Actively Recruiting
A Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing Interpersonal Therapy to Exposure Therapy for PTSD Consequent to Military Sexual Trauma
Led by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Updated on 2026-04-16
208
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Lead Sponsor
U
United States Department of Defense
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are comparing two types of therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The study aims to find out if Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Exposure Therapy (ET) are equally effective in treating PTSD in male and female military personnel. The goal is to improve PTSD treatment options for more people affected by MST. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two therapy groups. One group receives ten 90-minute sessions of Exposure Therapy, which involves imaginal and in vivo exposure to trauma-related memories. The other group receives fourteen weekly 50-minute sessions of Interpersonal Psychotherapy, focusing on how PTSD affects current relationships and daily life. Each therapy follows specific treatment manuals. During the study, participants will undergo assessments using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5) at baseline and after completing therapy (11 weeks for ET and 15 weeks for IPT). Researchers will track changes in PTSD symptoms and compare results between the two therapies. The study runs through September 2027 and involves regular outpatient sessions and evaluations of symptoms and daily functioning.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Trial Comparing Interpersonal Therapy to Exposure Therapy for PTSD Due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) in Male and Female Military Personnel
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- English-speaking
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors, defined as actual or threatened sexual violence, from the Vietnam era to current military operations
- Diagnosed with PTSD related to MST, with a minimum CAPS score greater than 40
- Medically stable at enrollment, with any disability not preventing attendance of weekly outpatient therapy
- Able to provide informed consent and complete assessments accurately
- Stable on psychotropic medication for at least 60 days prior to enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Lifetime or current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
- Participation in a clinical trial or concurrent evidence-based treatment for MST-related psychiatric conditions or PTSD within the past 3 months
- Significant unstable medical illness or organic brain impairment preventing regular attendance or assessments
- Current homicidal or suicidal risk as judged by the investigator
- Current or history of substance dependence within the past 90 days
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 11 to 15 weeks
Participants receive psychotherapy sessions for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma. One group receives 10 sessions of 90-minute exposure therapy, while the other group receives 14 weekly 50-minute interpersonal psychotherapy sessions.
10 weekly visits for exposure therapy or 14 weekly visits for interpersonal psychotherapy
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States, 10065
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
O
Olivia Baryluk, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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