Single-case experimental studies of a self-help manual for traumatic stress in earthquake survivors.
Studies showed that earthquake-related posttraumatic stress disorder could be reduced by a single session of therapist instructions for self-exposure to fear cues. Eight single-case experimental studies examined whether such instructions were as effective when delivered through a self-help manual after an initial assessment. After two baseline assessments conducted at the participants homes, the manual was delivered to the participants, who were then assessed at week 10 (post-treatment) and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-treatment. After minimal improvement during the baseline, treatment achieved marked improvement in seven survivors, leading to effect sizes comparable to those obtained by therapist-delivered treatment. Self-help appears to be a promising approach in cost-effective survivor care.
Section of Trauma Studies, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, University of London, England, UK. spjumeb@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Metin
M
Başoğlu
Ebru
E
Salcioğlu
Maria
M
Livanou
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004190:Disasters; D055866:Earthquakes; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult