Cognitive–behavioral couple's treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: Initial findings

Abstract

This pilot study was an initial investigation of Cognitive-Behavioral Couple's Treatment (CBCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seven couples in which the husband was diagnosed with PTSD secondary to Vietnam combat experiences completed the treatment. According to independent clinician assessment and partner report, the veterans had substantial improvements in their PTSD symptoms. The veterans reported less dramatic improvements in their PTSD symptoms, but endorsed significant improvements in their depression and anxiety. The partners reported improved relationship satisfaction, whereas the veterans' relationship satisfaction was unchanged across treatment. The current findings are compared with findings on other forms of empirically validated treatment for PTSD and previous studies of CBCT for various individual problems. Theoretical implications and future directions are offered.

Cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: application to operation enduring and Iraqi Freedom veterans

“…Consistent with previous research, the veterans reported more modest improvements in their PTSD symptoms, but larger improvements in depression, anxiety, and social functioning. Wives reported large improvements in relationship satisfaction, as well as their general anxiety and social functioning (Monson, Schnurr, Stevens, & Guthrie, 2004;.…”

Using military friendships to optimize postdeployment reintegration for male Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom veterans

“…However, supportive and emotionally intimate civilian family interactions with the returning veteran seem to protect against mental health problems. Family therapy sessions that include both the veteran and his or her family have been shown to successfully improve returning veterans' mental health outcomes [4][5][6][7].…”

Couple/family therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Review to facilitate interpretation of VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline

“…The Veterans reported moderate effect size improvements in PTSD and statistically significant and large improvements in depression, general anxiety, and social functioning. Wives reported large effect size improvements in their relationship satisfaction, general anxiety, and social functioning [14].…”

“…Evidence that the intervention is effective is lacking or poor quality, or conflicting, and the balance of benefits to harms cannot be determined" [8, p. 202]. The supporting evidence offered for this conclusion includes three studies: Devilly [9], Glynn et al [4], and Monson et al [10]. Upon review of these studies, the CPG summarizes that "BFT [behavioral family therapy] did not significantly improve the PTSD symptoms and was inferior to other psychotherapies" [8, p. 144].…”

“…In a sample of seven couples in which one member of the couple was a male Vietnam Veteran with PTSD, Monson et al found statistically significant and large effect size improvements in clinicians' and partners' ratings of Veterans' PTSD symptoms from pre-to posttreatment [10]. The Veterans reported moderate effect size improvements in PTSD and statistically significant and large improvements in depression, general anxiety, and social functioning.…”