Patterns of change in physical functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder with cognitive processing therapy in a...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Physical health issues are prevalent in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD has shown benefits for physical functioning.
• The influence of physical functioning on PTSD symptom reduction in CPT requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interplay between physical functioning and PTSD symptom changes during CPT.
• To analyze the trajectory of physical functioning throughout CPT.
• To determine how baseline and session-to-session physical functioning affects PTSD symptom improvement.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data from 188 participants.
• Physical functioning and PTSD symptom severity were assessed using the SF-36 and PCL-5.
• Data were collected before and during CPT treatment.

Main Results:

• Physical functioning improved significantly for participants with initially low levels.
• Lower baseline physical functioning was associated with slower PTSD symptom improvement.
• Poorer physical functioning in one session predicted less PTSD symptom reduction in the subsequent session.

Conclusions:

• Physical functioning can impede PTSD symptom recovery in CPT but can also improve during therapy.
• Clinicians should consider physical functioning when delivering CPT or similar trauma therapies.
• Further research is needed on treatment adaptations to support individuals with lower physical functioning.