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Art Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Melissa Campbell1, Kathleen P Decker2, Kerry Kruk3
1Art therapist at the University Neuro-psychiatric Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Art Therapy : Journal of the American Art Therapy Association
|January 16, 2018
Summary
This study found that art therapy combined with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) did not significantly improve combat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms more than CPT alone. However, art therapy enhanced trauma processing for veterans.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Combat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts veterans' mental health.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an established treatment for PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of art therapy combined with CPT for combat-related PTSD.
- To compare outcomes of CPT alone versus CPT plus art therapy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 11 veterans.
- Participants received either individual CPT or individual CPT with art therapy.
- Symptom severity was measured using PTSD Checklist-Military Version and Beck Depression Inventory-II.
Main Results:
- Both treatment groups showed improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms.
- No statistically significant difference in symptom reduction was observed between the groups.
- Art therapy was associated with improved trauma processing, including healthy distancing, enhanced recall, and increased emotional access.
Conclusions:
- While not superior to CPT alone in reducing PTSD symptoms, art therapy offers benefits in trauma processing for veterans.
- Art therapy may be a valuable adjunct to CPT, enhancing the therapeutic experience and outcomes.
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