Significant Reductions In Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Research Articles

Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for psychological trauma: A mixed method single case study

Art therapy (AT) shows promise in treating clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those who don't respond well to traditional treatments (more than 30 %). This case study aimed to explore the effects of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) on PTSD symptoms and establish its viability as a non-verbal therapy for trauma-related issues. A 10-week intervention and a 3-week follow-up phase were explored using a mixed method single case experimental design (SCED) aimed at integrated results. Bringing the two types of data together adds value and enables to understand the findings better. Quantitative data was collected with weekly questionnaires focused on severity of depression, resilience, self-esteem, mental health and self-expression and emotion regulation in art therapy. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was completed in week 1 and 10. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, the patient dossier, and artwork. The combined findings indicate a decrease in PTSD symptoms, reduced depression symptoms, enhanced emotional articulation, increased mental resilience, self-esteem, and positive mental health. The qualitative data support these results, and also add improved emotional connection, increased emotional acknowledgment, and enhanced self-compassion. Based on the combined results of this mixed method design we understand that the TFAT protocol led to a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and improved mental health, demonstrating effectiveness of AT for trauma in this case. This is the first study that tested the TFAT protocol in posttraumatic distress.

Evaluation of the Teaching Recovery Techniques intervention among newcomer students in Swedish schools: a randomised controlled trial turned into a feasibility study

BackgroundDuring recent years, Europe has faced the arrival of migrants whereof a considerable group of youth present mental health problems, such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Schools offer a safe environment for mental health interventions to these groups, yet there is limited research on the impact of school-based interventions addressing mental health problems in newcomer youths, especially in the Swedish context. This cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to explore the effectiveness of the Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) intervention among newcomer students with PTSD symptoms in Swedish secondary schools.MethodsNine schools were randomly assigned to TRT or a wait list control group prior to the baseline assessment. Follow-up data were collected immediately following the intervention and three months post-intervention. In total, 531 students were approached, of which 61 gave consent and were eligible to be included in the study: 55 in TRT and 6 in the control condition. Given the low number of participants in the control condition, we merely analyzed students who had received TRT.ResultsWe report on feasibility of recruitment, data collection, intervention delivery and intervention effectiveness. In terms of intervention effectiveness, within subjects ANOVAs revealed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and general mental health problems from baseline to the three months-follow-up (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results indicate that TRT is a promising school-based intervention for newcomer students with PTSD symptoms. For a successful implementation of TRT in the school context, schools need to be engaged and the implementation should be managed by a local coordinator.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN48178969, Retrospectively registered 20/12/2019.

Visual Schema Displacement Therapy versus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy versus waitlist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Visual Schema Displacement Therapy (VSDT) is a novel approach showing promise in mitigating distressing memories, akin to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This study aimed to determine the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of VSDT in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comparing it to EMDR therapy and a waitlist control condition (WLCC). It was hypothesized that the application of VSDT would be safe and PTSD symptoms significantly be reduced from both baseline to post-treatment and from baseline to follow-up in the VSDT and EMDR therapy conditions. Furthermore, we expected both treatments to be significantly more effective than the waitlist control. Moreover, we hypothesized that VSDT and EMDR therapy would be associated with significant improvements in symptoms of depression and general psychopathology. Forty-six adults with PTSD were randomly assigned to VSDT, EMDR therapy, or WLCC, receiving six 90-minute sessions. Assessments included the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 (CAPS-5), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) before, during, and 3 months post-treatment. Bayesian analysis found no differences between VSDT and EMDR in PTSD symptom reduction but both outperformed WLCC. EMDR was superior to the WLCC in reducing symptoms of depression and general psychopathology. At 3-month follow-up, 58.3% of the participants in the VSDT condition no longer met the PTSD diagnostic criteria (41.2% EMDR therapy and 15.4% WLCC) with no difference between the two therapy conditions. Self-reported PTSD symptom reduction was significant in VSDT (d = 1.38) and EMDR (d = 1.40) but modest in WLCC (d = 0.39). Dropout rate was 19.3%, with no adverse events. This study supports VSDT's efficacy in treating PTSD, offering a valuable therapeutic option comparable to EMDR, with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and no difference with EMDR or the control condition for depressive symptoms and general psychopathology, and no reported adverse events.

A pilot study of stellate ganglion block paired with exposure therapy: Feasibility and acceptability in combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

There is growing evidence that stellate ganglion block (SGB) combined with trauma-focused therapy may help veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) whose symptoms have not responded to traditional treatments. By combining SGB with in vivo exposure, veterans may be more able to fully engage in treatment and see improvement in their overall functioning. The primary aim of this project was to conduct a nonrandomized pilot trial on the feasibility and acceptability of delivering SGB paired with individual psychotherapy to veterans with combat-related PTSD. Eligible veterans (N = 14) constructed a hierarchy of in vivo exposure exercises, received the SGB procedure, and attended four additional weekly psychotherapy sessions with a focus on exposure exercises. Participants completed measures at baseline, weekly during treatment, and follow-up assessments immediately posttreatment and 1-month later. The recruitment target was easily met, session attendance was strong, and dropout was relatively low (21.4%). SGB was well tolerated with only mild, transient side effects. Participants reported satisfaction with the treatment they received as measured by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (M = 28.8). Paired t test analyses revealed a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms as measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. We also observed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 in mixed models, F(2, 13) = 8.68, p = .004. There were no significant improvements in psychosocial functioning or quality of life. SGB paired with psychotherapy is feasible and acceptable to veterans and holds promise for symptom reduction among veterans with combat-related PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy for Treatment of PTSD Following Childhood Trauma: A Single-Case Series Design.

Narrative exposure therapy (NET) has shown promising outcomes for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees and veterans. Its effectiveness in patients with PTSD following childhood trauma is, however, still unknown. We investigated whether NET is an effective treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma. We studied treatment outcomes of nine adult patients in an outpatient setting. An AB single-case series design was used with a baseline of 4 weeks prior to treatment. Participants filled in weekly online questionnaires to assess their PTSD symptoms (using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale [PDS]) and their experienced quality of life (using the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life [MANSA]). Data were analysed visually and using a mixed-effect model. Results revealed no significant reduction of PTSD symptoms during NET treatment, nor an increase in quality of life, as compared to baseline. The results of our study do not underscore the effectiveness of NET treatment for patients with PTSD following childhood trauma. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of NET in this population.

Changes in attachment dimensions during the treatment of acute post-traumatic stress disorder in sexually assaulted Brazilian women.

Attachment patterns are established during early childhood; however, extreme experiences throughout life may change this structure, either toward attachment security or insecurity. We analyzed changes in attachment dimensions in women with acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following sexual assault, that were randomized to a 14-week treatment with either the medication sertraline or Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Seventy-four adult women who presented significant reduction in PTSD symptoms across the trial responded to the Revised Adult Attachment Scale at baseline, on week 8 of treatment, and at the end of the trial, on week 14. We fitted a generalized linear model to explain the attachment anxiety and avoidance scores at baseline. A generalized linear mixed model investigated how attachment dimensions changed over time. Socioeconomic data, treatment type, history of childhood trauma, and PTSD severity over the 14-week period were the considered covariates. At baseline, attachment anxiety was associated with a history of early trauma. Attachment anxiety remained stable during the follow-up. Attachment avoidance, on the other hand, significantly increased from baseline to week 14. Higher avoidance was observed in patients with higher total PTSD scores and on the cluster of hyperarousal symptoms. Races other than White (black, mixed-race, or Asian) and younger age were associated with higher attachment avoidance. Contrary to our expectations, attachment avoidance increased during follow-up, indicating changes in the interpersonal realm beyond the symptoms of PTSD.

