Programs for Trauma Survivors

"Effectiveness of Treatment for Chronic PTSD"

This a five year NIMH funded randomized clinical trial at the University of Washington and University Hospitals Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, investigating the role of choice in treatment outcome, and comparing two effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged exposure and sertraline. We are currently enrolling participants and will continue through 2008.

UWCATS) University of Washington Center for Anxiety & Traumatic Stress  

The Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress at the University of Washington is affiliated with the Department of Psychology. The program’s mission is to provide treatment services (medication or psychotherapy) to trauma survivors. As a research program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we seek to offer the most innovative, empirically supported, and effective treatments for the disorder.                 

Information on trauma and PTSD:

• Reactions to Stressful Events

• PTSD

Information on the clinical trial:

• Clinical Trials

• Getting Help

• Contact Information and Directions

Reactions to Stressful Events

Experiencing an extremely stressful event, such as an assault or car accident, can be emotionally painful. The suffering doesn’t stop when the trauma ends. Often, trauma survivors continue to have distressing thoughts and beliefs.

• “People can’t be trusted—the world isn’t safe.”

• “I have no control. I am going crazy.”

• “My life will never be the same.”

• “It was my fault—I should have known what would happen.”   

With this research study, we offer treatment for the anxiety, flashbacks, and depression that often follow a trauma.

PTSD 

Research shows that many trauma survivors develop symptoms of PTSD immediately after the trauma. Many continue to suffer chronic reactions three or more months later.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced a traumatic event, such as:

• Sexual assault

• Childhood sexual assault

• Assault with a weapon

• Combat

•  Armed robbery

• Car accident

 Some symptoms of PTSD include:

• Recurrent thoughts of the trauma

• Intense feelings of fear and anxiety when reminded of the trauma

• Nightmares

• Sweating, racing heart, or hot or cold flashes when reminded of the trauma

• Avoiding situations, people, or thoughts associated with the trauma

• Feelings of detachment from others

•  Difficulty experiencing strong emotions (feeling numb)

• Jumpiness or a tendency to be easily startled   

Clinical Trials

• What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about new therapies or new ways of using established treatments. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Most current drug therapies were initially developed in past clinical trials. When being considered for a Clinical Trial, the research staff will provide you with an informed consent document that includes the following details: why the research is being done, what will be done during the trial, what risks and benefits can be expected, availability of alternative treatments, contact information, confidentiality, and any costs.

Getting help

• At the UW Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress we study and treat the symptoms of PTSD. Because we receive funding for our research, we are able to offer no-cost services to eligible individuals who are experiencing trauma-related problems. 

If you qualify to be a part of this research study at either site, you will receive:  

Specifics on the treatments:

• Prolonged exposure (PE) is a 10 session individual therapy that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. If you receive this treatment for PTSD, you will meet once a week with your therapist for 60 to 90 minutes. You will not receive medication for your PTSD symptoms.  During this treatment, you will be encouraged to confront the memory of your trauma through repeatedly telling the story to your therapist and to confront things in your life that your are avoiding because they make you afraid (e.g., driving in a car, walking on the street at night).  In this program, you will be assigned "homework" to encourage you to practice in life the things you learn in therapy.

• Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. You will take up to 200 mg of Zoloft daily for 10 weeks. You will be seen weekly by a psychiatrist who will offer general encouragement and support, monitor your response to medication, and record any side effects you are experiencing.  Your medication will be adjusted according to a dosing schedule and based on your study doctor's medical judgment. At the end of 10 weeks you will have the choice of tapering (reducing) your medication gradually to minimize the chance of withdrawal symptoms with medication discontinuation or staying on the medication for up to 24 months.  

To find out if you are eligible for our services, please call the program. One of our staff will conduct a brief interview by phone. If you are not eligible for any of our services, we will provide free referrals to other sources.  

Contact Information:                                      

Tel: 206-685-3617                                          

Guthrie Annex II, 2nd Floor | Box 351525                 

University of Washington | Seattle, WA 98195    

Directions

From I-5:

• Take the 45th street exit (UW)

• Go east on 45th street to 15th avenue and turn right on 15th

• At 40th street, turn left onto campus (Gate 5)

• At the gatehouse, tell the attendant that you have an appointment in Guthrie Annex II

By Bus:

• From routes 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 75, 167, 271, 272, 277, and 373, exit the bus at 15th avenue and 40th street (Gate 5)

• Take the pathway from the SE corner of the intersection to the C-8 parking lot and Guthrie Annex II

• Guthrie Annex II is the two-story, grayish building at the south end of the C-8 parking lot