title: Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD improves various PTSD symptoms and trauma-related cognitions: Results from a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: Numerous studies document an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impairments in intimate relationship functioning, and there is evidence that PTSD symptoms and associated impairments are improved by cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT for PTSD; Monson & Fredman, 2012). The present study investigated changes across treatment in clinician-rated PTSD symptom clusters and patient-rated trauma-related cognitions in a randomized controlled trial comparing CBCT for PTSD with waitlist in a sample of 40 individuals with PTSD and their partners (N = 40; Monson et al., 2012). Compared with waitlist, patients who received CBCT for PTSD immediately demonstrated greater improvements in all PTSD symptom clusters, trauma-related beliefs, and guilt cognitions (Hedge's gs -.33 to -1.51). Results suggest that CBCT for PTSD improves all PTSD symptom clusters and trauma-related cognitions among individuals with PTSD and further supports the value of utilizing a couple-based approach to the treatment of PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD-VA Boston Healthcare System.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.affiliation: Trauma Recovery Center, Cincinnati VA Medical Center.
authors.forename: Nicole D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Pukay-Martin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ryerson University.
authors.forename: Anne C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Steffany J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Fredman
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ryerson University.
authors.forename: Candice M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Monson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists