Treating post traumatic stress disorder couples: a psychoeducational program.
The effects of veterans' war-related emotional disorders on wives has received little attention in the literature on families and family therapy. Clinical evidence shows devastating effects of combat-related psychopathology on the marriage relationship. Post-traumatic stress disorder can result in chronic marital distress, in addition to veteran disabilities. It is contended here that a clinical couples' therapy model fails to address the specific needs of this population of couples. A cognitive-behavioral analysis of the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on couple functioning is presented as well as a rationale for treatment based on psychoeducational, cognitive-behavioral, and self-help principles. This paper reviews an experimental program carried out in Israel designed to reach and treat the PTSD couple.
Rabin
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Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Nardi
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001242:Assertiveness; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*