VRPE Extension: Comparing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Prolonged Exposure

Sponsor
National Center for Telehealth and Technology (U.S. Fed)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT01459705
Collaborator
The Geneva Foundation (Other)
162
1
3
31
5.2

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

This study is evaluating the efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) by comparing it to prolonged exposure therapy (PE) and a waitlist(WL) group for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in active duty (AD) Soldiers with combat-related trauma. The investigators will test the general hypothesis that 10 sessions of VRET or PE will successfully treat PTSD, therapeutically affect levels of physiological arousal, and significantly reduce perceptions of stigma toward seeking behavioral health services.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
  • Behavioral: Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
  • Behavioral: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
  • Behavioral: Waitlist
N/A

Detailed Description

The rationale for this study is based on growing evidence demonstrating that VRET is an efficacious treatment for PTSD and holds the potential to improve access to care for Soldiers who would otherwise avoid treatment. Although PE is considered one of the most effective cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) for treatments for PTSD, there are reasons why it may not be the most viable option for many Soldiers. First, prolonged exposure requires a level of emotional engagement during exposure to the trauma that many patients are unable to obtain. Second, stigma and concerns about how Soldiers will be perceived by peers and leadership has a dramatic impact on whether a Soldier will seek care. VRET may address these concerns and may also improve treatment outcomes and access to care by augmenting the patient's re-living of the trauma with a sensory-rich environment and moderating stigma perceptions by offering non-traditional treatment that is a preferable option for many Soldiers who are reluctant to seek out traditional talk therapies. Despite its promise as a viable treatment option, few studies have examined VRET for combat-related PTSD and there are no published studies that have compared VRET to PE in the treatment of combat-related PTSD. Positive results may provide new treatment options for all Soldiers, but should prove to be an especially attractive option for Soldiers who either do not respond to, or are reluctant to engage in other established therapies such as PE.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
162 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Masking:
Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary Purpose:
Treatment
Official Title:
Comparing Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy to Prolonged Exposure in the Treatment of Soldiers With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Study Start Date :
Oct 1, 2011
Actual Primary Completion Date :
May 1, 2014
Actual Study Completion Date :
May 1, 2014

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Active Comparator: Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events.

Behavioral: Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments.
Other Names:
  • PE
  • Experimental: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)

    The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure.

    Behavioral: Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments.
    Other Names:
  • VRE
  • VRET
  • Placebo Comparator: Waitlist

    The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation.

    Behavioral: Waitlist
    This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    Other Names:
  • WL
  • Waitlist Control Group
  • Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) [Screening Visit (Day 1)]

      The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.

    2. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.

    3. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.

    4. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) [12 week follow up]

      The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.

    5. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) [26 Week follow up]

      The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. PTSD Checklist- Civilian (PCL-C) [Screening Visit (Day 1)]

      The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.

    2. Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) [Screening Visit (Day 1)]

      The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.

    3. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.

    4. Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.

    5. Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS) [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.

    6. Suicide Risk Assessment [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    7. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.

    8. Behavior and Sympton Identification Scale (BASIS-24) [Screening Visit(Day 1)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    9. Intent to Attend [Screening Visit (Day 1)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    10. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 1 (week 1)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    11. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 1(week 1)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    12. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 1 (week 1)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    13. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 1 (week 1)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    14. PTSD Checklist (PCL-C) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.

    15. PTSD Checklist (PCL-C) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.

    16. Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.

    17. PTSD Checklist (PCL-C) [12 week follow up]

      The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.

    18. PTSD Checklist (PCL-C) [26 week follow up]

      The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.

    19. Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.

    20. Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) [12 Week follow up]

      The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.

    21. Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD) [26 Week follow up]

      The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.

    22. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.

    23. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.

    24. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) [12 Week follow up]

      This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.

    25. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) [26 Week follow up]

      This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.

    26. Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.

    27. Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.

    28. Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) [12 Week follow up]

      The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.

    29. Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) [26 Week follow up]

      The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.

