PATH-SS for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PATH-SS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byNorah C Feeny, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief, new psychotherapy (called Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single Session, or PATH-SS) that aims to provide relief for people who are suffering after experiencing a sexual assault. This research will explore whether this new psychotherapy reduces sexual assault related distress, including posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does PATH-SS leads to improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms (pre- to post- and 1-month follow-up)? Do participants perceive PATH-SS to be acceptable, helpful, and do they complete/adhere to treatment? Participants will complete a pre-treatment/baseline assessment to confirm eligibility, and those who are eligible will receive the single-session intervention and will complete a post-treatment and a 1-month follow-up assessment of stressor-related symptoms.

Research Team

Norah C Feeny, PhD

Principal Investigator

Case Western Reserve University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have experienced a sexual assault and are dealing with related distress, including symptoms of PTSD and depression. To participate, they must complete an initial assessment to confirm eligibility.

Inclusion Criteria

Enrolled in any undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at a college or university in the state of Ohio

I am between 18 and 65 years old.

I experienced unwanted sexual contact or assault in college, between 12 weeks and 5 years ago.

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Exclusion Criteria

No clear memory of the event

Ongoing intimate relationship with the perpetrator

I am currently diagnosed with severe depression or bipolar disorder.

See 6 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

PATH-SS (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe PATH-SS psychotherapy session is being tested to see if it can reduce distress from sexual assault, specifically targeting improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms. Participants will undergo the therapy once and have follow-up assessments after one month.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: PATH-SSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This single-session intervention includes the following components: * Providing the PATH-SS rationale. * A review of life events (PATH of life: negative and positive). * A verbal narrative of the sexual assault (revisiting and processing as is done in imaginal exposure) * Reminiscence and processing of a major positive life event, and real-life practice to enact what was taught. In positive reminiscence, clients vividly remember the positive event providing details and focus on positive emotions. The therapist will encourage savoring of the experience and encourage facial expression of the positive emotions, so that clients do not dampen, avoid, or minimize the experience. This is particularly relevant with depression. * Summary of content, integration and consolidation of learning, application of new learning and resilience in real life as next steps.