Trauma BPE Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Injured Individuals Admitted to a Level I Trauma Center

BEHAVIORAL

Treatment as Usual

Standard clinical treatment received by all patients admitted to BUMC, BSWMC Temple or FH/MCW trauma centers. At BUMC and FH/MCW, this may include an evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and continued follow-up psychotherapy and/or medication as needed. At BSWMC Temple this may include an evaluation by a licensed psychiatrist and follow up treatment as needed. In all locations this therapy does not consist of trauma-focused therapy and will be summarized in the analysis as a part of standard of care.

BEHAVIORAL

Brief Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Brief PE will include 3 therapy sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The treatment is manualized and has been successfully implemented and evaluated in other challenging environments (i.e., Emergency Department. Trauma center). Brief PE includes education about common reactions to trauma, breathing retraining, prolonged (repeated) imaginal exposure to trauma memories, repeated in vivo/behavioral exposure to situations that participants are avoiding due to trauma-related fear, and discussion of thoughts and feelings related to exposure exercises. This discussion addresses patients' unrealistic beliefs about themselves and the world. In addition, patients are given homework to complete between each session (breathing practice, listening to the session recording, and completing behavioral exposures).

Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)

Time frame: Baseline, 1-month, 3-month, 6-months

The CAPS-5 is a 30-item, structured interview that assesses PTSD symptoms and makes a diagnostic determination based on the DSM-5 criteria and is considered the gold standard of PTSD assessment. Questions assess for PTSD symptoms corresponding to the 4 DSM-5 clusters of re-experiencing, avoidance, changes in mood and cognition, and arousal and hyperactivity, and includes questions on duration, impact of symptoms, distress and impact of symptoms on social and occupational functioning. The interviewer rates participant responses to symptom questions on a 5-point scale of frequency and severity, from 0 ("Absent") to 4 ("Extreme/incapacitating").

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

Time frame: Baseline, 1-month, 3-month, 6-months

The PCL-5 is a 20-item, self-report measure that assesses history of traumas and PTSD symptom severity over the last month according to the DSM-5 criteria.

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.