title: Treatment of reactivated post-traumatic stress disorder. Imaginal exposure in an older adult with multiple traumas.
abstract: A single-case analysis was used to assess the effects of imaginal exposure in a 57-year-old woman suffering from current and reactivated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a transient ischemic attack. The client's responses to self-reported depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were repeatedly recorded during four phases: (a) initial psychotherapy, (b) imaginal exposure, (c) skill generalization, and (d) fading of treatment. In addition to dramatic reduction in levels of depression and anxiety, results showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms relating to recent and remote traumatic experiences. Improvements were maintained approximately 16 months after imaginal exposure ended, despite ongoing external stressors.
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, USA.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hersen
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Van Hasselt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*