title: Cognitive-behavioral group treatment for veterans diagnosed with PTSD: Design of a hybrid efficacy-effectiveness clinical trial.
abstract: Despite significant advances in individual treatment approaches for PTSD, knowledge of group approaches has lagged behind. Much of the reason knowledge about group treatment for PTSD has been limited is due to the complexity of conducting randomized controlled trials in the group treatment context. This limited empirical knowledge is unfortunate given the frequency with which group treatment for PTSD is used in clinical settings, including the Department of Veteran Affairs. The goal of this study is to examine the efficacy of a group cognitive-behavioral treatment (GCBT) for PTSD relative to group supportive counseling approach (i.e. group present centered treatment; GPCT). The sample consists of 196 veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are randomly assigned to either GCBT (n=98) or GPCT (n=98). Both treatments are administered by two therapists over the course of 14 sessions. Assessments take place at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure is the PTSD symptom severity assessed with a semi-structured diagnostic instrument. Given the substantial rise of veterans presenting for PTSD treatment services, identifying an efficacious group treatment approach is invaluable.
authors.affiliation: VA Boston Healthcare System, United States; VA National Center for PTSD, United States; Boston University School of Medicine, United States. Electronic address: denise.sloan@va.gov.
authors.forename: Denise M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Sloan
authors.affiliation: VA Providence Medical Center, United States.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Unger
authors.affiliation: University of Memphis, United States.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gayle Beck
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans
keywords: Clinical trial; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Posttraumatic stress disorder