Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Timely Update on Therapeutic Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Quanguang Zhang ◽  
◽  
Yong Li ◽  
Lorelei Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Current Lines

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD is startlingly common in veterans, victims of assault, those undergoing extreme medical care, and the clinicians that treat them. This growing mental health crisis has been dramatically exacerbated by the stressors and tragic events of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we will discuss the different classes of treatment for PTSD and examine current lines of research in each. First, we explore how the field of psychotherapy approaches PTSD, with focus placed on exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. We then describe current pharmacological strategies for PTSD treatment and several prominent therapeutic strategies currently undergoing clinical and pre-clinical trials. Next, we investigate novel approaches that integrate principles of psychotherapy with seemingly unconventional elements and discuss how these unique components may impact recovery. Finally, we explore how telemedicine has been implemented to expand access to care, which is particularly critical in a time of social distancing and economic disparity. We hope that by summarizing current clinical practice and outlining cutting-edge research, this review can elucidate the field and highlight gaps in knowledge that merit further investigation that may lead to more effective and accessible treatment for PTSD patients.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Group of Militaries With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S513-S513
Author(s):  
H. El Kefi ◽  
W. Abdelghaffar ◽  
A. Baatout ◽  
C. Bechikh Brahim ◽  
W. Krir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a high prevalence and severe impact in military populations. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is indicated in this condition but it is a structured therapy that requires patients’ motivation and doctors’ availability.Objectives and aimsAssess feasibility and effectiveness of CBT in a military group with PTSD.MethodsA group of six militaries that witnessed the same traumatic event (an armed attack) and were diagnosed with PTSD were involved in a structured individual session CBT with one therapist. An assessment using the PTSD checklist for DSM (PCL) was performed initially and in halfway therapy. The therapy included an education about PTSD, a cognitive restructuring, a behavioral approach via home tasks and relaxation techniques.ResultsThe initial PCL scores varied from 25 to 55. All patients were initially on sick leave. Five patients had adjunctive antidepressant medications and one patient was only on therapy. Three patients showed no motivation and were excluded after 3 sessions. Two patients have had 7 weekly sessions and were able to return to work in the same place. One patient with severe PTSD had 2 sessions monthly, he had slight clinical improvement and could not come back to military work. The three patients who are still in therapy have improved PCL scores.ConclusionsCBT can be effective in PTSD. The outcome depends on initial severity of PTSD and assiduity.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 020227
Author(s):  
Julia Müller
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
First Line Therapy ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chronic Course

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a widespread condition, that affects near 20% of individuals, exposed to traumatic event. Moreover, recent studies suggest, that it has a tendency for chronic course and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. According to clinical guidelines as first line therapy for PTSD trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy must be used. In this educational course are presented highlights of 2-day trauma-focused cognitive therapy training, including PTSD symptoms, overall CBT methods overview, theoretical and practical implications.

A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deise D. Mendes ◽  
Marcelo Feijó Mello ◽  
Paula Ventura ◽  
Cristiane De Medeiros Passarela ◽  
Jair De Jesus Mari
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral

The exposure to traumatic events and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among Korean journalists

Journalism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 1308-1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mina Lee ◽  
Eun Hye Ha ◽  
Jung Kun Pae
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Negative Beliefs ◽  
Traumatic Event Exposure

This study investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on Korean journalists and the contributing variables. Predicting variables included the exposure to traumatic events, coping strategy, social support, optimism, negative beliefs, and the journalists’ occupational perspectives. A total of 367 Korean journalists participated in the survey. The findings revealed that, first, Korean journalists had suffered severely from PTSD symptoms according to the prevalence rate. Second, the extent of traumatic event exposure, the length of career, the use of dysfunctional coping strategy, a lack of social support, and negative beliefs were identified as significantly related variables. Finally, occupational perspectives showed meaningful associations with development of the symptoms. This study provided an empirical analysis of Korean journalists’ experiences of traumatic events and psychological stress for the first time.

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