Treating PTSD via Imaginal Flooding Following a Prison Riot in Britain

Abstract

A 17-year-old inmate who had been caught up in two major prison riot situations, during one of which he was used by other inmates as a “human shield” (on the edge of a roof with a knife at his throat), and who was experiencing classic indicators of post-traumatic stress disorder, was treated over a 14-day period using a combination of imaginal flooding and relaxation training. A three-month follow-up assessment indicated a considerable reduction in self-reported intrusive thoughts, nightmares, anxiety and depression. A 12-month follow-up indicated further reductions in self-reports of anxiety, nightmares and intrusive thoughts, and also improved residential stability and occupational and emotional involvement.