ABSTRACT
Exposure-based therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD, including combat-related PTSD. However, questions remain within PTSD treatment literature and among front-line clinicians about the appropriateness of exposure-based therapies for older adults. The current study examined the effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure (PE) in reducing PTSD and depression symptoms in a sample of 65 Veterans age 60 and older who were diagnosed with PTSD via structured clinical interview. In addition to within-subject repeated measure analyses, the entire intent to treat sample was compared to treatment completers. Within group d-type effect sizes across both groups were large (1.13-1.90) and the retention rate was high (85%). Importantly, no adverse medical or psychiatric events were reported over the course of the study. Results are discussed and limitations, along with future directions, are presented.
Subject(s)
Combat Disorders/therapy , Implosive Therapy/methods , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/therapy , Veterans/psychology , Age Factors , Aged , Combat Disorders/diagnosis , Combat Disorders/psychology , Follow-Up Studies , Hospitals, Veterans , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnosis , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The current report summarizes case studies from an Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded project to compare the effects of Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy (VRGET) with a treatment as usual control condition in active-duty Navy Corpsmen, Navy SeaBees and Navy and Marine Corps Support Personnel. Details of the collaborative program between the Virtual Reality Medical Center (VRMC) and Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) will be discussed.