    30. Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.

    31. Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.

    32. Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS) [12 week follow up]

      Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.

    33. Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS) [26 week follow up]

      Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.

    34. Suicide Risk Assessment [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    35. Suicide Risk Assessment [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    36. Suicide Risk Assessment [12 Week follow up]

      Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    37. Suicide Risk Assessment [26 Week follow up]

      Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    38. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.

    39. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.

    40. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) [12 week follow up]

      The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.

    41. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) [26 week follow up]

      The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.

    42. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 2 (week 1)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    43. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 3 (week 2)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    44. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 4 (week 2)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    45. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    46. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 6 (week 3)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    47. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 7 (week 4)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    48. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 8 (week 4)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    49. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 9 (week 5)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    50. BASIS-24 [Treatment session 10 (week 5)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    51. BASIS-24 [5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    52. BASIS-24 [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    53. BASIS-24 [12 week follow up]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    54. BASIS-24 [26 week follow up]

      To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.

    55. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 2 (week 1)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    56. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 3 (week 2)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    57. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 4 (week 2)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    58. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    59. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 6 (week 3)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    60. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 7 (week 4)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    61. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 8 (week 4)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    62. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 9 (week 5)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    63. Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) [Treatment session 10 (week 5)]

      Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.

    64. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 2 (week 1)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    65. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 3 (week 2)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    66. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 4 (week 2)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    67. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    68. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 6 (week 3)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    69. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 7 (week 4)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    70. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 8 (week 4)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    71. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 9 (week 5)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    72. Side Effects Questionnaire [Treatment session 10 (week 5)]

      The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.

    73. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 2 (week 1)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    74. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 3 (week 2)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    75. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 4 (week 2)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    76. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    77. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 6 (week 3)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    78. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 7 (week 4)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    79. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 8 (week 4)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    80. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 9 (week 5)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    81. Intent to Attend [Treatment session 10 (week 5)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    82. Intent to Attend [2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)]

      This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    18 Years to 65 Years
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    All
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
    No
    Inclusion Criteria:
    • PTSD diagnosis as assessed by CAPS

    • history of deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom(OIF/OEF)

    • non sexually based deployment related trauma

    • three or more months since index trauma

    • stable on psychotropic medication for 30 days

    Exclusion Criteria:
    • index trauma in the last three months

    • history of schizophrenia, other psychotic or bipolar disorder

    • history of organic brain disorder

    • suicidal risk or intent or self-mutilating behavior requiring hospitalization in the last 6 months

    • ongoing threatening situation

    • current drug or alcohol dependence

    • history of seizures

    • prior history of PE for PTSD

    • other current psychotherapy

    • physical condition that interferes with proper use of Virtual Reality head mounted display

    • history of loss of consciousness since entering active duty service greater than 15 minutes history of schizophrenia, other psychotic or bipolar disorder

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    Site City State Country Postal Code
    1 Womack Clinical Psychology Service Fort Bragg North Carolina United States 28307

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • National Center for Telehealth and Technology
    • The Geneva Foundation

    Investigators

    • Principal Investigator: Gregory A Gahm, PhD, DCoE- National Center for Telehealth and Technology
    • Principal Investigator: Greg Reger, PhD, DCoE - National Center for Telehealth and Technology

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    None provided.

    More Information

    Publications

    Responsible Party:
    National Center for Telehealth and Technology
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01459705
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • 112226
    • W81XWH-11-2-0007
    First Posted:
    Oct 26, 2011
    Last Update Posted:
    Dec 14, 2015
    Last Verified:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Keywords provided by National Center for Telehealth and Technology
    Additional relevant MeSH terms:

    Study Results

    Participant Flow

    Recruitment Details
    Pre-assignment Detail
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    Period Title: Overall Study
    STARTED 54 54 54
    COMPLETED 32 30 47
    NOT COMPLETED 22 24 7

