Sequential treatment for child abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder: methodological comment on Cloitre, Koenen, Cohen, and Han (2002).
M. Cloitre, K. Koenen, L. R. Cohen, and H. Han (2002; see record 2002-18226-001) presented results of a randomized trial that clearly demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a treatment program delivering skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation (STAIR) prior to conducting imaginal exposure (IE) to trauma memories for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childhood abuse. In this comment the authors review the results presented by Cloitre et al and specifically compare the impact of the STAIR and IE phases of the treatment on affect regulation and psychopathology measures. Evidence for adverse events associated with exposure therapy is reviewed. The authors emphasize that the present study should not be interpreted as evidence that pretreatment with STAIR is additively helpful or necessary prior to IE for PTSD associated with child abuse and that a between-groups comparison is necessary before such conclusions can be drawn.
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA. scahill@mail.med.upenn.edu
Shawn P
SP
Cahill
Lori A
LA
Zoellner
Norah C
NC
Feeny
David S
DS
Riggs
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*