Populations facing health disparities include groups with significantly higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder than the general population who frequently experience lived experience stress, which may complicate posttraumatic stress disorder symptom presentations. However, there are currently no posttraumatic stress disorder treatments designed to meet the unique needs of these individuals.
The proposed study will pilot an adaptation of Cognitive Processing Therapy (a gold-standard treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder) that has been modified to incorporate the impact of lived experience stress as an additional treatment target. This project has the potential to advance our understanding of how to enhance Cognitive Processing Therapy in order to optimize posttraumatic stress disorder treatment response and mitigate health disparities.
Current diagnosis of PTSD
Self-identification as a sexual or gender minority (SGM) individual
Endorsement of SGM stress experiences with moderate distress
For patients who take psychiatric medication, stable dose one month prior to enrollment
Current active suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent or plan
Unstable bipolar disorder/current mania
Unstable psychotic disorder/current psychosis
Current severe substance use that warrants immediate medical attention
Boston University
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator