Efficacy of a Therapist-Assisted Self-Help Internet-Based Intervention Targeting PTSD,Depression, and Insomnia Symptoms After a Disaster: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an online CBT intervention with limited therapist contact targeting a range of posttraumatic symptoms among evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires.One hundred and thirty-six residents of Fort McMurray who reported either moderate PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 23) or mild PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 10) with moderate depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) or subthreshold insomnia symptoms (ISI ≥ 8) were randomized either to a treatment (n = 69) or a waitlist condition (n = 67). Participants were on average 45 years old, and mostly identified as White (82%) and as women (76%). Primary outcomes were PTSD, depression, and insomnia symptoms. Secondary outcomes were anxiety symptoms and disability. Significant Assessment Time × Treatment Condition interactions were observed on all outcomes, indicating that access to the treatment led to a decrease in posttraumatic stress (F[1,117.04] = 12.128, p = .001; d = .519, 95% CI = .142–.895), depression (F[1,118.29] = 9.978, p = .002; d = .519, 95% CI = .141–.898) insomnia (F[1,117.60] = 4.574, p = .035; d = .512, 95% CI = .132–.892), and anxiety (F[1,119.64] = 5.465, p = .021; d = .421, 95% CI = .044–.797) symptom severity and disability (F[1,111.55] = 7.015, p = .009; d = .582, 95% CI = .200–.963). Larger effect sizes (d = 0.823–1.075) were observed in participants who completed at least half of the treatment. The RESILIENT online treatment platform was successful to provide access to specialized evidence-based mental health care after a disaster.     

Developing and Testing a Novel,Computerized Insomnia and Anxiety Intervention to Reduce Safety Aids Among an at-Risk Student Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Anxiety and insomnia disorders are two of the most common and costly mental health conditions. They are frequently comorbid, but current treatments do not target both. To streamline treatment, we developed a computerized intervention targeting a transdiagnostic factor, safety aids (cognitive or behavioral strategies used to cope with distress that paradoxically exacerbate symptoms). We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the acceptability and efficacy of this brief one-session intervention. Young adult undergraduates (N = 61) with elevated subclinical anxiety and insomnia were randomized to receive the anxiety-insomnia intervention or a physical health control condition. Participants were followed for 1 month and completed self-report measures. Analyses indicated that participants found the intervention acceptable, credible, and engaging. Analyses revealed the active intervention reduced sleep- and anxiety-related safety aids, with medium to large effect sizes. Findings suggest that targeting safety aids for anxiety and insomnia is acceptable and effective in reducing the target mechanism, safety aids, as well as worry. Future research should replicate these findings within a clinical sample and with a longer-term follow-up.