VA Residential Provider Perceptions of Dissuading Factors to the Use of Two Evidence-Based PTSD Treatments

Supporting Clinicians in Implementing Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Related Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Exposure therapy is the gold standard treatment for anxiety and related disorders. Despite its strong evidence, it is rarely delivered in routine clinical settings. A growing body of literature has identified factors that impede delivery of exposure therapy and strategies that can increase its use. This review of research from the past 5 years: (1) summarizes barriers to delivering exposure; (2) identifies evidence-based strategies to support clinicians in increasing their delivery of exposure; and (3) highlights emerging trends and challenges in supporting clinicians to use exposure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Barriers to delivering exposure occur at the clinician, client, and organizational levels. Clinician training and organizational policies need to directly address multi-level barriers to support clinicians in using exposure. Technology-related considerations (e.g., virtual reality, telehealth) should be considered and clinicians should receive support from others (e.g., bachelor's-level providers; family peer navigators) to address increasing rates of anxiety disorders.

Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in a Nation-Wide Veterans Health Administration Sample: The Role of Clinic, Therapist, and Patient Factors

OBJECTIVE

To examine the use of CBT-CP (Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain) by CBT-CP-trained therapists to treat patients with pain over a five-year period (October 2015-February 2020).

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING

CBT-CP is a core evidence-based practice that is central to multidisciplinary chronic pain care. However, research suggests that CBT-CP is underused. The current study used national Veterans Health Administration data to examine the use of CBT-CP by CBT-CP-trained therapists to treat patients with pain over a five-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

Multilevel modeling was used to evaluate clinic, therapist, and patient-level factors as predictors of CBT-CP receipt.

DATA COLLECTION

Administrative data on 37,514 patients seen at a national sample of Veterans Health Administration locations for pain were collected from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration central data repository.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Results indicated 38.4% of patients with pain seen by a CBT-CP-trained therapist received CBT-CP during the observation period. Patients were more likely to receive CBT-CP if more time elapsed since their therapist received CBT-CP training and if their therapist had a master's degree (vs. a doctorate). Patients with somatic symptom disorder and depressive disorders were more likely to receive CBT-CP, while patients with comorbid personality disorders or substance use disorders were less likely to receive CBT-CP. Patients seen in pain specialty, PTSD, biomedical, and mental health clinics were more likely to receive CBT-CP than those not seen in these clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that the reach of CBT-CP is substantively related to factors at each level. Future research is needed to better understand the therapy treatment decision-making processes and to address education gaps and other factors that impede the implementation of evidence-based practices.

Towards an understanding of readiness for trauma-focussed therapy in post-traumatic stress disorder: A conceptual integration of empirical data and theoretical constructs

For people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the concept of being 'ready' for trauma-focused therapy (TFT) has emerged from research as an important factor in initiation and completion of therapy. Lack of readiness of individual service users has been proposed as a reason for poor uptake of TFT in large implementation programs. However, there has been almost no investigation of what constitutes readiness for TFT. In this review we build a conceptual case for readiness for TFT. We use qualitative research exploring PTSD treatment service users' and providers' experiences and perspectives of care together with two motivational theories (self-determination theory and motivation to engage in treatment) to propose a model of readiness for TFT. Readiness appears to encompass a) a motivational factor that includes willingness to undertake TFT and b) a set of determinants of motivation that may include the emotional burden of TFT, perceived suitability of TFT rationale; outcome expectancy; level of suffering; perceived competence; therapeutic relationship; autonomy; social supports; stigma; and problem recognition. This review is designed to encourage further research into this important clinical construct. It offers a new perspective on the need for a preparation phase before exposure in TFT, an issue of debate in the field.

Concurrent impact of PTSD symptoms and alcohol use on working memory and executive functioning in a U.S. adult sample

Despite high comorbidity between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) and well-documented independent impacts of each condition on cognitive functioning, few studies have explored the concurrent effects of PTSD and AUD on cognitive control. Recent intervention studies have explored working memory (WM) and executive functioning (EF) as potential treatment targets to improve outcomes for both PTSD and AUD, but there is a need to elucidate concurrent impacts of each condition to inform intervention development. The present study examined WM and EF performance in a sample of U.S. adults in relation to current PTSD symptom and alcohol use (AU) severity. We hypothesized that there would be main effects of both PTSD symptoms and AU severity on WM and EF outcomes, with an exploration of interaction effects. A sample of 112 participants (79% white, 61% female) recruited from a larger survey study also completed follow-up WM and EF tasks. Results did not support our hypotheses regarding main effects of PTSD and AU severity on WM and EF outcomes. Significant age effects were observed on WM measures such that higher age was associated with reduced performance. An interaction effect was detected for one EF measure (decision-making), such that decision-making performances were relatively stable at low to subthreshold PTSD symptoms regardless of AU severity but declined with increasing AU at clinically elevated PTSD symptoms. Findings reflect new information regarding the impact of concurrent PTSD and AU severity on EF, and implications for future research and intervention development are discussed.

State of the Science: Treatment of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) co-occur at high rates, with research showing that up to nearly 60% of individuals with PTSD also suffer from an alcohol and/or drug use disorder. PTSD/SUD is complex; associated with adverse health, social, and economic outcomes; and can be challenging to treat. Over the past decade, the landscape of treatment research addressing PTSD/SUD has significantly expanded. Ongoing efforts aimed at developing and evaluating novel treatments for PTSD/SUD, encompassing both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy approaches, are steadily advancing. As such, this State of the Science paper reviews the literature on the latest scientific advances in treating PTSD/SUD. Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD/SUD are discussed, along with evidence-based psychotherapies and emerging interventions. Rigorously conducted clinical trials demonstrate that individual, manualized, trauma-focused treatments are the most efficacious psychotherapies to use among individuals with PTSD/SUD. Moreover, patients do not need to be abstinent to initiate or benefit from evidence-based PTSD treatment. To date, no medications have been established for this comorbidity. We highlight ongoing research on novel treatments for PTSD/SUD, such as new forms of integrated trauma-focused psychotherapies, pharmacological augmentation strategies, and technology-based enhancements. Finally, promising future directions for the field are discussed.

State of the Science of Cognitive Processing Therapy

This state of the science review provides an overview of the history and findings of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), one of the most recommended treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, and comorbid conditions. After an introduction to CPT and the randomized controlled trials that have been conducted, the effects of CPT on comorbid conditions are reviewed, as well as new combination treatments. Cognitive mediators of change are described. Different formats for CPT that have been developed are described, as well as patient, therapy, and therapist factors in outcome; applicability across diverse populations; efforts to disseminate CPT; and ongoing studies into the future.

Factors Associated With Increased Substance Use Disorder Care in VA PTSD Specialty Outpatient Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Substance use disorders (SUDs) commonly co-occur with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding PTSD clinics that serve higher percentages of patients with PTSD/SUD is crucial for improving SUD care in clinics with lower percentages of such patients. This study examined the differences between Veterans Affairs (VA) PTSD treatment sites with higher percentages ("High%") and lower percentages ("Low%") of patients with PTSD/SUD as well as exploring the roles of the PTSD/SUD specialists.

