Testing Augmented Reality-Enhanced Exposure Therapy Compared to Traditional Therapy for PTSD in Military Personnel

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how augmented reality exposure therapy ARET might enhance traditional exposure therapy ET for U.S. military personnel diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. The study focuses on comparing clinical and psychosocial outcomes as well as treatment acceptance and satisfaction between veterans and active-duty members who receive ARET combined with traditional ET versus those who receive traditional ET alone. The trial involves 40 adult participants, both male and female, all with a current PTSD diagnosis and military service history. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive 10 sessions of traditional ET over 5 to 10 weeks, delivered in 60-minute sessions two to three times per week the other group will receive 10 sessions of in-person ARET plus traditional ET as needed. The ARET group wears augmented reality goggles during therapy, engaging with virtual social scenarios like crowded gatherings and grocery stores, while therapists guide exposure using the ExpandXR system. Patients who meet specific improvement criteria after ARET may end treatment early, while others continue with additional traditional ET sessions. Both groups are encouraged to practice real-life exposure assignments between sessions. Throughout the trial, participants will attend therapy sessions and be assessed using various measures, including the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-5 Revised CAPS-5 R, PTSD Checklist PCL5, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and other questionnaires evaluating social functioning and avoidance behaviors. The study tracks symptom changes immediately after treatment, and at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Researchers will monitor treatment adherence, participant distress levels during exposure, and overall treatment satisfaction. The entire participation period spans the duration of the therapy sessions and follow-up assessments.

Advanced Wireless Augmented Reality-Enhanced Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder