Preventing PTSD and Cannabis Use Disorder in Women After Sexual Assault Using a Smartphone-Based Digital Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new digital therapeutic aimed at preventing posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD and cannabis use disorder CUD in women who have recently experienced sexual assault. The study focuses on women presenting for emergency care after assault, as many develop chronic PTSD and face increased risk for CUD. This research also trains investigators in advanced clinical trial methods and biobehavioral mechanisms related to PTSD-CUD prevention. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two behavioral intervention groups. One group will receive the RISE Guide, a brief cognitive behavioral program delivered via smartphone within three weeks post-assault, teaching stress education, cognitive retraining, and anxiety sensitivity reduction techniques supported by personalized ecological momentary intervention reminders. The other group will use the Breathe2Relax app, which provides diaphragm breathing exercises for stress management, along with reminders to engage with the relaxation exercises. During the study, participants will be monitored for anxiety sensitivity using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 at 6 weeks, as well as various measures of cannabis use, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms over 6 months. The study includes smartphone-based assessments, ecological momentary interventions, and questionnaires to track symptoms and intervention adherence. The total study duration extends to six months, including ongoing evaluation and support.

Mitigating PTSD-CUD After Sexual Assault