Behavioral activation as a primary care-based treatment for PTSD and depression among returning veterans

J Trauma Stress. 2010 Aug;23(4):491-5. doi: 10.1002/jts.20543.

Abstract

This preliminary study examined treatment-satisfaction and potential therapeutic benefits of Behavioral Activation as a primary care-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. Eight veterans were enrolled, 6 completed at least 4 sessions, and 5 veterans completed posttreatment and 3-month follow-up assessments after receiving 5-8 weekly sessions of Behavioral Activation delivered in a specialty postdeployment primary care clinic. Significant and meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms were found on structured clinical assessments and self-report measures. Posttraumatic stress disorder treatment gains (measured by structured clinical assessments) were maintained at 3-month follow-up. The majority of veterans demonstrated meaningful improvements on depression and quality of life and veterans reported a high satisfaction with treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Afghan Campaign 2001-*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Combat Disorders / diagnosis
  • Combat Disorders / psychology
  • Combat Disorders / therapy*
  • Comorbidity
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Iraq War, 2003-2011*
  • Male
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Psychometrics
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Reinforcement, Social*
  • Social Isolation
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Veterans / psychology*