Evidence-based posttraumatic stress disorder treatment in a community sample: Military-affiliated versus civilian patient outcomes.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health issue among military service members and veterans. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides crucial resources for behavioral health care, many veterans seek mental health services through community clinics. Previous research illustrates that military and veteran patients benefit less from evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD than civilians. However, most PTSD treatment outcome research on military and veteran populations is conducted in VA or military settings. Little is known about outcomes among military-affiliated patients in community settings. The primary aim of this study was to directly compare civilian versus military-affiliated patient outcomes on PTSD and depression symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in a community setting. Participants (N = 502) included military-affiliated (veteran, Guard/Reservist, active duty) and civilian patients who engaged in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure (PE) for PTSD in community clinics. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions on the PCL-5, military-affiliated: d = -0.91, civilian: d = -1.18; and PHQ-9, military-affiliated: d = -0.65, civilian: d = -0.88, following treatment. However, military-affiliated patients demonstrated smaller posttreatment reductions on the PCL-5, Mdiff = 5.75, p = .003, and PHQ-9, Mdiff = 1.71, p = .011, compared to civilians. Results demonstrate that military-affiliated patients benefit from EBTs for PTSD, albeit to a lesser degree than civilians, even in community settings. These findings also highlight the importance of future research on improving EBTs for military personnel with PTSD.

Secondary individual outcomes following multicouple group therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: An uncontrolled pilot study with military dyads.

Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has demonstrated efficacy for improving PTSD and comorbid symptoms and relationship adjustment. To enhance treatment efficiency and scalability, we developed a 2-day, abbreviated, intensive, multicouple group version of CBCT for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD). Prior work demonstrated that AIM-CBCT for PTSD wasassociated with reductions in PTSD and comorbid symptoms in a sample of 24 post-9/11 active duty military or veteran couples who received the treatment in a retreat format over a single weekend. The current study investigated secondary outcomes regarding trauma-related cognitions, psychosocial impairment, and insomnia. For trauma-related cognitions, reductions were nonsignificant and small at 1-month follow-up, ds = -0.14 to -0.32. However, by 3-month follow-up, there were significant, medium effect size reductions in total trauma-related cognitions, d = -0.68, and negative views of self and others, ds = -0.64 and -0.57, respectively, relative to baseline. There was also a nonsignificant, small-to-medium effect-size reduction in self-blame, d = -0.43, p = .053, by 3-month follow-up. For psychosocial impairment, there were significant and medium-to-large and large effect size reductions by 1- and 3-month follow-ups, ds = -0.73 and -0.81, respectively. There were nonsignificant, small effect size reductions in insomnia at both 1- and 3-month follow-ups relative to baseline, ds = -0.30 and -0.34, respectively. These findings suggest that AIM-CBCT for PTSD is associated with reductions in maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions and psychosocial impairment but that adjunctive interventions may be needed to address insomnia.

Testing the role of aerobic exercise in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in U.S. active duty military personnel: a pilot study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if the efficacy of imaginal exposure for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could be improved by adding aerobic exercise. We hypothesized that aerobic exercise would enhance the efficacy of exposure therapy. Active duty service members with clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD Checklist-Stressor-Specific Version, [PCL-S], ≥25) were randomized into one of four conditions: exercise only; imaginal exposure only; imaginal exposure plus exercise; no exercise/no exposure therapy (control). Participants (N = 72) were primarily male, Army, noncommissioned officers ranging in age from 22 to 52. PTSD symptom severity decreased over time (p < .0001); however, there were no significant differences between the experimental conditions. The prediction that imaginal exposure augmented with aerobic exercise would be superior to either imaginal exposure alone or aerobic exercise alone was not supported, suggesting that engaging in exercise and imaginal exposure simultaneously may not be any better than engaging in either activity alone. A better understanding of individually administered and combined exercise and exposure therapy interventions for PTSD is warranted.

Launching a Competency-Based Training Program in Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD: Supporting Veteran-Serving Mental Health Providers in Texas.

Community mental health providers play an essential role in delivering services to veterans who either have limited access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities or who prefer to seek care outside of the VA. However, there are limited training opportunities in evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outside of the VA. In 2017, the STRONG STAR Training Initiative was established to develop competency-based training in two evidence-based therapies for PTSD and to provide that training for mental health providers serving veterans and their families in community settings in Texas. This article describes the program's development and implementation, baseline characteristics of participating clinicians, and lessons learned toward the scale-up and extension of this competency-based training effort to include other interventions and locations.

A Closer Examination of Relational Outcomes from a Pilot Study of Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD with Military Dyads.

Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (CBCT for PTSD) is associated with improvements in patients' PTSD symptoms, partners' psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. However, little is known about whether CBCT for PTSD is associated with changes in other relationship domains that have theoretical and clinical relevance to the relational context of PTSD. The current study is a secondary analysis of relational outcomes from an uncontrolled, within-group trial designed to examine whether an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of CBCT for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) delivered in a retreat during a single weekend was associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction. In this investigation, we examined whether AIM-CBCT for PTSD is also associated with improvements in ineffective arguing, supportive dyadic coping by partner, joint dyadic coping, and partners' accommodation of patients' PTSD symptoms. Participants were 24 couples who included a post-9/11 U.S. service member or veteran with PTSD. At 1- and 3-month follow-up, patients reported significant reductions in couples' ineffective arguing (ds = -.71 and -.78, respectively) and increases in supportive dyadic coping by partners relative to baseline (ds = .50 and .44, respectively). By 3-month follow-up, patients also reported significant increases in couples' joint dyadic coping (d = .57), and partners reported significant reductions in their accommodation of patients' PTSD symptoms (d = -.44). Findings suggest that AIM-CBCT for PTSD is associated with improvements in multiple relationship domains beyond relationship satisfaction but that these may be differentially salient for patients and partners.

La terapia cognitivo-conductual conjunta para el trastorno por estrés postraumático (TCC para el TEPT) está asociada con mejoras en los síntomas de TEPT de los pacientes, en el distrés psicológico de sus parejas y en la satisfacción con la relación. Sin embargo, se sabe poco acerca de si la TCC para el TEPT está asociada con cambios en otros aspectos de la relación que son de interés teórico y clínico para el contexto relacional del TEPT. El presente estudio es un análisis secundario de los resultados relacionales de un ensayo intragrupal no controlado diseñado para analizar si una versión grupal multipareja, intensiva y abreviada de la TCC para el TEPT (MIA-TCC para el TEPT) practicada en un retiro durante un solo fin de semana estuvo asociada con mejoras en los síntomas de TEPT y en la satisfacción con la relación. En esta investigación, analizamos si la MIA-TCC para el TEPT también está asociada con mejoras en las discusiones ineficaces, en el afrontamiento diádico comprensivo de la pareja del paciente, en el afrontamiento diádico conjunto y en la adaptación de las parejas de los pacientes a sus síntomas de TEPT. Los participantes fueron 24 parejas en las que había un miembro o veterano de las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos que prestó servicio con posterioridad al 11/9 y que tenía TEPT. En el seguimiento del mes y de los tres meses, los pacientes informaron reducciones significativas de las discusiones ineficaces de la pareja (ds = -0.71 y -0.78, respectivamente) y aumentos del afrontamiento diádico comprensivo de sus parejas en relación con el momento basal (ds = 0.50 y 0.44, respectivamente). En el seguimiento de los tres meses, los pacientes también informaron aumentos significativos del afrontamiento diádico conjunto de las parejas (d = 0.57), y sus parejas informaron reducciones significativas de su adaptación a los síntomas de TEPT de los pacientes (d = -0.44). Los resultados sugieren que la MIA-TCC para el TEPT está asociada con mejoras en varios aspectos de las relaciones aparte del de la satisfacción en la pareja, pero que estos pueden tener una importancia diferente para los pacientes y sus parejas.

Conducting Prolonged Exposure for PTSD During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations for Treatment.

