Cognitive restructuring and imagery modification for posttraumatic stress disorder (CRIM-PTSD): A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Cognitive restructuring and imagery modification for PTSD (CRIM-PTSD) is a novel short intervention.
• CRIM-PTSD targets dysfunctional beliefs about the self and uses imagery to foster adaptive beliefs.
• Previous research demonstrated CRIM's efficacy in childhood sexual abuse survivors with contamination-focused PTSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate a modified CRIM intervention for general PTSD symptoms.
• To investigate the treatment's effectiveness in addressing patients' negative self-concept.
• To assess symptom reduction in individuals with PTSD from various trauma types.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving ten patients diagnosed with PTSD.
• Treatment consisted of two assessment, two treatment, and one booster session.
• Clinician-administered (CAPS) and self-report (PDS, PTCI) measures were used for assessment pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in both clinician-rated (d=2.55) and self-reported (d=1.47) PTSD symptoms were observed.
• Post-treatment, 9 out of 10 patients no longer met the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
• Improvements were noted immediately post-treatment and sustained at four-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study indicates that combining cognitive techniques and imagery modification to address negative self-concept is effective for reducing PTSD symptoms.
• The findings suggest CRIM is a promising intervention for a broader range of PTSD presentations.
• Further investigation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm efficacy and treatment stability.