Incorporating psychological debriefing techniques within a brief group psychotherapy programme for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
BACKGROUND
The Royal Air Force Wroughton Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rehabilitation Programme is described. It comprised a 12-day structured in-patient 'course' of group psychotherapy and day-case group follow-up sessions over a one-year period. Psychological debriefing was the main therapeutic technique employed.


METHODS
This is a 'before and after' open outcome study. A comprehensive assessment protocol confirmed the presence and severity of PTSD and measured co-morbid psychopathological status, occupational and social function longitudinally.


RESULTS
A highly significant global response to treatment is demonstrated in the 34 subjects included in the study, with 85.3% not fulfilling the DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD at one year after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Further controlled studies assessing the value of psychological debriefing techniques in the treatment of established PTSD are required.
Busuttil
W
W
Psychiatric Centre, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Royal Air Force Wroughton, Wiltshire.
Turnbull
G J
GJ
Neal
L A
LA
Rollins
J
J
West
A G
AG
Blanch
N
N
Herepath
R
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*