Cognitive behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress symptoms in the context of hydrocephalus: a single case.
There is limited information about anxiety disorders occurring in the context of the challenging condition of hydrocephalus. This paper describes the treatment, via trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TFCBT), of post-traumatic stress symptoms arising on account of hydrocephalus in a 23-year-old man. Specific components of the intervention included exposure, cognitive disputation, and relaxation training. The 20-session intervention appeared effective with decreases in anxiety (on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and event impact (on the Impact of Events Scale) from clinical to sub-clinical levels. The main contributor to change appeared to be the exposure element of the treatment. The benefits of the intervention were maintained at one-, three-, and six-month follow-up.
Kneebone
Ian I
II
Surrey NHS Primary Care Trust, Surrey, UK. i.kneebone@nhs.net
Hull
Samantha L
SL
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications*; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*