title: A pilot study of an exposure-based intervention in the ED designed to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder.
abstract: Early interventions to prevent PTSD have been limited in scope and effectiveness. This pilot study examines the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a model for brief preventive intervention: 1-session individualized exposure-based therapy delivered in the emergency department (ED). Eligible patients who experienced exposure to a traumatic event in the previous 24 hours were screened and assigned to assessment-only (n = 5) or intervention (imaginal exposure, n = 5) conditions. Both groups returned for 1-week follow-up. Results indicate that patients receiving this intervention reported slightly decreased levels of depression at 1-week follow-up and were rated lower on clinician-rated global severity of symptoms than patients in the assessment-only condition. The level of subject participation and ED staff support in this pilot study argues for feasibility of data collection, intervention, and follow-up with this population. Results also offer evidence that the intervention did not appear to harm participants and in fact may be helpful.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. brothba@emory.edu
authors: Barbara Olasov
authors: BO
authors: Rothbaum
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Houry
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Heekin
authors: Amy Selvig
authors: AS
authors: Leiner
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Daugherty
authors: L Shakiyla
authors: LS
authors: Smith
authors: Maryrose
authors: M
authors: Gerardi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome