Treatment Of PTSD Research Articles

Relations between PTSD symptom clusters and pain in three trauma-exposed samples with pain.

Little is known about how the individual PTSD symptom clusters relate to intensity and interference of pain and whether these relationships differ across clinical groups. The present study examines relations between PTSD symptom clusters and pain in three trauma-exposed, unique clinical groups: 1) adults seeking treatment for chronic pain with current symptoms of PTSD, 2) trauma affected refugees seeking treatment for PTSD and chronic pain; and 3) individuals identified at admission to the emergency ward after whiplash injury. Network analysis was used to assess unique relations between pain intensity, pain interference, re-experiencing, avoidance, numbing, hyperarousal, depression, and anxiety separately in each sample. Links between PTSD clusters and pain were then compared within and between samples. No within-group differences were identified for the links between pain and any of PTSD clusters in the chronic pain and refugee groups. In the whiplash group, hyperarousal was more strongly related to pain than re-experiencing, avoidance, and numbing. Between group comparisons revealed a more pronounced relationship between hyperarousal and pain in the whiplash group, with no between-group differences between the chronic pain and refugee groups. The findings suggest that when depression and anxiety are accounted for, few unique associations are found between pain and the PTSD symptom clusters in trauma-exposed samples with pain, with the exception of a link between pain and hyperarousal in individuals with whiplash-related PTSD symptoms.

A pilot test of Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD in residential substance use treatment.

We conducted a nonrandomized feasibility study of Written Exposure Therapy (WET), a brief, evidence-based treatment for PTSD, with patients in residential SUD treatment. We assessed attitudes towards treatment (Credibility and Expectancy Questionnaire, Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale) and mental health indicators (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Trauma Coping Self-Efficacy, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation-Short Form, and Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital). Thirty of 49 eligible participants completed WET (61%) and 92% (n = 45) attended at least one WET session. Paired sample t-tests revealed significant posttreatment improvement across all mental health indicators, with medium to large effect sizes. Attendance and completion rates compared favorably to prior exposure-based treatment for PTSD in SUD settings. Although causality cannot be inferred without a randomized controlled trial, mental health indicators, including PTSD, improved significantly following WET. These findings provide evidence that PTSD can be successfully treated in short-term residential care using brief exposure-based interventions, which is a crucial clinical need that has been minimally studied in the past.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and personality factors: A network analysis

BackgroundAfter experiencing a traumatic event, two possible outcomes are experiencing positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and/or experiencing distress in the form of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These constructs are not mutually exclusive; those who experience PTSS may concurrently or at a later date likewise undergo PTG. Pretrauma factors, such as personality as measured by the Big Five Inventory (BFI), can interact with both PTSS and PTG. MethodsThe present study utilized Network theory to examine the interactions between PTSS, PTG, and personality in 1310 participants. Three networks were computed (PTSS, PTSS/BFI, PTSS/PTG/BFI). ResultsWithin the PTSS network, strong negative emotions emerged as the strongest influence on the network. Again, in the PTSS and BFI network, strong negative emotions exerted the strongest overall influence in addition to bridging the PTSS and personality domains. In the network with all variables of interest, the PTG domain of new possibilities was the strongest overall influence on the network. Specific relationships between constructs were identified. LimitationsLimitations of this study include the cross-sectional design and utilization of a sub-threshold PTSD, non-treatment seeking sample. ConclusionsOverall, nuanced relationships between variables of interest were identified, informing personalized treatment and furthers our understanding of both positive and negative responses to trauma. As the primary influence across two networks, the experience of strong negative emotions appears to be central to the subjective experience of PTSD. This may indicate a need to modify present treatments for PTSD, which conceptualize PTSD as a primarily fear-based disorder.

Sodium aescinate improve behavioral performance by inhibiting dorsal raphe nucleus NLRP3 inflammasome in Post-traumatic stress disorder Rat Model

Growing evidence suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hippocampus and amygdala is involved in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Our previous studies have demonstrated that apoptosis of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) contributes to the pathological progression of PTSD. Recent studies by others have shown that in brain injury sodium aescinate (SA) has a protective effect on neurons by inhibiting inflammatory response pathways, thereby relieving symptoms. Here, we extend the therapeutic effects of SA to PTSD rats. We found that PTSD was associated with significant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in DRN, whereas administration of SA significantly inhibited DRN NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reduced DRN apoptosis level. SA also improved learning and memory ability and reduced anxiety and depression level in PTSD rats. In addition, NLRP3 inflammasome activation in DRN of PTSD rats impaired mitochondria function by inhibiting ATP synthesis and increasing ROS production, whereas SA can effectively reverse the pathological progression of mitochondria. We recommend SA as a new candidate for the pharmacological treatment of PTSD.

0423 The Role of Fear of Sleep in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Cognitive Processing Therapy

Abstract Introduction Fear of sleep (FoS) is linked to symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) can reduce FoS. Utilizing data from a randomized controlled trial of CBTi followed by Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), this secondary data analysis sought to examine the relationship between FoS and PTSD symptoms, and how FoS is impacted by CBTi, in individuals exposed to interpersonal violence with PTSD. Additionally, we sought to extend the literature by examining whether FoS predicts the effect of subsequent CPT on PTSD severity or if CPT further reduces FoS. Methods A sample of 83 participants were randomly assigned to either receive sequential delivery of four weekly sessions of CBTi, which included modules to address FoS, followed by 12 weekly sessions of CPT (Group 1: CBTi+CPT) or receive four weekly phone check-ins (CTRL) followed by CPT (Group 2: CTRL+CPT). Participants were assessed at baseline (T1), after CBTi/CTRL (T2), and after CPT (T3). Relevant measures included the Fear of Sleep Inventory (FoSI) and Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Analyses included correlations, mean differences tests, and regression-based analyses. Results At T1 FoSI and CAPS were positively correlated (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). At T2 a significant reduction in FoSI scores was observed after CBTi/CTRL for Group 1 (t = 4.81, p < 0.001), but not Group 2, and a significant difference in FoSI scores between Group 1 and Group 2, all while controlling for baseline differences (F (1, 80) = 3.99, p < 0.05). Lastly, for the entire sample lower T2 FoSI scores predicted lower T3 CAPS scores (B = 0.42, p < 0.01) and FoS was not further reduced following CPT. Conclusion Results replicate previous work by demonstrating a positive relationship between FoS and PTSD severity. Additionally, FoSI was significantly reduced after CBTi. Lastly, lower levels of FoS predicted reduced PTSD symptoms following CPT, although CPT was not associated with significant reductions in FoS. Results highlight that CBTi that explicitly addresses FoS may reduce FoS, and findings also suggest that effectively reducing FoS prior to PTSD treatment may improve treatment outcomes. Support (if any) NIH/NINR R01 NR013909; VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention

Study protocol for a hybrid 1 effectiveness-implementation trial of Brief Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) and web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) for posttraumatic stress disorder in integrated primary care

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disproportionally affects low-income, racial and ethnic minoritized communities, where prevalence is high, yet access to evidence-based treatments (EBTs) is low. As such, there is a need to identify effective, feasible, and scalable interventions for PTSD. Stepped care approaches that include brief, low-intensity treatments are one approach to improving access yet have not been developed for adults with PTSD. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of a step one PTSD treatment in primary care while gathering information on implementation to maximize sustainability in the setting. MethodsThis study will be conducted in integrated primary care in the largest safety net hospital in New England using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design. Eligible trial participants are adult primary care patients who meet full or subthreshold criteria for PTSD. Interventions include Brief clinician-administered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (Brief STAIR) versus web-administered STAIR (webSTAIR) during a 15-week active treatment period. Participants complete assessments at baseline (pre-treatment), 15 weeks (post-treatment), and 9 months (follow-up) post-randomization. We will assess feasibility and acceptability post-trial using surveys and interviews with patients, study therapists, and other key informants, and will assess the preliminary effectiveness of interventions in terms of PTSD symptom change and functioning. ConclusionThis study will provide evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of brief, low-intensity interventions in safety net integrated primary care, with the aim of including these interventions in a future stepped care approach to PTSD treatment.Clinical Trial Number:NCT04937504

Sensory modulation and trauma-related symptoms during rocket attacks

ABSTRACT Background: War is a highly traumatogenic experience that may result in trauma-related symptoms during exposure. Although most individuals exhibit recovery after the trauma ends, symptomatology during exposure may serve as an initial indicator underlying symptomatology at the posttraumatic phase, hence the imperative to identify risk factors for trauma-related symptoms during the peritraumatic phase. While research has uncovered several factors associated with peritraumatic distress, such as age, gender, history of mental disorder, perceived threat, and perceived social support, the role of sensory modulation has not been explored. Method: To address this gap, 488 Israeli citizens were assessed using an online survey for sensory modulation and trauma-related symptoms during rocket attacks. Results: Analyses revealed that while the association between high sensory responsiveness and elevated levels of specific trauma-related symptoms is somewhat weak (0.19<r<.0.22), it serves as a major risk factor for developing trauma-related symptoms during the peritraumatic phase in general. Specifically, the risk for elevated symptoms was doubled (OR = 2.11) for each increase in the high sensory-responsiveness score, after controlling for age, gender, history of mental disorder, perceived threat, and perceived social support. Limitations: This study relied on convenience sampling and a cross-sectional design. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that sensory modulation evaluation may serve as an important screening tool for identifying individuals who are vulnerable to trauma-related symptoms during the peritraumatic phase, and that implementing sensory modulation strategies as part of preventative interventions for PTSD might be effective.

Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Prolonged Nightmare of Aftershocks

This article is an overview of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder incorporating its etiology, treatments, certain controversies, and recommendations for future development. Based on the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 and ICD-10 and the research and summary of previous literature. This paper summarizes the etiology of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder under the theoretical models of five schools (including the biological, psychodynamic, cognitive/information processing model, behavioral model, and current etiological conceptualization based on anxiety disorders). Their influence and application, the current commonly used treatment methods and their effectiveness, the current controversies regarding the definition and treatment of chronic PTSD, and recommendations for future research. Overall, based on previous theoretical research and practical treatment, this paper discusses chronic posttraumatic stress disorder from different perspectives and puts forward the existing problems in current research, thus not only offering readers a relatively comprehensive understanding of chronic traumatic stress disorder but also having multiple orientations of summarizing historical research and facing the future.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Caused by Childhood Experience

A distressing incident can lead to PTSD, a mental health condition. However, most trauma starts at home, where parents account for most child abuse (approximately 80% of all cases). There is another trauma called CPTSD. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological impairment caused by long-term exposure to social and interpersonal trauma in the setting of reliance, confinement, or entrapment (where the sufferer is unable to escape), leading to a loss of control, powerlessness, and a warped sense of self. Of these, the most typical examples include people who have suffered chronic abuse, neglect, or abuse by caregivers. This article focuses on PTSD and CPTSD caused by childhood experiences. It shows the etiology and the effect on childrens lives and futures from psychological, sociological, and biological perspectives. Also, it provides some childhood experiences of people living with PTSD to show the significant impact. The article includes the treatment of PTSD and CPTSD. The recommendation, in the end, makes some suggestions to improve these mental illnesses. In conclusion, people can learn more about the impact of childhood experiences on PTSD and CPTSD from this article.

A grounded theory of weight lifting as a healing strategy for trauma

Research has found significant benefits in using exercise as an adjunct treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Weight lifting as an adjunct treatment for trauma is an emerging research area with very few empirically based studies. This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore how weight lifting contributes to healing for persons with a trauma history. Forty-six persons (26 = women, 8 = men, 6 = nonbinary, 5 = transgender man, 1 = agender), recruited from a national sample of individuals, who identified as having experienced trauma and who engage in weight lifting, were individually interviewed. Data were analyzed using Charmaz's (2006) constructivist grounded theory strategies. Central themes revealed that past and current trauma experiences created relational and bodily disconnection fueled by hyper- or hypo-vigilance, impulsivity, and dysregulation. Weight lifting healed trauma through the felt sense of the mind-body connection, which created a healthier, more empowered, and connected trauma survivor. Study findings offer important insights to inform the development of trauma-informed gym spaces as well as the integration of weight lifting into trauma recovery programs.

