Virtual Reality and D-Cycloserine in Combat Related Psycological Trauma in Burn Service Members

Summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to begin the examination of the feasibility of using Gradual Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy and D-Cycloserine (DCS) in the management of posttraumatic psychological symptoms in burned OIF/OEF military combatants. The purpose of a feasibility study is to determine if there is clinical utility in this proposed treatment and to establish effective and safe treatment procedures. Given current literature, the following hypotheses are generated: Hypothesis 1: Virtual Reality Exposure and D-Cycloserine medication (VRE + DCS learning pill) will result in clinically meaningful PTSD symptom reduction. 1. SMs will attain scores that are lower than initial measures for symptoms of PTSD 2. By the completion of VRE, Ss will attain scores in the sub-clinical range for measures of clinical depression Hypothesis 2: SMs will report greater life satisfaction following completion of VR+DCS treatment, as measured by scores on the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) when compared to pre-treatment scores

Timeline

Start

2009-05

Primary completion

2011-11

Completion

2011-11

Publications

• Background Davis M, Ressler K, Rothbaum BO, Richardson R. Effects of D-cycloserine on extinction: translation from preclinical to clinical work. Biol Psychiatry. 2006 Aug 15;60(4):369-75. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.03.084.

Drugs

Indications