    Baseline Characteristics

    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist Total
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation Total of all reporting groups
    Overall Participants 54 54 54 162
    Age (Count of Participants)
    <=18 years
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    Between 18 and 65 years
    54
    100%
    54
    100%
    54
    100%
    162
    100%
    >=65 years
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    0
    0%
    Age (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [years]
    30.89
    (7.09)
    29.52
    (6.47)
    30.39
    (6.45)
    30.27
    (6.66)
    Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
    Female
    3
    5.6%
    2
    3.7%
    1
    1.9%
    6
    3.7%
    Male
    51
    94.4%
    52
    96.3%
    53
    98.1%
    156
    96.3%
    Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
    United States
    54
    100%
    54
    100%
    54
    100%
    162
    100%

    Outcome Measures

    1. Primary Outcome
    Title Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
    Description The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.
    Time Frame Screening Visit (Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    Baseline scores on the CAPS-W (last week reference)
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    Measure Participants 54 54 54
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on scale]
    78.28
    (16.35)
    80.44
    (16.23)
    78.89
    (16.87)
    2. Primary Outcome
    Title Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
    Description The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    Participants who provided data at mid treatment
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    Measure Participants 39 36 52
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    65.03
    (29.19)
    71.19
    (23.27)
    74.73
    (21.78)
    3. Primary Outcome
    Title Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
    Description The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    Participants who provided outcome data at post treatment
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    Measure Participants 32 30 47
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    44.28
    (33.73)
    57.07
    (32.32)
    68.06
    (24.27)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Waitlist
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value
    Comments
    Method
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Slope
    Estimated Value -22.34
    Confidence Interval (1-Sided) %
    to
    Parameter Dispersion Type: Standard Deviation
    Value: 4.69
    Estimation Comments
    Statistical Analysis 2
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), Waitlist
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value
    Comments
    Method
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Slope
    Estimated Value -13.30
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) %
    to
    Parameter Dispersion Type: Standard Error of the Mean
    Value: 4.77
    Estimation Comments
    Statistical Analysis 3
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value
    Comments
    Method
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Slope
    Estimated Value 9.04
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) %
    to
    Parameter Dispersion Type: Standard Error of the Mean
    Value: 5.11
    Estimation Comments
    4. Primary Outcome
    Title Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
    Description The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.
    Time Frame 12 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments.
    Measure Participants 27 26
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    36.63
    (31.80)
    55.88
    (31.10)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value
    Comments
    Method
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Slope
    Estimated Value 15.07
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) %
    to
    Parameter Dispersion Type: Standard Deviation
    Value: 6.03
    Estimation Comments
    5. Primary Outcome
    Title Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
    Description The CAPS is a structured interview that assesses all DSM-IV PTSD criteria in terms of frequency and intensity. Scores are computed for Intrusion, Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom clusters, as well as a Total score.We used total scores as the primary outcome. Minimum possible score was 0, maximum possible score was 136. Higher scores indicated higher levels of symptoms.
    Time Frame 26 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments.
    Measure Participants 24 17
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    38.33
    (28.49)
    54.47
    (28.62)
    Statistical Analysis 1
    Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
    Comments
    Type of Statistical Test Superiority or Other
    Comments
    Statistical Test of Hypothesis p-Value
    Comments
    Method
    Comments
    Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Slope
    Estimated Value 13.91
    Confidence Interval (2-Sided) %
    to
    Parameter Dispersion Type: Standard Error of the Mean
    Value: 6.70
    Estimation Comments
    6. Secondary Outcome
    Title PTSD Checklist- Civilian (PCL-C)
    Description The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.
    Time Frame Screening Visit (Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    7. Secondary Outcome
    Title Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
    Description The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.
    Time Frame Screening Visit (Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    8. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
    Description This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    9. Secondary Outcome
    Title Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS)
    Description The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    10. Secondary Outcome
    Title Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS)
    Description Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    11. Secondary Outcome
    Title Suicide Risk Assessment
    Description Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    12. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
    Description The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    13. Secondary Outcome
    Title Behavior and Sympton Identification Scale (BASIS-24)
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Screening Visit(Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    14. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Screening Visit (Day 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    15. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 1 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    16. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 1(week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    17. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 1 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    18. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 1 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    19. Secondary Outcome
    Title PTSD Checklist (PCL-C)
    Description The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    20. Secondary Outcome
    Title PTSD Checklist (PCL-C)
    Description The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    21. Secondary Outcome
    Title Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
    Description The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    22. Secondary Outcome
    Title PTSD Checklist (PCL-C)
    Description The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.
    Time Frame 12 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    23. Secondary Outcome
    Title PTSD Checklist (PCL-C)
    Description The PCL-C is a self report measure that evaluates att 17 PTSD criteria using a 5 point Likert scale.
    Time Frame 26 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    24. Secondary Outcome
    Title Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
    Description The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    25. Secondary Outcome
    Title Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
    Description The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.
    Time Frame 12 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    26. Secondary Outcome
    Title Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)
    Description The PC-PTSD is a four-item measure designed to screen for PTSD.
    Time Frame 26 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    27. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
    Description This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    28. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
    Description This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    29. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
    Description This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.
    Time Frame 12 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    30. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
    Description This self report measure of depression contains 21 items that are rated on a 4 point scale.
    Time Frame 26 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    31. Secondary Outcome
    Title Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS)
    Description The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    32. Secondary Outcome
    Title Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS)
    Description The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    33. Secondary Outcome
    Title Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS)
    Description The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.
    Time Frame 12 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    34. Secondary Outcome
    Title Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS)
    Description The IASMHS is a 24 item assessment of help-seeking attitudes. It includes the following three factors based on components of Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior: Psychological Openness, Help-seeking Propensity and Indifference to Stigma.
    Time Frame 26 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    35. Secondary Outcome
    Title Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS)
    Description Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    36. Secondary Outcome
    Title Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS)
    Description Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    37. Secondary Outcome
    Title Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS)
    Description Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.
    Time Frame 12 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    38. Secondary Outcome
    Title Perceived Stigma Measure (PSS)
    Description Stigma will be measured using a 5 question assessment scale.
    Time Frame 26 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    39. Secondary Outcome
    Title Suicide Risk Assessment
    Description Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    40. Secondary Outcome
    Title Suicide Risk Assessment
    Description Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    41. Secondary Outcome
    Title Suicide Risk Assessment
    Description Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 12 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    42. Secondary Outcome
    Title Suicide Risk Assessment
    Description Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 26 Week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    43. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
    Description The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    44. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
    Description The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    45. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
    Description The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.
    Time Frame 12 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    46. Secondary Outcome
    Title Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
    Description The BAI is a self report measure consisting of 21 items designed to discriminate anxiety from depression.
    Time Frame 26 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    47. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 2 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    48. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 3 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    49. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 4 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    50. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    51. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 6 (week 3)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    52. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 7 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    53. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 8 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    54. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 9 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    55. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame Treatment session 10 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    56. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 5 weeks (or after treatment session 10)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    57. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    58. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 12 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    59. Secondary Outcome
    Title BASIS-24
    Description To assess overall psychological pain and gives an indicator of overall wellness. Due to the nature of the questions, this is deemed to be of safety nature.
    Time Frame 26 week follow up

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    60. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 2 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    61. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 3 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    62. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 4 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    63. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    64. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 6 (week 3)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    65. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 7 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    66. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 8 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    67. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 9 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    68. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs)
    Description Ranging from 1 to 100, Subjective Units of Distress are gathered every 5 mintues during imaginal exposure to determine levels of distress and engagement in the situation.
    Time Frame Treatment session 10 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    69. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 2 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    70. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 3 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    71. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 4 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    72. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    73. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 6 (week 3)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    74. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 7 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    75. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 8 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    76. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 9 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    77. Secondary Outcome
    Title Side Effects Questionnaire
    Description The Side Effects Questionnaire is based on a revised version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) that will be used to measure general discomfort in both the VRET and PE conditions of the study.
    Time Frame Treatment session 10 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    78. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 2 (week 1)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    79. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 3 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    80. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 4 (week 2)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    81. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 5 (week 2.5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    82. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 6 (week 3)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    83. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 7 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    84. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 8 (week 4)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    85. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 9 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    86. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame Treatment session 10 (week 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description
    87. Secondary Outcome
    Title Intent to Attend
    Description This is a measure to assess the intent to complete study procedures.
    Time Frame 2.5 weeks (or after treatment session 5)

