Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
09:55
Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
12.7K
Dynamic Psychotherapy as a PTSD Treatment for Firefighters: A Case Study
Joana Proença Becker1, Rui Paixão1, Manuel João Quartilho2
1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 25, 2022
Summary
Dynamic psychotherapy (DP) effectively reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in Portuguese firefighters. This study suggests DP is a feasible intervention for fire departments to support first responders
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Emergency Services Mental Health
Background:
- Annual forest fires in Portugal cause significant trauma and stress-related disorders in firefighters.
- Firefighters are a high-risk group for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to traumatic events.
- Dynamic psychotherapy (DP) is explored as a potential treatment for PTSD in this population.
Observation:
- Two firefighters (one male, one female) with similar PTSD symptom severity were monitored.
- Symptomatology was assessed using multiple instruments (PHQ-15, PCL-5, BSI, DASS, CALPAS-P) over 15 months.
- Data collection included pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment phases.
Findings:
- Dynamic psychotherapy (DP) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms.
- Patients showed continuous improvement, even after treatment cessation.
- High acceptability, adherence, and therapeutic alliance were observed among firefighters.
Implications:
- The findings suggest dynamic psychotherapy (DP) is a feasible intervention for Portuguese fire departments.
- Implementing DP could improve mental health support for first responders exposed to trauma.
- This study highlights the potential for specialized mental health interventions within emergency services.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Psychodynamic Therapy
163
Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
163
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
133
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
133
01:28Psychotherapy
190
Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
190
01:26Modeling in Therapy
164
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
164
01:25Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
139
Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
139
01:30Family Therapy
170
Family therapy conceptualizes psychological challenges as arising from dysfunctional interactions within the family unit, rather than as isolated issues within individuals. This approach seeks to address and transform the patterns of communication, roles, and relationships within families to promote healthier dynamics and emotional well-being for all members.
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
170