effect of supportive and cognitive- behavioral group therapy on bam earthquake survivors with post- traumatic stress disorder

ABSTRACT

Psychological debriefing is a way for prevention and reduction of post- traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms. Many studies have shown the efficacy of cognitive- behavioral therapy in treatment of post- traumatic stress disorder. Only some evidence is available about using these techniques in large scale disasters. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of psychological debriefing and cognitive- behavioral group therapy combination on Bam earthquake related PTSD symptoms. In a before-after trial, we evaluated the effect of single session psychological debriefing and three sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms of Bam earthquake survivors. Individuals with severe PTSD or other psychiatric disorders needing pharmacological interventions were excluded. Before, immediately and 3 months after interventions, we evaluated PTSD symptoms by clinically- administered PTSD scale for DSM-IV and analyzed them. 95 persons were included in the study; 11 and 25 people were excluded during the first month of interventions and the 3 month follow- up period, respectively, because of migration. The frequency of PTSD symptoms and the frequency, intensity and severity of avoidance symptoms reduced during 3 month period of study which was statistically significant [p<0.05]. No effect was obsereved regarding the frequency, intensity and severity of hyper- arousal, re-experience and the intensity and severity of total PTSD symptoms. Psychological debriefing and group cognitive- behavioral therapy may be effective on avoidance and the frequency of total PTSD symptoms