The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) is often considered the gold standard in PTSD assessment. The 30-item structured interview was developed by staff at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Centre for PTSD. CAPS can be used to make a current diagnosis, lifetime diagnosis or assess PTSD symptoms over the past week in accordance with DSM-5 criteria.
Active? Yes
First used: 14 October 2021
Related Topic
PTSDPTSD is generally grouped alongside anxiety disorders given the similar symptomology that is experienced. There is estimated to be over 300 million people living with PTSD globally. MDMA holds significant promise for treating PTSD and is in Phase III of the clinical trial process,
Related Papers
Efficacy, Safety, and Durability of Repeated Ketamine Infusions for Comorbid Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Treatment-Resistant DepressionThis is the first open-label study (2018) to assess the effects of repeated ketamine infusions in the treatment of comorbid PTSD and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (n=15). Participants received six IV ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg) on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule over a 12-day period. Ketamine significantly reduced measures of symptoms change for both disorders (MADRS & PTSD Checklist for DSM-V) and the remission rate for PTSD and TRD were 80% and 93.3%, respectively.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized phase 2 controlled trial
This double-blind, between-subjects study (n=26) on the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared the effectiveness of two higher (100-125mg) with one lower dose (40mg) of MDMA in combination with psychotherapy. One month after two sessions, the higher doses of MDMA showed the largest reduction on a PTSD Scale. At the 12-month follow-up, PTSD symptoms remained lower than baseline with 75% of the participants not meeting PTSD criteria.
MDMA-assisted therapy for moderate to severe PTSD: a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial
This multi-site, randomized, double-blind, Phase IIIb trial (n=104) evaluated the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for individuals with moderate to severe PTSD. The study found significant reductions in PTSD severity (CAPS-5 score) and functional impairment (SDS score) for the MDMA-AT group compared to placebo with therapy. Seven participants experienced severe treatment-emergent adverse events, but no deaths or serious adverse events were reported. The treatment was found to be generally well tolerated in a diverse population.
The safety and efficacy of ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy in subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder: the first randomized controlled pilot study
This is the first placebo-controlled study (n=20) to shown the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AT) in alleviating the symptoms of PTSD. Following two MDMA-AT sessions, 83% of participants in the active treatment group didn't qualify for PTSD anymore (CAPS score).
Durability of improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and absence of harmful effects or drug dependency after 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy: a prospective long-term follow-up study
This study presents follow-up data (17-74 months; n=19) on a trial using MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to treat PTSD and found that most participants had maintained their therapeutic benefit over time.
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial
This Phase II clinical trial (n=26) finds that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy (75-125 mg) led to significant and sustained decreases in PTSD (CAPS-IV) scores as compared to an active placebo (30 mg). At the 12-month follow-up, the average CAPS-IV score had dropped from 87 to 39 (67% no longer qualified for PTSD diagnosis).
MDMA-assisted therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A pooled analysis of ethnoracial differences in efficacy and safety from two Phase 2 open-label lead-in trials and a Phase 3 randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial
This study (2022) analysed data from two Phase II and one Phase III trials from MAPS where MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) was used to treat PTSD in order to compare the efficacy and safety of MDMA-AT between Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and non-Hispanic White participants. No significant ethnoracial difference in CAPS-5 scores was observed while BIPOC participants trended toward greater reductions following MDMA-AT.
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis
This systematic review (2021) entails a meta-analysis of the current literature on MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of PTSD. It was found that MDMA significantly reduced CAPS scores and is generally safe and well tolerated although side effects such as headache and nausea are commonly reported.
Therapeutic effect of increased openness: investigating mechanism of action in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy
This follow-up study (n=20) finds that Openness (but not Neuroticism) plays a moderating role in the relationship between PTSD reduction following MDMA-assisted psychotherapy treatment.
A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)- assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Three doses of MDMA (125mg) showed the most promise in this pilot study (n=12) of MDMA psychotherapy for PTSD. The CAPS score (PTSD measure) was just shy of significance, self-reported improvement was significant.
Dose-related effects of ketamine for antidepressant-resistant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans and active-duty military: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multi-centre clinical trial
This double-blind RCT (n=158) assessed 8 repeated doses of intravenous ketamine administered twice weekly at a low dose (0.2 mg/kg; n = 53), standard dose (0.5 mg/kg; n = 51) ketamine or placebo (n=54) in veterans and service members with PTSD. It was found that the standard dose of ketamine reduced MADRS scores significantly more than placebo. However, the trial failed to find a significant dose-related effect of ketamine on PTSD symptoms measured using the CAPS-5.
Related Trials
Open Label Multi-Site Study of Safety and Effects of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSDThis multi-site, open-label, Phase 2, lead-in study assesses the safety and effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy in participants diagnosed with at least severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy teams that have been identified and trained to work on the sponsor's planned Phase 3 studies will treat at least one open-label participant in this study.
A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that can develop after a traumatic life experience that severely reduces the quality of life. This multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 3 study will assess the efficacy and safety MDMA-assisted psychotherapy compared to psychotherapy with placebo in participants diagnosed with at least moderate PTSD.
Study of Feasibility and Safety of MDMA-Assisted Group Therapy for the Treatment of PTSD in Veterans (MPG1)
This Phase 2, open-label, non-randomized, 3-cohort study assesses the feasibility and safety of MDMA-assisted group therapy for the treatment of PTSD in veterans
A Multi-Site Phase 3 Study of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (MAPP1)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that can develop after a traumatic life experience that severely reduces the quality of life. This multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 3 study assessed the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy compared to psychotherapy with placebo in participants diagnosed with at least moderate PTSD.
Additional MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for People Who Relapsed After MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy Trial
This study will consist of a single session of MDMA-assisted therapy with a full dose of MDMA for people who took part in a study of MDMA-assisted therapy in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) whose PTSD symptoms returned to higher levels at least a year after the first MDMA sessions. The single session will be performed by the same pair of therapists who performed the sessions in the first study. People will have a preparatory session, the MDMA-assisted session and three non-drug sessions afterward. Their PTSD symptoms and symptoms of depression will be measured at the start of this study and two and 12 months after the session.
Study of Safety and Effects of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment of PTSD
This multi-site, open-label, Phase 2, lead-in study assesses the safety and effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy in participants diagnosed with at least severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Randomized Placebo-controlled Study of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in People With PTSD - Israel
This is a study of the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy in people with war or terrorism-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Safety and Tolerability of COMP360 in Participants With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
The safety and tolerability of COMP360 in participants with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ketamine as a Rapid Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The objective of the proposed study is to test if a single IV dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) decreases symptoms of PTSD.
Dose-Response Study of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in People With PTSD
This Phase 2 pilot study examined the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in 23 subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD.
MDMA-Assisted Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) in Dyads in Which 1 Member Has Chronic PTSD
This Phase 1/2 open-label study will combine methods for conducting MDMA-assisted therapy with methods from the CBCT for PTSD in order to treat 10 participants with chronic PTSD and their partners (intimate or non-intimate significant other who does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD) in order to explore whether combined treatment is effective. Each therapy team will have one therapist trained and experienced in MDMA assisted psychotherapy and one therapist trained and experienced in CBCT.
A Test of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=23) assessed the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted therapy among people with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, including veterans.
Ketamine Infusions for PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression
The purpose of this study is to see whether ketamine, when given as repeated infusions, can produce quick and sustained improvement in depression and PTSD symptoms for individuals who have not had their symptoms effectively treated by current treatments.
Randomized, Double-blind, Active Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in People With Chronic PTSD
This Phase 2 pilot study assessed the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in 10 people with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comparing the effects of low and full dose MDMA as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled of MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy in 12 Subjects With PTSD
This small ("pilot") study is designed to provide information on whether the combination of psychotherapy with the drug MDMA is safe and helpful for people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers will use the results of this study to design more studies of this treatment. The study compares a comparator (placebo) and a full dose.
Study Comparing Two Versus Three Active MDMA-assisted Sessions in U.S. Military Veterans With Chronic PTSD
This open-label, randomized study will assess the comparative effectiveness of two versus three active MDMA-assisted sessions in U.S. military veterans with at least moderate chronic PTSD treated in an outpatient VA treatment clinic.
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in Veterans With Combat-Related, Refractory PTSD
This will be a single-site, open-label phase 2 study designed to test the feasibility of administering MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy for combat-related treatment-resistant PTSD in US military veterans currently enrolled in VA.
The Effects of MDMA on Prefrontal and Amygdala Activation in PTSD
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Stress Disorders in Healthcare Workers
This open-label trial (n=30) will test whether the MDMA-assisted psychotherapy protocol is also effective in treating PTSD incurred by healthcare workers during the Covid pandemic.