Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abuse by an intimate partner is a significant problem for women regardless of socioeconomic status or ethic background. Abused women frequently exhibit symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often for many years following the abuse. The study described here tested a cognitive trauma treatment therapy (CTT) for abused women identified as suffering from PTSD. The treatment program was highly educational in nature, and consisted of approximately eight sessions of therapy, conducted twice weekly, and approximately one and one-half hours in length. The specific aim of the study was to determine if CTT was effective in eliminating or decreasing signs of PTSD and depression, and in increasing self-esteem. Additional aims included the development of a structured training manual to be used in providing therapy, and determining if relatively inexperienced therapists could provide the therapy effectively. Of 144 women who enrolled in the study, 118 completed CTT. Subjects reported significant improvements in PTSD symptomatology, depression, and traumarelated guilt at 2 weeks, at 3 months, and at 6 months post therapy.

Final Report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2007107...