Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Orsillo ◽  
Sonja V. Batten
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-277
Author(s):  
M. Ashton Phillips ◽  
Tannah Chase ◽  
Chandra Bautista ◽  
Annie Tang ◽  
Ellen J. Teng

Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available for veterans, but many do not benefit due to low treatment engagement. This may be partially due to avoidance behaviors characteristic of individuals with PTSD. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic treatment approach that aims to reduce avoidance. The authors propose the use of adjunctive ACT techniques to enhance engagement with treatment for PTSD. ACT techniques such as cognitive defusion and values clarification have been shown to promote engagement with other cognitive-behavioral treatments, but no studies to date have examined these techniques as adjuncts to treatment for PTSD. Because of its focus on reducing avoidance, ACT is uniquely suited for promoting treatment engagement with the “gold standard” treatments for PTSD. The authors review the existing research on ACT as an adjunctive intervention, discuss specific concepts and techniques from ACT that are relevant to PTSD, and provide recommendations for future research.


Author(s):  
Janina Scarlet ◽  
Ariel J. Lang ◽  
Robyn D. Walser

This chapter examines evidence for the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is high demand for CAM among both military and civilian consumers and thus CAM for PTSD warrants thorough analysis. The CAM interventions reviewed herein include mindfulness and other meditative practices, acupuncture, yoga, relaxation, breathing training, and physical exercise. Although there are few rigorous studies of CAM for PTSD, available evidence suggests that these approaches are moderately effective. They would generally not be considered a first line intervention for PTSD at this point, but rather would be recommended as an adjunct to established approaches. The limited number of studies available, however, precludes drawing firm conclusions. Thus, future work should focus on better understanding the optimal uses of CAM for PTSD.


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