A case report of using prolonged exposure in the treatment of PTSD following an apartment fire

What is it about?

The current case summary details an adapted version of the prolonged exposure manual that takes into account some limitations of the traditional PE manual approach (e.g., some centers do not have technology to allow for audio/video taping of exposures) to treat a 26-year-old Jamaican-Canadian female who presented for treatment of PTSD following a fire destroying her home and possessions. Eighteen weekly 50-60 minute sessions included components of psychoeducation, breathing retraining, in-vivo exposures, imaginal exposures, and a trauma narrative (in replacement of audio/video exposures). From pre- to post-assessment, significant gains were noted, including a reduction in intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal, and elimination of re-experiencing and sleep disturbances. At the conclusion of treatment, the client also demonstrated an ability to confront the trauma, memories, situations, activities, and places that she had avoided. Self-report measures further validated gains. Due to complicating factors, a follow-up evaluation was not able to be completed. Treatment complications, diversity factors, and implications for future work are discussed.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Foa, Hembree, and Rothbaum’s (2007) Prolonged Exposure (PE) treatment manual has been found to be an effective treatment modality for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that is comparable to other evidence-based PTSD treatments. Although the manual details weekly 90-minute sessions, this timeframe is not always feasible for those clinicians who may be confined to a 50-minute appointment. Additionally, Foa et al.’s inclusion of audio and video for taped exposures is not always possible given some centers’ technological limitations and client finances.