Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Disqualifiers: Suicidal intent, Psychosis, Mental health therapy, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests a new method called PPMT that helps people with PTSD by focusing on happy memories. It targets those who haven't fully benefited from existing treatments. By remembering and discussing positive experiences, it aims to reduce symptoms and improve mood. PPMT is a novel technique developed to help PTSD patients by focusing on positive memories, and it has been piloted among trauma-exposed individuals.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you've had dosage changes in psychiatric medications in the past 3 months.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for PTSD?
An open label pilot study showed that PPMT led to statistically reliable improvements in PTSD severity for 9 out of 12 participants, with 8 showing recovery or improvement. It also showed positive changes in depression severity, negative emotions, and posttrauma thoughts, suggesting PPMT may be effective for PTSD and related symptoms.
12345Is Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD safe for humans?
The available studies on the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for PTSD suggest it is generally safe, with participants reporting improved mood and positive thoughts. No significant safety concerns were identified in the pilot studies, and participants found the therapy feasible and engaging.
12367How is Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD different from other treatments?
Positive Memory Therapy for PTSD is unique because it focuses on processing positive memories to help individuals cope with trauma, unlike traditional therapies that often focus on revisiting traumatic events. This approach may offer a novel way to improve emotional well-being by reinforcing positive experiences.
89101112Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with a recent PTSD diagnosis who speak English and can consent to participate. It's not suitable for those currently pregnant, in other mental health therapy, with active suicidal thoughts or psychosis, or recent changes in psychiatric meds.Inclusion Criteria
Working knowledge of English
I have been diagnosed with PTSD in the past month.
Willing/able to provide informed consent
+2 more
Exclusion Criteria
You are pregnant right now.
I have been in mental health therapy within the last 3 months.
You are currently trying to harm yourself or have attempted to harm yourself recently.
+2 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants receive 5 sessions of either Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) or Supportive Counseling (SC), each lasting 60 minutes
5 weeks
5 visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for PTSD symptom severity and stress system dysregulation, including salivary alpha amylase and cortisol levels
3 months
3 visits (in-person)
Participant Groups
The study tests a new technique called PPMT that focuses on positive memories to help with PTSD symptoms against Supportive Counseling (SC). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatments to see which is more effective at reducing PTSD severity and stress markers.
2Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT)Active Control1 Intervention
Participants receive 5 60-minute Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) sessions for PTSD following the treatment procedures as outlined in PPMT therapy manual.
Group II: Supportive Counseling (SC)Active Control1 Intervention
Participants receive 5 60-minute supportive counseling (SC) sessions. SC includes a discussion of the daily monitoring diary and exploration of current issues and concerns.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of North TexasDenton, TX
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Texas, Denton, TXLead Sponsor
References
Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Primer. [2022]Despite substantial evidence linking posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and positive memory processes, existing trauma research and clinical work focuses primarily on traumatic memories. In light of this limitation, Contractor and colleagues proposed a conceptual model linking PTSD to positive memories; this provided the backdrop to develop a manualized positive memory therapy protocol for trauma-exposed individuals (Processing of Positive Memories Technique; PPMT). In the current study, we first present justification for developing PPMT by outlining the role of positive memories in trauma theories, as well as empirical evidence and intervention research linking trauma/PTSD to positive memory processes. Next, we provide information on the preliminary PPMT protocol by outlining (1) theoretical foundations; (2) intervention strategies PPMT draws from; (3) objectives; and (4) a session-by-session description of goals, content, and homework assignments. Finally, we end by highlighting some (1) unique features and advantages of PPMT such as integrating well-supported experimental and cognitive psychology research into intervention research, bridging the gap between basic science and applied research, and being tailored to PTSD's unique symptomatology; and (2) directions for future research. The aim of this paper was to provide a primer on PPMT to facilitate its empirical examination and applicability in PTSD research and clinical work.
