Cognitive behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress symptoms in the context of hydrocephalus: a single case

There is limited information about anxiety disorders occurring in the context of the challenging condition of hydrocephalus. This paper describes the treatment, via trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TFCBT), of post-traumatic stress symptoms arising on account of hydrocephalus in a 23-year-old man. Specific components of the intervention included exposure, cognitive disputation, and relaxation training. The 20-session intervention appeared effective with decreases in anxiety (on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and event impact (on the Impact of Events Scale) from clinical to sub-clinical levels. The main contributor to change appeared to be the exposure element of the treatment. The benefits of the intervention were maintained at one-, three-, and six-month follow-up.