541 Needs Assessment among Adult Burn Survivors’ Caregivers in Korea

Abstract Introduction Burn injuries have negative impact on both burn survivors and their loved ones. As family members usually care for burn survivors, it is very critical to understand the concerns of family caregivers and their needs for social services during the process of recovery. The purpose of this study is to assess 1) a broad range of difficulties among family caregivers of adult burn survivors, 2) the frequency of use of social service programs and satisfaction with these services, and 3) the needs of caregivers of burn survivors on the service provision. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey design with purpose sampling. We conducted both online and face-to-face surveys from November 2021 to February 2022. A total of 92 family caregivers aged 20 years or older participated in the survey. We measured 1) physical (e.g. chronic diseases such as pain and hypertension), psychological (e.g., family conflicts, communication issues with a burn survivor), financial (e.g., medical expenses, living costs), and social &amp; environmental problems (e.g., living environment, education, discrimination or prejudice due to burn scars and disabilities), 2) the use of social service programs and the level of service satisfaction, and 3) the needs of social service programs (e.g., counseling services for PTSD treatment, financial support, and discharge planning). We used SPSS 24.0 for all data analyses. Results The most challenging problems were financial matters followed by psychological, and social &amp; environmental ones among study participants. Study respondents used social service programs to resolve their psychological, financial, and discharge related difficulties. Those who used social service programs showed higher satisfaction with an average of 3 out of 5 points. More than 50% of study participants reported that it was necessary to receive social services on psychosocial, financial, and discharge related problems and they were willing to receive these services in future. Conclusions These findings imply that it is necessary to develop and provide needs-based social services for caregivers of burn survivors and that the provision of social services should be expanded further. Applicability of Research to Practice Findings of this study demonstrate that social service programs can relieve the burden of caregivers and improve the quality of life of both burn survivors and their caregivers.

The integrated treatment of eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity: a commentary on the evolution of principles and guidelines.

Psychiatric comorbidity is the norm in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders (EDs), and traumatic events and lifetime PTSD are often major drivers of these challenging complexities. Given that trauma, PTSD, and psychiatric comorbidity significantly influence ED outcomes, it is imperative that these problems be appropriately addressed in ED practice guidelines. The presence of associated psychiatric comorbidity is noted in some but not all sets of existing guidelines, but they mostly do little to address the problem other than referring to independent guidelines for other disorders. This disconnect perpetuates a "silo effect," in which each set of guidelines do not address the complexity of the other comorbidities. Although there are several published practice guidelines for the treatment of EDs, and likewise, there are several published practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD, none of them specifically address ED + PTSD. The result is a lack of integration between ED and PTSD treatment providers, which often leads to fragmented, incomplete, uncoordinated and ineffective care of severely ill patients with ED + PTSD. This situation can inadvertently promote chronicity and multimorbidity and may be particularly relevant for patients treated in higher levels of care, where prevalence rates of concurrent PTSD reach as high as 50% with many more having subthreshold PTSD. Although there has been some progress in the recognition and treatment of ED + PTSD, recommendations for treating this common comorbidity remain undeveloped, particularly when there are other co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as mood, anxiety, dissociative, substance use, impulse control, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and personality disorders, all of which may also be trauma-related. In this commentary, guidelines for assessing and treating patients with ED + PTSD and related comorbidity are critically reviewed. An integrated set of principles used in treatment planning of PTSD and trauma-related disorders is recommended in the context of intensive ED therapy. These principles and strategies are borrowed from several relevant evidence-based approaches. Evidence suggests that continuing with traditional single-disorder focused, sequential treatment models that do not prioritize integrated, trauma-focused treatment approaches are short-sighted and often inadvertently perpetuate this dangerous multimorbidity. Future ED practice guidelines would do well to address concurrent illness in more depth.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing as a treatment for PTSD, trauma, and trauma related symptoms in children with intellectual disabilities: a general review

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the utility of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a treatment for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) who have experienced trauma.Design/methodology/approachRelevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and literature were reviewed to provide support for the use of EMDR as a treatment for trauma in children with ID.FindingsThere is a growing body of evidence which demonstrates that EMDR therapy is successful for the treatment of trauma in adults and children. However, for children with ID, the research is limited despite those with ID being more likely than non-disabled peers to experience trauma such as abuse or neglect.Practical implicationsEMDR can only be facilitated by trained mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical, forensic, counselling or educational) or occupational therapists or social workers with additional training. Finally, general practitioners who are experienced in psychotherapy or psychological trauma and have accreditation. Therefore, this highlights that there may be a lack of trained staff to facilitate this intervention and that those who are generally working with the client closely and long term such as learning disability nurses are not able to conduct this intervention.Originality/valueThis paper presents an account of NICE guidance and evidence of the efficacy of EMDR as a treatment for adults, children and those with ID.

PTSD development and dynamics

Relevance. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder ranges from 1 to 12 % among the general population and reaches 30 % among the population affected by various emergencies, which makes the PTSD problem ever more relevant considering the special military operation in Ukraine.Objectives. The aim is to study and describe the main clinical approaches to the treatment of PTSD.Methods. The clinical and bibliographic method were used to perform a comparative analysis of academic research papers published in 2008 to 2022.Results and discussion. Treatment of PTSD requires an interdisciplinary approach with a particular focus on individually specific psychotherapeutic methods, as well as administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as antidepressants. We analyzed clinical and diagnostic aspects of combat PTSDs, their pathology, origin, treatment options and challenges for discussion. Currently, combat PTSDs are acquiring extra relevance.Conclusion. While trying to investigate the development of clinical PTSD manifestations, the focus is shifted from syndrome-associated parameters towards understanding PTSD as an integral disorder of psychogenic origin with polysyndromic and multisystemic characteristics.

Effect of cognitive processing therapy on markers of cardiovascular risk in posttraumatic stress disorder patients: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivePosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD); however, the effects of PTSD treatment on CHD biomarkers is unknown. This study examined whether cognitive processing therapy (CPT) improves 24-hourheart rate variability (HRV), a predictor of CHD mortality. MethodsIndividuals between the ages of 40 and 65 years with PTSD (n = 112) were randomized to receive 12 sessions of CPT or a Waiting List (WL) intervention comprised of 6 weekly telephone checks of emotional status. The primary outcome variable was 24-hour HRV estimated from the standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN); secondary outcomes were the root mean square of successive differences between heart beats (RMSSD), low-frequency HRV (LF-HRV) and high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV). Secondary outcomes also included 24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. For outcomes, linear mixed longitudinal models were used to estimate mean differences (Mdiff). ResultsParticipants randomized to the CPT group did not show improved SDNN (Mdiff = 9.8; 95%CI, −2.7 to 22.3; p = 0.12), the primary outcome variable, but showed improved RMSSD (Mdiff = 3.8; 95% CI, 0.5 to 7.1; p = 0.02), LF- HRV (Mdiff =0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.5; p = 0.01), and HF-HRV (Mdiff = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6; p = 0.03) compared to WL. There were no differences between groups in catecholamine excretion, FMD, or inflammatory markers. ConclusionTreating PTSD may not only improve quality of life but may also help ameliorate heightened CHD risk characteristics of PTSD.

The Form of Remembrance: Prison Writing and the Memory of the Ba‘th in Dreaming of Baghdad and I‘jaam

In his 2019 critical study, Husayn Sarmak Hassan complained that not enough attention has been given to the production of Iraqi prison writing even after the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime and its censorship apparatus. He notes, for example, that during the 2017 Cairo book fair, he found thirty (presumably new) prison novels, none of which were written by Iraqis. The relative scarcity of prison novels from Iraq is most certainly not due to lack of content; since the collapse of the old regime, there has been a proliferation of personal accounts, both oral and written, detailing the horrors of Saddam's Ba'th and the extent of the human toll of its wars and oppression. The ensuing documentation projects that emerged out of this mass catharsis aimed to amplify voices that had hitherto been marginalized and silenced, including the experiences of political prisoners. Hassan's study on prison writing, published by the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, can be seen in this light: as part of a national effort to process the literary and psychological aspects of the Ba‘th's legacy. However, the author's interest in prison writing also stems from his professional background as a medical doctor and psychiatrist directly involved in the study and treatment of PTSD in military veterans of the Iran–Iraq War. His personal interest in the experiences of Iraqi political prisoners is also made clear by certain paratextual elements in his study; in the acknowledgements, for example, Hassan dedicates his text to a friend who spent twenty years in incarceration as a political prisoner, and to his brother, who he found unrecognizable due to starvation and torture on a visit to a Najaf prison in 1994.

