Shared Decision Making in PTSD Treatment

NCT ID: NCT06953687

Last Updated: 2025-06-22

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

200 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-05-09

Study Completion Date

2028-09-30

Brief Summary

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The purpose of this research study is to learn about how Shared Decision Making, when used to decide treatment, impacts treatment engagement, retention, and outcomes for active duty military personnel seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Shared Decision Making between the service member and the therapists will be used to match patients to 1 of 3 different types of therapy for PTSD: (1) Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, (2) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or (3) Written Exposure Therapy (WET) in 1 of 2 different frequencies: (1) massed (daily) or (2) spaced (weekly).

Detailed Description

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The primary objectives of the project are to evaluate the relationships between patient characteristics, patient treatment preferences, treatment engagement, and treatment outcomes for active duty services members engaging in a Shared Decision Making pre-intervention followed by evidence-based PTSD treatment. A secondary objective is to evaluate the impact of Shared Decision Making to match patients to evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatments for PTSD.

Aim 1: To conduct a partially randomized preference trial to examine the relationships between patient characteristics, treatment preferences, and treatment outcomes for active duty service members engaging in a Shared Decision Making pre-intervention followed by evidence-based treatment for PTSD.

Research Question 1: What are the PTSD treatment initiation rates and completion rates for active duty service members engaging in a Shared Decision Making pre-intervention prior to starting an evidence-based treatment for PTSD?

Research Question 2: Will patient characteristics (i.e., age, gender, military pay grade, racial-ethnic identity, deployment history) predict patient preference for a treatment type, session frequency, or treatment modality?

Research Question 3: Will strength of preference in a specific treatment type, session frequency, or treatment modality predict PTSD treatment initiation, treatment completion, or PTSD symptom reduction?

Aim 2: To evaluate the impact of Shared Decision Making on PTSD treatment completion and PTSD symptom reduction for active duty military personnel.

Hypothesis 1: Patients who engage in Shared Decision Making will show higher rates of treatment completion as compared to prior PTSD randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with active duty service members

Hypothesis 2: Patients who engage in Shared Decision Making will show larger reductions in PTSD symptoms from pre-to posttreatment as compared to benchmarked outcomes from prior PTSD RCTs with active duty service members. Treatment gains will be maintained over time, consistent with prior research.

Conditions

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Two-stage randomized preference design to examine relationship between patient characteristics, treatment preferences and treatment outcomes.
Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy Massed

Daily treatment sessions Monday-Friday for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

PE is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD that is typically delivered in ten 90-minute sessions . For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. Based on emotional processing theory PE addresses trauma-related avoidance of thoughts, behaviors, and situations, as well as unhelpful beliefs about oneself, others, and the world that were learned as a result of trauma.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Spaced

Weekly treatment formula for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

PE is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD that is typically delivered in ten 90-minute sessions . For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. Based on emotional processing theory PE addresses trauma-related avoidance of thoughts, behaviors, and situations, as well as unhelpful beliefs about oneself, others, and the world that were learned as a result of trauma.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Massed

Daily treatment sessions Monday-Friday for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

CPT is a 12-session, cognitive behavioral PTSD treatment typically delivered in 60-minute sessions that can be personalized to include fewer or additional sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. CPT is based in cognitive theory and posits that impeded recovery following trauma occurs due to unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs that may develop after trauma, leading to chronic anger, guilt, shame, and avoidance of trauma reminders. During CPT, patients learn about PTSD symptoms, impeded recovery and cognitive theory, and the connection between trauma-based thoughts and feelings.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) spaced

Weekly treatment formula for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

CPT is a 12-session, cognitive behavioral PTSD treatment typically delivered in 60-minute sessions that can be personalized to include fewer or additional sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. CPT is based in cognitive theory and posits that impeded recovery following trauma occurs due to unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs that may develop after trauma, leading to chronic anger, guilt, shame, and avoidance of trauma reminders. During CPT, patients learn about PTSD symptoms, impeded recovery and cognitive theory, and the connection between trauma-based thoughts and feelings.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) Massed

Daily treatment sessions Monday-Friday for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Written Exposure Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

WET is a cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD that typically consists of 5 weekly 50-minute sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 7 sessions. WET is based on an extinction and emotional processing treatment model. First, patients learn about PTSD and the role of avoidance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Next, patients are guided to write about their trauma for 30 minutes and afterwards, the therapist briefly checks in with the patient. This procedure is followed for the next 4 sessions, with guidance to first write about the trauma, and in later sessions to write about consequences of the trauma and the patient's current meaning of their lives. The goals of WET are to assist the patient in emotionally processing the event and reduce avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and memories, which facilities recovery.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) Spaced

Weekly treatment formula for up to 24 sessions

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Written Exposure Therapy

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

WET is a cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD that typically consists of 5 weekly 50-minute sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 7 sessions. WET is based on an extinction and emotional processing treatment model. First, patients learn about PTSD and the role of avoidance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Next, patients are guided to write about their trauma for 30 minutes and afterwards, the therapist briefly checks in with the patient. This procedure is followed for the next 4 sessions, with guidance to first write about the trauma, and in later sessions to write about consequences of the trauma and the patient's current meaning of their lives. The goals of WET are to assist the patient in emotionally processing the event and reduce avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and memories, which facilities recovery.

