Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of PTSD in Severe Mental Illness: Pilot Study Replication in an Ethnically Diverse Population

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common comorbid condition in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI) such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. A parent study conducted in New Hampshire examined the effects of a 12- to 16-week cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for PTSD among people with SMI. We conducted a pilot study examining the effects of this intervention with an ethnically diverse sample of 14 clients with PTSD and SMI in an urban setting in New Jersey. Results showed high levels of retention in treatment and improvement at three and six months posttreatment in PTSD. We discuss the importance of this intervention in this population.

Keywords:

• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Minority
• PTSD
• Severe mental illness

Notes

Note. ∗includes two participants who completed eight sessions.

Note. ^a at session 5; ^b at session 6; ∗no longer meets criteria for PTSD using PCL criteria; ⁺no longer meets criteria for PTSD using PDS criteria.