New PTSD study shows promise of faster recovery
A promising, new study into a different form of therapy shows faster recovery results for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Last month, researchers released the results of a three-year study of “cognitive processing therapy” at Fort Hood.
According to the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, CPT is a 12-session psychotherapy that teaches patients how to evaluate and change upsetting thoughts since experiencing trauma. Sessions can be done individually or in groups of 6-10 people and last 60 to 90 minutes each.
The study is the largest ever of an evidence-based treatment for PTSD among active-duty military personnel.
Researchers found 40-50 percent of 268 soldiers showed recovery from PTSD after only 12 sessions of “talk therapy.” Researchers also found results were better for those who competed the therapy in individual sessions more so than group sessions. In their individualized score cards, soldiers reported fewer PTSD symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks.
“It goes into the way the person is thinking about the trauma, how they’re interpreting it and then kind of fine tuning what kind of thoughts are making and perpetuating, keeping them stuck in the sense of guilt, or stunk in this anger and trying to re-work those thoughts, what you call cognitive distortion. And things like generalizations, things like ‘I’m a horrible person because this happened, or I’m a weak person.’ Things like that that are just generalizations about yourself, those things can end up causing you to maintain those symptoms you’re experiencing,” said Dr. Emilia Campos, Supervisory Psychologist of the General Mental Health Clinic at the Veterans Affairs in El Paso.
Dr. Campos has been with the V.A system for seven years. She couldn’t comment on the findings of the study but tells ABC-7 CPT can be very effective for those who are stuck in guilt or anger. Dr. Campos says the type of therapy depends on many different factors. She adds treatment can only be effective if the patient is applying themselves.
“As long as a patient sticks to the protocol, and they actually comply with what you’re asking them to do, part of that is helping them build that rapport, really helping them instill that hope. It is a treatable condition, it’s very treatable and I’ve seen many of my vets that have really come to me completely hopeless thinking that there’s no way, that they’re broken and beyond repair. They begin to see that that’s not accurate, that it is treatable, you ask them to take a leap of faith with you,” Dr. Campos said.
Randy Smith, a veteran deployed to Korea and again to Iraq in 2007, says he began to experience symptoms of PTSD once he returned to the states from Iraq. He says he had nightmares, couldn’t sleep, and experienced major weight loss. Years later, he’s still struggling.
“It’s an everyday struggle. Basic stuff, just getting up to brush my teeth, get dressed, I have to force myself to do it. I do it because it has to get done. As far as going out to stores, if I’m not with somebody I know very well, or with my family, then I avoid all situations like that, because the anxiety gets the best of me,” Smith said.
Smith has tried everything from therapy to medication and nothing has helped him recover completely.
“My doctors know about everything going on, I just have to get through and deal with it, and my other veteran friends they’re in the same boat as well. We struggle everyday,” Smith said.
Smith says he’s never tried CPI but would be interested if recommended by his psychologist. He says he’s hopeful there may be a solution for him.
“I’m not very good with talking to people, I don’t process my words properly, everything has just been hard for me and I just want to be better,” Smith said.
The study began in 2012 and was completed in 2014. It was initiated by the South Texas Research Organizational Network Guiding Studies on Trauma and Resilience or the “STRONG STAR” Consortium. STRONG STAR is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and based at the University of Texas in San Antonio.
For information on resources offered by the V.A, click on the following links:
http://www.elpasobh.com/speciality-programs/military-program/
http://www.texvet.org/resources/el-paso-one-stop-mvpn-emergence-healthcare