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

Intervention Type OTHER

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Interventions

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Prolonged Exposure Therapy

PE is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD that is typically delivered in ten 90-minute sessions . For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. Based on emotional processing theory PE addresses trauma-related avoidance of thoughts, behaviors, and situations, as well as unhelpful beliefs about oneself, others, and the world that were learned as a result of trauma.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Cognitive Processing Therapy

CPT is a 12-session, cognitive behavioral PTSD treatment typically delivered in 60-minute sessions that can be personalized to include fewer or additional sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. CPT is based in cognitive theory and posits that impeded recovery following trauma occurs due to unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs that may develop after trauma, leading to chronic anger, guilt, shame, and avoidance of trauma reminders. During CPT, patients learn about PTSD symptoms, impeded recovery and cognitive theory, and the connection between trauma-based thoughts and feelings.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Written Exposure Therapy

WET is a cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD that typically consists of 5 weekly 50-minute sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 7 sessions. WET is based on an extinction and emotional processing treatment model. First, patients learn about PTSD and the role of avoidance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Next, patients are guided to write about their trauma for 30 minutes and afterwards, the therapist briefly checks in with the patient. This procedure is followed for the next 4 sessions, with guidance to first write about the trauma, and in later sessions to write about consequences of the trauma and the patient's current meaning of their lives. The goals of WET are to assist the patient in emotionally processing the event and reduce avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and memories, which facilities recovery.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Shared Decision Making (SHARE)

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for:

1. Seek the patient's participation
2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options
3. Assess the patient's values and preferences
4. Reach a decision with the patient
5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.

Intervention Type OTHER

Other Intervention Names

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PE CPT WET SHARE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

1. Adult active duty military service members aged 18 or older.
2. Meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (CAPS-5).

Exclusion Criteria

1. Acute suicidality or homicidality requiring immediate intervention, such as hospitalization.
2. Moderate to severe brain injury as assessed by the History of Head Injury Form
3. Severe alcohol consumption patterns as assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and warranting immediate intervention as determined by clinical judgement.
4. Experiencing active psychosis or mania as determined by scores on the Prodromal Questionnaire and Mood Disorder Questionnaire in combination with clinical judgement.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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United States Department of Defense

FED

Sponsor Role collaborator

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Vanessa Jacoby

Associate Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Vanessa Jacoby, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Alan L Peterson, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Locations

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Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC)

Fort Cavazos, Texas, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Vanessa Jacoby, PhD

Role: CONTACT

254-289-3468

Alan L Peterson, PhD

Role: CONTACT

210-562-6700

Facility Contacts

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Rodney Merkley, PsyD

Role: primary

254-553-6854

Vanessa Jacoby, PhD

Role: primary

254-289-3468

References

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Resick PA, Wachen JS, Dondanville KA, LoSavio ST, Young-McCaughan S, Yarvis JS, Pruiksma KE, Blankenship A, Jacoby V, Peterson AL, Mintz J; STRONG STAR Consortium. Variable-length Cognitive Processing Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in active duty military: Outcomes and predictors. Behav Res Ther. 2021 Jun;141:103846. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103846. Epub 2021 Mar 25.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33894644 (View on PubMed)

Foa EB, McLean CP, Zang Y, Rosenfield D, Yadin E, Yarvis JS, Mintz J, Young-McCaughan S, Borah EV, Dondanville KA, Fina BA, Hall-Clark BN, Lichner T, Litz BT, Roache J, Wright EC, Peterson AL; STRONG STAR Consortium. Effect of Prolonged Exposure Therapy Delivered Over 2 Weeks vs 8 Weeks vs Present-Centered Therapy on PTSD Symptom Severity in Military Personnel: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018 Jan 23;319(4):354-364. doi: 10.1001/jama.2017.21242.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29362795 (View on PubMed)

Sloan DM, Marx BP, Resick PA, Young-McCaughan S, Dondanville KA, Straud CL, Mintz J, Litz BT, Peterson AL; STRONG STAR Consortium. Effect of Written Exposure Therapy vs Cognitive Processing Therapy on Increasing Treatment Efficiency Among Military Service Members With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Jan 4;5(1):e2140911. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.40911.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 35015065 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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HT9425-23-2-0016

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

HT94252320018

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

STUDY00001302

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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