title: A couple-based approach to the reduction of PTSD avoidance symptoms: preliminary findings.
abstract: This study reports preliminary findings regarding the feasibility and efficacy of a novel couple-based treatment, named Strategic Approach Therapy (SAT), for reducing avoidance symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six male Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD and their cohabitating marital partners participated in 10 weeks of SAT treatment. Self-report, clinician ratings, and partner ratings of PTSD symptoms were obtained before the first session and after the tenth session of treatment. Veterans reported statistically significant reductions in self-reported, clinician-rated, and partner-rated effortful avoidance, emotional numbing, and overall PTSD severity. These data indicate that SAT offers promise as an effective treatment for PTSD avoidance symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Mental Health Service Line, PO Box 61011, New Orleans, Louisiana 70161, USA. fredericsautter@msn.com
authors.forename: Frederic J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Sautter
authors.forename: Shirley M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Glynn
authors.forename: Karin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Laurel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Franklin
authors.forename: Xiaotong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Han
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001143:Arousal; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*