title: Randomized controlled trial of a brief Internet-based intervention for families of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
abstract: Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their families require resources to cope with postdeployment readjustment. Responding to this need, the current study examined a brief Internet-based intervention that provided Veterans' families with psychoeducation on postdeployment readjustment. Participants were 103 dyads of Veterans with probable PTSD and a designated family member/partner. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group, in which the family member completed the intervention, or to a control group with no intervention. Each member of the dyad completed surveys at baseline and 2 mo follow-up. Family member surveys focused on perceived empowerment, efficacy to provide support, and communication (perceived criticism and reactivity to criticism). Veteran surveys assessed perceived family support and communication. Results showed that Veterans in the intervention group reported decreases in reactivity to criticism but also decreased perceived family support. No significant differences were observed in outcomes reported by family members. This preliminary study provides an early understanding of this novel outreach program, as well as the challenges inherent with a very brief intervention. Future research can build on the current study by more closely evaluating the communication changes that occur with this form of intervention and whether greater intervention intensity is needed.
  
  
  
  Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT01554839.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons, NJ; and Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Interian
authors.affiliation: Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons, NJ; and Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kline
authors.affiliation: VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY.|Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perlick
authors.affiliation: VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY.|Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.affiliation: VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Bronx, NY.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feder
authors.affiliation: VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Bronx, NY.
authors.forename: Marc D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.affiliation: Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
authors.forename: Marjorie F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Goldstein
authors.affiliation: National Development and Research Institutes Inc, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.affiliation: VA Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, Bronx, NY.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: St Hill
authors.affiliation: National Development and Research Institutes Inc, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Miklos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Losonczy
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D004644:Emotions; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011209:Power, Psychological; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: OEF; OIF; PTSD; family communication; family support; intervention; outreach program; postdeployment; psychoeducation; resources