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Posttraumatic Stress DisordersCOPENCT01338506

Integrated Treatment of OEF/OIF Veterans With PTSD & Substance Use Disorders

A study testing Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE) in people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorders and Combat Disorders, run by Medical University of South Carolina at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

In comparison to the general population, U.S. military and Veterans are at an increased risk for developing both substance use disorders (SUD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
What is being tested?
Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
81 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
Apr 2011to Mar 2016
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adult male and female active-duty OIF/OEF military personnel and separated OIF/OEF veterans ages 18-65.
  • Diagnosis of PTSD determined by a clinician-administered study interview.

Who cannot join

  • Current bipolar disorder or other psychotic disorder (as determined by the evaluator conducting the patient interview and medical record review)
  • subjects with a current eating disorder or with dissociative identity disorder
  • currently in ongoing therapy for SUDs or PTSD, who are not willing to discontinue these therapies for the duration of the trial
  • recently prescribed maintenance anxiolytic, antidepressant, or mood stabilizing medications (must be stabilized for four weeks on meds before entry into study)
  • Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (as determined by the inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29401

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Integrated Treatment of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders

In comparison to the general population, U.S. military and Veterans are at an increased risk for developing both substance use disorders (SUD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Current research has shown that there is a high comorbidity of SUD and PTSD, and although there are a number of treatments for SUD and PTSD independently, there are very few effective methods to simultaneously treat both disorders. Because of this substantial gap in the treatment of both SUDs and PTSD, it has become essential to develop a combined treatment that would address and treat both disorders. Individuals, specifically U.S. military and Veterans, with SUD/PTSD have unique needs that require a specialized treatment approach. This designed approach would employ cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat the SUD, in conjunction with Prolonged Exposure therapy to treat the PTSD. Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an empirically supported and evidence-based treatment that is currently regarded as the "gold standard" psychosocial treatment for PTSD. In combination with CBT, this treatment would address both disorders in hopes of reducing substance use and PTSD symptomatology.

Read the detailed description

As a result of sustained operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, there are an increasing number of U.S. military personnel and Veterans at risk of developing both substance use disorders (SUDs) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If left untreated, individuals with SUDs and/or PTSD are at risk for other mental health problems (e.g., depression), suicidal ideation and attempts, physical health problems, reduced resiliency, lost productivity, and family/relationship impairment. While mental health services are in place for U.S. military personnel, substantial gaps in the treatment of co-occurring SUDs and PTSD exist and there is little scientific evidence available to guide the provision of care. The proposed study directly addresses this knowledge gap by testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an integrative behavioral intervention for the treatment of co-occurring SUDs and PTSD modified for use among U.S. military personnel (including National Guard and Reservists) who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). The intervention, called "Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged exposure" or "COPE," represents a novel treatment that integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy for SUDs with prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD. In earlier studies with civilians, COPE has demonstrated efficacy in reducing alcohol and drug use severity, PTSD symptoms, and associated mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). In this hybrid Stage Ib/Stage II study, we will (1) use a manualized, well-tolerated behavioral treatment for SUDs and PTSD (COPE); (2) employ a two-arm randomized between-groups experimental design (COPE versus a modified treatment-as usual (TAU); and (3) examine standardized, repeated dependent measures of clinical outcomes and process variables at 5 time points (pre-, mid-, and post-treatment; 3 and 6 month follow-up). The proposed project is directly responsive to the mission of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in that it seeks to enhance and accelerate research on the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders (including illicit and prescription drugs) and comorbid conditions (e.g., PTSD, depression, sleep disturbances, HIV risk behaviors). The findings of this study will provide empirical evidence to inform policies and programs to better serve the needs of U.S. military personnel, Veterans, and their families.

Being tested
Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE)
Keywords
Military, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, PostTraumatic Stress Disorders, Combat, Psychological Treatment, Psychotherapy, Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress, Prolonged Exposure, Exposure therapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Stress Disorders, Drug Abuse, Drug Dependence, Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Dependence, Substance Use Disorders, Alcoholism
Medical subject headings
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Combat Disorders, Alcoholism, Substance-Related Disorders, Wounds and Injuries, Stress Disorders, Traumatic

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE)Behavioural

    Also called Prolonged Exposure

    12 weeks of concurrent prolonged exposure treatment for PTSD combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders (alcohol or drugs).

Study groups in NCT01338506
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
COPE TherapyExperimentalCombined prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD with cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorder.
Receives: Behavioral: Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE)
Treatment as usualActive comparatorCBT for substance use disorder.
Receives: Behavioral: Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology

    The hypothesis is that COPE will significantly exceed the treatment as usual control group in reducing Change in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms as measured by a reduction of 25 points or more in scores for the Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS).

    A lower Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist score would indicate less severe Post-traumatic Stress Disorder/better outcomes.

