Memory-Boosted Cognitive Processing Therapy for Older Veterans with PTSD

What this Trial Is About

Posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD is common among Veterans and presents significant health challenges, especially in older adults. While psychotherapies like cognitive processing therapy CPT are established for PTSD, many older Veterans show limited improvement. This may be due to memory and learning difficulties that reduce therapy effectiveness. This study aims to test integrating a Memory Support intervention into CPT to enhance learning and retention of therapy content for older adults with PTSD. The study compares two approaches standard CPT and CPT combined with Memory Support strategies designed to improve encoding and retrieval of therapy skills. This intervention is being developed and refined through three phases involving clinician and Veteran feedback, case series testing, and a small randomized trial. The Memory Support techniques are incorporated into the therapy sessions to potentially boost treatment engagement and outcomes. Participants will be older Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who receive either standard CPT or CPT plus Memory Support. The study will assess PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist-5 during weeks 12 to 16 of treatment. Researchers will monitor feasibility, acceptability, symptom changes, and functional outcomes. The study involves feedback sessions, therapy appointments, and assessments over the treatment period, aiming to gather data for future larger trials.

Enhancing Memory in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD