Cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD and somatization: an open trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• High comorbidity exists between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS).
• No established treatment effectively addresses both PTSD and MUPS concurrently.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a recognized treatment for PTSD, but adaptations are needed for comorbid MUPS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted CBT intervention for individuals with comorbid PTSD and MUPS.
• To evaluate the treatment outcomes of this adapted CBT intervention on PTSD, MUPS, depression, and functioning.
• To explore the suitability of this intervention for Latino individuals.

Main Methods:

• A sample of eight participants with PTSD and MUPS received an adapted CBT intervention.
• Feasibility, acceptability, and treatment outcomes were assessed through pre- and post-treatment measures.
• Effect sizes were calculated for changes in PTSD severity, depression, and psychosocial and physical functioning.

Main Results:

• 15% of completers no longer met PTSD criteria post-treatment.
• 62.5% of participants showed improvement in somatic symptoms.
• Significant reductions in depression symptoms and improvements in psychological and physical functioning were observed.
• Small to moderate effect sizes for PTSD severity and moderate to large effect sizes for depression and functioning were found.

Conclusions:

• The adapted CBT intervention appears feasible and acceptable for individuals with PTSD and MUPS.
• This intervention shows preliminary efficacy in reducing PTSD and somatic symptoms, and improving overall functioning.
• The findings suggest this adapted CBT may be a suitable treatment option for Latino individuals experiencing PTSD and MUPS.