Is Integrated CBT Effective in Reducing PTSD Symptoms and Substance Use in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans? Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

This study is the first to examine integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in a sample of military veterans with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD). Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine primary outcomes from a small, randomized clinical trial comparing ICBT plus treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU only in a sample (N = 44) of U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan. A significant reduction in PTSD and SUD symptoms over time was detected in both conditions. One significant time-by-condition interaction effect for re-experiencing symptoms was observed, with ICBT showing greater reductions from baseline to post-treatment. Overall, the efficacy of ICBT in this veteran sample was not as robust as outcomes with non-veteran patients. Challenges to engagement and retention in treatment and further intervention adaptations for veterans are discussed.