Comparing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Prolonged Exposure
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric, Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 65 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | October 2011 |
| End Date: | May 2014 |
Comparing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Prolonged Exposure in the Treatment of Soldiers With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is evaluating the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) by
comparing it to prolonged exposure therapy (PE) and a waitlist(WL) group for the treatment
of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active duty (AD) Soldiers with combat-related
trauma. The investigators will test the general hypothesis that 10 sessions of VRET or PE
will successfully treat PTSD, therapeutically affect levels of physiological arousal, and
significantly reduce perceptions of stigma toward seeking behavioral health services.
comparing it to prolonged exposure therapy (PE) and a waitlist(WL) group for the treatment
of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active duty (AD) Soldiers with combat-related
trauma. The investigators will test the general hypothesis that 10 sessions of VRET or PE
will successfully treat PTSD, therapeutically affect levels of physiological arousal, and
significantly reduce perceptions of stigma toward seeking behavioral health services.
The rationale for this study is based on growing evidence demonstrating that VRET is an
efficacious treatment for PTSD and holds the potential to improve access to care for
Soldiers who would otherwise avoid treatment. Although PE is considered one of the most
effective cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) for treatments for PTSD, there are reasons
why it may not be the most viable option for many Soldiers. First, prolonged exposure
requires a level of emotional engagement during exposure to the trauma that many patients
are unable to obtain. Second, stigma and concerns about how Soldiers will be perceived by
peers and leadership has a dramatic impact on whether a Soldier will seek care. VRET may
address these concerns and may also improve treatment outcomes and access to care by
augmenting the patient's re-living of the trauma with a sensory-rich environment and
moderating stigma perceptions by offering non-traditional treatment that is a preferable
option for many Soldiers who are reluctant to seek out traditional talk therapies. Despite
its promise as a viable treatment option, few studies have examined VRET for combat-related
PTSD and there are no published studies that have compared VRET to PE in the treatment of
combat-related PTSD. Positive results may provide new treatment options for all Soldiers,
but should prove to be an especially attractive option for Soldiers who either do not
respond to, or are reluctant to engage in other established therapies such as PE.
efficacious treatment for PTSD and holds the potential to improve access to care for
Soldiers who would otherwise avoid treatment. Although PE is considered one of the most
effective cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) for treatments for PTSD, there are reasons
why it may not be the most viable option for many Soldiers. First, prolonged exposure
requires a level of emotional engagement during exposure to the trauma that many patients
are unable to obtain. Second, stigma and concerns about how Soldiers will be perceived by
peers and leadership has a dramatic impact on whether a Soldier will seek care. VRET may
address these concerns and may also improve treatment outcomes and access to care by
augmenting the patient's re-living of the trauma with a sensory-rich environment and
moderating stigma perceptions by offering non-traditional treatment that is a preferable
option for many Soldiers who are reluctant to seek out traditional talk therapies. Despite
its promise as a viable treatment option, few studies have examined VRET for combat-related
PTSD and there are no published studies that have compared VRET to PE in the treatment of
combat-related PTSD. Positive results may provide new treatment options for all Soldiers,
but should prove to be an especially attractive option for Soldiers who either do not
respond to, or are reluctant to engage in other established therapies such as PE.
Inclusion Criteria:
- PTSD diagnosis as assessed by CAPS
- history of deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring
Freedom(OIF/OEF)
- non sexually based deployment related trauma
- three or more months since index trauma
- stable on psychotropic medication for 30 days
Exclusion Criteria:
- index trauma in the last three months
- history of schizophrenia, other psychotic or bipolar disorder
- history of organic brain disorder
- suicidal risk or intent or self-mutilating behavior requiring hospitalization in the
last 6 months
- ongoing threatening situation
- current drug or alcohol dependence
- history of seizures
- prior history of PE for PTSD
- other current psychotherapy
- physical condition that interferes with proper use of Virtual Reality head mounted
display
- history of loss of consciousness since entering active duty service greater than 15
minutes history of schizophrenia, other psychotic or bipolar disorder
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