Predictors of dropout from a randomized clinical trial of cognitive processing therapy for female veterans with military sexual trauma-related PTSD.

Many veterans do not complete evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans with military sexual trauma (MST)-related PTSD were shown to have higher than average rates of dropout from PTSD treatment in a national study of EBT implementation. Although predictors of dropout from EBTs have been identified, these factors are largely unmodifiable (e.g., age, service era). The purpose of the present study was to identify dynamic psychosocial predictors of dropout among female veterans from cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Data were utilized from 56 female veterans who participated in a randomized clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of CPT for MST-related PTSD. Dropout was defined continuously (i.e., number of sessions attended) and dichotomously (i.e., attending six or more sessions). Potential predictors included sociodemographic factors, psychotherapist fidelity, PTSD-related service connection, psychiatric symptom severity (i.e., PTSD, depression), trauma-related negative cognitions (about self, self-blame, world), and treatment expectations. Higher trauma-related negative cognitions about self-blame and lower trauma-related negative cognitions about self were protective against dropout. The current study generated testable hypotheses for further research on dynamic predictors of dropout from CPT in female veterans with MST-related PTSD. With replication, results may assist with identifying pre-treatment strategies to reduce dropout in this clinical population.

Holder N ，Holliday R ，Wiblin J ，LePage JP ，Surís A ... -  《-》

Reductions in self-blame cognitions predict PTSD improvements with cognitive processing therapy for military sexual trauma-related PTSD.

Reductions in trauma-related negative cognitions during Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are theorized to precede posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reduction. This mechanism of change has not been validated for veterans with military sexual trauma-related PTSD. Using data from a previously published randomized clinical trial (n = 32), changes in trauma-related negative cognitions about self, self-blame, and the world were entered as predictors of change in PTSD symptoms for cross-lagged panel analyses. From baseline to 6-months posttreatment, only changes in self-blame predicted and temporally preceded changes in PTSD symptoms, highlighting a potential mechanism of change in CPT for military sexual trauma-related PTSD.

Holliday R ，Holder N ，Surís A 《-》

The effect of childhood sexual assault history on outpatient cognitive processing therapy for military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A preliminary investigation.

History of childhood sexual assault (CSA) may result in poorer emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning, potentially affecting the tolerability and effectiveness of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) have an increased incidence of CSA; however, research examining the role of CSA in EBTs for veterans with MST-related PTSD is limited. Data from 32 (9 male; 23 female) veterans with MST-related PTSD were used from a previously conducted randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of an outpatient PTSD EBT (i.e., cognitive processing therapy [CPT]). Self-rated PTSD symptom severity was assessed at pretreatment, during treatment, and up to 6 months following treatment completion. Number of CPT sessions attended and treatment completion were also examined. Using a hierarchical linear modelling approach, results indicated both veterans with and without a history of CSA were found to benefit from CPT, and history of CSA did not significantly predict treatment response. Additionally, number of sessions attended and treatment completion did not significantly vary based on history of CSA. These preliminary findings provide support for the tolerability and efficacy of outpatient CPT in veterans with MST-related PTSD regardless of CSA history.

Holder N ，Holliday R ，Surís A 《-》

Borderline Personality Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma: Analysis of Previous Traumatization and Current Psychiatric Presentation.

Williams R ，Holliday R ，Clem M ，Anderson E ，Morris EE ，Surís A ... -  《-》

Comparing Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Related to Military Sexual Trauma or Other Trauma Types: Baseline Characteristics and Residential Cognitive Processing Therapy Outcomes.

Christ NM ，Blain RC ，Pukay-Martin ND ，Petri JM ，Chard KM ... -  《-》