METHODS

The study collected quantitative and qualitative data from 18 clinic directors and 21 specialists from 33 VA PTSD specialty outpatient clinics from 2014 to 2016. The clinics were chosen from the top and bottom quartiles based on two criteria: (1) the percentage of patients with PTSD/SUD and (2) the percentage of patients with PTSD/SUD who completed at least three SUD visits within the first month of their SUD treatment. The interviews sought to identify distinguishing characteristics between the High% and Low% clinics in terms of treatment access and practices for patients with PTSD/SUD.

RESULTS

More of the High% clinics reported providing evidence-based, patient-centered, and integrated/concurrent PTSD/SUD treatment and had staff members with more up-to-date knowledge and skills than the Low% clinics. We also found the roles of the PTSD/SUD specialists were demanding and confusing, leading to high turnover rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The two groups of PTSD clinics differed in three key factors: Resources, knowledge and skills of staff members, and local policies. Future research should focus on addressing resource limitations, knowledge gaps, and local policy disparities in Low% clinics. By emulating the practices of High% clinics, VA PTSD clinics can improve SUD care for patients with PTSD/SUD.

An Analysis of Irregular Discharges From Residential Treatment Programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System

INTRODUCTION

Veteran populations are frequently diagnosed with mental health conditions such as substance use disorder and PTSD. These conditions are associated with adverse outcomes including a higher risk of suicide. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has designed a robust mental health system to address these concerns. Veterans can access mental health treatment in acute inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Residential programs play an important role in meeting the needs of veterans who need more structure and support. Residential specialty types in the VHA include general mental health, substance use disorder, PTSD, and homeless/work programs. These programs are affiliated with a DVA facility (i.e., medical center). Although residential care can improve outcomes, there is evidence that some patients are discharged from these settings before achieving the program endpoint. These unplanned discharges are referred to using language such as against medical advice, self-discharge, or irregular discharge. Concerningly, unplanned discharges are associated with patient harm including death by suicide. Although there is some initial evidence to locate factors that predict irregular discharge in VHA residential programs, no work has been done to examine features associated with irregular discharge in each residential specialty.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were discharged from VHA residential treatment programs between January 2018 and September 2022. We included the following covariates: Principal diagnosis, gender, age, race/ethnicity, number of physical health conditions, number of mental health diagnostic categories, marital status, risk of homelessness, urbanicity, and service connection. We considered two discharge types: Regular and irregular. We used logistic regression to determine the odds of irregular discharge using models stratified by bed specialty as well as combined odds ratios and 95% CIs across program specialties. The primary purposes are to identify factors that predict irregular discharge and to determine if the factors are consistent across bed specialties. In a secondary analysis, we calculated facility-level adjusted rates of irregular discharge, limiting to facilities with at least 50 discharges. We identified the amount of residual variation that exists between facilities after adjusting for patient factors.

RESULTS

A total of 279 residential programs (78,588 patients representing 124,632 discharges) were included in the analysis. Substance use disorder and homeless/work programs were the most common specialty types. Both in the overall and stratified analyses, the number of mental health diagnostic categories and younger age were predictors of irregular discharge. In the facility analysis, there was substantial variation in irregular discharge rates across residential specialties even after adjusting for all patient factors. For example, PTSD programs had a mean adjusted irregular discharge rate of 15.3% (SD: 7.4; range: 2.1-31.2; coefficient of variation: 48.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Irregular discharge is a key concern in VHA residential care. Patient characteristics do not account for all of the observed variation in rates across residential specialty types. There is a need to develop specialty-specific measures of irregular discharge to learn about system-level factors that contribute to irregular discharge. These data can inform strategies to avoid harms associated with irregular discharge.

Impact of alcohol use, combat exposure, and posttraumatic stress on verbal and visual working memory performance in post-9/11 veterans

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use (AU) are highly prevalent and comorbid among post-9/11 U.S. military veterans. Both issues are associated with working memory (WM) deficits, but have rarely been studied concurrently in cognitive studies of post-9/11 veterans. They also have been measured inconsistently, with variable outcomes, in prior veteran studies despite their relevance to new intervention paradigms involving WM.

METHOD

The present study evaluated 52 post-9/11 veterans [predominantly male (94.2%); White (44.2%) or Black (36.5%); 50% being diagnosed with PTSD based on CAPS-5 results] with objectively verified valid neuropsychological test performance on measures of PTSD, AU, combat exposure, and verbal and visual WM.

RESULTS

PTSD was not associated with verbal or visual WM performances, whereas AU and combat exposure were significantly associated with poorer visual WM performances.

CONCLUSIONS

AU and prior combat exposure may influence visual WM performances in post-9/11 veterans, which is relevant to novel PTSD treatment paradigms. This sample was limited to mostly male and White or Black participants, and future studies should focus on sampling more heterogeneous groups of veterans with regard to sex and ethnicity. Improvements in specification/multimodal WM assessment are important for future research, as these may directly impact developing intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Factors Associated with Engaging in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy During the First Year of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Between 2017 and 2019

To address the burden of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD at all VHA medical centers. Prior investigations show EBP utilization has increased following the initial nationwide implementation. However, most patients still do not engage in EBPs and those who do often have substantial delays between diagnosis and treatment which is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The goal of the current study is to identify patient and clinical factors associated with initiating EBP and completing a minimally adequate dose of treatment within the first year of a new PTSD diagnosis. Overall, 263,018 patients started PTSD treatment between 2017 and 2019 and 11.6% (n = 30,462) initiated EBP during their first year of treatment. Of those who initiated EBP, 32.9% (n = 10,030) received a minimally adequate dose. Older patients were less likely to initiate EBP, but more likely to receive an adequate dose when they did initiate. Black, Hispanic/Latino/a, and Pacific Islander patients' likelihood of initiating EBP was not significantly different than White patients, but these patients were less likely to receive an adequate dose. Patients with comorbid depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or substance use disorders were less likely to initiate EBP, while patients reporting MST were more likely to initiate EBP. This study identifies several patient-level disparities that could be prioritized to increase EBP utilization. In our evaluation, most patients did not engage in EBP during their first year of PTSD treatment, which is consistent with previous evaluations of EBP utilization. Future research should focus on understanding the flow of patients from PTSD diagnosis to treatment to support effective PTSD care delivery.

Making sense of poor adherence in PTSD treatment from the perspectives of veterans and their therapists

OBJECTIVE

Dropout rates from trauma-focused PTSD treatments (TFTs) in VA clinics are particularly high. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 29 veterans and their therapists to better understand this phenomenon.

METHOD

Participants were part of a multisite, mixed-methods study of TFT adherence in VA clinics. Veterans were eligible for interviews if they exhibited poor TFT adherence and screened positive for PTSD in follow-up surveys. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative dyadic analysis approaches.

RESULTS

Therapists relied on stereotypes of poor adherence to understand veterans' experiences and were missing information critical to helping veterans succeed. Veterans misunderstood aspects of the therapy and struggled in ways they inadequately expressed to therapists. Therapist attempts at course corrections were poorly matched to veterans' needs. Many dyads reported difficulties in their therapeutic relationships. Veterans reported invalidating experiences that were not prominent in therapists' interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Future work is needed to test hypotheses generated and find effective ways to help veterans fully engage in TFTs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Management of Psychological Complications Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

It has been clear for decades that psychological factors often contribute to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) outcome, but an emerging literature has begun to clarify which specific factors are important, when, for whom, and how they impact recovery. This review aims to summarize the contemporary evidence on psychological determinants of recovery from mTBI and its implications for clinical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Comorbid mental health disorders and specific illness beliefs and coping behaviors (e.g., fear avoidance) are associated with worse recovery from mTBI. Proactive assessment and intervention for psychological complications can improve clinical outcomes. Evidence-based treatments for primary mental health disorders are likely also effective for treating mental health disorders after mTBI, and can reduce overall post-concussion symptoms. Broad-spectrum cognitive-behavioral therapy may modestly improve post-concussion symptoms, but tailoring delivery to individual psychological risk factors and/or symptoms may improve its efficacy. Addressing psychological factors in treatments delivered primarily by non-psychologists is a promising and cost-effective approach for enhancing clinical management of mTBI. Recent literature emphasizes a bio-psycho-socio-ecological framework for understanding mTBI recovery and a precision rehabilitation approach to maximize recovery. Integrating psychological principles into rehabilitation and tailoring interventions to specific risk factors may improve clinical management of mTBI.

Initiating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Community Settings: A Qualitative Investigation of Therapist Decision-Making

Various organizations have provided treatment guidelines intended to aid therapists in deciding how to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD in the community may be difficult to obtain. Although strides have been made to implement EBPs for PTSD in institutional settings such as the United States Veterans Affairs, community uptake remains low. Factors surrounding clients' decisions to enroll in EBPs have been identified in some settings; however less is known regarding trained therapists' decisions related to offering trauma-focused therapies or alternative treatment options. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine therapist motivations to initiate CPT in community settings. The present study utilizes data from a larger investigation aiming to support the sustained implementation of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in community mental health treatment settings. Enrolled therapists participated in phone interviews discussing their opinions of CPT, preferred treatments for PTSD, and process in assessing appropriate PTSD treatments for clients. Semi-structured interviews (N = 29) were transcribed and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Several themes emerged regarding therapists' decision-making in selecting PTSD treatments. Therapist motivations to use EBPs for PTSD, primarily CPT, were identified at the client (e.g., perceived compatibility with client-level characteristics), therapist (e.g., time limitations), and clinic levels (e.g., leadership support). The results provide insight into the complex array of factors that affect sustainability of EBPs for PTSD in community settings and inform future dissemination of EBPs, including training efforts in community settings.

Treatment response trajectories in residential PTSD programs for veterans: A national cohort investigation

Although improving residential PTSD care is a priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs, previous evaluations have been limited by a lack of systematic data collection across more than two timepoints. This study used recently available data to assess symptom trajectories in a large, national sample of veterans who engaged in residential PTSD treatment. Group-based trajectory analysis PROC TRAJ was used to identify PTSD residential treatment response in a national cohort of veterans (n = 10,832) and the subset of veterans (n = 6515) receiving evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP). PTSD symptoms were assessed at intake, discharge, and 4-month follow-up. Predictors of trajectory membership were estimated using multinomial models. For the full cohort, a three-group trajectory model provided the best fit with the following identified groups: "Severe/Stable" (51.8%), "Moderate/Rebound" (40.1%), and "Mild/Rebound" (8.1%). For the EBP sub-cohort, a three-group trajectory model was selected with the following groups: "Severe/Stable" (58.5%), "Moderate/Rebound" (34.1%), and "Mild/Rebound" (7.4%). Across all trajectories, psychological distress, pain severity, substance use, Iraq/Afghanistan combat era, non-White race, and treatment dropout were associated with poorer treatment response. In the EBP sub-cohort, homelessness and unemployment at the time of admission were also associated with poorer treatment outcomes to varying degrees. This study demonstrates that residential treatment for PTSD is associated with heterogeneous treatment trajectories which highlight the need to continue to explore and improve residential PTSD treatment outcomes. Our results underscore the importance of obtaining follow-up data and identifying ways to maintain therapeutic gains following discharge.

Trauma Exposure and PTSD in Philadelphia Community Mental Health

OBJECTIVE

Based on feedback received during post-training consultation within a Prolonged Exposure (PE) implementation initiative, additional assessment training was added to help community providers identify patients who met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and were considered appropriate for PTSD treatment. The current study investigated the rates of trauma exposure and PTSD in the community sample, as well as the percentage of individuals deemed "appropriate" for PE by community therapists.

METHOD

Clinicians involved in the PE Initiative administered the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5 (PDS-5) to 10,260 individuals across 13 community agencies. Clinicians were also asked to report whether patients were perceived as appropriate for PE.

RESULTS

Consistent with our hypothesis, the rates of potential PTSD in Philadelphia community mental health (58.2% of our total sample) far exceeded national averages (8.3%). Contrary to our hypothesis, 100% of patients who scored above the clinical cutoff for PTSD were considered appropriate for PE by their community clinician.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study emphasize the high prevalence of PTSD among individuals presenting for treatment to community mental health centers. Despite common misconceptions that patients are often perceived as ineligible or not appropriate for PE, 100% of patients in the PE Initiative who scored above the clinical cutoff for PTSD were considered good candidates for treatment according to their clinicians. This suggests that with sufficient training and post-training consultation, as provided in this community initiative, community clinicians may be more likely to perceive PE as an appropriate treatment option.

A National Survey of Patient Completion of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain: The Role of Therapist Characteristics, Attempt Rates, and Modification

The implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies, including patient-level measures such as penetration and rates of successfully completing a course of therapy, has received increasing attention. While much attention has been paid to the effect of patient-level factors on implementation, relatively little attention has been paid to therapist factors (e.g., professional training, experience).

Objective

The current study explores therapists' decisions to offer a particular evidence-based psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain; CBT-CP), whether and how they modify CBT-CP, and the relationship between these decisions and patient completion rates.

Methods

The study utilized survey responses from 141 Veterans Affairs therapists certified in CBT-CP.

Results

Therapists reported attempting CBT-CP with a little less than one half of their patients with chronic pain (mean = 48.8%, s.d.=35.7). Therapist were generally split between reporting modifying CBT-CP for either very few or most of their patients. After controlling for therapist characteristics and modification, therapist-reported percentage of patients with attempted CBT-CP was positively associated with completion rates, t (111) = 4.57, p<.001.

Conclusions

Therapists who attempt CBT-CP more frequently may experience better completion rates, perhaps due to practice effects or contextual factors that support both attempts and completion. Future research should examine this relationship using objective measures of attempt rates and completion.

COVID-19 Information Overload, Negative Emotions and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Under the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large amount of COVID-19-related information can cause an individual's perceived information overload, further halting the individual's psychological health. As a minor psychological discomfort could develop severe mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, it is necessary to understand the chain linkage of COVID-19 information overload turn to posttraumatic stress disorder to ensure timely intervention can be offered at each point of mental state transformation. Hence, we examined the negative outcomes of COVID-19 information overload and investigated the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder.

METHODS

A convenient sample of Chinese adults (n = 1150) was investigated by an online survey from July 2020 to March 2021. The extent of COVID-19 information overload was measured by the information overload severity scale on the text of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological distress symptoms were measured using a 7-item anxiety scale (GAD-7), the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9), and the psychometric properties of the PTSD Checklist (PCL-C). Structural equation modeling and bootstrap methods were utilized to analyze the relationships between variables.

RESULTS

COVID-19 information overload is positively related to an individual's anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, COVID-19 information overload can indirectly affect an individual's PTSD symptoms by increasing the feeling of depression. R² values of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were 0.471, 0.324, and 0.795, respectively.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 information overload, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are negative psychological states, and each variable is closely linked with the others, suggesting the need for potential psychological interventions at specific times. Practical public training, such as crisis coping and information filtering, is essential. Regulation of technology companies is also essential.

Online training for evidence-based child trauma treatment: evaluation of the German language TF-CBT-Web

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for treating PTSD in children and youth are barely used in practice. Web-based training has proven to be an effective way of transferring knowledge to healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE

TF-CBT Web is a web-based training programme designed to foster the dissemination of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and youth, and is run by the Medical University of South Carolina. This paper describes the characteristics of healthcare professionals who registered for the adapted German language version of TF-CBT Web. It evaluates the effectiveness and user friendliness of the programme.

METHOD

: Similar to the TF-CBT treatment manual, the German language TF-CBT Web contains 12 modules. Between 2018 and 2020, 4,020 users registered for the programme. During the registration process users provided demographic information. The knowledge of users regarding the TF-CBT components was assessed via pre-tests and post-tests in each module.

RESULTS

The programme was accessed by a sample of mostly German users with varying professional health care backgrounds and a wide-ranging spread of work experience. The results indicated a significant knowledge gain and high rates of user satisfaction with the programme.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the results of this study suggested that web-based training is an effective and well-accepted method for knowledge gain in trauma-focused interventions. Future research should evaluate the actual application of the taught methods in clinical practice.

HIGHLIGHTS

Children and adolescents with PTSD require trauma-focused treatment. However, evidence-based interventions for this patient population are barely used. Therefore, it is necessary to expand professional training for the treatment of traumatised children and adolescents.Our evaluation showed the effectiveness and feasibility of a web-based training programme for mental health practitioners in an evidence-based treatment for children and youth with PTSD (TF-CBT). Results show a significant knowledge gain of users who participate in the web-based training programme.The user satisfaction survey also revealed that users found the modus and content of the web-based training applicable and relevant for their clinical practice.

Treating Veterans at Risk for Suicide: An Examination of the Safety, Tolerability, and Outcomes of Cognitive Processing Therapy

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors; however, clinicians often report apprehension about recommending trauma-focused therapy to patients with an increased risk of suicide. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and response to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) among a sample of military veterans with PTSD and increased suicide risk. A secondary aim was to provide a clinically useful definition of high suicide risk. Chart review was used to classify the suicide risk level of 290 veterans who participated in CPT at a Veterans Affairs clinic. Treatment outcomes in veterans with different suicide risk levels were also gathered and compared. Over 50% (n = 155) of the sample demonstrated increased suicide risk, and 1.0% (n = 3) engaged in suicidal behavior after initiating treatment. To date, hospital records show no suicide deaths since 2016 among clinic patients who received CPT. Suicide risk level was not associated with CPT tolerability, and PTSD symptom change was equivalent across groups, ps = .085-.976. Veterans across groups reported clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. The tested suicide risk categorization schemes performed similarly in differentiating the odds of CPT completion and PTSD symptom reduction. These results suggest that veterans with PTSD and an increased risk of suicide, including those with previous suicide attempts and current ideation, can tolerate and benefit from CPT. Additional variables must be considered to truly determine the acute and imminent suicide risk that would deem CPT to be contraindicated.

Rates and predictors of psychotherapy receipt among U.S. veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders

Introduction

Veterans with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) have complex needs and often do not receive adequate mental health treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine rates and predictors of PTSD-only, SUD-only, or PTSD and SUD psychotherapy receipt among newly diagnosed Veterans with PTSD and SUD.

Design and setting

An administrative dataset including Veterans Health Administration (VHA) users.

Participants

The sample comprised 32,779 United States Veterans with a new PTSD and a new SUD diagnosis in fiscal year 2015.

Measurement

Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receipt of any and adequate psychotherapy for PTSD, SUD, or PTSD and SUD across settings. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PTSD psychotherapy among those who received any psychotherapy.

Findings

A total of 13,824 (42.17%) Veterans in this sample received any PTSD- or SUD-related therapy in the year following diagnosis. Low rates of veterans received an adequate dose of PTSD-related psychotherapy (6.58%), SUD-related psychotherapy (7.72%), or both PTSD and SUD-related psychotherapy (<1%) In adjusted models, older age, service-connected disability, and psychiatric comorbidities were associated with decreased odds of treatment. Specific types of SUDs, including alcohol, cocaine, and opioid use disorders, along with receipt of diagnosis in a PTSD or SUD clinic, were associated with increased odds of treatment.

Conclusions

Low rates of PTSD and SUD related psychotherapy highlight a need to better engage and retain Veterans with these disorders in care. Predictors of decreased treatment utilization, such as older age, service connection, and bipolar and major depressive disorders, may inform efforts by the VHA to further target and engage Veterans with indicated treatments.

Application of the Unified Protocol for a Japanese Patient with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Multiple Comorbidities: A Single-Case Study

(1) Background: The efficacy of the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy, with trauma-focused exposure has not been sufficiently demonstrated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with multiple comorbidities. This study examined the effects of UP treatment with trauma-focused exposure on symptoms of PTSD and comorbidities in a client who was hesitant about exposure. (2) Methods: The client, who had comorbid dysthymia, social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and bulimia nervosa, participated in the UP for 20 sessions over 6 months. The principal diagnosis and symptoms of the comorbid disorders were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up. This treatment was conducted as part of a clinical study (UMIN000008322). (3) Results: The client showed improvement in the principal diagnosis and symptoms of the comorbid disorders post-intervention compared with baseline and no longer met the diagnostic criteria for any of the disorders. Considerable symptom improvement was observed with imaginal exposure to trauma memories. (4) Conclusions: The UP was an effective alternative treatment for PTSD and symptoms of comorbidities in this client who was hesitant about exposure to traumatic memories, and that the inclusion of trauma-focused exposure provided sufficient therapeutic effects. Further research is needed to examine the generalizability of our findings.

Integrated Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy for Traumatic Stress and Substance Use: Two Adolescent Case Studies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) occur frequently as comorbid diagnoses among adolescents. Historically, these conditions have been treated using a sequential model; however, emerging evidence suggests that an integrated treatment model may be most effective. This article presents two de-identified clinical case studies from an ongoing randomised controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated, exposure-based, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) for PTSD and SUD among adolescents (COPE-A), relative to a supportive counselling control condition (person-centred therapy). In both case studies, participants were randomised to receive the COPE-A integrated treatment, which incorporates prolonged exposure (PE) including imaginal and in vivo exposure as a core treatment component alongside CBT for PTSD and SUD. The clinical profile and treatment response of each participant is discussed. Promising results were found in both cases, with substantially reduced traumatic stress symptoms and decreased or stable levels of substance use by the end of treatment. Clinical implications of these early findings are discussed.

Assessing an evidence-based intervention for spouse caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease: results of a community implementation of the NYUCI in Israel

OBJECTIVES

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects not only the person with the illness, but family caregivers as well. The NYU Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI), a psychosocial intervention which has demonstrated both short and long-term benefits for caregivers, has been used widely in the United States and in Australia and England. The Israeli study was a hybrid between a community implementation study and a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the NYUCI in a non-English speaking country.

