Prolonged Exposure Therapy With an Older Adult: An Extended Case Example

Abstract

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) has gained strong empirical support for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population. However, some authors have suggested that exposure therapies may be less effective for the treatment of PTSD in older adults. There is a paucity of empirical treatment studies for older adults with PTSD. The extant studies are briefly reviewed. There are indications that exposure therapies can be feasible, safe, and efficacious for older adults. However, the degree and maintenance of gains may be reduced in older adults relative to younger adults. A case example is presented to provide a detailed illustration of PE conducted with an older adult. The treatment is presented in five phases, including standard treatment components and suggested modifications for older adults. The modifications include careful use of terminology, slowing down the presentation of some information, involvement of family members, and utilizing technology to minimize the negative effects of physical impairments and stigma.