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title
    Arm/Group Description

    Adverse Events

    Time Frame 6 months. From time of baseline visit to final follow up visit
    Adverse Event Reporting Description
    Arm/Group Title Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Arm/Group Description The PE protocol is based on manualized procedures, which are derived from the theory that effective treatment for PTSD requires that the underlying pathological fear structure be activated and paired with new information that is incompatible with the fear structure. PE involves imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure as the two primary strategies to elicit repeated confrontation of feared but objectively safe thoughts, feelings, situations and events. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Prolonged exposure therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 - 120 minutes each, with additional between-session homework assignments. The VRET protocol follows the same procedures as the PE protocol with the primary exception being that all instances of imaginal exposure will be augmented by immersion into Virtual Iraq environments, thus creating a situation known as immersive exposure. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET): Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy will consist of 10 treatment sessions lasting 90 -120 minutes with additional between-session homework assignments. The waitlist (WL) participants will be asked to refrain from psychotherapy during the 5 weeks of study participation. Waitlist: This group will refrain from psychotherapy until after the completion of the 5 weeks of study participation
    All Cause Mortality
    Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total / (NaN) / (NaN) / (NaN)
    Serious Adverse Events
    Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 0/54 (0%) 3/54 (5.6%) 0/54 (0%)
    Psychiatric disorders
    Hospitalization - psychiatric 0/54 (0%) 0 3/54 (5.6%) 3 0/54 (0%) 0
    Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
    Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) Waitlist
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 12/54 (22.2%) 15/54 (27.8%) 0/54 (0%)
    Cardiac disorders
    chest pain 1/54 (1.9%) 1 1/54 (1.9%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Nausea 5/54 (9.3%) 6 3/54 (5.6%) 4 0/54 (0%) 0
    intermittent stomach ache and diarrhea 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    General disorders
    Headache 7/54 (13%) 9 4/54 (7.4%) 8 0/54 (0%) 0
    dizziness 2/54 (3.7%) 2 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    flu like symptoms 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0
    cold symptoms 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    syncopal episode 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0 0/54 (0%) 0
    alcohol consumption 2/54 (3.7%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0 0/54 (0%) 0
    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
    Dislocated Shoulder 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    exacerbation of neck and back pain 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0
    Psychiatric disorders
    increase in flashbacks 1/54 (1.9%) 3 0/54 (0%) 0 0/54 (0%) 0
    homicidal ideation 0/54 (0%) 0 2/54 (3.7%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0
    increased intrusive memories 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    increased irritability 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    increased anxiety around weapons 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    self percieved persecution 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Shortness of Breath 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0 0/54 (0%) 0
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Eczema 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 2 0/54 (0%) 0
    rash from ECG lead 0/54 (0%) 0 1/54 (1.9%) 1 0/54 (0%) 0

    Limitations/Caveats

    [Not Specified]

    More Information

    Certain Agreements

    Principal Investigators are NOT employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

    There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

    Results Point of Contact

    Name/Title Gregory A. Gahm, PhD
    Organization DCoE
    Phone 253-320-5772
    Email gregory.a.gahm.civ@mail.mil
    Responsible Party:
    National Center for Telehealth and Technology
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01459705
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • 112226
    • W81XWH-11-2-0007
    First Posted:
    Oct 26, 2011
    Last Update Posted:
    Dec 14, 2015
    Last Verified:
    Nov 1, 2015