Psychotherapy for experiential avoidance and PTSD
What is it about?
Past research has found that experiential avoidance (EA) is a type of avoidance that is common in individuals who report distress associated with traumatic events. No treatment studies to date have evaluated potential changes in EA associated with prolonged exposure therapy (PE), an empirically supported treatment for traumatic distress. This case series presents outcomes associated with treatment by PE for five adults who presented with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and problematic EA. In comparing pre-treatment to 1-month follow-up scores, all the participants reported decreases in PTSD, GAD, depression, and all but one participant reported a decrease in EA. The findings of this study suggest that PE may be a helpful treatment for individuals reporting EA.
Why is it important?
It is important to understand what treatments may be helpful for individuals with comorbid conditions.
Perspectives
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1534650118766660
The following have contributed to this page: Dr. Bita Ghafoori
