Active-duty military find PTSD relief through individual cognitive therapy
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161123143612.htm#.WDylf_qd3i4.gmail
A researcher from Duke University School of Medicine conducted a study that compares the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for military personnel suffering with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a group setting compared to one on one therapy. PTSD can show itself in a variety of symptoms including sleep disruption, nightmares, distraction/poor concentration and heightened sensitivity to loud or unexpected noise or events. The results of this study showed that approximately half of the participants that received the one on one cognitive processing therapy ( CPT) no longer had a PTSD diagnosis after 6 weeks of therapy. This group met with a therapist twice a week one on one for 60 minutes versus the other therapy condition that met 90 minutes, twice a week for six weeks in a group setting. Both groups saw a reduction in suicidal thoughts and their improvement lasted through a six month post-treatment follow up.
Initially what caught my eye about this article was the significance the results seem to show. To have half of the study's participants see results significant enough to withdrawal their clinical diagnosis of PTSD was very impressive. PTSD can have significant life changing effects and to be able to see such a reduction in just six weeks would certainly be a tremendous gain in this field. ANd although participants did see a notable difference in symptoms which lasted at least six months post trial, overall most to all still had symptoms of PTSD. Still, however it is a positive gain to know that cognitive processing therapy in a one on one clinical setting has a strong affect on a PTSD patient.
A researcher from Duke University School of Medicine conducted a study that compares the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for military personnel suffering with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a group setting compared to one on one therapy. PTSD can show itself in a variety of symptoms including sleep disruption, nightmares, distraction/poor concentration and heightened sensitivity to loud or unexpected noise or events. The results of this study showed that approximately half of the participants that received the one on one cognitive processing therapy ( CPT) no longer had a PTSD diagnosis after 6 weeks of therapy. This group met with a therapist twice a week one on one for 60 minutes versus the other therapy condition that met 90 minutes, twice a week for six weeks in a group setting. Both groups saw a reduction in suicidal thoughts and their improvement lasted through a six month post-treatment follow up.
Initially what caught my eye about this article was the significance the results seem to show. To have half of the study's participants see results significant enough to withdrawal their clinical diagnosis of PTSD was very impressive. PTSD can have significant life changing effects and to be able to see such a reduction in just six weeks would certainly be a tremendous gain in this field. ANd although participants did see a notable difference in symptoms which lasted at least six months post trial, overall most to all still had symptoms of PTSD. Still, however it is a positive gain to know that cognitive processing therapy in a one on one clinical setting has a strong affect on a PTSD patient.
As a future military spouse and former Navy brat, I find this interesting that a group setting for therapy is more effective than a one on one setting.The fact that there is a significant impact is amazing. Maybe this is a new ground breaking therapy technique that all active duty and veterans should take apart of. PTSD is no joke and it can ruin a lot of these people's lives. I really enjoy this because I want to get my masters in clinical counseling with a concentration in military and families. This makes me look forward to working in the field.
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