Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma-Related Sleep Disturbance

Abstract

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a cognitive-behavioral, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and related psychological sequelae. CPT is typically conducted in 12 sessions using a group, individual, or group and individual combined protocol. The main focus of CPT is on identifying disruptive cognitions; challenging them with the help of worksheets; replacing them with more accurate, healthy cognitions; and feeling the natural emotions that have been suppressed by the disruptive schema. Numerous studies have supported utilizing CPT to treat PTSD related to a variety of traumatic events including rape, child abuse, combat, as well as among civilian war refugees. These studies have demonstrated that CPT not only significantly reduces symptoms of PTSD in the majority of participants, but the therapy also improves levels of depression, guilt, coping, anger, and negative cognitions. More recently, researchers have begun to examine the impact of CPT on physical health and sleep. Initial studies suggest that CPT has a positive effect on physical health and quality of life complaints and for some patients CPT improves self-reported quality of sleep. Unfortunately, some patients do not show sleep improvements even after successful completion of CPT and removal of the PTSD diagnosis. Future research should continue to focus on adjunctive or consecutive treatments to PTSD that can focus specifically on sleep problems that may or may not be related to trauma.