METHOD

A sample of 100 spouse caregivers participated in trial comparing the NYUCI provided by ten Israeli clinicians (enhanced care), to support group participation (usual care). The major outcome of interest was caregiver depressive symptoms, measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale. A linear random effects regression model controlling for factors associated with depressive symptoms was used to plot the longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms over the two-year study period and compare outcomes for the enhanced care and control groups.

RESULTS

One hundred spouse caregivers enrolled, of whom 81 provided data at baseline and at one or more post intervention assessments. The Israeli adaptation of the NYUCI was effective in reducing depressive symptoms reported by caregivers compared to their counterparts in the control group, b= -1.29 [95%CI (-2.43, -0.15)], p= .0265.

CONCLUSION

While implementing a randomized controlled trial of an intervention developed and tested in traditional research settings using community providers in Israel, posed unique challenges, the study demonstrated benefits to caregivers. As a result, 30 municipalities in Israel are currently implementing an ongoing adaptation of the NYUCI.

Processing of Positive Memories Technique among Clients Reporting Traumatic Experiences: A Case Series

Many current treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emphasize processing and engaging with trauma memories as the key mechanism of therapeutic change. However, promising emerging research indicates links between PTSD symptoms and positive memories. Processing positive memories, to therapeutically impact health outcomes for trauma-exposed individuals, may have several benefits, including (a) increasing access to positive coping mechanisms via activating positive affect and thoughts; (b) addressing avoidance of positive affect and thoughts; and (c) honing skills that will aid in the eventual processing of trauma memories. The present article demonstrates the utility and effects of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) with three clients who reported a history of traumatic experiences. We outline the procedures of a 5-session PPMT, that incorporates symptom assessment, detailed imaginal experiencing of positive memories, and processing of associated positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts. We utilize longitudinal assessment data to demonstrate the clinical benefits of PPMT, such as less PTSD severity, improved mood (e.g., less negative affect), and greater self-esteem. Finally, we discuss treatment considerations based on unique client factors and treatment modalities (i.e., in-person vs. video telehealth).

Pharmacist dispensing of the abortion pill in Canada: Diffusion of Innovation meets integrated knowledge translation

BACKGROUND

Since Canadian drug regulatory approval of mifepristone for medical abortion in 2015 and its market availability in January 2017, the role of pharmacists in abortion provision has changed rapidly. We sought to identify the factors that influenced the initiation and provision of medical abortion from the perspectives of Canadian pharmacists, bridging two frameworks - Diffusion of Innovation in Health Service Organizations and integrated knowledge translation.

METHODS

We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with pharmacists residing in Canada who intended to stock and dispense mifepristone within the first year of availability. Our data collection, analysis, and interpretation were guided by reflexive thematic analysis and supported by an integrated knowledge translation partnership with pharmacy stakeholders.

RESULTS

We completed interviews with 24 participants from across Canada: 33% had stocked and 21% had dispensed mifepristone. We found that pharmacists were willing and able to integrate medical abortion care into their practice and that those who had initiated practice were satisfied with their dispensing experience. Our analysis indicated that several key Diffusion of Innovation constructs impacted the uptake of mifepristone, including: innovation (relative advantage, complexity and compatibility, technical support), system readiness (innovation-system fit, dedicated time, resources), diffusion and dissemination (expert opinion, boundary spanners, champions, social networks, peer opinions), implementation (external collaboration), and linkage. Participants' experiences suggest that integrated knowledge translation facilitated evidence-based changes to mifepristone dispensing restrictions, and communication of those changes to front line pharmacists.

CONCLUSIONS

We illustrate how Diffusion of Innovation and integrated knowledge translation may work together as complimentary frameworks for implementation science research. Unlike in the USA, UK, and other highly regulated settings globally, pharmacists in Canada are permitted to dispense mifepristone for medical abortion. We contribute to literature that shows that mifepristone dispensed outside of hospitals, clinics, and medical offices is safe and acceptable to both patients and prescribers. This finding is of particular importance to the current COVID-19 pandemic response and calls for continued and equitable access to abortion care in primary practice.

Bridging the science-practice gap in treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Testing strategies to enhance beliefs toward exposure therapy

OBJECTIVE

Exposure therapies (e.g., prolonged exposure [PE]), are first-line interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder but remain underutilized, partially due to providers' negative beliefs about these interventions. We examined two experimental strategies aimed at enhancing beliefs towards PE and subsequent utilization.

METHOD

Clinicians (N = 155) were randomized to one of three conditions presenting a PE rationale: basic, empirically-based, or emotionally-based description. Participants were rerandomized to write or not write arguments for utilizing PE. Before and after PE rationales and 1-month later, participants completed questions about PE beliefs and utilization.

RESULTS

Participants reported small yet durable belief change across all rationale conditions, with greatest change following the empirically-based description. Across conditions, belief change was not impacted by writing condition or associated with utilization.

CONCLUSION

Addressing negative beliefs with empirical information may be a brief, cost-effective strategy to improve clinicians' beliefs toward PE. Complementary strategies that leverage belief modification to increase utilization are needed.

Exposure Therapy Beliefs and Utilization for Treatment of PTSD: A Survey of Licensed Mental Health Providers

Exposure-based therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders remain underutilized, despite their effectiveness and widescale dissemination efforts. This study surveyed a broad range of licensed providers (N = 155) to examine rates at which prolonged exposure (PE) and other interventions are used to treat PTSD and to investigate provider characteristics linked to exposure beliefs and utilization. While 92.3% of clinicians reported understanding of or training in exposure, only 55.5% of providers reported use of PE to treat PTSD. Clinicians with current cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) orientation, CBT training orientation, a doctoral degree, and training in PE endorsed greater likelihood of exposure utilization for PTSD (ps < .001, ds = 0.82-1.98) and less negative beliefs about exposure (ps < .01, ds = 0.55-2.00). Exposure beliefs also differed based on healthcare setting (p < .001). Among providers trained in exposure (n = 106), master's degree and non-CBT current theoretical orientation were associated with high utilization yet also negative beliefs. Results suggest exposure training, accurate beliefs, and utilization still lag among some groups of providers. Additionally, negative beliefs and misunderstanding of the exposure rationale may persist even among providers who are trained and report high utilization.

Within-treatment clinical markers of dropout risk in integrated treatments for comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder

BACKGROUND

Integrated interventions for comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are effective, but many patients prematurely drop out from treatment. Little is known about within-treatment risk factors for dropout, limiting the ability during therapy to identify patients at risk for attrition.

METHODS

We examined measures assessing PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5; PCL-5), alcohol use (Substance Use Inventory; SUI), and patient satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire; CSQ-8) as potential within-treatment markers of dropout risk, administered to 110 veterans in a randomized clinical trial of integrated exposure therapy versus integrated coping skills therapy for comorbid PTSD + AUD. Hierarchical Cox proportional hazard models with dropout status as the endpoint assessed effects of PCL-5, SUI, and CSQ-8 on dropout risk, and whether effects differed by treatment modality.