Making sense of poor adherence in PTSD treatment from the perspectives of veterans and their therapists.

Dropout rates from trauma-focused PTSD treatments (TFTs) in VA clinics are particularly high. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 29 veterans and their therapists to better understand this phenomenon. Participants were part of a multisite, mixed-methods study of TFT adherence in VA clinics. Veterans were eligible for interviews if they exhibited poor TFT adherence and screened positive for PTSD in follow-up surveys. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative dyadic analysis approaches. Therapists relied on stereotypes of poor adherence to understand veterans' experiences and were missing information critical to helping veterans succeed. Veterans misunderstood aspects of the therapy and struggled in ways they inadequately expressed to therapists. Therapist attempts at course corrections were poorly matched to veterans' needs. Many dyads reported difficulties in their therapeutic relationships. Veterans reported invalidating experiences that were not prominent in therapists' interviews. Future work is needed to test hypotheses generated and find effective ways to help veterans fully engage in TFTs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

We’re in This Together: A Case Study of the Concurrent Delivery of Prolonged Exposure Therapy to Intimate Partners With PTSD

Research on the links between intimate relationships and PTSD and the treatments for PTSD tend to be limited to couples in which only one partner within the dyad has PTSD. No investigations, to our knowledge, have empirically examined the simultaneous provision of evidence-based PTSD treatment to both partners in an intimate relationship diagnosed with PTSD. The current case study describes two partners in a different-sex relationship, both diagnosed with current PTSD, who received individual Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy at the same time as part of a larger randomized clinical trial. Each partner received ten, 90-minute individual sessions of PE therapy by two separate clinicians trained in PE followed by a 1-month follow-up. The findings demonstrated significant pre- to posttreatment reductions in PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5) for the male partner (Δ = 18) and the female partner (Δ = 24). Both partners achieved diagnostic remission of PTSD by end of treatment. In addition, both partners expressed enhancements in relationship functioning that they experienced while receiving PE therapy concurrently. Clinical considerations for the provision of concurrent PE to partners in an intimate relationship are discussed. The positive findings from this case study may inform future research in this much-needed area of treatment for couples where both partners are suffering from PTSD.

PTSD symptom severity mediates the impact of war zone stress exposure on postdeployment physical health: The Fort Devens Gulf War veterans cohort.

Exposure to traumatic events is associated with increased risk for negative physical health outcomes, but more work is needed to advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. As military deployments frequently involve trauma exposure, this issue has clear implications for veteran populations. This longitudinal study examined the role of mental health symptomatology (i.e., PTSD, depression, and anxiety) in the association between war zone stress and postdeployment physical health in Gulf War veterans. Data were collected in three waves over 7 years from a sample of 2,929 (92% male) Army personnel who were deployed to the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the associations linking war zone stress exposure reported at deployment return with subsequent physical health 6 to 7 years later, including the postdeployment onset of health symptoms and conditions and health functioning. The roles of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom severity as potential risk mechanisms linking stress exposure with later health outcomes were examined. Self-reported higher stress exposure was linked with greater severity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. SEM analyses revealed that PTSD symptom severity was the only significant mediator of stress exposure on subsequent physical health. Findings support the unique and significant role of PTSD in the development of physical health problems in the wake of war zone stress for Gulf War veterans. These results suggest that targeted PTSD interventions could reduce or prevent future physical health problems that can result from trauma exposure and mental health sequelae linked to military service. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Novel research finds combined ED, PTSD treatment effective

Based upon principles of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), one of the leading disorder providers in the country embarked on what officials are calling groundbreaking research to show the effectiveness of integrating trauma treatment with evidence‐based eating disorder treatments in residential programs.