Cognitive behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Empirical foundation and new directions

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen M. Koucky ◽  
Benjamin D. Dickstein ◽  
Kathleen M. Chard

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently the most empirically supported intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and includes both specific manualized treatments (e.g., cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure) and less standardized applications. As CBT for PTSD has become increasingly popular, more advanced questions have emerged regarding its use, including how existing treatments might be enhanced. In the current review, we aimed to discover recent trends in the CBT for PTSD literature by applying rigorous search criteria to peer-reviewed articles published from 2009 to 2012. Results of the 14 studies that were identified are discussed, and future directions for research are suggested.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankari Sharma

Of the available treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and pharmacotherapy are the protocols with the strongest research support. To investigate individuals’ preferences for treatment, participants were asked to read descriptions of CPT, PE, and pharmacotherapy, choose which one they think they would prefer should they require treatment, and rate their perceptions of treatment credibility. Two simultaneous studies were conducted: one with undergraduate and the other with online participants, and the latter had higher scores on measures of symptom distress. CPT was the first choice in both studies and was considered the most credible option. Undergraduate participants preferred PE as their second choice, while online participants picked pharmacotherapy. Undergraduate participants found PE to be more credible than pharmacotherapy, while online participants found them to be equally credible. Both groups chose psychotherapy alone as their first choice when given the option to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.


Author(s):  
J. Gayle Beck ◽  
Allison M. Pickover ◽  
Alexandra J. Lipiniski ◽  
Han N. Tran ◽  
Thomas S. Dodson

In this chapter, we review the current literature on cognitive-behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD). Particular attention is paid to treatments for PTSD that have strong empirical support, specifically cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Cognitive-behavioral treatments for ASD have evolved differently, with greater emphasis on treatment packages; notably, this literature is less well developed and deserving of considerable more study, relative to the PTSD literature. Throughout the chapter, we have addressed areas for future study, as well issues that are currently salient in the treatment of these two conditions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shankari Sharma

Of the available treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and pharmacotherapy are the protocols with the strongest research support. To investigate individuals’ preferences for treatment, participants were asked to read descriptions of CPT, PE, and pharmacotherapy, choose which one they think they would prefer should they require treatment, and rate their perceptions of treatment credibility. Two simultaneous studies were conducted: one with undergraduate and the other with online participants, and the latter had higher scores on measures of symptom distress. CPT was the first choice in both studies and was considered the most credible option. Undergraduate participants preferred PE as their second choice, while online participants picked pharmacotherapy. Undergraduate participants found PE to be more credible than pharmacotherapy, while online participants found them to be equally credible. Both groups chose psychotherapy alone as their first choice when given the option to combine psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Blankenship

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is known to be a debilitating disorder and for some a lifelong complaint. Although there are many treatment options, determining which treatments are not only recommended but show high efficacy rates is vital for clinicians. This review examines current treatment endorsements for PTSD and identifies five treatment modalities consistently recommended in the literature as most efficacious for PTSD: prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, stress inoculation training, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. Comparison studies of each modality, limitations, and training requirements are reviewed. Research overall shows no significant differences in rates of efficacy between treatments, with mental health counselors recommended to select the approach that best fits the client population and professional goals based on identified strengths and limitations of each therapy. Additional recommendations for future directions are discussed.


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