Successful Stellate Ganglion Block in Patients with Treatment Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series and Recent Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasing health concern in both those with and without previous military experience. There is a growing body of evidence for the use of stellate ganglion block (SGB), a procedure performed to treat pain conditions and cardiac arrythmias, in the treatment of PTSD. There have been multiple clinical studies, randomized and nonrandomized, that have demonstrated positive results for the use of SGB. CASE REPORT: In this case series, we present 3 patients with military background and treatment resistant PTSD who underwent SGBs. All 3 patients experienced a decrease in their clinical symptoms and improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: Patients with refractory PTSD may benefit from SGB for treatment of their symptoms. PTSD symptoms may be sympathetically mediated, lending to the effect of SGB for symptom management. Data from recent clinical trials demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms when compared to sham procedures. KEY WORDS: Case series, literature review, local anesthetic, post-traumatic stress disorder, randomized control trial, stellate ganglion block, superficial cervical ganglion block, trauma

Improvement in Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms Following an Internet-based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Insomnia: An Open Trial among Rural Appalachian Women

Abstract: Appalachian women face significant health disparities and have limited access to health care. Mental health conditions and treatment-seeking are stigmatized in Appalachian communities. Appalachian women may benefit from web-based interventions targeting less stigmatized health complaints (e.g., insomnia), while simultaneously yielding benefit in associated mental health conditions including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, 37 trauma-exposed adult women aged 45 and older from rural Appalachian Kentucky completed a six-session online self-administered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) intervention and completed measures of PTSD symptoms, insomnia, and depression at pre- and post-treatment. Participants reported a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms from pre- to post-intervention, and this remained significant after adjusting for severity of insomnia and depression pre-treatment. Pending replication in a randomized controlled trial, web-based CBT-I may offer an adjunctive mental health treatment option that circumvents cultural stigmas and reduces PTSD symptoms for trauma-exposed Appalachian women.

Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of EMDR Therapy in Adults with PTSD and Mild Intellectual Disability or Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Mental Health Problems: A Multiple Baseline Study

ABSTRACT Background Little is known about the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF). Aims To explore the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of EMDR therapy in adults with MID-BIF, PTSD, and comorbid mental health and psycho-social problems. Methods and procedures Data were collected from nine participants using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design. PTSD symptoms, level of daily life impairment, and possible adverse effect were measured weekly during baseline, treatment, post-treatment, and at three-month follow-up. Depressive symptoms, general psychopathology, and mental health problems were assessed once in every phase. Outcomes and results Participants displayed a significant reduction of PTSD symptoms, and the majority of participants no longer met criteria for DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis after therapy. EMDR therapy appeared to be safe, as no adverse events were reported during the study time frame. Further, participants showed a decrease in depressive symptoms as well as less severe general psychopathology and mental health problems following therapy. Conclusion EMDR therapy was found to be safe, feasible, and (potentially) efficacious in decreasing PTSD symptoms, loss of PTSD diagnoses, reduction of level of daily life impairment, and general psychopathology for adults with MID-BIF, suffering from both severe mental health and psycho-social problems.

Implementation of evidence-based treatment for PTSD in Norway: clinical outcomes and impact of probable complex PTSD

ABSTRACT Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a long-lasting and debilitating psychological disorder that affects a large portion of the population. Treatments such as Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) and Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to be effective and cost-efficient in clinical trials, but uptake and evidence of positive outcomes in real-world clinical services are limited. Implementation efforts have been hampered by providers’ concerns about the feasibility of trauma-focused treatments in more complex presentations (i.e. Complex PTSD). Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of CT-PTSD and EMDR in a real-world setting, as implemented in Norwegian outpatient mental health clinics for adults, and investigate the impact of probable Complex PTSD status on treatment outcomes. Methods: Clinicians from 15 different outpatient clinics received training and supervision in EMDR or CT-PTSD as part of a national implementation project. 104 clinicians recruited and treated 196 participants with PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety were assessed session-by-session and used to estimate pre-post effect sizes. Mixed-models were employed to investigate the impact of complex PTSD. Results: Both EMDR and CT-PTSD were associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with large effect sizes. Probable Complex PTSD was associated with higher levels of symptoms before and after treatment but did not significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment. Conclusion: The use of evidence-based treatments for PTSD in routine clinical service is associated with good treatment outcomes, also for patients with Complex PTSD.

Cognitive Processing Therapy Delivered in 5 Days via Telehealth to a Gay Latino Adolescent: A Clinical Case Study

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) has been thoroughly investigated as an efficacious treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, for many, the barriers to receiving treatment in the traditional weekly, in-person format prevent engagement. Recent evidence suggests alternative modalities, such as telehealth, and condensed administration of treatment protocols may reduce barriers, increasing treatment completion. This case study reports the treatment of a gay-identifying adolescent Latino male who received 10 sessions of CPT over the course of 5 consecutive days (CPT-5). The patient experienced significant reduction in PTSD symptoms over the course of treatment, dropping below the clinical threshold for PTSD diagnosis by the 10th session. Treatment gains were maintained, and continued, 6 weeks posttreatment. Further, the patient reported marked reduction in suicidality and substance use. In conclusion, the administration of CPT-5 via telehealth holds promise as an effective evidence-based treatment for adolescents with PTSD, including those holding multiple historically marginalized identities, though further investigation through clinical trials is warranted.

In-office, in-home, and telehealth cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundTrauma-focused psychotherapies for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans are efficacious, but there are many barriers to receiving treatment. The objective of this study was to determine if cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD among active duty military personnel and veterans would result in increased acceptability, fewer dropouts, and better outcomes when delivered In-Home or by Telehealth as compared to In-Office treatment.MethodsThe trial used an equipoise-stratified randomization design in which participants (N = 120) could decline none or any 1 arm of the study and were then randomized equally to 1 of the remaining arms. Therapists delivered CPT in 12 sessions lasting 60-min each. Self-reported PTSD symptoms on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) served as the primary outcome.ResultsOver half of the participants (57%) declined 1 treatment arm. Telehealth was the most acceptable and least often refused delivery format (17%), followed by In-Office (29%), and In-Home (54%); these differences were significant (p = 0.0008). Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms occurred with all treatment formats (p < .0001). Improvement on the PCL-5 was about twice as large in the In-Home (d = 2.1) and Telehealth (d = 2.0) formats than In-Office (d = 1.3); those differences were statistically large and significant (d = 0.8, 0.7 and p = 0.009, 0.014, respectively). There were no significant differences between In-Home and Telehealth outcomes (p = 0.77, d = −.08). Dropout from treatment was numerically lowest when therapy was delivered In-Home (25%) compared to Telehealth (34%) and In-Office (43%), but these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsCPT delivered by telehealth is an efficient and effective treatment modality for PTSD, especially considering in-person restrictions resulting from COVID-19.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02290847 (Registered 13/08/2014; First Posted Date 14/11/2014).

Treating Veterans at Risk for Suicide: An Examination of the Safety, Tolerability, and Outcomes of Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors; however, clinicians often report apprehension about recommending trauma-focused therapy to patients with an increased risk of suicide. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and response to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) among a sample of military veterans with PTSD and increased suicide risk. A secondary aim was to provide a clinically useful definition of high suicide risk. Chart review was used to classify the suicide risk level of 290 veterans who participated in CPT at a Veterans Affairs clinic. Treatment outcomes in veterans with different suicide risk levels were also gathered and compared. Over 50% (n = 155) of the sample demonstrated increased suicide risk, and 1.0% (n = 3) engaged in suicidal behavior after initiating treatment. To date, hospital records show no suicide deaths since 2016 among clinic patients who received CPT. Suicide risk level was not associated with CPT tolerability, and PTSD symptom change was equivalent across groups, ps = .085-.976. Veterans across groups reported clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms. The tested suicide risk categorization schemes performed similarly in differentiating the odds of CPT completion and PTSD symptom reduction. These results suggest that veterans with PTSD and an increased risk of suicide, including those with previous suicide attempts and current ideation, can tolerate and benefit from CPT. Additional variables must be considered to truly determine the acute and imminent suicide risk that would deem CPT to be contraindicated.

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial.

The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered. The studies reported in this manuscript are registered as clinical trials at ISRCTN: Pilot ID- ISRCTN15325073 RCT ID- ISRCTN59395217.

