NCT03803332 · Weill Medical College of Cornell University
A Trial Comparing Interpersonal Therapy to Exposure Therapy for PTSD Due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in Male and Female Military Personnel
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to compare two kinds of therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): exposure therapy (ET) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The results of this study will allow us to see if IPT and ET are equally effective in treating PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma, with the long-term goal of making PTSD treatment effective for as many people as possible.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to compare two kinds of therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): exposure therapy (ET) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The results of this study will allow us to see if IPT and ET are equally effective in treating PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma, with the long-term goal of making PTSD treatment effective for as many people as possible.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Exposure Therapy
Psychotherapy including imaginal and in vivo exposure for PTSD.
BEHAVIORAL
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy that focuses on the effects of PTSD on current interpersonal functioning.
Primary outcome measures
Difference in mean Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5) score changes between the Exposure Therapy (ET) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) treatment groups from baseline to post-treatment
Time frame: Baseline, 15 weeks in the IPT condition, 11 weeks in the ET condition
The CAPS-5 is used for rating the severity of PTSD symptoms. Scores range from 0-80 with higher scores indicating greater PTSD severity
Change in CAPS-5 scores from baseline to post-treatment for the ET treatment group
Time frame: Baseline, 11 weeks
The CAPS-5 is used for rating the severity of PTSD symptoms. Scores range from 0-80 with higher scores indicating greater PTSD severity
Change in CAPS-5 scores from baseline to post-treatment for the IPT treatment group
Time frame: Baseline, 15 weeks
The CAPS-5 is used for rating the severity of PTSD symptoms. Scores range from 0-80 with higher scores indicating greater PTSD severity
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
- English-speaking
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors, with MST defined as actual or threatened sexual violence, from Vietnam era to current Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn
- Diagnosed with PTSD consequent to MST, with a minimum CAPS score \> 40
- Medically stable at time of study enrollment (for persons with chronic injuries and that any disability present does not prevent attendance of weekly outpatient therapy sessions)
- Ability to provide informed consent and function at an intellectual level sufficient to allow accurate completion of all assessment instruments
- Stable on psychotropic medication for the prior 60 days
Exclusion criteria
- Lifetime or current diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder
- Participation in a clinical trial or concurrent evidence-based treatment for MST-related psychiatric conditions or PTSD during the previous 3 months
- Current evidence of significant unstable medical illness or organic brain impairment such that the patient could not attend sessions regularly or complete assessments
- Patients who in the investigator's judgment pose a current homicidal or suicidal risk
- Current or history of substance dependence in the past 90 days.
Where
- New York, New York
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 Apr 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations