Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on PTSD-CVD Link

This study is a randomized controlled trial of CPT compared to waitlist control that is testing the effects of CPT on mechanisms of the PTSD-CVD link. Enrollment began in 2023 and is projected to continue through 2026. Participants include individuals with PTSD and CVD risk recruited from the Boston area (N = 30). Treatment assignment is randomized and stratified by sex. Participants are randomized to CPT (n = 15) or waitlist control (n = 15). Potentially eligible participants complete a screening visit to confirm inclusion/exclusion criteria. Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants are scheduled for a baseline session, where they complete surveys, brain and peripheral imaging, and resting measures of autonomic function. Following the baseline visit, participants are randomized into CPT or the waitlist control group. Those randomized to CPT complete sessions via telehealth. Following a 12-week treatment period, participants attend the post-treatment visit, consisting of the same assessments administered at baseline. Participants randomized to waitlist are offered CPT upon completion of the post-treatment visit.