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01-12-2015 | Original Paper

Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Adult Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions

Authors: Matthew W. Gallagher, Johanna Thompson-Hollands, Michelle L. Bourgeois, Kate H. Bentley

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 4/2015

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatments are currently the gold standard treatment option for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, many individuals do not experience symptom relief following existing CBT treatments so there has been increasing recognition of the need to evaluate alternative treatment approaches. This article provides an overview of the current status of the two most empirically supported CBT treatments for PTSD (cognitive processing therapy & prolonged exposure therapy) as well as the current status and rationale for more recently developed “3rd wave” (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy) and transdiagnostic (e.g., Unified Protocol) CBT treatment protocols. Similarities and differences in the theoretical rationales, the structures of treatment, and the current evidence base are highlighted for these four CBT treatments. We conclude by discussing five areas in which additional research is needed to better understand how CBT can most effectively promote recovery for adults with PTSD.

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Title: Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Adult Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Matthew W. Gallagher
Johanna Thompson-Hollands
Michelle L. Bourgeois
Kate H. Bentley
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9303-6

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Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Adult Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current Status and Future Directions

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