An intensive treatment program for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: 2-year outcome data

Objective: The present study evaluates the efficacy of a closed-cohort trea tment program for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Method: The treatment orientation was a combined approach involving cogniti ve behaviour therapy and pharmacotherapy. Treatment involved an inpatient p hase of 4 weeks, with group and individual follow-up sessions of at least 6 -month duration. The treatment population consisted largely of Australian V ietnam veterans. Standardised psychometric measures were obtained pre-treat ment, on completion of the residential phase; and at 6, 12 and 24 months po st discharge from the residential program. Results: The results obtained from 64 patients demonstrate significant redu ctions in depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, maintained at 2 years post discharge from the residential phase of the treatment program. Conclusions: This paper presents encouraging findings for treatment with th is troubled population.