Trauma healing via cognitive behavior therapy in chronically hospitalized patients.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the effect of Skill Training In Affect Regulation (STAIR) on a cohort of 24 inpatients with Schizophrenia with histories of significant trauma and Complex PTSD.


METHODS
Using a model of Trauma Healing proposed by the NYS Office of Mental Health, 24 patients underwent 12 weeks of group-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Treatment modalities focused on trust, safety, affect-regulation, identification of trauma triggers, and disrupting abuse-driven behaviors. A comparison group of patients received 12 weeks of supportive psychotherapy by therapists unfamiliar with Trauma Management. Treatment outcome was compared using the Modified Impact of Events, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scales.


RESULTS
Following completion of 12 weeks of therapy, only those patients undergoing therapy in Trauma Recovery showed improvement on items such as tension, excitement, hostility, suspiciousness, and anger-control.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are an encouraging first step in trauma recovery of patients with chronic mental illness, histories of prolonged trauma, and Complex PTSD.
Trappler
Brian
B
SUNY Downstate, Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. kbmdbtt@omh.state.ny.us
Newville
Howard
H
D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008016:Life Change Events; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome