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Evaluating Treatments for Suicidal Veterans With PTSD

This study is looking at better ways to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and reduce self-directed violence in Veterans. It compares two behavioral therapies: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combined with the DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) protocol, against Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) with suicide risk management. Researchers want to see if DBT + DBT PE works better to improve PTSD symptoms and reduce thoughts and behaviors related to self-harm. You may be able to join if you are a Veteran aged 18 or older, have PTSD, recent and repeated self-directed violence, current suicidal thoughts, and emotion dysregulation. The study plans to enroll 125 participants, but its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing different behavioral therapies. It plans to enroll 125 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your progress will be measured from the beginning of the study up to 16 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05974631

Evaluating Treatments for Suicidal Veterans With PTSD

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~125 participants
Updated 2026-07-16 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Dialectical Behavior TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure protocolProlonged Exposure therapySuicide risk management

At a glance

Recruiting sites
4 of 4 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview - Revised Short Form (SITBI-R-SF)
Measured over Baseline to 16 months
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Self-directed Violence
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Explore related trials

Emotional dysregulationPost-Traumatic Stress DisorderSelf-directed ViolenceSuicidal Ideation

Where it's being run

4 sites across 4 states
Minnesota1
North Carolina1
Texas1
Washington1

Study leadership

  • Melanie S Harned, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA

Who to contact

Melanie S Harned, PhD
[email protected]
(206) 277-3650
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

PTSD
Recent and repeated self-directed violence
Current suicidal ideation
Emotion dysregulation
Veteran eligible for VHA mental health care at participating site
Willing to participate in all study activities

Exclusion

Unable to maintain safety independently
Currently engaged in and/or recent (past year) history of receiving a sufficient dose of DBT or PE
Plan to move away or be unavailable for \>4 weeks in the next 18 months
Unable to sufficiently comprehend study procedures due to lack of English proficiency or moderate to severe cognitive impairment

What this trial measures

  • Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview - Revised Short Form (SITBI-R-SF)Baseline to 16 months

    Number of self-directed violence episodes

  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 Revised (CAPS-5-R)Baseline to 16 months

    Total Severity Score (range = 0 - 200, higher is worse)