Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lisa Dell, Alyssa M. Sbisa, Andrew Forbes, Meaghan O'Donnell, Richard Bryant, Stephanie Hodson, David Morton, Malcolm Battersby, Peter W. Tuerk, Duncan Wallace, David Forbes
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of a 2-week massed prolonged exposure (MPE) therapy to a standard 10-week prolonged exposure (SPE) therapy in treating PTSD in military personnel and veterans. The results showed that MPE was non-inferior to SPE in reducing symptom severity and had lower dropout rates.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Lisa Dell, Alyssa M. Sbisa, Andrew Forbes, Meaghan O'Donnell, Richard Bryant, Stephanie Hodson, David Morton, Malcolm Battersby, Peter W. Tuerk, Peter Elliott, Duncan Wallace, David Forbes
Summary: This study compared massed exposure therapy (MPE) and standard exposure therapy (SPE) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. It found that MPE was non-inferior to SPE in the long term and both treatments improved comorbid symptoms commonly associated with PTSD.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alan L. Peterson, Tabatha H. Blount, Edna B. Foa, Lily A. Brown, Carmen P. McLean, Jim Mintz, Richard P. Schobitz, Bryann R. DeBeer, Joseph Mignogna, Brooke A. Fina, Wyatt R. Evans, Samantha Synett, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Timothy O. Rentz, Christian Schrader, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Katherine A. Dondanville, Hunter Hansen, Vanessa M. Jacoby, Jose Lara-Ruiz, Casey L. Straud, Willie J. Hale, Dhiya Shah, Lauren M. Koch, Kelsi M. Gerwell, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Brett T. Litz, Eric C. Meyer, Abby E. Blankenship, Douglas E. Williamson, John D. Roache, Martin A. Javors, Allah-Fard M. Sharrieff, Barbara L. Niles, Terence M. Keane
Summary: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of two compressed prolonged exposure therapy treatments for combat-related PTSD. The findings suggest that both treatments effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and maintain treatment gains.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos, Hugh C. McCall, David L. Thiessen, Ziyin Huang, R. Nicholas Carleton, Blake F. Dear, Nickolai Titov
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy on the mental health of Canadian public safety personnel. Results indicated that the tailored ICBT program for PSP showed promising outcomes in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, with high client engagement and treatment satisfaction.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paula P. Schnurr, Kathleen M. Chard, Josef I. Ruzek, Bruce K. Chow, Patricia A. Resick, Edna B. Foa, Brian P. Marx, Matthew J. Friedman, Michelle J. Bovin, Kristina L. Caudle, Diane Castillo, Kyle T. Curry, Michael Hollifield, Grant D. Huang, Christine L. Chee, Millie C. Astin, Benjamin Dickstein, Kerry Renner, Carolina P. Clancy, Claire Collie, Kelly Maieritsch, Su Bailey, Karin Thompson, Michael Messina, Laurel Franklin, Steve Lindley, Karen Kattar, Brandi Luedtke, Jennifer Romesser, John McQuaid, Patrick Sylvers, Ruth Varkovitzky, Lori Davis, David MacVicar, Mei-Chiung Shih
Summary: This randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for treating PTSD in veterans. The study found that while PE was statistically more effective than CPT, the difference was not clinically significant, and both treatments showed meaningful improvements in PTSD.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Denise M. Sloan, Brian P. Marx, Patricia A. Resick, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Katherine A. Dondanville, Casey L. Straud, Jim Mintz, Brett T. Litz, Alan L. Peterson
Summary: This study found that written exposure therapy is an effective and efficient treatment for military service members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Future research should focus on identifying who will benefit most from PTSD treatment to maximize treatment outcomes.
Article
Physiology
Stephen A. Foulis, Karl E. Friedl, Barry A. Spiering, Leila A. Walker, Katelyn I. Guerriere, Vincent P. Pecorelli, David J. Zeppetelli, Marinaliz C. Reynoso, Kathryn M. Taylor, Julie M. Hughes
Summary: In 1981, the US military implemented body fat standards to improve physical readiness and prevent obesity. This study examined the accuracy of circumference-based equations in assessing changes in body fat percentage (BF%) during Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) in young adult recruits. The results showed that circumference measures underestimated BF% at the start of BCT in both genders. Additionally, circumference measures did not accurately detect changes in BF% during BCT in women and underestimated the changes in men.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Ulf Jonsson, Steven J. Linton, Helene Ybrandt, Anna Ringborg, Lina Leander, Klas Moberg, Monica Hultcrantz, Filip K. Arnberg
Summary: Comparing to traditional treatments, internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) has shown advantages in treating common mental disorders. However, the additional benefits of using iCBT as an add-on to regular healthcare are unclear.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cynthia A. LeardMann, Hope Seib McMaster, Steven Warner, Alejandro P. Esquivel, Ben Porter, Teresa M. Powell, Xin M. Tu, William W. Lee, Rudolph P. Rull, Charles W. Hoge
Summary: The study evaluated the ability to compare and assess PTSD based on DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria using PTSD Checklists (PCLs), with findings suggesting successful assessment and comparison of PTSD over time with either PCL instrument in veteran and military populations.
Article
Psychiatry
Lily A. Brown, Yiqin Zhu, Hillary Coon, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Brooke A. Fina, Katherine A. Dondanville, Ann Marie Hernandez, Brett T. Litz, Jim Mintz, Douglas M. Maurer, Kevin M. Kelly, Alan L. Peterson, Craig J. Bryan, Douglas E. Williamson
Summary: Military service members have an increased risk for suicide after deployment, and it is possible to predict those at highest risk based on predeployment data.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jennifer Wild, Tingyee E. Chang
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between PTSD symptoms and trauma characteristics among emergency responders. The results showed that personal trauma was significantly associated with greater PTSD symptom severity, while occupational trauma had a smaller impact. Female emergency responders were more likely to report personal trauma, while males were more likely to report work-related trauma linked to their PTSD symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Carly W. Yasinski, Laura E. Watkins, Jessica L. Maples-Keller, Katie A. Ragsdale, Andrew M. Sherrill, Mark S. Burton, Sheila A. M. Rauch, Barbara O. Rothbaum
Summary: This study examined the initial and long-term outcomes of a 2-week PTSD intensive outpatient program (IOP) for veterans and military service members. The results showed high retention rates and significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms after two weeks, which were maintained up to 12 months. Demographic variables had limited predictive ability on symptom trajectories, while higher symptom severity and alcohol use prior to treatment were associated with higher PTSD symptomatology. A history of childhood sexual abuse was associated with greater reduction in depression symptoms but faded over time.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Denise M. Sloan, Brian P. Marx, Ron Acierno, Michael Messina, Wendy Muzzy, Matthew W. Gallagher, Scott Litwack, Colleen Sloan
Summary: This study found that WET is as effective as PE in improving PTSD symptoms and is associated with less treatment dropout. The findings suggest that WET may overcome barriers to PTSD treatment for both patients and clinicians.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gabriel Schnitzer, Sue Holttum, Val Huet
Summary: This study investigates the impact and mechanisms of art therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Through interviews with veterans who received group art therapy, art therapists, and a veteran's wife, the study identifies factors such as the art therapy group functioning as a family, the gentle guidance of the therapist, trust, communication through art therapy, points of recognition, and concretizing experiences. The developed grounded theory suggests that group art therapy can provide a safe space for veterans to approach non-verbal traumatic material and prepare for verbal therapy. Artworks can also facilitate communication of experiences in subsequent verbal therapy and with loved-ones. However, limitations of the study include a homogeneous sample, reliance on subjective and unmeasured symptom change, and researcher effects related to qualitative methodology.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Anna Vogel, Hannah Comtesse, Agnes Nocon, Anette Kersting, Winfried Rief, Regina Steil, Rita Rosner
Summary: Present-centered therapy (PCT) was originally developed as a comparator for the nonspecific effects of psychotherapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder, but it has shown promising results in treating prolonged grief disorder (PGD) as well. Research demonstrates that PCT can significantly reduce PGD symptoms in adults, with treatment effects larger than those reported in traditional meta-analyses and good feasibility in outpatient settings.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Chadi G. Abdallah, John D. Roache, Ralitza Gueorguieva, Lynnette A. Averill, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Paulo R. Shiroma, Prerana Purohit, Antoinette Brundige, William Murff, Kyung-Heup Ahn, Mohamed A. Sherif, Eric J. Baltutis, Mohini Ranganathan, Deepak D'Souza, Brenda Martini, Steven M. Southwick, Ismene L. Petrakis, Rebecca R. Burson, Kevin B. Guthmiller, Argelio L. Lopez-Roca, Karl A. Lautenschlager, John P. McCallin, Matthew B. Hoch, Alexandar Timchenko, Sergio E. Souza, Charles E. Bryant, Jim Mintz, Brett T. Litz, Douglas E. Williamson, Terence M. Keane, Alan L. Peterson, John H. Krystal
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of intravenous ketamine doses in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results showed that ketamine did not have a dose-related effect on PTSD symptoms, but the standard dose had rapid antidepressant effects.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Alexandra Macdonald, Steffany J. Fredman, Daniel J. Taylor, Kristi E. Pruiksma, Tabatha H. Blount, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Brooke A. Fina, Katherine A. Dondanville, Jim Mintz, Brett T. Litz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Yunying Le, August I. C. Jenkins, Candice M. Monson, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Terence M. Keane, Alan L. Peterson
Summary: AIM-CBCT for PTSD is associated with reductions in maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions and psychosocial impairment, but adjunctive interventions may be needed to address insomnia.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Casey L. Straud, Patricia A. Resick, Edna B. Foa, Sudie E. Back, Candice M. Monson, Carmen P. McLean, Julianne C. Flanagan, Jennifer Schuster Wachen, Chelsea J. McMahon, Bailee Schuhman, Sarah Zwetzig, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Adam M. Borah, Christian C. Schrader, Allah-Fard M. Sharrieff, Richard P. Schobitz, John D. Roache, Brett T. Litz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Jim Mintz, Terence M. Keane, Alan L. Peterson, S. T. R. O. N. G. S. T. A. R. Consortium STRONG STAR Consortium, Consortium ot Alleviate P. T. S. D. Consortium ot Alleviate PTSD
Summary: Irritability, angry outbursts, and aggression are common in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the relationship between PTSD and aggression might be particularly relevant among military/veteran populations. A study on a large sample of treatment-seeking military service members and veterans revealed that psychological aggression was more prevalent than physical aggression among military personnel with PTSD.
AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Carmen P. McLean, Madeleine L. Miller, Katherine A. Dondanville, Sheila A. M. Rauch, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Edward C. Wright, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Brooke A. Fina, Brett T. Litz, Jim Mintz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Alan L. Peterson, Edna B. Foa
Summary: The study found that participants who received Web-based prolonged exposure therapy (Web-PE) generally found it helpful and appreciated its flexibility. Self-motivation was identified as crucial for engagement in the therapy. While Web-PE therapists were well-regarded, suggestions were made for additional therapist support and technical improvements to the program.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
John C. Moring, Casey L. Straud, Donald B. Penzien, Patricia A. Resick, Alan L. Peterson, Carlos A. Jaramillo, Blessen C. Eapen, Cindy A. McGeary, Jim Mintz, Brett T. Litz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Terence M. Keane, Donald D. McGeary
Summary: This study examines the relationship between tinnitus and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results show that there is considerable overlap between tinnitus-related distress and PTSD symptoms. Participants with severe tinnitus demonstrated higher levels of PTSD symptoms and severity compared to those with mild or moderate tinnitus. This suggests that trauma therapists should assess for the presence of tinnitus to better understand the health problems of patients seeking help.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Cecilia C. Olin, Meghan E. McDevitt-Murphy, James G. Murphy, Rebecca J. Zakarian, John D. Roache, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Brett T. Litz, Terence M. Keane, Alan L. Peterson
Summary: The theoretical framework of behavioral economics has recently been applied to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that the overvaluation of negatively reinforced avoidance behavior is due to deficits in environmental reward. In a study of military personnel/veterans who served combat deployments after September 11, 2001, it was found that PTSD severity was inversely related to environmental and hedonic reward availability as well as future orientation.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shannon R. Miles, Willie J. Hale, Jim Mintz, Jennifer Schuster Wachen, Brett T. Litz, Katherine A. Dondanville, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Elizabeth A. Hembree, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Alan L. Peterson, Patricia A. Resick