RESULTS

A significant interaction between treatment and changes in alcohol use was observed (HR = 2.86, p =  .007), where between-session alcohol use was positively associated with dropout hazard rate for those receiving integrated exposure therapy (HR = 2.34, p =  .004), but not coping skills therapy (HR = 0.73, p =  .19). Specifically, an increase of one drink consumed per day in the interval since last assessment (typically 2-3 weeks) was associated with a 5-fold increase in dropout hazard rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide preliminary evidence of detectable within-treatment markers of dropout during integrated treatment for PTSD + AUD. Study of within-treatment indicators proximal to dropout may help identify at-risk patients and inform timely strategies to boost retention.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy in the Time of COVID-19: Modifying PTSD Treatment for a Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Who Contracted COVID-19 Mid-Treatment

Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy is a gold-standard treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can be effectively delivered via telehealth modalities. The following case report describes a course of PE delivered to a veteran seeking PTSD treatment for military sexual trauma (MST), who contracted COVID-19 mid-treatment. Considerations for selecting PE as a treatment modality; modifications made due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to telehealth more broadly, and following the veteran contracting COVID-19 more specifically; strategies to increase treatment engagement; and assessment of progress over time, are discussed. In particular, treatment considerations during a global pandemic are explored at the patient-, provider-, and systems level, to inform treatment delivery for other providers during this ongoing pandemic. Although there were numerous technological, environmental, and pandemic-related difficulties, the veteran described here persisted through a course of PE and experienced clinically significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD and a great degree of functional recovery.

Patterns of change in physical functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder with cognitive processing therapy in a randomized controlled implementation trial

Background: Physical health concerns (e.g. chronic pain, fatigue) are common among clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prior research has indicated that clients report improved physical functioning and fewer physical health symptoms after receiving Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD. However, less is known about the impact of physical functioning on the clients' PTSD symptom improvement in CPT. Objective: The current study examined the patterns of change of and between physical functioning and PTSD symptoms over the course of CPT among a diverse military, veteran, and community sample. Method: We collected clients' (N = 188) physical functioning and PTSD symptom severity prior to and during CPT using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey and the PTSD Checklist. We used multilevel modelling to 1) evaluate the impact of baseline physical functioning on the PTSD symptom trajectory, 2) examine the trajectory of physical functioning, and 3) assess the dynamics between physical functioning and PTSD symptoms over the course of CPT. Results: Our multilevel analyses indicated that 1) physical functioning significantly improved for those with low levels of functioning prior to treatment, 2) poorer baseline physical functioning predicted slower improvements in PTSD symptoms, and 3) poorer physical functioning in one session predicted less PTSD symptom improvement by the next session. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that while physical functioning can interfere with PTSD symptom improvement, physical functioning can also improve over the course of CPT. In light of the interconnected nature of physical health and PTSD symptoms, clinicians may need to attend to lower levels of physical functioning when providing CPT or other trauma-focused therapies. Future research to determine whether specific treatment adaptations may benefit such clients is needed.

Clinical effectiveness study of a treatment to prepare for trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapies at a veterans affairs specialty posttraumatic stress disorder clinic

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often provide psychoeducational or skill-building groups to prepare veterans for trauma-focused PTSD treatments. However, there has been limited evaluation of the effectiveness of this phase-based approach for treatment engagement and symptom reduction. Participants included 575 veterans seeking treatment for PTSD whose treatment outcomes were assessed in a VA outpatient PTSD clinic staffed by mental health professionals and trainees. Participants completed self-report measures of baseline characteristics and psychiatric symptoms as part of routine PTSD clinic treatment. We tested the association of preparatory group treatment with engagement in and treatment response to subsequent trauma-focused psychotherapies, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE), which are designated by VA as evidence-based psychotherapies (EBP). Following participation in preparatory treatments, 94/391 (24%) of veterans engaged in a subsequent trauma-focused EBP (CPT or PE). Relative to patients who had previously completed a preparatory group, patients initiating a trauma-focused EBP without having first attended preparatory PTSD treatment had similar rates of trauma-focused EBP completion and better treatment response, as measured by decreases on the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5; PCL-5), F(1, 3009) = 10.89, p = .001, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 measure of depressive symptoms F(1, 3688) = 6.74, p = .010. Overall, veterans reported greater symptom reduction when engaging in trauma-focused EBP directly, without having previously attended a preparatory group. These data support veteran engagement in trauma-focused EBPs for PTSD without first being encouraged to complete psychoeducational or skill-building groups. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The effects of a prolonged exposure workshop with and without consultation on provider and patient outcomes: a randomized implementation trial

Background

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is underutilized in the military health system. Standard workshop training in PE may not be sufficient to alter provider behavior, but post-workshop consultation requires significant resources. Therefore, it is important to determine the incremental utility of post-workshop consultation.

Methods

This study used a hybrid type III randomized implementation trial at 3 US Army installations. Providers were randomized to receive a 4-day prolonged exposure workshop (Standard training condition, n = 60), or the prolonged exposure workshop followed by 6–8 months of post-workshop expert case consultation (Extended training condition, n = 43). The effects training condition were examined on provider attitudes (self-efficacy in delivering PE, expectations for patient improvement, and beliefs about PE), use of PE and PE components, and clinical outcomes of patients with PTSD (using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)).

Results

Extended condition providers reported greater improvements in self-efficacy, b = .83, 95% CI [.38, 1.27], t(79) = 3.71, p = .001, and d = .63. A greater proportion of patients in the Extended condition (44%) than in the Standard condition (27%) received at least 1 PE session, b = .76, t(233) = 2.53, p = .012, and OR = 2.13. Extended condition providers used more PE components (M = .9/session) than did Standard condition providers (M = .5/session), b = .54, 95% CI [.15, .93], t(68) = 2.70, p = .007, and d = .68. Finally, decrease in patients’ PTSD symptoms was faster for patients of Extended condition providers than for patients of Standard condition providers, b = − 1.81, 95% CI [− 3.57, − .04], t(263) = − 2.02, p = .045, and d = .66, and their symptoms were lower at the second assessment, b = − 5.47, 95% CI [− 9.30, − 1.63], t(210) = − 2.81, p = .005, and d = .66.

Conclusions

Post-workshop consultation improved self-efficacy for delivering PE, greater use of PE, faster PTSD reduction, and lower PTSD severity at the second assessment. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that post-workshop case consultation for PE improves patient outcomes.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02982538. Registered December 5, 2016; retrospectively registered

Provider general attitudes versus specific perceptions of evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD

This study examined the role of attitudes toward evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) in predicting use of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), two EBPs for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among PTSD treatment providers within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Providers' general attitudes toward EBPs, as well as their specific perceptions of PE and CPT, were examined as potential predictors of use. One hundred fifty-nine providers from 38 Department of Veterans Affairs' residential PTSD programs across the United States completed an online survey that included the predictors listed as well as self-reported use of PE on an individual basis and CPT on an individual and on a group basis. Although general attitudes toward EBPs were related to use of individually administered CPT, they were not related to use of PE or group-administered CPT. For each of the 3 treatments, however, specific positive perceptions were related to use. In examination of other training, skill, and delivery-related variables, general attitudes appear more in line with perceptions and delivery of CPT than PE. Perhaps this is because of the unique exposure component of PE. Assessing provider perceptions of specific EBPs may help providers in guiding their own practice as well as aid treatment developers, trainers, and administrators to more effectively tailor dissemination and implementation efforts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Daring to process the trauma: using a web-based training to reduce psychotherapists' fears and reservations around implementing trauma-focused therapy

Although trauma-focused interventions are the first-line therapies for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they are not frequently used in clinical practice. Factors preventing therapists from applying trauma-focused methods include a lack of training and negative attitudes towards trauma-focused therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate which factors predict willingness to carry out trauma-focused therapy and to examine whether a web-based training is able to reduce negative attitudes and reservations about these interventions. In a wait-list controlled evaluation study, therapists (N = 499) were randomized into an intervention or a wait-list control group. Results show that trauma-treatment specific competencies and overcoming pre-existing concerns towards trauma-focused therapy significantly predict therapists' willingness to utilize trauma-focused interventions. Thus, the content alignment of the web-based course is appropriate for improving therapists' willingness to conduct trauma-focused therapy. A retrospective examination of therapists after the training and a comparison of fears and reservations before and after the training demonstrate a significant reduction of fears and reservations. In terms of perceived contraindications, no effects of the web-based training were found. The present study provides compelling evidence that web-based training in evidence-based PTSD therapy is able to reduce reservations that may prevent therapists from applying evidence-based trauma-focused interventions.

Treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury: A systematic review

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occurs with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of treatments for PTSD in adult patients with a history of TBI. We searched for longitudinal studies aimed at treatments for PTSD patients who sustained a TBI, published in English between 1980 and February 2019. Twenty-three studies were found eligible, and 26 case studies were included for a separate overview. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Research Triangle Institute item bank. The majority of studies included types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in male service members and veterans with a history of mild TBI in the United States. Studies using prolonged exposure (PE), cognitive-processing therapy (CPT) or other types of CBT, usually in combination with additional treatments, showed favorable outcomes. A smaller number of studies described complementary and novel therapies, which showed promising results. Overall, the quality of studies was considered low. We concluded that CBT seem appropriate for the patient population with history of TBI. The evidence is less strong for other therapies. We recommend controlled studies of PTSD treatments including more female patients and those with a history of moderate to severe TBIs in civilian and military populations.

Talking about trauma in therapy: Perspectives from young people with post-traumatic stress symptoms and first episode psychosis

AIM

Despite recommendations from national guidelines, individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) are currently unlikely to have the effects of their traumatic experiences assessed and treated within psychosis treatment. This may be due to the mismatch between the objectives of trauma-specific treatments (directly targeting post-traumatic stress symptoms by talking about the trauma) and trauma-informed care (limiting practices that may retraumatise clients). We aimed to gain an understanding of what it was like for young people to talk about trauma in FEP treatment, and how their experiences related to the broad conceptualisations of trauma-informed and trauma-specific treatment approaches.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants (18-27 years) with FEP and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after the completion of an intervention for the effects of trauma. Transcripts were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach.

RESULTS

Two superordinate themes were identified, each with subordinate themes. 1. Reluctance to approach the trauma memory: 1a. Not wanting to talk about trauma; 1b. Difficulty acknowledging that the trauma had occurred; 1c. Not wanting to re-experience emotions associated with trauma. 2. Factors aiding the process: 2a. Desire for change; 2b. Not being pushed to talk; 2c. Valuing the case manager; 2d. Time.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of participants in the study experienced reluctance when recounting their trauma memories. Being in control of how trauma memories are shared and having time for the therapeutic relationship to develop enhanced participants' readiness for talking about trauma. Incorporating trauma-informed principles and motivational interviewing could aid in facilitating the processes around talking about trauma.

Behavioral Activation as a Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Returning Veterans: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

Although evidence-based, trauma-processing treatments exist for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many individuals do not seek out, complete, or fully respond to these treatments, pointing to the need for alternative treatments. In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral activation therapy modified to address PTSD among veterans.

METHODS

In a randomized trial, behavioral activation was compared with treatment as usual (referral to PTSD "standard care") among a sample of 80 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were enrolled at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Health Care System and the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

RESULTS

Levels of PTSD symptoms decreased for both groups across posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up as measured by clinical interview and self-report measures. The behavioral activation group had greater improvement on PTSD as evidenced by the self-report measure of symptom severity. Both groups also showed improvement on self-report measures of depression and overall functioning across time, with greater improvement on depression evidenced by the behavioral activation group. Ratings of treatment satisfaction were high for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioral activation is a promising alternative treatment for PTSD.

Provider Perspectives on Choosing Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A National Investigation of VA Residential Treatment Providers

As part of a longitudinal mixed-methods investigation on implementation of two evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 164 mental health providers from 38 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) residential treatment programs across the U.S. were asked questions about their decision-making for using Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Many providers viewed both EBPs as equally efficacious and encouraged veterans to decide for themselves which treatment they wished to engage in. Some providers said that it was hard to know which EBP would be the most effective for a given patient, and that occasionally they started work with a veteran thinking that a particular EBP would work and were surprised when the veteran did not receive the full potential benefit of the intervention. Other providers noted that their decision-making regarding which EBP to use depended on the type and nature of the veterans' index trauma, memory of the trauma, and traumatic stress symptoms (e.g., fear versus guilt). Additional factors that impacted the choice of EBP included whether the patient already had one of the treatments before or if a provider deemed one as more compatible with their previous training. Implications for clinical practice as well as the design and improvement of training and implementation efforts are discussed.

Mild traumatic brain injury characteristics do not negatively influence cognitive processing therapy attendance or outcomes

Some providers have expressed hesitation about the appropriateness of PTSD treatment for veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), given concerns that TBI-related sequelae may negatively affect PTSD treatment and/or should be the focus of treatment instead. However, research suggests that those with a history of mTBI can benefit from evidence-based PTSD treatment. To extend these findings, we examined whether specific mTBI injury markers were associated with PTSD treatment attendance and response. Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans with PTSD and history of mTBI (N = 88) all received Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; either standard CPT without the trauma account or SMART-CPT, a modified version of CPT that included cognitive rehabilitation strategies). Analyses examined whether time since injury, presence of loss of consciousness (LOC) or posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), and number and mechanism of mTBIs were associated with treatment attendance or response. None of the five injury variables examined were associated with number of treatment sessions attended. Multilevel modeling indicated that injury variables did not moderate treatment response (across treatment conditions) in terms of change in PTSD and depression symptoms. There was a three-way interaction showing that individuals who denied ever experiencing LOC exhibited a greater decrease in PTSD and depression symptoms in standard CPT relative to those in the SMART-CPT. Thus, a history of mTBI should not preclude individuals from receiving standard CPT, regardless of injury characteristics. In fact, PTSD treatment should often be a first line of treatment for these veterans, given evidence of a mental health etiology to persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Factors Associated With Receipt of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Prolonged Exposure Therapy Among Individuals With PTSD

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review variables associated with initiation of trauma-centered cognitive-behavioral therapy (TC-CBT) among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS

PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS), and Scopus were searched in a systematic manner up to 2018, and 26 relevant studies were recovered and analyzed.

RESULTS

The average weighted initiation rate was 6% in larger hospital systems with a high rate of trauma and 28% in outpatient mental health settings (range 4%-83%). Older age (odds ratio [OR]=1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.51-1.61), female gender (OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.08-1.27), black or other racial-ethnic minority group (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.03-1.28), Veterans Affairs PTSD service connection status (OR=2.30, 95% CI=2.18-2.42), mental health referral (OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.05-3.50), greater staff exposure to TC-CBT (OR=2.30, 95% CI=2.09-2.52), adaptability of TC-CBT to staff workflow (OR=4.66, 95% CI=1.60-7.72), greater PTSD severity (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.13-1.78), and comorbid depression (OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.14-1.29) increased the likelihood of TC-CBT initiation, whereas delayed treatment reduced the likelihood of TC-CBT initiation (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.92-0.95). Qualitative studies showed that mental health beliefs (stigma and lack of readiness), provider organizational factors (low availability, privacy issues), and patient lack of time (logistics) were perceived as barriers to initiation by patients and providers.

