What is Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) studying for PTSD?

Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) is being studied to see if involving an intimate partner in PTSD treatment improves psychosocial functioning more than standard Prolonged Exposure therapy. Researchers aim to understand if this partner-assisted approach helps Veterans recover better and supports their relationships. The study is sponsored by the United States Department of Defense.

Who may be eligible for this PTSD clinical trial?

Adults who are post-9/11 Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration, currently in a committed relationship for at least 6 months, and diagnosed with PTSD may be eligible. People with recent severe mental health issues or severe intimate partner violence are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this PTSD clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the therapy sessions and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for their travel needs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06990191

Partner-Assisted Prolonged Exposure Therapy Compared to Standard Treatment for PTSD in Post-911 Veterans

Led by United States Department of Defense · Updated on 2025-11-14

420

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD affects up to 17% of post-911 US Service Members and is linked to long-term challenges such as family problems, unemployment, and risk of suicide. Trauma-focused therapies like Prolonged Exposure PE help many but are not effective for everyone, with about 40% retaining their PTSD diagnosis after treatment. This research aims to test whether adding a partner-assisted approach, called Partnered Prolonged Exposure PPE, can improve psychosocial functioning and treatment outcomes compared to standard PE in Veterans. The study compares standard PE, which involves weekly 90-minute therapy sessions with the Veteran and therapist, to PPE, which adapts PE by incorporating strategies from Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy. PPE includes twice-weekly 60-minute sessions, some with the Veteran and their intimate partner together and some with the Veteran alone. The partner acts as a coach and helps with trauma-related discussions, aiming to enhance treatment effects. The trial is a randomized controlled study involving 210 Veterans and their partners. Participants and their partners will undergo assessments at the start, mid-treatment, end of treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. These evaluations include measures of psychosocial functioning, PTSD symptoms, depression, relationship functioning, caregiver burden, and distress. Researchers will also conduct interviews to understand factors influencing treatment and explore differences based on military sexual trauma history. The total study duration spans several months of treatment and follow-up to monitor outcomes and implementation strategies.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Hybrid 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Partner-Assisted Prolonged Exposure for PTSD

How This Trial Compares With Other Options

This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.

Factors	Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE)	Standard Prolonged Exposure (PE)
What is it?	A version of prolonged exposure therapy that involves both the veteran and their partner in treatment sessions, combining exposure techniques with partner support and couple-focused strategies.	Standard individual prolonged exposure therapy delivered weekly with the veteran and their therapist, based on the established PE manual without partner participation.
Role in the trial	Experimental intervention; tests whether partner involvement improves outcomes for veterans with PTSD.	Active comparator; represents the established approach to prolonged exposure for PTSD.
Primary use	Delivering trauma-focused therapy for PTSD with structured partner involvement.	Delivering trauma-focused therapy for PTSD in individual session format.
How is it given or performed?	Conducted in twice-weekly 60-minute therapy sessions, with some sessions involving both the veteran and their partner and others with the veteran only. Techniques from couples therapy are integrated.	Conducted weekly as 90-minute individual therapy sessions plus a 30-minute check-in, attended by only the veteran and therapist without partner involvement.
Evidence status	Currently under clinical investigation. Effectiveness and outcomes are not yet established for this specific partnered adaptation.	Widely recognized as an evidence-based standard therapy for PTSD in veterans and the general population, supported by multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses.
Important limitations	As a newer adaptation, PPE lacks established long-term outcome evidence. Success may depend on relationship dynamics, and suitability is limited by exclusion of couples with severe relationship or safety concerns.	Although effective for many, some individuals may not respond fully to PE or may discontinue due to the distress associated with trauma exposure.

Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Post-9/11 Veteran enrolled in Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Stable medication for more than 1 month
In a committed relationship lasting 6 months or longer
Diagnosed with PTSD according to DSM-5 criteria

You will not qualify if you...

Imminent risk of suicide or homicide
Mania, psychosis, or severe substance use disorder within the past 3 months
Severe cognitive impairment
Severe intimate partner violence in the last 6 months
Fear of or intimidation by partner
Partner screens positive for PTSD

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Outpatient Treatment

Duration - Duration varies by treatment protocol, typically several weeks of active therapy

Participants receive weekly or twice-weekly therapy sessions depending on their assigned treatment group. Sessions may involve the Veteran alone or with their partner to support PTSD treatment.

Weekly visits or twice-weekly visits depending on treatment group

Follow-up

Duration - Up to 6 months after treatment ends

Participants are assessed at multiple time points after treatment completion to monitor psychosocial functioning, PTSD symptoms, and related outcomes.

3 visits at 3 months and 6 months posttreatment