Effectiveness of Cognitive, Exposure, and Skills Group Manualized Treatments in OIF/OEF Female Veterans.

摘要

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and establish the effectiveness of three treatments for PTSD--exposure, cognitive, and skills (assertiveness/relaxation) therapies--provided in a structured group format in a sample of OEF/OIF female Veterans. The results supported the primary aim of the study, where the manualized group treatment protocol significantly lowered PTSD symptoms (decrease of 24 points on the CAPS) after the 16-week treatment, a finding maintained 3 and 6 months after treatment. The effect size of the change was comparable to treatments delivered in an individual format. Additionally, the treatment improved the participant s life functioning, mental and physical as measured by the SF36 and quality of life, as measured by the QOLI. The subset of participants assessed for neurocognitive functioning and compared to a normal sample showed significantly lower IQ, but still in the normal range, and poorer executive functioning, similar to male combat Veterans with PTSD. The study s findings support the application of cognitive, exposure, and skills therapies delivered in small groups of 3 members, add methodologically sound findings to the paucity of group literature, and for the first time, establish a structure for the delivery of exposure treatment in a group.