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Modified prolonged exposure therapy as Early Intervention after Rape (The EIR-study): study protocol for a
Tina Haugen1,2,3, Joar Øveraas Halvorsen4,5, Oddgeir Friborg6
1Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway. tina.haugen@ntnu.no.
Trials
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Modified prolonged exposure (mPE) therapy may prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD) after rape. This trial assesses mPE's effectiveness in reducing PTSD in sexual assault survivors, guiding future clinical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Trauma and PTSD research
- Clinical psychology interventions
- Women's health after sexual assault
Background:
- Sexual assault and rape are leading causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Modified prolonged exposure (mPE) therapy shows promise in preventing PTSD after trauma.
- Early intervention in sexual assault survivors is crucial for mitigating long-term psychological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of modified prolonged exposure (mPE) therapy in preventing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD) in recent rape survivors.
- To assess the impact of mPE on secondary outcomes including depression, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction.
- To determine the feasibility and acceptance of mPE as an early intervention in sexual assault centers.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving patients within 72 hours of rape or attempted rape.
- Participants randomized to mPE plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone.
- Primary outcome: PTSD symptoms at 3 months post-trauma; secondary outcomes: depression, sleep, pelvic floor hyperactivity, sexual dysfunction.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to assess the primary outcome of PTSD symptom development at 3 months.
- Secondary outcomes will provide comprehensive data on the intervention's broader effects.
- An internal pilot trial will assess intervention acceptance and assessment feasibility for the first 22 subjects.
Conclusions:
- This research will inform clinical practice and guide future strategies for preventing PTSD after rape.
- Findings will identify specific patient groups who may benefit most from early mPE intervention.
- Results will contribute to revising existing treatment guidelines for sexual assault survivors.
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