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Examining differences in neurobehavioral symptom changes across two cognitive processing therapy-based intensive PTSD
Lauren M Scimeca1, Dale L Smith1, Philip Held1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center.
Objective:
Previous research demonstrates that evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are effective in reducing postconcussive-like symptoms (PCS) in mixed samples of veterans with PTSD, both with and without mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the impact of intensive treatment programs (ITPs) on PCS symptom reduction remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine changes in PCS following participation in two cognitive processing therapy-based ITPs and to evaluate the association between PCS and symptom reduction posttreatment. Additionally, the study compared PCS reduction between veterans with PTSD alone and those with PTSD and a history of mTBI.
Method:
Participants were 328 veterans and service members with PTSD underwent a 2-week ITP and 269 veterans in the 3-week ITP, both cognitive processing therapy focused. Symptom reduction was measured using the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI).
Results:
Significant reductions in PCS were found for the 2-week (d = 0.54) and 3-week ITPs (d = 0.50). Greater PTSD symptom reduction was associated with more NSI reduction. NSI change was broadly consistent among those with (d = 0.58) and without TBI (d = 0.52). Veterans with mTBI demonstrated higher NSI scores across program time points, though the NSI improvement during the program did not significantly differ from those without a history of mTBI.
Conclusions:
cognitive processing therapy-focused ITPs can be effective in reducing PCS in veterans with PTSD and those who have a history of mTBI and the symptom reduction is directly related to the reduction in PTSD symptoms. This research highlights the effectiveness of interventions targeting on addressing psychological disorder, particularly PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
