NCT05843695 · Baylor College of Medicine
Enhancing Psychotherapy for Veterans and Service Members With PTSD and Anxiety
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different intensive formats of delivering cognitive-behavioral treatment for people with PTSD and anxiety disorders.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different intensive formats of delivering cognitive-behavioral treatment for people with PTSD and anxiety disorders. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is iTCBT delivered in individual and group formats more effective than TAU in improving anxiety symptoms and quality of life? * For treatment non-responders, is iTCBT-Enhanced more effective than TAU improving anxiety symptoms and quality of life? * Does iTCBT-Individual produce a larger improvement in anxiety and quality of life compared with iTCBT-Group? Participants will undergo several assessments throughout the course of the study. Based on randomization, they will receive: (1) iTCBT in an individual format over a 2-week period, (2) iTCBT in a group format over a 2-day period, or (3) usual care. Those who do not show a response to treatment will receive 4 additional individual therapy sessions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
iTCBT-I
Individual format over 2 weeks
BEHAVIORAL
iTCBT-G
Group format over 2 days
BEHAVIORAL
TAU
Standard care
Primary outcome measures
Change in Quality of Life score on the Quality of Life Enjoyment & Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form (QLES-Q-SF) from Baseline to 6-Month Follow-Up between the iTCBT conditions (Individual & Group) and TAU.
Time frame: 6-Month Follow-Up
The QLES-Q-SF measures subjective functioning and satisfaction across a range of life domains including work, leisure activities, social relationships, and physical health. Satisfaction scores on this measure range from 14 (very poor) to 70 (very good). Higher scores indicate greater overall life satisfaction and functioning.
Change in Anxiety score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) from Baseline to 6-Month Follow-Up between the iTCBT conditions (Individual & Group) and TAU.
Time frame: 6-Month Follow-Up
The BAI assesses the severity of anxiety symptoms across 21 items, minimizing those that overlap with depression. Two components of anxiety are measured: The cognitive subscale provides a measure of fearful thoughts and impaired cognitive functioning, whereas the somatic subscale measures the symptoms of physiological arousal. The total score on the BAI ranges from 0-63, with higher scores reflecting higher levels of anxiety.
Change in Quality of Life score on the Quality of Life Enjoyment & Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form (QLES-Q-SF) from Baseline to 6-Month Follow-Up between the iTCBT Enhanced (iTCBT-E) condition and TAU.
Time frame: 6-Month Follow-Up
The QLES-Q-SF measures subjective functioning and satisfaction across a range of life domains including work, leisure activities, social relationships, and physical health. Satisfaction scores on this measure range from 14 (very poor) to 70 (very good). Higher scores indicate greater overall life satisfaction and functioning.
Change in Anxiety score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) from Baseline to 6-Month Follow-Up between the iTCBT Enhanced (iTCBT-E) condition and TAU.
Time frame: 6-Month Follow-Up
The BAI assesses the severity of anxiety symptoms across 21 items, minimizing those that overlap with depression. Two components of anxiety are measured: The cognitive subscale provides a measure of fearful thoughts and impaired cognitive functioning, whereas the somatic subscale measures the symptoms of physiological arousal. The total score on the BAI ranges from 0-63, with higher scores reflecting higher levels of anxiety.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Veteran/Service Member at least 18 years old
- Current diagnosis of at least one anxiety-based disorder: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Other Specified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder, Other Specified Anxiety Disorder, and Unspecified Anxiety Disorder (based on ADIS-5)
- Moderate-to-poor life enjoyment and satisfaction as indicated by a score of 47 or lower on the QLES-Q-SF
- Stable on psychotropic medication for 4 weeks before study participation
- Willing to be randomized to treatment condition
Exclusion criteria
- Active symptoms of mania or psychosis at baseline (based on ADIS-5)
- Depression with active suicidal ideation and intent that would preclude treatment (based on ADIS-5 \& BDI-II)
- Moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment as indicated by the SLUMS (a score below 20)
- Veterans/Service Members with comorbid substance/alcohol use or dependence are study eligible but must agree to reduce and limit their use of substances during the active course of treatment, particularly during exposure exercises. If they do not agree to this, they will be excluded
- Undergoing concurrent transdiagnostic CBT specifically targeting any of the above-mentioned disorders
Where
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations