Phoenix Australia > Research > DECODE Trial

RESEARCH PROJECT

DECODE Trial

 

The DECODE trial is investigating what factors might predict recovery from PTSD in two different PTSD treatments – Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy or the Unified Protocol (UP). Our treatments are intensive – with sessions occurring daily across 10 weekdays.

 

PTSD symptoms can be diverse, and not everyone’s presentation of PTSD looks the same. Both UP and PE have been used to effectively treat PTSD, but they seem to work very differently. Therefore, it may be that some presentations of PTSD are better suited for one of these therapies over the other.  The DECODE trial investigates how to better match people with PTSD to the treatment that is most likely to work for them.

Am I eligible for the DECODE Trial?

  • To be eligible for the DECODE Trial, the following criteria need to be met:*

  • Aged 18 or over.

  • Have been diagnosed with PTSD or suspect that they have PTSD following a traumatic event.

  • Currently reside in Victoria.

  • Access to equipment for video conferencing (ie computer and internet) for Telehealth.

  • Able to attend daily sessions over two consecutive weeks (10 business days).

  • Have good English comprehension.

  • Unfortunately, this trial is not suitable for individuals who have been diagnosed with a current psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, mania, or a severe drug or alcohol use disorder.
    Furthermore, this trial is not suitable for people who are unable to guarantee their own current safety (i.e. have active suicidality, deliberate self-harm, a victim/survivor of ongoing family violence), or the safety of another (e.g. a perpetrator of violence).
    *Other inclusion and exclusion criteria apply, which will be advised upon contact and further assessed during an intake process to confirm eligibility.

What will the DECODE Trial involve?

Participation involves:

  • An intake assessment to assess eligibility (including presence of PTSD).
  • Completing a comprehensive in-person assessment battery at our office in Parkville.
  • Random allocation into one of two treatment groups:
    • Ten x 80-minute sessions of UP over two weeks.
    • Ten x 80-minute sessions of PE over two weeks.
  • Completing a number of online surveys and clinical interviews throughout the duration of the study.

Eligible participants will receive treatment at no cost.

Please note: Consent for the research team to communicate with participant’s GP is a requirement for entering into this trial. Participants are encouraged to share this website information with their GP and other health professionals when expressing interest in this research.

Interested in Participating?

For more information about the trial, including possible benefits and risks to participation, please read our Plain Language Statement. Please email phoenix-decode@unimelb.edu.au with more questions.

You can book an initial eligibility intake appointment here.

How do I refer a client to the DECODE Trial?

Referrers are welcome to contact us if they would like to refer a client.

For additional details on how referrers can support their clients to access the DECODE trial at the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic, please read the Frequently Asked Questions document.

Who is conducting the DECODE Trial?

The DECODE trial is being conducted by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, a national centre of excellence in posttraumatic mental health, affiliated with the University of Melbourne.

This research project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne (ID Number: 29594.1).

Click here to fill in the form to register your interest

Register interest
DECODE Trial Interest Register
If you would like us to call you, please provide your phone number and preferred date and time for us to call. Our office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Are you currently living in Victoria? *
Presently, recruitment for the Phoenix Clinic is open for treatment delivered via videoconferencing. Is this suitable for you? *
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Phoenix Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to all Elders, past and present. We acknowledge continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, water and communities—places of age-old ceremonies, of celebration and renewal—and their unique contribution in the life of these lands.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity.

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About Phoenix Australia

Phoenix Australia are experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing. For 30 years, we have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health and internationally recognised leaders in our field. We are committed to driving forward the mental health agenda both at home and abroad.

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