Exposure-based cognitive-behavioral treatment of PTSD in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A pilot study

B. Christopher Frueh, Anouk L. Grubaugh, Karen J. Cusack, Matthew O. Kimble, Jon D. Elhai, Rebecca G. Knapp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

128 Scopus citations

Abstract

In an open trial design, adults (n = 20) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were treated via an 11-week cognitive-behavioral intervention for PTSD that consisted of education, anxiety management therapy, social skills training, and exposure therapy, provided at community mental health centers. Results offer preliminary hope for effective treatment of PTSD among adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, especially among treatment completers (n = 13). Data showed significant PTSD symptom improvement, maintained at 3-month follow-up. Further, 12 of 13 completers no longer met criteria for PTSD or were considered treatment responders. Clinical outcomes for other targeted domains (e.g., anger, general mental health) also improved and were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Participants evidenced high treatment satisfaction, with no adverse events. Significant improvements were not noted on depression, general anxiety, or physical health status. Future directions include the need for randomized controlled trials and dissemination efforts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)665-675
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Exposure therapy
  • PTSD
  • Schizophrenia
  • Severe mental illness (SMI)
  • Trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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