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Recruiting NCT06047691

Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

No phase Interventional Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
The protocol lists: Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, Prevention and Relationship Education Program.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
United States
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →

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Official title

Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction? Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.

Interventions

  • Behavioral Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD
    Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples are provided with psychoeducation about PTSD and relationship functioning and are taught cognitive and behavioral skills to address the manifestation of PTSD in the couple relationship. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and once 1-2 weeks after the retreat.
  • Behavioral Prevention and Relationship Education Program
    Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format.The content of PREP and workshop experiences focuses on helping couples communicate effectively, manage conflict without harming their relationship, preserve and act on commitment, improve relationship decision-making, increase understanding of differences between partners, and protect positive connections between partners. Approximately 12 hours of PREP content will be delivered over 2

Primary outcome measures

  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]
Secondary outcome measures (5)
  • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Screener [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]
  • Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5 [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]
  • Couples Satisfaction Index-32 [Time frame: baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate.
  • Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex.
  • Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5.
  • Each partner is at least 18 years old.
  • Both partners able to speak and read English.

Exclusion criteria

  • Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention
  • Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner
  • Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/or warranting immediate intervention
  • Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner
  • Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner
  • Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship
  • Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy).
  • Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation
Randomized
Model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single blind
Primary purpose
Treatment

Study locations

United States · 1 center
  • University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio — San Antonio

Identifiers

NCT: NCT06047691 · SITE00001245

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