Changes in intrusive memories associated with imaginal reliving in posttraumatic stress disorder.
The study investigated changes in intrusive memories associated with imaginal reliving of traumatic events in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study population comprised 44 patients treated with imaginal reliving in the context of cognitive therapy for PTSD [Behav. Res. Ther. 38 (2000) 319-345]. For most patients, imaginal reliving did not lead to exacerbations in intrusion frequency. The decrease in intrusion frequency after reliving was gradual, as was the decrease in their distress, vividness, and perceived "nowness." Poorer outcome, i.e., a smaller reduction in residual gain scores for intrusion frequency with reliving, was associated with greater initial PTSD severity, greater anger, greater perceived "nowness" of intrusive memories, and more negative interpretations of PTSD symptoms. The patient's anxiety, depression, self-blame, and dissociation were not predictive of response to reliving.
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, 99 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK. a.speckens@psy.umcn.nl
Anne E M
AE
Speckens
Anke
A
Ehlers
Ann
A
Hackmann
David M
DM
Clark
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires