Couple's Retreats for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Stopped: Nonrandomized, open-label study terminated at the end of the program's funding cycle.
United States20 participantsStarted 2022-03-18
Plain-language summary
Posttraumatic 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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Cohabitating couples (ages 18 to 65 years old), who have been together for at least 4 months who reside in Texas.
. At least one partner in the relationship is a Texas Veteran with significant PTSD symptoms as determined by the endorsement of at least one Criterion A event on the Life Event Checklist, the endorsement of at least one re-experiencing on the PCL-5 (i.e., a score of 2 or higher on Items 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), the endorsement of at least one avoidance symptom on the PCL-5 (i.e., a score of 2 or higher on Items 6 or 7), and a total symptom score of 31 or higher on the PCL-5.
. Both individuals must be willing to participate in the study.
. Both individuals must be able to speak and read English.
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Couple is separated and/or is taking steps to dissolve their relationship (e.g., divorce).
. Veteran or partner are currently participating in an evidence-based treatment for PTSD (Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD).
. Veteran or partner exhibit current psychiatric symptoms warranting immediate intervention that is beyond the scope of the treatment provided in this study.
. Veteran or partner exhibit evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (as determined by the inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires)
. Veteran or partner report current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention (as determined by the Depressive Symptoms Index - Suicidality Subscale; DSI-SS)
. Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by Veteran or partner occurring within the past 6-months.