Group Therapy for PTSD After Combat

(CAC Trial)

Overseen By Sheila Frankfurt, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Recruiting

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Substance abuse, Suicidal ideation, Cognitive impairment

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to help combat veterans with PTSD from morally injurious events by using group therapy. Veterans will talk about their experiences with others who understand, helping them make sense of their feelings and improve their mental health.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this PTSD group therapy trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Group Therapy for Moral Injury for PTSD after combat?

Research shows that group therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans, with studies indicating improvements in symptom severity and global functioning. Group cohesion, or the sense of connection among group members, is particularly important for the success of group therapy in treating combat-related PTSD. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is group therapy for PTSD after combat safe for participants?

The research does not specifically address safety concerns for group therapy for PTSD after combat, but it does not report any significant safety issues or adverse events related to the therapy. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How is the group therapy treatment for PTSD after combat different from other treatments?

This group therapy treatment for PTSD after combat is unique because it specifically addresses moral injury and the connections between combat experiences and earlier life traumas, such as childhood abuse, which is not typically the focus of standard PTSD treatments. ^{1 2 10 11 12}

Research Team

Sheila Frankfurt, PhD

Principal Investigator

Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking Veterans, aged 18 or older, enrolled in Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System who have combat experience and are struggling with reintegration due to moral injury. They must recognize their worst trauma as a morally injurious event, show significant functional impairment, and agree to the study's terms.

Inclusion Criteria

Report a PMIE as their worst trauma

Score 10 on the SDS

Enrolled in Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System

Exclusion Criteria

Veterans with untreated substance abuse disorder

Severe suicidal or homicidal ideation, defined using the C-SSRS

Scoring <18 on the MOCA, indicating potential for more than mild cognitive impairment

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in a relational dynamic-based group therapy to address moral injury and PTSD symptoms

6 weeks

Weekly therapy sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD symptoms, moral injury, and other outcomes

Up to 6 months

Periodic assessments

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Open pilot trial of a group therapy manual (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The trial is testing a new group therapy manual designed specifically for combat veterans. It aims to address unique challenges faced by these individuals when reintegrating into civilian life after experiencing traumatic events during service.

Participant Groups

Group I: Open Pilot Trial Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Open pilot trial of a group therapy manual.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 198 veterans with PTSD, 70.7% completed treatment, with those in group present-centered treatment (GPCT) being significantly more likely to complete the program compared to those in group cognitive behavioral treatment (GBCT).

Factors such as older age, higher income, and better educational attainment were associated with higher treatment completion rates, while higher depressive symptoms and trauma burden were linked to noncompletion.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of treatment completion in group psychotherapy for male veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Stoycos, SA., Berzenski, SR., Beck, JG., et al.[2023]

A pilot study involving 38 active duty military personnel with combat-related PTSD showed significant improvements in symptom severity and overall functioning after group inpatient treatment.

The study found that group cohesion was a key predictor of treatment outcomes, accounting for over 50% of the variance in effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of supportive group dynamics in therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The importance of group cohesion in inpatient treatment of combat-related PTSD. Ellis, CC., Peterson, M., Bufford, R., et al.[2022]

Group-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) for nine male Vietnam veterans with PTSD led to significant reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms, with these improvements maintained at 2- and 4-month follow-ups.

While IPT-G improved interpersonal and global functioning, these gains were not sustained over time, suggesting a need for further research on strategies to prevent relapse.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group interpersonal psychotherapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study. Ray, RD., Webster, R.[2022]

In a study involving 34 participants with PTSD from motor vehicle accidents, those who underwent group cognitive behavioral treatment (GCBT) showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with 88.3% no longer meeting PTSD criteria after treatment compared to only 31.3% in the minimum contact comparison group (MCC).

The benefits of GCBT were maintained for at least 3 months after treatment, and participants reported high satisfaction with the group format, indicating that GCBT can be an effective and well-received intervention for PTSD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group cognitive behavior therapy for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: an initial randomized pilot study. Beck, JG., Coffey, SF., Foy, DW., et al.[2021]

The VA Cooperative Study 420 is a randomized clinical trial involving veterans with PTSD, comparing group psychotherapy that includes exposure therapy to a treatment focused on current interpersonal issues, delivered over 30 weeks with follow-up assessments at 7 and 12 months.

