Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Prolonged Exposure for PTSD Among OIF/OEF Personnel: Massed vs. Spaced Trials
Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is 1) to evaluate whether massing 10 PE sessions in 2 weeks (massed trials; M-PE) is more efficacious than Minimal Contact control (MCC); 2) whether the massed sessions format retains the efficacy of treatment compared to 10 PE sessions spaced over 8 weeks (spaced trials; S-PE), and 3) to evaluate for the first time the efficacy of the 10 PE sessions delivered in 8 weeks in an active duty population by comparing it to an active comparison condition, Present-Centered Therapy (PCT).


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult male and female active-duty OIF/OEF military personnel and recently separated OIF/OEF veterans ages 18-65 seeking treatment for PTSD
* Diagnosis of PTSD determined by a clinician-administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PSS-I).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current bipolar disorder or other psychotic disorder (as determined by the evaluator conducting the patient interview and medical record review)
* Current alcohol dependence (as determined by the AUDIT)
* Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (as determined by the inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires)
* Current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention (as determined by the Scale for Suicidal Ideation)
* Other psychiatric disorders severe enough to warrant designation as the primary disorder
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female veterans who are 18 years or older.
* Must meet current DSM-IV criteria for PTSD based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) or have a PTSD Checklist (PCL) score between 40 and 60.
* If taking psychoactive medications, must be on a stable regime for 8 weeks or more.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent and/or plan that, in the judgment of the investigator, should be the focus of treatment.
* Current substance dependence (not in sustained remission), current or recent (within past 6 months) manic episode, or active psychosis. To be eligible, if veteran has current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, there is evidence that illness has been stable for at least 6 months on medication. Has unstable or serious medical illness, including history of stroke, seizure disorder, or unstable cardiac disease that would interfere with participation in treatment.
* Severe cognitive impairment or moderate/severe traumatic brain injury.
* Unable to comprehend or communicate in English.
* Unwilling to accept random assignment or unwilling to refrain from participating in other active forms of psychotherapy during 8-week treatment.
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran (female or male) from any era with a current diagnosis of PTSD due to MST
* Experienced MST no less than 3 months prior to entering the trial
* Identify that MST is the trauma that is causing the worst current distress (if other traumas also experienced)
* Have at least one clear memory of the trauma (sufficient to write impact statement)
* Consent to be randomized into treatment
* Not receive other psychotherapy during the 6 weeks of active treatment
* (if on psychoactive medications) if new antidepressant, be on stable medication regimen for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to entering the trial (if recent changes to antidepressant dosage or additions or changes of antipsychotic or anti-anxiety medication, eligible immediately)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current substance dependence
* Prior substance dependence that has not been in remission for at least 3 months
* Any current psychotic symptoms
* Current mania or unstable Bipolar Disorder
* Prominent current suicidal or homicidal features
* Any severe cognitive impairment or history of Organic Mental Disorder
* Current involvement in a violent relationship
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Read and write English fluently
* Traumatic event related to military-duty, including combat, military training accidents, and military sexual trauma
* Transportation to attend meetings and available to complete study protocols
* Stable dose and type of PTSD medications for at least 6 weeks (per chart review)
* Willing to track medication changes during study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to give informed, voluntary consent
* Cognitive impairment sufficient to cause inability to complete the protocol
* Psychotic symptoms
* Dementia or other organic mental disorders that may cause inability to complete the protocol
* Significant documented alcohol/substance abuse
* Presence of severe suicidal urges or intent
* Residence in a geographical area outside of San Diego County or Bedford, Massachusetts area
* Current daily practice of any skills of any meditation-based program - including, but not limited to:

  * Transcendental Meditation (TM)
  * Yoga
  * Tai Chi
  * Qi-Gong
  * Vipassana or Insight Meditation
  * Loving-Kindness or Compassion Meditation
  * Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or other mindfulness program
  * Guided Imagery
  * Mantram Repetition
  * Passage Meditation
  * Walking Meditation
  * Zen or Buddhist meditation
  * Self-hypnosis, Bio-feedback, etc.
* Other participant circumstances that, in the opinion of a consensus of the study team, would interfere with the safety of prospective participants or their need for treatment.

Answer: A