The unprecedented effects and duration of the COVID-19 crisis are likely to elevate the population's level of anxiety due to psychological stress, economic hardship, and social isolation. This effect may be especially potent for individuals with preexisting mental health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is a highly effective treatment for PTSD across trauma-exposed populations, and has been implemented effectively via telehealth. Nevertheless, PE implementation via telehealth may require specific adaptations during the COVID-19 crisis due to public health mandates calling for sheltering in place and physical distancing. This paper discusses strategies for implementing PE for PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may also be applied to other situations in which physical distancing must be considered.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder via Telehealth: Practical Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has required mental health providers to rapidly rethink and adapt how they provide care. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a trauma-focused, evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder that is effective when delivered in-person or via telehealth. Given current limitations on the provision of in-person mental health treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article presents guidelines and treatment considerations when implementing CPT via telehealth. Based on lessons learned from prior studies and clinical delivery of CPT via telehealth, recommendations are made with regard to overall strategies for adapting CPT to a telehealth format, including how to conduct routine assessments and ensure treatment fidelity.

Effect of Prolonged Exposure Therapy Delivered Over 2 Weeks vs 8 Weeks vs Present-Centered Therapy on PTSD Symptom Severity in Military Personnel: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Effective and efficient treatment is needed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active duty military personnel. Objective: To examine the effects of massed prolonged exposure therapy (massed therapy), spaced prolonged exposure therapy (spaced therapy), present-centered therapy (PCT), and a minimal-contact control (MCC) on PTSD severity. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial conducted at Fort Hood, Texas, from January 2011 through July 2016 and enrolling 370 military personnel with PTSD who had returned from Iraq, Afghanistan, or both. Final follow-up was July 11, 2016. Interventions: Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy involving exposure to trauma memories/reminders, administered as massed therapy (n = 110; 10 sessions over 2 weeks) or spaced therapy (n = 109; 10 sessions over 8 weeks); PCT, a non-trauma-focused therapy involving identifying/discussing daily stressors (n = 107; 10 sessions over 8 weeks); or MCC, telephone calls from therapists (n = 40; once weekly for 4 weeks). Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes were assessed before and after treatment and at 2-week, 12-week, and 6-month follow-up. Primary outcome was interviewer-assessed PTSD symptom severity, measured by the PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview (PSS-I; range, 0-51; higher scores indicate greater PTSD severity; MCID, 3.18), used to assess efficacy of massed therapy at 2 weeks posttreatment vs MCC at week 4; noninferiority of massed therapy vs spaced therapy at 2 weeks and 12 weeks posttreatment (noninferiority margin, 50% [2.3 points on PSS-I, with 1-sided α = .05]); and efficacy of spaced therapy vs PCT at posttreatment. Results: Among 370 randomized participants, data were analyzed for 366 (mean age, 32.7 [SD, 7.3] years; 44 women [12.0%]; mean baseline PSS-I score, 25.49 [6.36]), and 216 (59.0%) completed the study. At 2 weeks posttreatment, mean PSS-I score was 17.62 (mean decrease from baseline, 7.13) for massed therapy and 21.41 (mean decrease, 3.43) for MCC (difference in decrease, 3.70 [95% CI,0.72 to 6.68]; P = .02). At 2 weeks posttreatment, mean PSS-I score was 18.03 for spaced therapy (decrease, 7.29; difference in means vs massed therapy, 0.79 [1-sided 95% CI, -∞ to 2.29; P = .049 for noninferiority]) and at 12 weeks posttreatment was 18.88 for massed therapy (decrease, 6.32) and 18.34 for spaced therapy (decrease, 6.97; difference, 0.55 [1-sided 95% CI, -∞ to 2.05; P = .03 for noninferiority]). At posttreatment, PSS-I scores for PCT were 18.65 (decrease, 7.31; difference in decrease vs spaced therapy, 0.10 [95% CI, -2.48 to 2.27]; P = .93). Conclusions and Relevance: Among active duty military personnel with PTSD, massed therapy (10 sessions over 2 weeks) reduced PTSD symptom severity more than MCC at 2-week follow-up and was noninferior to spaced therapy (10 sessions over 8 weeks), and there was no significant difference between spaced therapy and PCT. The reductions in PTSD symptom severity with all treatments were relatively modest, suggesting that further research is needed to determine the clinical importance of these findings. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01049516.

