ChIP-Studie: Changing Interpretations in PTSD

In this randomized clinical trial, we want to examine whether a CBM training aimed at inducing positive appraisal style (positive CBM-app) can alter dysfunctional appraisal styles in PTSD patients. We will investigate the effects of CBM-app training on PTSD related dysfunctional cognitions and PTSD symptoms.

Country of Recruitment: The Netherlands

We hypothesize that an appraisal- specific, computerized CBM training (referred to as CBM-app) can induce positive appraisal styles in a sample of PTSD patients. We expect that, compared to participants who receive a neutral training, those who receive positive CBM-app training will show less PTSD related dysfunctional cognitions/symptoms post training.

Primary outcome measures:
1. Appraisal Index (pre to post training).
2. PTCI (pre to post training).

Secondary outcome measures:
1. WSAP (pre to post).
2. PSS-SR (pre to post).
3. Frequency/Distress re-experience (pre to post).
4. Trauma characteristics (pre).
5. Trauma-related psychopathology (pre to post).
6. Personality (pre).
7. Implicit measures (pre).
8. Development of Appraisal Index (before and
after each training session). Development of
Frequency/ amount of distress of most
important re-experience (before each training
session)
9. Outcomes on 1 month and 6 month follow up:
Appraisal Index, PTCI, PSS-SR,
Frequency/Distress re-experience,
EQ-5d, BDI
10. Success of treatment as usual (follow up)

Interpretation bias modification (CBM-app):
This training comprises processing a series of reappraisal-related scripted vignettes (40 sentences per training session, 4 training sessions in total) that appear to participants as a sentence completion task. Each sentence comprises one to-be-completed word fragment, such that the meaning of the sentence remains ambiguous until the final word fragment is resolved.

Positive training group:
The word fragments produce an outcome consistent with positive (re) appraisal by assigning a positive meaning to the sentence.

Neutral training group:
The word fragments produce an outcome consistent with ambiguous (re) appraisal, as the meaning of the sentence will remain ambiguous.