, Bremault-Phillips S, Vermetten E. Moral Injury and Recovery in Uniformed Professionals: Lessons From Conversations Among International Students and Experts. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:880442. [PMID: 35774092 PMCID: PMC9237246 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.880442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the course of service, military members, leaders, and uniformed professionals are at risk of exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Serious mental health consequences including Moral Injury (MI) and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result. Guilt, shame, spiritual/existential conflict, and loss of trust are described as core symptoms of MI. These can overlap with anxiety, anger, re-experiencing, self-harm, and social problems commonly seen in PTSD. The experiences of General (retired) Romeo Dallaire and other international experts who have led in times of crisis can help us better understand MI and recovery. Objectives In honor of Dallaire, online opportunities were created for international students and leaders/experts to discuss topics of MI, stigma, and moral codes in times of adversity as well as the moral impact of war. We aimed to (1) better understand MI and moral dilemmas, and (2) identify key insights that could inform prevention of and recovery from MI. Materials and Methods Webinars and conversations of 75-90 min duration on MI and recovery were facilitated by Leiden University, the University of Alberta and the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security between General Dallaire, world experts, and graduate students. Sessions were recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed with NVivo using standard qualitative methodology. Results Ninety four participants engaged in conversations. Student engagements were attended by participants [N = 51; female (29), male (22)] from the Netherlands and Canada. Conversations were held with international experts [N = 43; female (19) and male (24)] from North America, Europe, Australia and the global south. Themes included: (1) recognizing the impact of exposure to PMIEs, (2) reducing stigma around MI, and (3) embracing the spiritual depth of humanity. Conclusion Exposure to PMIEs can have devastating impacts on military members, leaders and other uniformed professionals. This may lead to development of MI and PTSD. Recognizing MI as honorable may reduce stigma and psychological harm, and facilitate help-seeking among uniformed personnel and other trauma-affected populations. Salient efforts to address MI must include use of accurate measurements of MI and integrated holistic therapeutic approaches, inclusive of spiritual and social components. Urgency remains regarding the prediction, identification and treatment of MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kyle Weiman
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Suzette Bremault-Phillips
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Artin H, Bentley S, Mehaffey E, Liu FX, Sojourner K, Bismark AW, Printz D, Lee EE, Martis B, De Peralta S, Baker DG, Mishra J, Ramanathan D. Effects of intranasal ( S)-ketamine on Veterans with co-morbid treatment-resistant depression and PTSD: A retrospective case series. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 48:101439. [PMID: 35706484 PMCID: PMC9092498 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND (S)-ketamine is a glutamatergic drug with potent and rapid acting effects for the treatment of depression. Little is known about the effectiveness of intranasal (S)-ketamine for treating patients with comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS We performed a retrospective case series analysis of clinical outcomes in 35 Veterans with co-morbid depression and PTSD who were treated with intranasal (S)-ketamine treatments at the VA San Diego Neuromodulation Clinic between Jan 2020 and March 2021. Veterans were not randomized or blinded to treatment. The primary outcome measured was a change in patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) scores across the first 8 treatments (induction period) using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). In a smaller sub-group (n = 19) of Veterans who received at least 8 additional treatments, we analyzed whether intranasal (S)-ketamine continued to show treatment effects. Finally, we performed a sub-group and correlation analyses to understand how changes in PHQ-9 and PCL-5 scores were related across treatments. FINDINGS During the induction phase of treatment there was an absolute reduction of 5.1 (SEM 0.7) on the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) rating scale for depression, from 19.8 (SEM 0.7) at treatment 1 to 14.7 (SEM 0.8) at treatment 8 (week 4) (F(7238) = 8.3, p = 1e-6, partial η2 = 0.2). Five Veterans (14%) showed a clinically meaningful response (50% reduction in PHQ-9 score) at treatment 8. There was an absolute reduction of 15.5 +/- 2.4 on the patient checklist 5 (PCL-5) rating scale for PTSD, from 54.8 (SEM 2) at treatment 1 down to 39.3 (SEM 2.5) at treatment 8 (F(7238) = 15.5, p = 2e-7, partial η2 = 0.31). Sixteen Veterans (46%) showed a clinically meaningful response (reduction in PCL-5 of > 30%) in PTSD. Change in PHQ-9 correlated with change in PCL-5 at treatment 8 (r = 0.47, p = 0.005), but a decrease in PTSD symptoms were observable in some individuals with minimal anti-depressant response. INTERPRETATIONS While this is an open-label retrospective analysis, our results indicate that both depression and PTSD symptoms in Veterans with dual-diagnoses may improve with repeated intranasal (S)-ketamine treatment. The effects of (S)-ketamine on PTSD symptoms were temporally and individually distinct from those on depression, suggesting potentially different modes of action on the two disorders. This work may warrant formal randomized controlled studies on the effects of intranasal (S)-ketamine for individuals with co-morbid MDD and PTSD. FUNDING VA Center of Excellence in Stress and Mental Health, VA ORD (Career Development Award to DSR), Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Award (DSR), NIMH (EL).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hewa Artin
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sean Bentley
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eamonn Mehaffey
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fred X. Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kevin Sojourner
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Andrew W. Bismark
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David Printz
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ellen E. Lee
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brian Martis
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sharon De Peralta
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dewleen G. Baker
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jyoti Mishra
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dhakshin Ramanathan
- Mental Health Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP. Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD. J Neurol Sci 2022; 439:120302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|