A dynamical systems analysis of change in PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation among military personnel during treatment for PTSD.

OBJECTIVE: The connections among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidal ideation are elusive because of an overreliance on cross-sectional studies. In this secondary analysis of pooled data from three clinical trials of 742 military personnel, we examined the dynamic relationships among PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation severity assessed repeatedly during and after outpatient treatment for PTSD. METHODS: We conducted dynamical systems analyses to explore the potential for coordinated change over time in psychotherapy for PTSD. RESULTS: Over the course of psychotherapy, PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation severity changed in coordinated ways, consistent with an interdependent network. Results of eigenvalue decomposition analysis indicated the dominant change dynamic involved high stability and resistance to change but indicators of cycling were also observed, indicating participants "switched" between states that resisted change and states that promoted change. Depression (B = 0.48, SE = 0.11) and suicidal desire (B = 0.15, SE = 0.01) at a given assessment were associated with greater change in PTSD symptom severity at the next assessment. Suicidal desire (B = 0.001, SE < 0.001) at a given assessment was associated with greater change in depression symptom severity at the next assessment. Neither PTSD (B = -0.004, SE = 0.007) nor depression symptom severity (B = 0.000, SE = 0.001) was associated with subsequent change in suicidal ideation severity. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of treatment-seeking military personnel with PTSD, change in suicidal ideation and depression may precede change in PTSD symptoms but change in suicidal ideation was not preceded by change in PTSD or depression symptoms.

Pretreatment relationship characteristics predict outcomes from an uncontrolled trial of intensive, multicouple group PTSD treatment.

Cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (CBCT for PTSD; Monson & Fredman, 2012) is associated with improvements in patients' and partners' mental health and relationship satisfaction. Some pretreatment relationship characteristics have predicted CBCT for PTSD outcomes for patients, but findings were limited to a single community sample consisting primarily of female patients with male partners. A better understanding of whether pretreatment relationship characteristics predict outcomes in other patient populations and whether there are partners who may be particularly responsive to couple therapy for PTSD could optimize treatment matching. This study investigated whether pretreatment partner accommodation and relationship satisfaction predicted patient and partner treatment outcomes from an uncontrolled trial of an abbreviated, intensive, multicouple group version of CBCT for PTSD conducted with 24 active-duty military or veteran couples (96% male patients/female partners). In general, changes in patients' PTSD and comorbid symptoms and relationship satisfaction did not vary by pretreatment partner accommodation or patients' own pretreatment relationship satisfaction. In contrast, pretreatment relationship characteristics predicted partner outcomes. Partners who engaged in higher levels of accommodation pretreatment and partners who reported lower levels of pretreatment relationship satisfaction experienced greater declines in psychological distress following treatment. Also, partners who began the study relationally distressed exhibited significant increases in relationship satisfaction following treatment, whereas those who were not relationally distressed did not. Findings suggest that improvements generally do not vary by pretreatment relationship characteristics for patients, whereas partners who begin treatment with elevated relationship risk factors may be especially likely to experience improvement across outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Suicide Intervention Practices: What Is Being Used by Mental Health Clinicians and Mental Health Allies?

OBJECTIVE: Implementation of evidence-based suicide prevention is critical to prevent death by suicide. Contrary to previously held beliefs, interventions including contracting for safety, no-harm contracts, and no-suicide contracts are not best practices and are considered contraindicated. Little is known about the current use of best practices and contraindicated interventions for suicide prevention in community settings. METHODS: Data were collected from 771 individuals enrolled in a suicide prevention training. Both mental health clinicians (n = 613) and mental health allies (e.g., teachers, first responders) (n = 158) reported which best practices (i.e., safety plan, crisis response plan) and contraindicated interventions (i.e., contracting for safety, no-harm contract, no-suicide contract) they use with individuals who presents with risk for suicide. RESULTS: The majority of both mental health clinicians (89.7%) and mental health allies (67.1%) endorsed using at least one evidence-based practice. However, of those who endorsed using evidence-based interventions, ∼40% of both mental health clinicians and allies endorsed using contraindicated interventions as well. CONCLUSION: Contraindicated interventions are being used at high rates and suicide prevention trainings for evidence-based interventions should include a focus on de-implementation of contraindicated interventions. This study examined only a snapshot of what clinicians and allies endorsed using. Additional in depth information about each intervention and when it is used would provide helpful information and should be considered in future studies. Future research is needed to ensure only evidence-based interventions are being used to help prevent death by suicide.Highlights:The majority of both mental health clinicians and mental health allies use evidence-based practices for suicide prevention. This indicates good implementation rates of evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention.Approximately 40% of both mental health clinicians and mental health allies who endorsed using evidence-based practices for suicide preventions also endorsed using contraindicated interventions.A focus on de-implementation of contraindicated suicide interventions is warranted and should be part of the focus on suicide prevention efforts.