CONCLUSIONS

TC-CBT initiation increased among patients who were older and female. Initiation was also higher among providers who had more exposure to TC-CBT in their work environment and when TC-CBT fit into their existing workflow.

Effectiveness and harms of mental health treatments in service members and veterans with deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Co-morbidity of psychiatric conditions with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among service members and Veterans from recent deployments. Practice guidelines for mild TBI (mTBI) recommend management of co-occurring psychiatric conditions with existing treatments, but it is unclear whether the effectiveness of treatments for psychiatric conditions is impacted by mTBI. We conducted a systematic literature review to examine the effectiveness and harms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorders, substance use disorders, suicidal ideation or attempts, and anxiety disorders in the presence of co-morbid deployment-related mTBI.

METHODS

We searched bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed, English language studies published from 2000 to October 2017. Two reviewers independently completed abstract triage and full text review.

RESULTS

We identified 7 studies (5 pre-post and 2 secondary analysis). Six assessed psychotherapy and one reported on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO₂). Studies comparing outcomes by TBI history found that a history of TBI does not affect treatment outcomes. Harms were reported only for HBO₂ and were mild. No study examined the effectiveness of treatments for substance use disorders or suicidal ideation, or the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for the psychiatric conditions of interest in service members and Veterans with mTBI.

LIMITATIONS

Studies lacked usual care or wait-list control groups and no randomized trials were found, making the strength of evidence insufficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence is insufficient to fully assess the impact of TBI on the effectiveness of treatments for psychiatric conditions. Higher quality evidence with definitive guidance for providers treating this population is needed.

Which patients initiate cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure in department of veterans affairs PTSD clinics?

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD at all of its facilities, but little is known about systematic differences between patients who do and do not initiate these treatments. VA administrative data were analyzed for 6,251 veterans receiving psychotherapy over one year in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specialty clinics at nine VA medical centers. CPT and PE were initiated by 2,173 (35%) patients. Veterans' probability of initiating either CPT or PE (considered together) was 29% lower (adjusted odds ratio = .61) if they had a psychiatric hospitalization within the same year, and 15% lower (AOR = .78) if they had service-connected disability for PTSD. Veterans' probability of starting CPT or PE was 19% lower (AOR = .74) if they were Hispanic or Latino, 10% lower (AOR = .84), if they were male rather than female, and 9% lower (AOR = .87) if they were divorced, separated or widowed rather than currently married. Probability of receiving CPT or PE was also lower if verans had more co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses (AOR per diagnosis = .88), were older (AOR per every five years = .95), or lived further away from the VA clinic (AOR per every ten miles = .98). Nonetheless, most patients initiating CPT or PE had two or more comorbidities and were service-connected for PTSD. Observed gender, age and ethnic differences in initiation of CPT and PE appear unrelated to clinical suitability and warrant further study.

SMART-CPT for veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder and history of traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To better concurrently address emotional and neuropsychological symptoms common in veterans with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), we integrated components of compensatory cognitive training from the Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Therapy (CogSMART) programme into cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD to create a hybrid treatment, SMART-CPT (CogSMART+CPT). This study compared the efficacy of standard CPT with SMART-CPT for treatment of veterans with comorbid PTSD and history of TBI reporting cognitive symptoms.

METHODS

One hundred veterans with PTSD, a history of mild to moderate TBI and current cognitive complaints were randomised and received individually delivered CPT or SMART-CPT for 12 weeks. Participants underwent psychological, neurobehavioural and neuropsychological assessments at baseline, on completion of treatment and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Both CPT and SMART-CPT resulted in clinically significant reductions in PTSD and postconcussive symptomatology and improvements in quality of life. SMART-CPT resulted in additional improvements in the neuropsychological domains of attention/working memory, verbal learning/memory and novel problem solving.

CONCLUSION

SMART-CPT, a mental health intervention for PTSD, combined with compensatory cognitive training strategies, reduces PTSD and neurobehavioural symptoms and also provides added value by improving cognitive functioning.

Using Explicit Case Formulation to Improve Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

We investigated the utility of explicit case formulation (CF) within Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An uncontrolled pre-posttreatment design was used. Participants attended 12-16 weekly sessions of CPT with explicit CF, where CF guided treatment length and treatment components. Treatment was completed by 19 of the 23 participants who started therapy. Results revealed significant reductions in PTSD and depression severity as well as unhelpful PTSD-related beliefs from pre- to posttreatment (ds between 1.10 - 1.92) and treatment gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Of the participants available at posttreatment for assessment, 69% (n = 11/16) met good end-state functioning for PTSD and 62% (n = 8/13) did so at follow-up. Finally, 72% (n = 13/18) of those interviewed at posttreatment no longer met criteria for PTSD and this was found for 93% of those assessed at follow-up (n = 14/15). Treatment, and CF in particular, was found to be acceptable by participants. Explicit case formulation did not interfere with positive outcomes of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Further clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed.

Homework Completion, Patient Characteristics, and Symptom Change in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

We evaluated the impact of homework completion on change in PTSD symptoms in the context of two randomized controlled trials of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT). Female participants (n = 140) diagnosed with PTSD attended at least one CPT session and were assigned homework at each session. The frequency of homework completion was assessed at the beginning of each session and PTSD symptoms were assessed every other session. Piecewise growth models were used to examine the relationship between homework completion and symptom change. CPT version (with vs without the written trauma account) did not moderate associations between homework engagement and outcomes. Greater pretreatment PTSD symptoms predicted more Session 1 homework completion, but PTSD symptoms did not predict homework completion at other timepoints. More homework completion after Sessions 2 and 3 was associated with less change in PTSD from Session 2 to Session 4, but larger pre-to-post treatment changes in PTSD. Homework completion after Sessions 2 and 3 was associated with greater symptom change among patients who had fewer years of education. More homework completion after Sessions 8 and 9 was associated with larger subsequent decreases in PTSD. Average homework completion was not associated with client characteristics. In the second half of treatment, homework engagement was associated with less dropout. The results suggest that efforts to increase engagement in homework may facilitate symptom change.

Factors associated with the receipt of documented evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD in VA

OBJECTIVES

The VA has mandated that evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) be offered to patients with PTSD, but only a small minority of the psychotherapy delivered to VA patients with PTSD is a documented EBP. It is unknown what factors are associated with receiving a documented EBP.

METHOD

Patients who received an EBP in FY2015 that was documented using a templated progress note (N = 21,808) were compared with patients who received psychotherapy for PTSD that was not documented using a template (N = 251,886).

RESULTS

Among psychotherapy recipients, VA patients with markers of clinical complexity such as service connection for PTSD, comorbid bipolar or psychotic disorder, longer duration of PTSD diagnosis, and a benzodiazepine prescription for PTSD had lower odds of receiving a documented EBP.

CONCLUSIONS

Recipients of documented EBPs differed from those who did not receive documented EBPs on several sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of treatment need. A limitation of our study is that some individuals in the group without EBP documentation may still have received an EBP, but did not receive EBP documentation in the electronic health record. Nevertheless, our results suggest that high-need or complex VA patients with PTSD may be less likely to receive documented EBPs.