The general aim of this research proposal is to develop an effective treatment intervention for individuals who meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse.
Specific aims are to test and refine a two phase treatment program for CSA-related PTSD. Preliminary data indicate the treatment is effective in reducing PTSD, alexithymia, anger, depression, and interpersonal sensitivity. The first treatment phase consists of 8 sessions providing skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation (STAIR). The second phase consists of 8 sessions of a modified version of Prolonged Exposure (PE) adapted from Foa's treatment for rape-related PTSD. To accomplish these objectives, the investigators plan to conduct a 16-session treatment outcome study with approximately 40 participants who will be randomly assigned to either STAIR/PE or a Minimal Attention Wait List with follow-up periods for the active treatment at 3 and 9 months. Outcomes targeted and measured will include frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms and enhanced skills affecting mood, distress tolerance, and interpersonal functioning. Measures of health problems and health service utilization will also be included. Assessment of treatment sessions (by audio recordings), weekly case consultation meetings, and ongoing assessments will be used to monitor and document treatment delivery and make necessary changes to the treatment and adherence/competency protocols.
| Stovall-McClough, K Chase; Cloitre, Marylene (2006) Unresolved attachment, PTSD, and dissociation in women with childhood abuse histories. J Consult Clin Psychol 74:219-28 |
| Cloitre, Marylene; Stovall-McClough, K C; Miranda, Regina et al. (2004) Therapeutic alliance, negative mood regulation, and treatment outcome in child abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder. J Consult Clin Psychol 72:411-6 |
| Altemus, Margaret; Cloitre, Marylene; Dhabhar, Firdaus S (2003) Enhanced cellular immune response in women with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Am J Psychiatry 160:1705-7 |
| Cloitre, Marylene; Koenen, Karestan C; Cohen, Lisa R et al. (2002) Skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation followed by exposure: a phase-based treatment for PTSD related to childhood abuse. J Consult Clin Psychol 70:1067-74 |