Phenotypic predictors of suicide subtypes from pre-to postdeployment in active duty military personnel.

Military service members are at increased risk for suicide, but there are few strategies for detecting those who are at highest risk after a deployment. Using all available data collected from 4119 Military service members before and after their deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, we tested whether predeployment characteristics clustered together to predict postdeployment suicidal risk. Latent class analysis showed that three classes best characterized the sample at predeployment. Class 1 had significantly higher scores on PTSD severity pre- and postdeployment than Classes 2 and 3 (Ps < .001). At postdeployment, Class 1 also had a greater proportion of endorsement of lifetime and past year suicidal ideation than Classes 2 and 3 (Ps < .05) and a greater proportion of lifetime suicide attempts than Class 3 (P < .001). Class 1 also had a greater proportion of endorsement of past-30-days intention to act on suicidal thoughts than Classes 2 and 3 (Ps < .05) and past-30-days specific plan for suicide than Classes 2 and 3 (Ps < .05). The study showed that based only on predeployment data, it is possible to determine which service members might be at highest risk for suicidal ideation and behavior at postdeployment.

Psychometric Properties of the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Short Form Among U.S. Active Duty Military Service Members and Veterans.

We assessed the interrater reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Short Form (SITBI-SF) in a sample of 1,944 active duty service members and veterans seeking services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. The SITBI-SF demonstrated high interrater reliability and good convergent and discriminant validity. The measurement properties of the SITBI-SF were comparable across service members and veterans. Approximately 8% of participants who denied a history of suicidal ideation on the SITBI-SF reported suicidal ideation on a separate self-report questionnaire (i.e., discordant responders). Discordant responders reported significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms than those who denied suicidal ideation on both response formats. Findings suggest that the SITBI-SF is a reliable and valid interview-based measure of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors for use with military service members and veterans. Suicide risk assessment might be optimized if the SITBI-SF interview is combined with a self-report measure of related constructs.

Massed vs Intensive Outpatient Prolonged Exposure for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Improved, efficient, and acceptable treatments are needed for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: To determine the efficacy of 2 compressed prolonged exposure (PE) therapy outpatient treatments for combat-related PTSD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted among military personnel and veterans at 4 sites in Texas from 2017 to 2019. Assessors were blinded to conditions. Data were analyzed from November 2020 to October 2022. Interventions: The interventions were massed-PE, which included 15 therapy sessions of 90 minutes each over 3 weeks, vs intensive outpatient program PE (IOP-PE), which included 15 full-day therapy sessions over 3 weeks with 8 treatment augmentations. The IOP-PE intervention was hypothesized to be superior to massed-PE. Main Outcomes and Measures: Coprimary outcomes included the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) (CAPS-5) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) administered at baseline and posttreatment follow-ups. Measures ranged from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater severity. Diagnostic remission and reliable change were secondary outcomes. Results: Among 319 military personnel and veterans screened, 234 were randomized (mean [SD] age, 39.20 [7.72] years; 182 [78%] male participants), with 117 participants randomized to IOP-PE and 117 participants randomized to massed-PE. A total of 61 participants (26%) were African American, 58 participants (25%) were Hispanic, and 102 participants (44%) were White; 151 participants (65%) were married. Linear mixed-effects models found that CAPS-5 scores decreased in both treatment groups at the 1-month follow-up (IOP-PE: mean difference, -13.85 [95% CI, -16.47 to -11.23]; P < .001; massed-PE: mean difference, -14.13 [95% CI, -16.63 to -11.62]; P < .001). CAPS-5 change scores differed from 1- to 6-month follow-ups (mean difference, 4.44 [95% CI, 0.89 to 8.01]; P = .02). PTSD symptoms increased in massed-PE participants during follow-up (mean difference, 3.21 [95% CI, 0.65 to 5.77]; P = .01), whereas IOP-PE participants maintained treatment gains (mean difference, 1.23 [95% CI, -3.72 to 1.27]; P = .33). PCL-5 scores decreased in both groups from baseline to 1-month follow-up (IOP-PE: mean difference, -21.81 [95% CI, -25.57 to -18.04]; P < .001; massed-PE: mean difference, -19.96 [95% CI, -23.56 to -16.35]; P < .001) and were maintained at 6 months (IOP-PE: mean change, -0.21 [95% CI, -3.47 to 3.06]; P = .90; massed-PE: mean change, 3.02 [95% CI, -0.36 to 6.40]; P = .08). Both groups had notable PTSD diagnostic remission at posttreatment (IOP-PE: 48% [95% CI, 36% to 61%] of participants; massed-PE: 62% [95% CI, 51% to 73%] of participants), which was maintained at 6 months (IOP-PE: 53% [95% CI, 40% to 66%] of participants; massed-PE: 52% [95% CI, 38% to 66%] of participants). Most participants demonstrated reliable change on the CAPS-5 (61% [95% CI, 52% to 69%] of participants) and the PCL-5 (74% [95% CI, 66% to 81%] of participants) at the 1-month follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that PE can be adapted into compressed treatment formats that effectively reduce PTSD symptoms. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03529435.

Evaluating a community-based training program for evidence-based treatments for PTSD using the RE-AIM framework.

Community mental health providers increasingly serve veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, recent surveys find that less than 20% of community providers are adequately trained to implement evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for PTSD. Since 2017, the STRONG STAR Training Initiative (SSTI) model has adapted traditional learning collaboratives aimed at increasing availability of EBTs for PTSD in community settings. This study reports on STRONG STAR program evaluation using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to assess dissemination and implementation outcomes. Between January 2018 and January 2020, 280 mental health providers from 25 states participated. Providers initiating EBTs for PTSD with 930 patients, reaching 29% who had PTSD among their caseload. Overall, 238 of patients who initiated EBT completed treatment. Patients who completed treatment demonstrated a 32.51-point decrease, t(237) = 25.27, p < .001, in PTSD symptom severity and an 8.73-point decrease, t(231) = 19.95, p < .001, in depression symptom severity following treatment. High rates of SSTI providers continued implementing EBT for PTSD at 6 months (cognitive processing therapy [CPT]: 95%; prolonged exposure [PE]: 72%) and 1-year (CPT: 87%; PE: 77%) posttraining, similar to outcomes reported by community and Department of Veterans Affairs providers. In reporting on the first evaluation of a National Training Program for community-based mental health providers, we look ahead to continued work in refining scalable models for building provider competence in delivery of EBTs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceptions and experiences of web-prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder: A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: Web-based prolonged exposure therapy (Web-PE) has potential to increase the reach of effective posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. While there is initial support for the efficacy of Web-PE, no studies have examined the perceptions and experiences of participants receiving PE in this novel, Web based format. METHOD: We used a mixed-methods convergent design to examine and integrate quantitative and qualitative data of participant perceptions and experiences of Web-PE. Treatment-seeking active duty military personnel or veterans (N = 29) who received Web-PE completed posttreatment surveys about perceptions of Web-PE and a brief qualitative interview. Thematic coding was used to identify qualitative themes, which were integrated with quantitative data in a joint display. RESULTS: Although many were initially skeptical of experiencing benefit, participants reported that Web-PE was helpful. They appreciated the flexibility of online therapy and reported that self-motivation was important for engagement. Web-PE therapists were well-regarded, although additional therapist support and technical improvements to the Web-PE program were suggested. Scores on the perceptions of Web-PE survey, PTSD survey, and other quantitative data corroborated the qualitative themes. CONCLUSION: Perceptions and experience of Web-PE are favorable and help to highlight the strengths (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., requiring self-motivation) associated with Web-treatment for PTSD. The results of this study may inform further development of Web-PE or other Web-based treatment programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

"The effects of web-prolonged exposure among military personnel and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder": Correction.

Reports an error in "The effects of web-prolonged exposure among military personnel and veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder" by Carmen P. McLean, Edna B. Foa, Katherine A. Dondanville, Christopher K. Haddock, Madeleine L. Miller, Sheila A. M. Rauch, Jeffery S. Yarvis, Edward C. Wright, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Brooke A. Fina, Brett T. Litz, Jim Mintz, Stacey Young-McCaughan and Alan L. Peterson (Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 2021[Sep], Vol 13[6], 621-631). In the original article, "for the STRONG STAR Consortium" was missing from the end of the author line. In addition, the numbering and text of the affiliations for Edward C. Wright, Brittany N. Hall-Clark, Brooke A. Fina, Brett T. Litz, Jim Mintz, Stacey Young-McCaughan, and Alan L. Peterson were incorrect because of duplicated affiliation details and associated typographical errors. Finally, in the References, "for the STRONG STAR Consortium" and "on behalf of the STRONG STAR Consortium" were missing from the ends of the author lists for Foa et al. (2018) and Resick et al. (2015), respectively. The online version of this article has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2020-86687-001). OBJECTIVE: Web-based treatments address many of the logistical and stigma-related barriers to in-person behavioral health care. Prior studies of web-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) did not employ gold-standard treatments and have not compared to in-person therapy. METHOD: We compared a web version of Prolonged Exposure Therapy, "Web-PE," to in-person Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 40 military personnel with PTSD seeking treatment at Fort Hood, Texas. Due to recruitment challenges, we terminated the RCT and subsequently examined the effects of Web-PE in an uncontrolled open trial with 34 service members and veterans recruited nationwide. Both studies assessed PTSD, depressive symptoms, and health functioning at baseline and 1 and 3 months posttreatment; the RCT also included a 6-month assessment. RESULTS: Results of the RCT showed no differential impact for Web-PE and PCT, although more PCT participants achieved clinically significant change at one of the follow-up assessments. Both treatment conditions significantly reduced self-reported and blind independent interviewer-assessed symptoms of PTSD. Results of the open trial showed that Web-PE was associated with significant reductions in self-reported PTSD symptoms, with a much larger effect size than in the RCT. CONCLUSIONS: Web-PE significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in both studies, although the reductions in PTSD symptoms were greater among open trial participants, who were specifically seeking a web-based treatment. Future research should evaluate Web-PE relative to another web-based treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

How often do community-based mental health providers educate and initiate PTSD treatment following training? Answering the question of reach.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem. Clinical practice guidelines recommend evidence-based treatments (EBTs) including cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) as first-line treatments. Training in EBTs for PTSD has often been limited to large-scale systems (e.g., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Research has shown that veteran-serving community-based mental health providers have low rates of training and supervision in EBTs for PTSD, suggesting that training initiatives for these community providers are critical to increase accessibility. This study aimed to examine the reach of education about EBTs for PTSD and the initiation of EBT for PTSD treatment among veteran-serving community-based providers participating in a large-scale training initiative. Methods: Participants (N = 280) were community-based, licensed mental health providers who received training in CPT (67%) or PE (33%). Provider attitudes toward EBTs were measured with the Perceived Characteristics of Intervention Scale. Reach was calculated from provider self-reported follow-up survey data, including caseload total number of patients with PTSD, number of patients provided education on EBTs for PTSD, and patient initiation of EBT for PTSD. Reach was calculated for both education and EBT initiation. Results: Providers reported positive attitudes toward CPT and PE. Rates of education reach for EBTs for PTSD ranged from 30% to 76%, and rates of EBTs for PTSD initiation ranged from 11% to 35% over the 5-month follow-up period. CPT providers had higher rates of education and initiation earlier in the follow-up period, although differences in initiation rates diminished after 3 months posttraining. Conclusion: Overall, this study examined how large-scale, training programs can be used to increase the education reach and initiation reach of EBTs for PTSD among veteran-serving community-based providers. Future work should examine how best to augment these training programs to reduce the gap between education and implementation of EBTs for PTSD. Plain Language Summary: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem among veterans. Although there are effective treatments for PTSD, mental health providers in community settings rarely have access to training in these treatments. Training programs are designed to offer providers the necessary training and support to deliver the most effective therapies to their clients. In evaluating these programs, it is important to determine whether they increase the likelihood that providers will deliver the interventions in which they were trained. Valuable outcomes include the percentage of patients who were educated on the specific intervention and who began to receive it. The (STRONG STAR) Training stron Initiative is a large-scale, community-based program that specializes in training providers in two leading PTSD therapies: cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. Participants received a 2-day workshop, online resources, and weekly consultation calls to aid in the delivery of the intervention in which they were trained. Consequently, a large number of clients on provider caseloads are now aware of these PTSD treatments, and many have chosen to receive them. It is clear that the components within the (STRONG STAR) Training Initiative increase providers' competency in delivering therapies that have been widely studied. Therefore, more community members with PTSD will have access to gold-standard care. More funding should be devoted toward competency-based training programs to increase the number of people who receive education about and who engage in delivering effective therapies. This approach will ensure high-quality care and increased quality of life for those seeking treatment from community providers.

Temporal-dimensional examination of the Scale for Suicidal Ideation in a cohort of service members in treatment for PTSD.

OBJECTIVE: Failing to account for temporal dynamics can hinder our understanding of suicidal ideation and the potential mechanisms underlying increased risk for suicide death and suicide attempts associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To address these limitations, this study used an analytic approach based on Dynamical Systems Theory to describe temporal patterns associated with multiple dimensions of suicidal ideation in a treatment-seeking sample of military personnel diagnosed with PTSD. METHOD: We performed a secondary analysis of archived data from 742 active-duty military personnel (90% male, 57% white, mean age = 33 ± 7.4 years) enrolled in three clinical trials to examine the dimensional measurement properties of the first 5 items of the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI). RESULTS: Findings indicated two change dynamics for suicidal ideation: homeostatic (i.e., the tendency for suicidal ideation to return to a stable point) and cyclical (i.e., the tendency for suicidal ideation to switch back and forth between higher and lower values). Cycling was the dominant dynamic and was related to variables other from suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION: The cyclic nature of suicidal ideation suggests that assessment timing and context could influence observed associations with other variables. Analytic approaches and clinical methods that do not account for the temporal dynamics of suicide risk could miss these properties, thereby hindering efforts to identify mechanisms underlying the relationship between PTSD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors and limiting opportunities for proactive and timely intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Written exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress symptoms and suicide risk: Design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial with patients on a military psychiatric inpatient unit.

Studies of active duty service members have shown that military personnel who screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more than twice as likely to make a suicide attempt. Evidence-based PTSD treatments can reduce suicidal ideation; however, it can be challenging to provide evidence-based, trauma-focused, PTSD treatment to high-risk patients on an acute psychiatric inpatient unit because the priority of care is stabilization. Treatment for PTSD requires more time and resources than are typically afforded during inpatient hospitalizations. Written Exposure Therapy is an evidence-based, five-session, trauma-focused treatment for PTSD that may overcome the implementation challenges of providing PTSD treatment in an acute inpatient psychiatric treatment setting. This paper describes the design, methodology, and protocol of a randomized clinical trial. The goal of the study is to determine if five 60-min sessions of Written Exposure Therapy enhanced with Crisis Response Planning for suicide risk reduces the presence, frequency, and severity of suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, rehospitalization, and non-suicidal, self-injurious behaviors. The study also will determine if Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide reduces posttraumatic stress symptom severity among military service members, veterans, and other adult military beneficiaries admitted to an acute psychiatric inpatient unit for comorbid suicide ideation or attempt and PTSD symptoms compared with Treatment as Usual. The study is designed to enhance the delivery of care for those in acute suicidal crisis with comorbid PTSD symptoms.