CompletedNot Applicable

Written Exposure in Substance Treatment

United States50 participantsStarted 2022-12-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this pilot randomized clinical trial is to test the feasibility and efficacy of written exposure therapy (WET) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the context of residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. All participants meet criteria for PTSD and are in a short term residential SUD treatment program (target residential treatment duration = 28 days) regardless of the research. The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1) Is the delivery of WET feasible in short term residential SUD treatment for individuals with severe SUD; 2) Do participants in the TAU+WET condition have greater reductions in PTSD symptoms pre/post treatment compared to participants in TAU alone?

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * At least 18 years old * Fluent in English * Cognitively able to provide consent to the research * Enrolled in inpatient treatment at the clinical site where the research takes place * Meet criteria for probable PTSD based on PCL-5 score * Be early enough in their residential stay to allow time to complete the WET protocol * Have a clear memory of the traumatic event so they are able to write about itin detail Exclusion Criteria: * Reports significant suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent, untreated psychosis, or have other health limitations that may interfere with their ability to participate in the research

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.

What they're measuring

Efficacy of WET

Timeframe: Pre/post intervention window (approximately 3 weeks)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06296940

SponsorPotomac Health Foundations

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Posttraumatic Stress Disorder trials