Feasibility of narrative exposure therapy in an outpatient day treatment programme for refugees: improvement in symptoms and global functioning

ABSTRACT Background Refugees are at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an evidence-based treatment of PTSD, designed for patients exposed to (multiple) traumatic events and recommended for patients with culturally diverse backgrounds. In clinical practice, adherence to the NET-protocol has been challenged because of psychosocial complexities and comorbid disorders. Objective: The current study investigated the feasibility of NET embedded in an outpatient day treatment programme for refugees and examined reduction in PTSD symptoms and improvement of global functioning as well as correlates of change. Method Participants were patients who consecutively entered an outpatient daytreatment programme from 2013-2017. The majority had a history of prior unsuccessful treatment. PTSD was assessed with the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) before and after finishing NET. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) was used to examine changes in functioning. Changes in PTSD scores and functioning were analyzed using paired t-tests and reliable change indices. Patients showing significant improvement were compared to those who did not, on patient and treatment characteristics, including sex, age, region of origin, childhood trauma and treatment duration and dosage of NET. Results: Of 97 patients, 76 (78.4%) completed NET. Completers had a longer residency and were more likely to have a partner. Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in global functioning were observed. Twenty-eight percent showed reliable improvement with large effect sizes. Four patients did no longer meet the criteria for PTSD. No strong moderators for changes were found. Patients who did not improve more often had a history of childhood trauma. Conclusions NET embedded in an outpatient day treatment programme appears to be feasible. In those who improved, a substantial decline in symptoms and improvement of functioning were observed. The findings suggest that a socially supportive living environment enhances acceptability of trauma-focused treatment in refugees.

Advances in PTSD Treatment Delivery: Review of Findings and Clinical Considerations for the Use of Telehealth Interventions for PTSD.

Purpose of reviewEffective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain underutilized and individuals with PTSD often have difficulty accessing care. Telehealth, particularly clinical videoconferencing (CVT), can overcome barriers to treatment and increase access to care for individuals with PTSD. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the delivery of PTSD treatments through office-based and home-based videoconferencing, and outline areas for future research.Recent findingsEvidence-based PTSD treatments delivered through office-based and home-based CVT have been studied in pilot studies, non-randomized trials, and randomized clinical trials. The studies have consistently demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of these modalities as well as significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, non-inferior outcomes, and comparable dropout rates when compared with traditional face-to-face office-based care. Finally, it has been shown that using CVT does not compromise the therapeutic process.SummaryOffice-based and home-based CVT can be used to deliver PTSD treatments while retaining efficacy and therapeutic process. The use of these modalities can increase the number of individuals that can access efficacious PTSD care.

Message Delivery for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Longitudinal Observational Study of Symptom Trajectories.

BackgroundIndividuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face symptoms that can hinder access to treatment, such as avoidance and guilt. Telemedicine offers a technological solution to increase access to mental health care and overcome barriers to treatment. Although an increasing body of literature focused on synchronous telehealth (eg, live video), no studies have examined the delivery of PTSD treatment via two-way multimedia messages (ie, texting or messaging).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to conduct a longitudinal observation of treatment for PTSD delivered using two-way asynchronous messaging. We also sought to identify individual and treatment characteristics that could predict the observed outcome differences.MethodsOutpatients diagnosed with PTSD (N=475) received interventions from licensed therapists, which were delivered via messaging once or more than once per day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. PTSD symptoms were assessed every 3 weeks using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5. Trajectories of PTSD symptoms were identified using growth mixture modeling (GMM). Using logistic regression, the demographic, treatment, and messaging characteristics of patient groups that improved were compared with the characteristics of patient groups that did not improve.ResultsThe GMM identified 4 trajectories of PTSD symptoms: moderate improvement (197/475, 41.4%), high symptoms (197/475, 41.4%), chronic symptoms (61/475, 12.9%), and acute improvement (20/475, 4.3%). Patients with a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (231/475, 48.6%) were more likely to communicate via video (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; P=.03), have a higher working alliance with their therapist (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; P=.02), and be at their first treatment experience (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.18-3.54; P=.01). Treatment adherence was associated with greater therapeutic alliance (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10; P<.001), education (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.13-4.03; P=.02), and more patient-generated messages per week (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.13; P<.001).ConclusionsMultimedia message delivery for PTSD treatment showed symptom-reduction rates similar to traditional forms of treatment delivery, suggesting further study of messaging as a treatment medium. Most patients completed an 8-week course, reflecting the acceptability of messaging interventions. Delivering treatment via two-way messaging offers increased opportunities for widespread access to mental health care.