Summary: Active duty service members respond differently to evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to civilians. Hyperarousal symptoms are more likely to persist, even in service members who respond optimally to cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Providers should be aware of the need to treat hyperarousal symptoms before or after CPT.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Psychology, Clinical
Brett T. Litz
Summary: Levi et al. (2021) reported the limited overall effectiveness of treatments for PTSD based on the posttreatment outcomes of Israeli veterans. In this commentary, the author critically evaluates the methods used by Levi et al. and proposes an approach using measurement-based care to improve treatment outcomes for PTSD.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Alan L. Peterson, Casey L. Straud, Stacey Young-McCaughan, John P. McCallin, Matthew Hoch, Napoleon P. Roux, Lauren Koch, Jose Lara-Ruiz, John D. Roache, Jennifer M. Hein, Tabatha H. Blount
Summary: Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active duty service members and veterans. However, PE is associated with high dropout rates, limited tolerability, and temporary symptom exacerbation. Stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs) are a new treatment that, when combined with trauma-focused psychotherapy, may enhance the outcomes of PTSD treatment. A nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the combined use of SGB and massed PE therapy for combat-related PTSD. The results showed promising effects in improving the tolerability of trauma-focused therapies, reducing symptom severity, and increasing PTSD remission rates.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Joshua D. Clapp, Matt J. Gray, Brett T. Litz, Ariel J. Lang, Alexandria F. Sowers
Summary: This study describes the development and evaluation of the Disclosure Expectancy Scale (DExS), a novel instrument intended to assess survivors' expectations about the potential risks and benefits of disclosure. The results show support for the validity of the scale and highlight the predictive role of initial expectations on post-trauma recovery.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Daniel E. Taylor, Kristi Pruiksma, Jim C. Mintz, Danica Slavish, Sophie R. Wardle-Pinkston, Jessica A. Dietch, Katherine Dondanville, Stacey L. Young-McCaughan, Karin T. Nicholson, Brett M. Litz, Terence L. Keane, Alan A. Peterson, Patricia Resick
Summary: Insomnia and nightmares are common in patients with PTSD and are associated with worse health outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and nightmares (CBT-I&N) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD are effective treatments. This study found that treating comorbid insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD together resulted in clinically meaningful improvements.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
John C. Moring, Alan L. Peterson, Casey L. Straud, Jordan Ortman, Jim Mintz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Cindy A. McGeary, Donald D. McGeary, Brett T. Litz, Alexandra Macdonald, John D. Roache, Patricia A. Resick, STRONG STAR Consortium
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of different modalities of cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and identifies factors such as satisfaction and perceived stigma that can impact treatment outcomes. The results demonstrate the robustness of evidence-based therapies for PTSD and emphasize the importance of addressing stigma before initiating treatment.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Donald M. Dougherty, Tae-Joon Moon, Yuanyuan Liang, John D. Roache, Richard J. Lamb, Charles W. Mathias, Alexander M. Wasserman, Erin E. Wood, Nathalie Hill-Kapturczak
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of a contingency management procedure using transdermal alcohol concentration monitoring to reduce drinking among DWI arrestees. The results show that the contingency effects on alcohol use are more pronounced among frequent and heavy alcohol users. However, for individuals already under court-mandated TAC monitoring, the contingency management procedure did not produce additional reductions in drinking.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Casey L. Straud, Katherine A. Dondanville, Willie J. Hale, Jennifer S. Wachen, Jim Mintz, Brett T. Litz, John D. Roache, Jeffrey S. Yarvis, Stacey Young-McCaughan, Alan L. Peterson, Patricia A. Resick
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hazardous drinking and treatment format on PTSD symptom severity and alcohol misuse among military service members seeking CPT for PTSD. The results showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder, regardless of treatment format. However, some participants remained classified as hazardous drinkers after treatment, suggesting that integrated treatment may be beneficial for this population.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMATIC STRESS
(2021)