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Special Notice
The latest issue of the PTSD Research Quarterly (RQ) reviews research articles from commemorative journal issues on the 10 year anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Assessment
Structured assessment can enhance PTSD disability exams
The gold standard for assessing PTSD in research studies is a structured interview such as the CAPS, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. In contrast, although clinicians who perform exams for Veterans seeking compensation for PTSD from the VA utilize a variety of data sources, research reported previously in the Oct/Dec 2011 issue of CTU-Online found that structured interviews are rarely used. A new study by VA investigators found that the CAPS, along with a structured interview to assess functioning, improved the quality of disability exams for PTSD. Read more...
Another look at PTSD prevalence based on DSM-IV versus DSM-5
In the October 2012 issue of CTU-Online, we reported on a study suggesting that the new proposed DSM-5 criteria would yield prevalence estimates of PTSD comparable to those based on DSM-IV. A new study by a research team from the Durham VAMC suggests somewhat different findings. Read more...
Treatment
Effects of Pronged Exposure on mental health service use
VA has expended significant resources for its national implementation of evidence-based treatment for PTSD because these treatments decrease symptoms and improve functioning. A study by researchers looking at mental health utilization suggests that evidence-based treatment has cost-saving benefits as well. Read more...
Combining additional treatment components with exposure therapy
Prior research has produced conflicting findings on whether adding other treatment components to exposure therapy is beneficial. A new quantitative review suggests that adding active components such as cognitive restructuring to exposure therapy produces further reductions in PTSD, but the effects are small. Read more...
Flexible delivery of Cognitive Processing Therapy is highly effective
One obstacle to greater implementation of evidence-based treatments for PTSD is reluctance of some clinicians to utilize manualized protocols. A new study of Cognitive Processing Therapy suggests that CPT can be delivered flexibly according to patient progress and still significantly reduce PTSD and related symptoms. Read more...
No benefit of telephone monitoring after residential PTSD treatment
Telephone care management improves outcomes following inpatient treatment for depression and substance use disorders. However, a new study suggests that the addition of telephone monitoring and support to aftercare does not improve outcomes in Veterans after being discharged from inpatient treatment for PTSD. Read more...
Study reports sustained benefits of MDMA-augmented psychotherapy for PTSD
In 1985, the drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA—commonly known as “Ecstasy”—was classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the US. Before that, beginning in the 1970s, some therapists had used MDMA to augment the benefits of psychotherapy. Results of a new study suggest that this kind of treatment may have long-term benefits in treatment-refractory patients with PTSD. Read more...
OEF/OIF/OND
Primary care-mental health clinic as a gateway to mental health care
The VA’s Primary Care-Mental Health Integration program has shown promise in increasing mental health visits among Veterans. Results of a study by researchers from the South Texas VA Healthcare System suggest that the program can increase mental health service utilization in a population that can be challenging to engage in treatment: OEF/OIF Veterans. Read more...
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