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A Couple-Based Approach to the Reduction of PTSD Avoidance Symptoms: Preliminary Findings |
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| Authors: | Frederic J Sautter Shirley M Glynn Karin E Thompson Laurel Franklin Xiaotong Han |
| Institution: | Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System and South Central Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center; West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center and UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Los Angeles; Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis; Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System; South Central Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center |
| Abstract: | This study reports preliminary findings regarding the feasibility and efficacy of a novel couple-based treatment, named Strategic Approach Therapy (SAT), for reducing avoidance symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six male Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD and their cohabitating marital partners participated in 10 weeks of SAT treatment. Self-report, clinician ratings, and partner ratings of PTSD symptoms were obtained before the first session and after the tenth session of treatment. Veterans reported statistically significant reductions in self-reported, clinician-rated, and partner-rated effortful avoidance, emotional numbing, and overall PTSD severity. These data indicate that SAT offers promise as an effective treatment for PTSD avoidance symptoms. |
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