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Clinical trials

Efficacy of Brief CBT Text Message Intervention for Co-occurring PTSD Symptoms and Alcohol Misuse

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Current study results on a randomized controlled trial evaluating a brief, self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy-based (CBT) text message intervention for individuals with PTSD symptoms and co-occurring alcohol misuse (PTSD + AM) have been published. The trial aimed to refine the intervention by testing whether evidence-based techniques from cognitive psychology (message framing) and social psychology (growth mindsets) increased intervention efficacy. The study involved a sample of 505 adults from Washington State, with 71% female, 20% male, and 9% identifying as another gender. The intervention had a 4-week duration with follow-ups at post-intervention, 1-month, and 3-months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial used a three (framing: loss vs. gain vs. no framing) x two (mindset: growth vs. simple reminder) factorial design to test the efficacy of the intervention.
  • The combination of messages that highlighted using skills to avoid future losses (vs. for future gains vs. no framing) and that sought to facilitate a mindset that challenges setbacks and encourages growth opportunities (vs. a simple reminder to use skills) was predicted to increase efficacy.
  • The trial had a sample of 505 adults from Washington State, with excellent retention (89+%) at follow-ups.
  • Participants' PTSD symptoms and AM improved across all conditions with large effect sizes.
  • Decision rule implementation indicated the selection of the loss framing and growth mindset condition.
  • The condition will be tested in a subsequent RCT with longer-term follow-up.
  • The study concluded that the brief CBT text message intervention is an effective treatment option for individuals with PTSD + AM.
  • The study also highlighted the importance of incorporating evidence-based techniques from cognitive psychology and social psychology to increase intervention efficacy.
  • Additional research is needed to test longer-term effects of the intervention.

Statistics:

  • Sample size: 505 adults from Washington State
  • Female participants: 71%
  • Male participants: 20%
  • Participants identifying as another gender: 9%
  • Retention rate: 89%
  • Follow-ups conducted at post-intervention, 1-month, and 3-months
  • Large effect sizes observed for PTSD symptoms and AM across all conditions

Sources:

  • Results from a randomized controlled trial testing theory-driven enhancements - Growth mindsets and message framing -- to a brief CBT text-message invention for co-occurring PTSD symptoms and alcohol misuse. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 2025;194:104883.
  • NewsRx. Findings on Clinical Trials and Studies Reported by Researchers at University of Washington (Results from a randomized controlled trial testing theory-driven enhancements - Growth mindsets and message framing -- to a brief CBT text-message ...). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 1675.

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