    A negative sign in front of a number represents a decrease in score and better/positive outcomes. A greater decrease in a score represents greater improvement in symptoms (more positive outcomes).

    Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS): scores range 0-136 0-19: asymptomatic/few symptoms 20-39: mild PTSD/subthreshold 40-59: moderate PTSD/threshold 60-79: severe PTSD symptoms

    ≥80: extreme PTSD symptoms

    Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist: score range 17-85.

    Measured: Following 12 weeks of therapy.

  2. Drinks Per Drinking Day

    Number of standard drinks reported during drinking day

    Measured: Following 12 weeks of therapy.

  3. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology

    Score of PTSD from Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and self-administered PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 PTSD Diagnosis (PCL-5).

    Lower scores on CAPS and PCL would indicate less severe PTSD. A lower Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist score would indicate less severe Post-traumatic Stress Disorder/better outcomes.

    A negative sign in front of a number represents a decrease in score and better/positive outcomes. A greater decrease in a score represents greater improvement in symptoms (more positive outcomes).

    Clinician Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS): scores range 0-136 0-19: asymptomatic/few symptoms 20-39: mild PTSD/subthreshold 40-59: moderate PTSD/threshold 60-79: severe PTSD symptoms

    ≥80: extreme PTSD symptoms

    Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist: score range 17-85.

    Measured: Following 12 weeks of therapy.

  4. Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Itemized Scores

    Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Itemized Scores Within the assessment there are 20 symptoms of PTSD, each with an individual score.

    A lower score would represent a better outcome (ie less severe symptom). The three itemized symptoms listed below represent hallmark traits/symptoms of PTSD.

    Overall score range 0-136 Reexperiencing Symptoms range 0-40 Avoidance/Numbing range 0-56 Hyperarousal range 0-40

    Measured: After 12 weeks of treatment

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Number of Participants Who Report Abstinence

    The hypothesis is that COPE will significantly exceed the treatment as usual control group in reducing substance use as measured by decreases in percent days using and increased abstinence rates.

    Measured: Following 12 weeks of therapy.

  2. Beck Depression Index

    Measure of depression. A lower score would indicate less severe depression. Scores range 0-30

    Measured: Following 12 weeks of therapy.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted19 Apr 2011 (estimated)
  2. Study startApr 2011
  3. Primary completionMar 2016
  4. Study completionMar 2016

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
81 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT01338506
Sponsor's protocol ID
R01DA030143-01
Other IDs
HR20279
Acronym
COPE
Status last verified
Feb 2020
First submitted
8 Apr 2011
Last updated
11 Feb 2020
Data monitoring committee
Yes
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Szafranski DD, Snead A, Allan NP, Gros DF, Killeen T, Flanagan J, Pericot-Valverde I, Back SE. Integrated, exposure-based treatment for PTSD and comorbid substance use disorders: Predictors of treatment dropout. Addict Behav. 2017 Oct;73:30-35. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.04.005. Epub 2017 Apr 4.

    PubMed 28460246
  • Mills AC, Badour CL, Korte KJ, Killeen TK, Henschel AV, Back SE. Integrated Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders: Examination of Imaginal Exposure Length. J Trauma Stress. 2017 Apr;30(2):166-172. doi: 10.1002/jts.22175. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

    PubMed 28329434
  • Korte KJ, Bountress KE, Tomko RL, Killeen T, Moran-Santa Maria M, Back SE. Integrated Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders: The Mediating Role of PTSD Improvement in the Reduction of Depression. J Clin Med. 2017 Jan 13;6(1):9. doi: 10.3390/jcm6010009.

    PubMed 28098747
  • Lancaster CL, Gros DF, Mullarkey MC, Badour CL, Killeen TK, Brady KT, Back SE. Does trauma-focused exposure therapy exacerbate symptoms among patients with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders? Behav Cogn Psychother. 2020 Jan;48(1):38-53. doi: 10.1017/S1352465819000304. Epub 2019 Apr 23.

    PubMed 31010449
  • Back SE, Killeen T, Badour CL, Flanagan JC, Allan NP, Ana ES, Lozano B, Korte KJ, Foa EB, Brady KT. Concurrent treatment of substance use disorders and PTSD using prolonged exposure: A randomized clinical trial in military veterans. Addict Behav. 2019 Mar;90:369-377. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.11.032. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

    PubMed 30529244
  • Badour CL, Flanagan JC, Gros DF, Killeen T, Pericot-Valverde I, Korte KJ, Allan NP, Back SE. Habituation of distress and craving during treatment as predictors of change in PTSD symptoms and substance use severity. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2017 Mar;85(3):274-281. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000180.

    PubMed 28221062

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Concurrent Treatment with Prolonged Exposure (COPE) in people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorders and Combat Disorders, run by Medical University of South Carolina at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Feb 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 11 Feb 2020). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology (time frame: Following 12 weeks of therapy.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01338506, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Feb 2020.

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