A Nonrandomized Trial of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a Deployed Setting

For many decades, the U.S. military’s general operational guideline has been to limit the use of trauma-focused treatments for combat and operational stress reactions in military service members until they have returned from deployment. Recently, published clinical trials have documented that active-duty military personnel with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be treated effectively in garrison. However, there are limited data on the treatment of combat and operational stress reactions or combat-related PTSD during military deployments. This prospective, nonrandomized trial evaluated the treatment of active-duty service members (N = 12) with combat and operational stress reactions or combat-related PTSD while deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. Service members were treated by deployed military behavioral health providers using modified Prolonged Exposure (PE; n = 6) or modified Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; n = 6), with protocol modifications tailored to individual mission requirements. The PTSD Checklist–Military Version (PCL-M) total score was the primary outcome measure. Results indicated that both groups demonstrated clinically significant change in PTSD symptoms as indicated by a reduction of 10 points or greater on the PCL-M. Participants treated with modified PE had significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, t = -3.83, p = .01; g = -1.32, with a mean reduction of 18.17 points on the PCL-M. Participants treated with modified CPT had a mean PCL-M reduction of 10.00 points, but these reductions were not statistically significant, t = -1.49, p = .12; g = -0.51. These findings provide preliminary evidence that modified forms of PE and CPT can be implemented in deployed settings for the treatment of combat and operational stress reactions and combat-related PTSD.

Acceptance-based interventions in the treatment of PTSD: Group and individual pilot data using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a principle-based behavioral intervention that addresses human suffering using mindfulness and acceptance techniques along with behavioral commitments linked to personal values. While ACT has been applied to a wide variety of problems, it is well suited to the treatment of trauma based on its processes specifically designed to reduce experiential avoidance, and it has only just begun to be investigated for its effectiveness with this population. Furthermore, current drop-out and refusal rates for exposure-based therapies, the main empirically supported intervention for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), necessitate the development of alternatives. The current pilot studies evaluated a 12-session group ACT intervention with 10 veterans diagnosed with PTSD, and a 12-session individual ACT intervention with 9 veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms from pre to post or follow-up were found for both the group intervention (n = 10, g = 0.69) and the individual intervention (n = 9; g = 1.24). Decreases in thought suppression as well as increases in aspects of mindfulness and psychological flexibility were also found, but results were mixed and differed by the individual versus group intervention.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Currently, there is not definitive information regarding the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of tDCS for PTSD and its sub-symptoms. In a double-blind, controlled randomized clinical trial, 40 participants with PTSD were randomly assigned to receive either 10 tDCS sessions delivered at 2 mA to the right (cathode) and left (anode) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or 10 sham tDCS sessions to the same area. A blinded rater assessed PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms before treatment, following it, and after a 1-month follow-up period. According to the results: i) PTSD patients demonstrated a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, hyper-arousal and negative alterations in cognition and mood sub-symptoms as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms in the active stimulation compared to the sham stimulation at post-treatment and follow-up; ii) active stimulation when compared to sham stimulation revealed greater reductions in re-experiencing sub-symptoms from baseline to post-test. However, follow-up differences did not reach significance; iii) With respect to avoidance sub-symptoms, there were no significant differences between the active and sham stimulation at post-test and follow-up. This study supported the efficacy of 10 sessions of bilateral DLPFC tCDS delivered at 2 mA for the treatment of PTSD symptoms. Taken together, these findings suggest that although tDCS can reduce PTSD symptoms, researchers should consider the different types of PTSD and use strategies to ensure sufficient power to detect a potential effect of tDCS on various types of PTSD.