Treatment of adult post-traumatic stress disorder using a future-oriented writing therapy approach, The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 2009
Reginald D. V. Nixona1 c1 and Leonard W. Klinga1
School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Abstract:
The aim of this pilot study was to test whether a future-oriented expressive writing intervention is able to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity and associated symptoms such as depression and unhelpful trauma-related beliefs. In an uncontrolled pre-/ post-design participants attended 8 weeks of manualized therapy. Assessment was undertaken pre- and post-treatment, and participants also completed a 3-month follow-up assessment. Of the 17 participants who began therapy, 13 were treatment completers. Results indicated a significant decrease in PTSD severity, depression and unhelpful trauma-related cognitions from pre- to post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Clinically meaningful change was more modest; however, three participants reported PTSD remission at 3-month follow-up. It is concluded that expressive writing with a focus on achieving future goals and personal change may have some utility in reducing post-traumatic stress but future research will need to investigate this with greater methodological rigour before firm conclusions can be made.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of this paper, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: CBT Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Post Traumatic Stress, Writing Therapy | Tagged: Anxiety; depression; expressive writing; PTSD; trauma; treatment