Open Label Pilot Study on Posttrauma Health Impacts of the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT). [2023]Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) was proposed as a novel intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PPMT comprises of 5 sessions focused on identifying and processing positive memories. As an open label pilot study, we explored PPMT's effects on PTSD severity, depression severity, affect and cognitive processes, and therapeutic alliance. A sample of 12 trauma-exposed participants seeking services at a University Psychology Clinic participated in 5 PPMT sessions (Mage=29.25 years; 58.30% women). We used the reliable change indices and clinically significant change score approach. The following number of participants showed statistically reliable changes: 9 participants for PTSD severity (8 recovered/improved); 6 participants for depression severity (5 improved); 5 participants for positive affect levels (2 recovered/improved); 9 participants for negative affect levels (8 recovered); 9 participants for posttrauma cognitions (7 recovered/improved); 5 participants for positive emotion dysregulation (4 recovered); 11 participants for number of retrieved positive memories (3 recovered); and 5 participants for therapeutic alliance (4 recovered). PPMT may impact certain posttrauma targets more effectively (PTSD, depression, negative affect, posttrauma cognitions). PPMT may be more helpful in improving regulation rather than levels of positive affect. PPMT, if supported in further investigations, may add to the clinician tool-box of PTSD interventions.
Processing of Positive Memories Technique: Feedback From Trauma-Exposed Clients on Processing of Positive Memories Technique Components, Format, and Feasibility. [2023]Although the majority of research and clinical interventions focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) centers on traumatic memories, recent literature suggests the importance of considering emotionally laden memories more broadly among trauma-exposed individuals. Specifically, trauma-exposed individuals have difficulties retrieving positive and negative memories, and interventions focused on enhancing the retrieval of both traumatic and positive memories benefit overall well-being. These findings led to the development of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for PTSD. As the next step in treatment development, PPMT was piloted among 12 trauma-exposed community members seeking therapeutic or assessment services at a university psychology clinic. In this study, we summarize participants' quantitative and qualitative feedback on the content, format, and feasibility of PPMT. Next, we outline proposed formative changes that are critical to the iterative refinement of PPMT, based on the obtained feedback to enhance its scalability, feasibility, and effectiveness. Within clinical practice, PPMT, as implemented in this study, may be feasible, and there may be potential benefits to incorporating positive memory processing using PPMT.
Present-centered therapy (PCT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. [2022]Present-centered therapy (PCT) is a non-trauma, manualized psychotherapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PCT was originally designed as a treatment comparator in trials evaluating the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Recent trials have indicated that PCT may be an effective treatment option for PTSD and that patients may drop out of PCT at lower rates relative to TF-CBT.
Positive Internal Experiences in PTSD Interventions: A Critical Review. [2023]Evidence suggests that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms exhibit deficits in positive internal experiences. This study critically reviewed empirically validated PTSD interventions to determine (1) whether positive memories, cognitions, and emotions were explicitly addressed and (2) the goals of focusing on these positive internal experiences. We selected 11 empirically validated PTSD interventions listed as "recommended/strongly recommended" in recently published reviews, reviewed existing literature for studies using these interventions (N = 1,070), short-listed randomized controlled trial studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria for the selected interventions (in English, developed for adults, individual therapy modality, in-person administration, tailored to PTSD; N = 47), and emailed authors (N = 41) to obtain the unique intervention manuals. Hereby, we reviewed 13 unique empirically validated PTSD intervention manuals. Findings indicated 53.85%, 69.23%, and 69.23% of reviewed manuals explicitly discussed positive memories, emotions, and cognitions, respectively. Primarily, positive memories were integral to mechanisms underlying PTSD, a precursor to targeting negative experiences, an indicator of treatment progress, or a way to identify client problems; positive emotions were discussed when providing psychoeducation on PTSD/trauma reactions; and positive cognitions were addressed in reference to coping with negative experiences or as targets to enhance self-concept. This review demonstrates that comparatively, positive memories are infrequently elicited in the reviewed interventions; positive emotions and cognitions are explicitly referenced in two-thirds of the reviewed interventions but are included as a primary focus for therapeutic processing only in a few interventions; and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has the most comprehensive focus on positive internal experiences.
An Exploratory Examination of Client Perspectives on a Positive Memory Technique for PTSD. [2021]Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments primarily address traumatic memories, despite PTSD's association with both traumatic and positive memory difficulties. Addressing this gap, we explored the perspectives of trauma-exposed individuals with mental health treatment experience on therapeutically addressing positive memories. A treatment-seeking sample from a community mental health center (n1 = 60) and a community sample from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (n2 = 123) were queried on the acceptability, feasibility, and delivery/components of a pilot positive memory technique. Results indicated interest or willingness in therapeutically discussing positive memories; most endorsed benefits were improved mood, positive thoughts, and self-esteem. Few barriers were identified (e.g., lack of evidence) compared with feasibility factors (ease/usefulness, improved satisfaction/tolerability, and engagement in PTSD treatment). Preferred treatment components included identifying/discussing positive memories, eliciting associated positive affect, and writing about the positive memory as homework. Results provide formative support for the development and integration of a positive memory technique into PTSD treatments.
Positive Affect Processes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Findings from an Open Label and Uncontrolled Pilot Study using the Positive Memory Processing Technique. [2023]Recently, a five-session Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) was proposed as a novel intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One purported outcome of and mechanism underlying PPMT's effects on PTSD is improved positive affect processes. In this uncontrolled pilot study, we examined whether PPMT was associated with decreases in PTSD severity; and whether changes in positive affect levels, reactivity, and dysregulation related to changes in PTSD severity across sessions. The sample included 16 trauma-exposed participants seeking services at a University Psychology Clinic (Mage=27.44 years; 68.80% women). Multilevel linear growth models examined the main effects of each positive affect variable and their interactions with time on PTSD severity. PTSD severity decreased across PPMT treatment in each model (bs=-0.43 to -0.33; d=-0.03; ps<.001-0.008). There was a main effect of positive emotion dysregulation (b=1.16, d=0.11; p=0.009), but not of positive affect levels (p=0.821) or reactivity (p=0.356) on PTSD severity. However, positive affect processes did not modify the trajectory of PTSD severity across treatment. Regarding PTSD symptom clusters, there was an interaction between positive affect levels and time on alterations in arousal and reactivity (AAR) cluster severity (b=-0.01, p=0.036); individuals with positive affect levels 1 SD above the mean (b=-0.18, p<0.01) and at the mean (b=-0.10, p=0.01) had greater decreases in AAR cluster severity across treatment compared to individuals with positive affect levels 1 SD below the mean (b=-0.02, p=0.710). Findings suggest that PPMT may relate to improved PTSD symptoms; and that positive affect levels/dysregulation may be worthwhile targets for future investigations.
Encapsulation into PEG-liposomes does not improve the bioavailability of pulmonary delivered salmon calcitonin. [2018]Salmon calcitonin (sCT) is approved for the short-term treatment of Paget's disease and hypercalcemia. As pulmonary delivery might improve the drug's efficacy, a variety of liposomal sCT formulations for inhalation were prepared and characterized with the intention of developing a controlled release formulation.
Investigations of inter- and intraindividual relationships between exposure to oral salmon calcitonin and a surrogate marker of pharmacodynamic efficacy. [2021]The aims of the study were to investigate interindividual variations in the bioavailability of salmon calcitonin (sCT) following single oral 0.8 mg doses at three different times of the day, and intraindividual variation in sCT bioavailability at each end of a 14-day treatment period. We also investigated correlations between exposure to sCT and levels of the bone resorption biomarker serum C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I).
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral salmon calcitonin in the treatment of osteoporosis. [2017]Salmon calcitonin (sCT) has been used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis for over 30 years. It is available in injectable and intranasal formulations. Two oral formulations have recently been developed.
Evaluation of salmon calcitonin (sCT) enteric-coated capsule for enhanced absorption and GI tolerability in rats. [2019]Considering the chronic and repeated nature of salmon calcitonin (sCT) therapy, the oral route is a preferred route of administration. But, the oral bioavailability of sCT is very low due to enzymatic degradation and poor permeation across intestinal epithelial cells. It was the aim of this study to investigate the pharmacodynamic (PD), pharmacokinetic (PK), and mucosal injury characteristic of sCT oral delivery system.
Plasma type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide: a sensitive marker of acute effects of salmon calcitonin on bone resorption. [2019]The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of salmon calcitonin (sCT) on bone resorption as assessed by plasma type 1 collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX). In addition, the plasma aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and osteocalcin (OC) were evaluated as markers of bone formation.