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An intensive treatment program for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: 2-year outcome data
L Humphreys1, J Westerink, L Giarratano
1St John of God Hospital, North Richmond, New South Wales, Australia. hhps@bigpond.com.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|January 5, 2000
Summary
This study shows a combined cognitive and pharmacotherapy program effectively reduced chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Australian Vietnam veterans. Improvements in depression, anxiety, and PTSD were sustained for two years.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Military Health Research
Background:
- Chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts veterans' quality of life.
- Effective treatment programs are crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a closed-cohort treatment program for chronic PTSD.
- To assess the long-term effectiveness of combined cognitive behaviour therapy and pharmacotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week inpatient program combining cognitive behaviour therapy and pharmacotherapy.
- Follow-up included group and individual sessions for at least 6 months.
- Standardized psychometric measures assessed PTSD, depression, and anxiety at multiple time points up to 2 years post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were observed in 64 patients.
- These symptom reductions were maintained at 2 years post-discharge.
- The treatment program demonstrated sustained efficacy for chronic PTSD.
Conclusions:
- The closed-cohort treatment program is an effective intervention for chronic PTSD in Australian Vietnam veterans.
- Encouraging findings support this therapeutic approach for a population with complex needs.