Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD among spinal cord injury survivors: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100763 · Published: March 31, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health

Simple Explanation

This study addresses the psychological consequences of spinal cord injuries (SCI), specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is significantly more prevalent in SCI survivors compared to the general population. The research aims to test the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy (PE), a well-established PTSD treatment, among SCI patients, a population in which it has not yet been studied. The study involves randomly assigning SCI patients with PTSD to either PE or treatment as usual, with assessments conducted at various intervals to measure the impact on PTSD symptoms and related conditions.

Study Duration

32 weeks

Participants

60 adults with spinal cord injury and PTSD

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomized controlled trial

Key Findings

1
The primary hypothesis is that individuals with SCI and PTSD receiving PE will demonstrate significantly greater improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to those receiving treatment as usual.
2
The study also hypothesizes that PE will lead to significant reductions in self-reported PTSD negative cognitions, depression, pain, and substance use, as well as improvements in sleep and quality of life, compared to the control group.
3
A key aim is to assess the feasibility and fidelity of delivering PE to people with SCI in an inpatient rehabilitation setting who have screened positive for PTSD.

Research Summary

This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for treating PTSD among spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors. The trial aims to address the high prevalence of PTSD in individuals with SCI and the lack of evidence-based interventions specifically tailored for this population. The study will also assess the feasibility of implementing PE in an inpatient rehabilitation setting and examine its impact on comorbid conditions like depression, pain, and sleep disturbances.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

If proven effective, PE could become a standard treatment option for PTSD in SCI patients.

Rehabilitation Programs

The study will provide insights into the feasibility of integrating psychological interventions into inpatient SCI rehabilitation.

Future Research

The findings can inform the development of tailored mental health interventions for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of 60 may limit the ability to detect small differences between treatment conditions.
2
The study is conducted at a single inpatient rehabilitation hospital, potentially limiting generalizability.
3
Participants must be English-speaking, which could introduce selection bias.

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