Remote OUD & PTSD Study
Researchers at the University of Vermont are conducting a study to determine whether a telemedicine-delivered treatment for PTSD is effective for adults receiving methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
Fast Facts
Receiving Methadone or Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Experiencing Symptoms of PTSD
Compensation
Provided
Conducted
Remotely
Study Background
Researchers are studying a new online therapy to help treat PTSD using prolonged exposure therapy.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a challenging condition that often co-occurs with opioid use disorder (OUD), negatively impacting mental health and substance use treatment outcomes. Among individuals receiving methadone or buprenorphine as part of their treatment for OUD, PTSD symptoms can complicate recovery and limit the effectiveness of standard interventions. This underscores the need for targeted approaches to address PTSD in this population.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine-delivered behavioral treatment program for adults with PTSD who are also receiving methadone or buprenorphine for OUD. By combining effective PTSD treatment techniques with the accessibility of telemedicine, the research seeks to determine whether this approach can improve PTSD symptoms and substance use outcomes more effectively than medications for opioid use disorder alone. This innovative approach has the potential to fill a critical gap in care for individuals navigating both PTSD and OUD.
Study Background
Researchers are studying a new online therapy to help treat PTSD using prolonged exposure therapy.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a challenging condition that often co-occurs with opioid use disorder (OUD), negatively impacting mental health and substance use treatment outcomes. Among individuals receiving methadone or buprenorphine as part of their treatment for OUD, PTSD symptoms can complicate recovery and limit the effectiveness of standard interventions. This underscores the need for targeted approaches to address PTSD in this population.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine-delivered behavioral treatment program for adults with PTSD who are also receiving methadone or buprenorphine for OUD. By combining effective PTSD treatment techniques with the accessibility of telemedicine, the research seeks to determine whether this approach can improve PTSD symptoms and substance use outcomes more effectively than medications for opioid use disorder alone. This innovative approach has the potential to fill a critical gap in care for individuals navigating both PTSD and OUD.
Additional Information
This study is being done to determine whether a telemedicine-delivered behavioral treatment program can improve PTSD symptoms and substance use outcomes for adults receiving methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, addressing the unique challenges of co-occurring PTSD and OUD.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Receiving methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Ages 18+
- Valid Photo ID
- Speak English
All study activities are conducted remotely via Zoom.
This study may involve:
Assessment and Group Assignment:
- Complete an initial eligibility assessment.
- Group assignment: Random assignment to one of three groups:
Group A: Continued buprenorphine or methadone treatment.
Group B: Continued buprenorphine or methadone treatment + therapy for PTSD.
Group C: Continued buprenorphine or methadone treatment + therapy for PTSD + attendance incentive vouchers for attending therapy sessions.
Participation for All Groups:
- Continue current methadone or buprenorphine treatment.
- Complete short nightly questionnaires for first 12 weeks of the study.
- Attend 5 follow-up visits over 9 months, including assessments and a urine drug test (kits provided).
Therapy for Groups B & C:
- Attend up to 12 weekly, hour-long telemedicine sessions of talk therapy for PTSD.
Participants can earn compensation up to $888 – $1,808, depending on your assigned group.
All Participants:
- Earn $2 per nightly questionnaire for the first 12 weeks of the study plus a $20 weekly bonus for completing all questionnaires in a given week.
- Receive $60 for the initial assessment and $100 for the last 3 of the 5 follow-up visits.
Group C (Attendance Incentives):
- May receive up to an additional $920 for attending therapy sessions.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.