Difficulties in PTSD Treatment: Flexibility in the Use of PE Procedures Guided by the Treatment Rationale
Associate Vice-Chair of Clinical Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
Director, Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
Director, Emory Trauma and Anxiety Recovery Program
Paul A. Janssen Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology
Key Points
- Treatment for PTSD is often difficult, but it’s extremely rewarding.
- PE has allowed us to witness the resilience of the human spirit.
Materials Downloads
PE for PTSD Online Training
Learn how to apply prolonged exposure therapy principles for patients with PTSD.
Earn 6.75 CE Credits$277
Transcript
Video 8: Closing Remarks.
Working with patients with PTSD is extremely rewarding for therapists. PTSD is a public health concern. The availability of effective treatments for PTSD—including PE—allows mental health professionals to positively impact the disrupted lives of chronic PTSD sufferers in a short period of time.
Foa, E., Hembree, E. A., Rothbaum, B. O., & Rauch, S. (2019). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences - Therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.,Rothbaum, B. O., Foa, E., Hembree, E. A., & Rauch, S. (2019). Reclaiming your life from a traumatic experience: Client workbook (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
However, PTSD symptoms themselves and related comorbidity may hinder the ability of some patients to engage in and benefit from the therapy. It’s not uncommon for PTSD sufferers to fail to attend therapy regularly or to drop out prematurely. Even routine gaps in meeting together, such as holidays on the day when therapy sessions are held, can increase the chances that someone will drop out of treatment early. Some patients struggle with avoidance and are reluctant to do exposure homework. Other patients have difficulty tolerating anxiety or engaging in the trauma memory.
Foa, E., Hembree, E. A., Rothbaum, B. O., & Rauch, S. (2019). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences - Therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.,Rothbaum, B. O., Foa, E., Hembree, E. A., & Rauch, S. (2019). Reclaiming your life from a traumatic experience: Client workbook (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.