BackgroundThe Royal Air Force Wroughton Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rehabilitation Programme is described. It comprised a 12-day structured in-patient ‘course’ of group psychotherapy and day-case group follow-up sessions over a one-year period. Psychological debriefing was the main therapeutic technique employed.MethodThis is a ‘before and after’ open outcome study. A comprehensive assessment protocol confirmed the presence and severity of PTSD and measured co-morbid psychopathological status, occupational and social function longitudinally.ResultsA highly significant global response to treatment is demonstrated in the 34 subjects included in the study, with 85.3% not fulfilling the DSM–III–R criteria for PTSD at one year after treatment.ConclusionsFurther controlled studies assessing the value of psychological debriefing techniques in the treatment of established PTSD are required.
Psychological Debriefing and Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress