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments on PTSD severity and other related symptoms, while also addressing the challenges of conducting multisite trials in group therapy settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design of Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study no. 420: group treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Schnurr, PP., Friedman, MJ., Lavori, PW., et al.[2019]

In a study of 53 adults with PTSD undergoing cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dropout rates were significantly higher (39.7%) compared to written exposure therapy (6.4%), indicating a need to address factors influencing treatment retention.

The research identified that higher levels of physiological distress and cognitive emotional processing were associated with lower dropout rates, while avoidance behaviors predicted higher dropout, suggesting that targeting these factors early in treatment could improve engagement and outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of dropout in cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: An examination of in-session treatment processes. Shayani, DR., Canale, CA., Sloan, DM., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 72 veterans with military sexual trauma-related PTSD, therapists' fidelity to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) significantly impacted treatment outcomes, with those receiving care from therapists with 'good' fidelity showing greater reductions in PTSD symptoms, negative cognitions, and depression.

The findings suggest that monitoring and maintaining therapist fidelity is crucial for improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatments in clinical trials, emphasizing the need for consistent therapeutic practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A preliminary examination of the role of psychotherapist fidelity on outcomes of cognitive processing therapy during an RCT for military sexual trauma-related PTSD. Holder, N., Holliday, R., Williams, R., et al.[2019]

Exposure therapy for PTSD in military populations shows medium to large effects compared to waitlist and treatment as usual, based on a meta-analysis of 19 studies involving 2905 participants.

Younger participants, more women, and those with fewer comorbid conditions or psychiatric medications experienced larger benefits from exposure therapy, suggesting that demographic and clinical factors may influence treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exposure therapy for PTSD in military populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. McLean, CP., Levy, HC., Miller, ML., et al.[2022]

A meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PTSD psychotherapy found no significant difference in treatment effects between trials that excluded participants with suicidal ideation (SI) and those that included them, indicating that SI exclusion does not notably affect outcomes.

This lack of significant impact suggests that clinical practice guidelines for PTSD treatments can be developed without the need for strict exclusion of individuals with SI, allowing for more inclusive research and potentially better treatment options for those at risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exclusion of Suicidal Participants From Randomized Controlled Trials for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Brooks, E., Spokas, M., Goldschmidt, D.[2022]

A 9-month psychotherapy group for male Vietnam War veterans with PTSD, who also experienced childhood abuse, was developed to explore the connections between their combat experiences and earlier traumas.

This innovative approach differs from traditional PTSD treatments by focusing on both war and childhood traumas, potentially leading to better understanding and coping strategies for the veterans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Double trauma: a group therapy approach for Vietnam Veterans suffering from war and childhood trauma. Goodman, M., Weiss, D.[2019]

Group therapy is proposed as a key treatment for Vietnam veterans with PTSD, addressing feelings of aloneness, guilt, and helplessness that arise from combat experiences.

The therapy model involves weekly sessions over a year, focusing on both combat-related trauma and relevant pre- and postwar issues, emphasizing the importance of timely integration of these topics for effective treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychodynamic group treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. Koller, P., Marmar, CR., Kanas, N.[2019]

Long-term group psychotherapy over five years significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in war veterans, as evidenced by a notable decrease in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores (F=9.103, P=0.001).

While PTSD symptoms improved, the underlying personality traits and defense mechanisms of the veterans remained largely unchanged, indicating that traumatic experiences create deeply rooted psychological patterns that are resistant to change through psychotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term dynamic-oriented group psychotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder in war veterans: prospective study of five-year treatment. Britvić, D., Radelić, N., Urlić, I.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of treatment completion in group psychotherapy for male veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. [2023]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The importance of group cohesion in inpatient treatment of combat-related PTSD. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group interpersonal psychotherapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group cognitive behavior therapy for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: an initial randomized pilot study. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design of Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study no. 420: group treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Predictors of dropout in cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: An examination of in-session treatment processes. [2023]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A preliminary examination of the role of psychotherapist fidelity on outcomes of cognitive processing therapy during an RCT for military sexual trauma-related PTSD. [2019]

8. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exposure therapy for PTSD in military populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. [2022]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exclusion of Suicidal Participants From Randomized Controlled Trials for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. [2022]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Double trauma: a group therapy approach for Vietnam Veterans suffering from war and childhood trauma. [2019]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychodynamic group treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. [2019]

12. Croatia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term dynamic-oriented group psychotherapy of posttraumatic stress disorder in war veterans: prospective study of five-year treatment. [2022]