Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Clear memory of an "index" traumatic event (sufficient for constructing a scene to be used in exposure) that occurred no less than six months prior to entering the trial (Montgomery and Bech 2000) PTSD according to the DSM-IV, related to the index traumatic event, as measured with the CAPS: frequency ≥ 1 and intensity ≥ 2 for a symptom to be counted plus a minimum level of overall severity ≥ 50 Not receiving other psychotherapy for PTSD during the 16 weeks of active treatment; psychotherapy for other problems, brief check-ins with an existing therapist, and attendance at self-help groups will be allowed If on psychoactive medication: on a stable medication regimen for a minimum of two months prior to entering the trial Aged between 18 and 70 years Sufficient proficiency in the German language to participate in BEP Consent to be randomized into the trial Exclusion Criteria: Current psychotic, bipolar, substance-related, or severe personality disorder Current severe depressive disorder Severe cognitive impairment or a history of organic mental disorder Evidence of PTSD or depression immediately prior to the index trauma Ongoing threat of traumatic exposure Prominent current suicidal or homicidal ideation Asylum seeking status
Sites / Locations
- Psychiatric Department, University Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Treatment group
Control group
16 sessions Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy
Minimal attention waitlist group