Effectiveness of a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-Informed Group for Post-9/11 Veterans with Posttraumatic...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments for veterans often face challenges like group format suitability, comorbid condition management, and time commitment.
• Existing therapies may not adequately address common comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, anger, and guilt in veterans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a five-session Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)-Informed Group for treating post-9/11 veterans with PTSD and comorbid depression or anxiety.
• To assess symptom reduction in depression, anxiety, anger, and guilt among participants undergoing the REBT-Informed Group.

Main Methods:

• Program evaluation study involving 47 post-9/11 veterans with PTSD.
• Participants completed a five-session REBT-Informed Group intervention.
• Outcomes were compared to a control group of 47 veterans in a ten-session treatment-as-usual program.

Main Results:

• Participants in the REBT-Informed Group showed significant reductions in depression and PTSD symptoms posttreatment.
• No significant difference in PTSD symptom improvement was found between the five-session REBT group and the ten-session treatment-as-usual group.
• The REBT-Informed Group demonstrated effectiveness in reducing comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A five-week REBT-Informed Group treatment is effective for reducing PTSD and comorbid depression/anxiety in post-9/11 veterans.
• This shorter group therapy model offers a potentially more accessible and efficient treatment option.
• Findings suggest the REBT-Informed Group may be suitable for military/veteran populations and potentially generalizable to civilians.