Couple's Retreats for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress DisorderPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk for conflict and dissatisfaction in romantic relationships. Accelerated, Intensive, Multi-Couples Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (AIM-CBCT) is a behavioral treatment that targets reducing PTSD symptoms and improving relationship functioning. The treatment is delivered over two days using an intensive, outpatient group (between 2 to 6 couples) format. Previous research has found that AIM-CBCT for PTSD decrease PTSD symptoms and improves relationship functioning in military veterans and service members with combat-related PTSD. The present study examines whether these original findings can be replicated in a broader military/Veteran sample of up to 80 couples. The investigators predict that AIM-CBCT for PTSD will be associated with significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in Veteran/military service members, significant decreases in mental health symptoms in their romantic partners, and an increase in couple's satisfaction for both the Veteran/service members and their partners. Couples who agree to participate in the research study will be asked to participate in a 60-mintute pre-retreat meeting, the two-day retreat in which AIM-CBCT for PTSD will be delivered, and a 60-minute post-retreat check-in meeting. Additionally, each member of the couple will be asked to complete measures on their trauma history, mental health symptoms, and relationship functioning at baseline and at two and four weeks after the retreat.
Initial Intervention Efficacy for an Online PTSD Intervention for Pregnant Women
Perinatal ProblemsPost Traumatic Stress Disorder1 moreThe current study aims to test a brief computer-assisted intervention (psychoeducation + skills) for pregnant women with elevated PTSD symptoms. In this open trial pilot feasibility study, 20 pregnant women in their first trimester will be invited to participate in the study if they endorse elevated PTSD symptoms. Oxytocin and cortisol will be measured at baseline, one month post-intervention, three months post-intervention, and post-delivery to inform the relationship between these hormones, PTSD symptoms, and peripartum/postpartum outcomes. In addition to receiving the psychoeducation + skills intervention during their first trimester, women will be offered a "booster session" intervention following delivery to enhance utilization of skills during a critical period for maternal mental and physical health outcomes.
Reducing Intrusive Memories in Refugees and Asylum Seekers With PTSD: A Pilot Study
Stress DisordersPost-Traumatic4 moreThis research study was designed to investigate the use of a simple cognitive task for decreasing the number of intrusive memories of traumatic events experienced by refugees and asylum seekers with a diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) currently living in the UK. The intervention included a memory reminder cue, a 10-minute time gap and then around 20 minutes playing the mobile phone game Tetris, using mental rotation instructions. The study had a multiple baseline case-series design (AB), with a randomised duration of baseline length up to three weeks. Thus, participants completed a no-intervention phase of up to three weeks, followed by an intervention phase. Please see the intervention section for more details about the intervention sessions. Follow ups were conducted after each week to monitor the frequency of intrusive memories of trauma in a pen-and-paper diary. It was predicted that participants would report fewer intrusive memories after receiving the intervention than in the preceding baseline phase.
The Professional Peer Resilience Initiative
StressStress Disorder14 moreThe Professional Peer Resilience Initiative (PPRI) study is an observational study aimed at understanding how symptoms of traumatic stress and resilience evolve over time in the University of Minnesota (UMN) healthcare workforce during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study is being conducted concurrently with a UMN peer support program called the MinnRAP program and will remotely administer quality of life and mental health surveys to healthcare workers before they start the MinnRAP program and throughout their participation in the program.
Chart Review of Patients Undergoing Ketamine Infusions
Major Depressive DisorderBipolar Disorder2 moreThe Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence (CRTCE) is a healthcare facility principally focused on providing best practices of intravenous ketamine treatment to adult patients suffering from mental health conditions. The center focuses specifically on treating individuals suffering from major depression disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder as their primary diagnosis. Herein, this retrospective analysis aims to look at past data in order to further develop our understanding of ketamine in the use of psychiatry.
Topiramate for Alcohol Use in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Alcohol DependenceAlcoholism4 moreAlcohol abuse and dependence (alcohol use disorders, AUDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both prevalent in Veterans. Treating AUDs in Veterans with PTSD may be more difficult than treating AUDs in the general population. The FDA-approved medication topiramate has been shown to improve drinking outcomes in people with AUDs. Topiramate has also improved symptoms in people with PTSD. This study is designed to investigate whether topiramate will improve drinking outcomes in Veterans with PTSD.
Sensory Modulation Dysfunction and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress DisorderSensory Processing DisorderTo explore the role of sensory modulation dysfunction (SMD) (i.e., a neurodevelopmental state altering the sensory perception, severely interfering with daily function) as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its co-occurring pain, and impeded cognitive functions, following exposure to combat trauma.
Enhancing Exposure Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Chronic Posttraumatic Stress DisorderThis study is investigating a new brief psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which, modifies an already proven psychotherapy for PTSD by adding two new components and modifying several others. The goal of the study is to determine whether this experimental treatment outperforms the well-established standard treatment.
Imagery Rescripting for Posttraumatic Nightmares in Rural Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation...
Stress DisordersPost-Traumatic1 moreMany service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have difficulties adjusting back to civilian life. Research shows that symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are particularly high in returning Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans, and that combat-related nightmares and sleep disturbances are common in veterans with PTSD. This is of concern because people with these problems will often use unhealthy ways of coping. Although combat-related nightmares and difficulty sleeping are highly distressing, there are helpful treatments that do not involve taking medication. One of these treatments teaches specific skills to help people improve their sleep habits and to change their nightmares so that they are less upsetting. This treatment can be very helpful and research shows that people experience decreases in the frequency and severity of their nightmares, decreased symptoms of depression and PTSD, and improved sleep quality and quantity after completing treatment. However, because this treatment has only been studied with civilians, it is not clear how well this treatment works for returning veterans. This study tests how well this treatment works in treating combat nightmares in veterans who also have PTSD from experiencing a traumatic event.
The Use of Propranolol to Block Memory Reconsolidation in PTSD
Posttraumatic Stress DisordersThe purpose of this investigation is to see if propranolol will reduce the psychophysiological hyperactivation associated with memories of combat stress in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.