Combat-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects many veterans and active-duty service members who have experienced or witnessed life-threatening events during their military service. This debilitating disorder can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness, severely impacting one’s quality of life and relationships.
Finding effective and evidence-based treatments for combat-related PTSD can help individuals reintegrate back into civilian life and regain control of their mental health. One such treatment is Prolonged-Exposure Therapy (PE), a time-tested and scientifically supported intervention that has consistently shown promising results in alleviating the distressing symptoms of PTSD.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of Prolonged-Exposure Therapy, its application in managing combat-related PTSD, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness as a valuable tool in the arsenal of mental health professionals.
The Effectiveness of Combat-Related PTSD Therapy
Traditional treatments for PTSD often involve a combination of medications and counseling, but recent research has shown that an innovative therapy called Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy can be highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving the quality of life for these individuals.
An important study conducted by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has shown that Prolonged Exposure therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in military personnel and veterans. The study involved 234 participants who were recruited from four locations in South and Central Texas.
The participants were randomly assigned to receive either traditional PE therapy, condensed into three weeks of daily treatment, or an intensive outpatient format that included several enhancements to address the specific challenges of PTSD in warfighters.
The results of the study were encouraging, with over 60 percent of patients experiencing clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after three weeks of outpatient Prolonged Exposure therapy.
Furthermore, more than 50 percent of the participants achieved long-term remission of their PTSD. Additionally, the study showed significant improvements in related disabilities and daily functioning among the participants.
What Is Prolonged Exposure Therapy?
Prolonged Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy that aims to help individuals with PTSD confront and process their traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.
The therapy involves gradually exposing the patient to the memories, thoughts, and feelings associated with their trauma, while teaching them coping strategies to manage the distress that these memories may evoke. This process allows the individual to gain a better understanding of their trauma, reduce their fear and avoidance, and improve their overall well-being.
Why Is PE Therapy Effective for Combat-Related PTSD?
The study’s findings suggest that both formats of PE therapy are effective in treating combat-related PTSD, with no significant differences in long-term outcomes. This is important because it indicates that the additional investment of resources needed for the Intensive Outpatient (IOP-PE) format may not be warranted, potentially saving time and money for both patients and healthcare providers.
The overall study results are highly positive, as they demonstrate the potential of PE therapy to help individuals with combat-related PTSD confront and process traumatic memories, reduce symptoms, and improve their overall mental health and functioning within six months of treatment.
As Dr. Peterson iterates, “With about two-thirds of participants reporting clinically meaningful symptom improvement and more than half losing their PTSD diagnosis, this study provides important new evidence that combat-related PTSD can be effectively treated — in as little as three weeks.”
The Bottom Line
PE therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment option for combat-related PTSD, with both Massed-PE and IOP-PE formats delivering similar long-term outcomes. This knowledge can empower mental health practitioners to provide evidence-based care to veterans suffering from PTSD and encourage veterans to seek the help they need to overcome their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
At Adelaide Psychology, we understand that talking about your trauma can be difficult and may take time to work through. We are here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. So if you’re looking for a trauma psychologist in Adelaide, please contact us today. We are here to listen and to help you on your journey to healing.
