title: Prolonged exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: a review of evidence and dissemination.
abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent, often chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder that is associated with significant adverse health and life consequences. Fortunately, there is compelling evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapies, notably exposure therapies, are effective in reducing PTSD symptomology relative to waiting list and active control conditions. Prolonged exposure is a specific exposure therapy program that is considered a first-line evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Unfortunately, barriers to treatment dissemination prevent the majority of individuals with PTSD from receiving evidence-based treatment. Strategies to increase the availability of treatment and boost the efficiency of exposure therapy are now being examined.
authors.affiliation: Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Carmen P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.forename: Edna B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Foa
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*