Exposure to trauma, especially when it manifests as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), results in numerous negative consequences for patients, families, and society. Some of the most frequent, disturbing, and treatment resistant symptoms of PTSD are nightmares and insomnia. This study will examine whether treatments specifically targeted at those sleep disorders can improve clinical outcomes and increase health-related quality of life in individuals recently exposed to war-related trauma. Hypotheses are that treating nightmares and insomnia will improve both nighttime and daytime symptoms of PTSD, as well as quality of life.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
6 weeks of prolonged exposure, 5 weeks of imagery rehearsal therapy, and 7 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
6 weeks of prolonged exposure + 12 weeks of supportive care therapy
Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, California, United States
nightmares and insomnia symptoms
Time frame: pre-treatment; weeks 6, 11, and 18 of treatment; 3-month follow-up post-treatment
daytime (non-sleep) PTSD symptoms
Time frame: pre-treatment; weeks 6, 11, and 18 of treatment; 3-month follow-up post-treatment
health-related quality of life
Time frame: pre-treatment; weeks 6, 11, and 18 of treatment; 3-month follow-up post-treatment
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