Treatment of Reactivated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Imaginal Exposure in an Older Adult With Multiple Traumas

Author(s)

Stephen A. Russo, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Michel Hersen, Pacific University
Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Behavior Modification

ISSN

0145-4455

Publication Date

1-2001

Abstract

A single-case analysis was used to assess the effects of imaginal exposure in a 57-year-old woman suffering from current and reactivated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a transient ischemic attack. The client's responses to self-reported depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were repeatedly recorded during four phases: (a) initial psychotherapy, (b) imaginal exposure, (c) skill generalization, and (d) fading of treatment. In addition to dramatic reduction in levels of depression and anxiety, results showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms relating to recent and remote traumatic experiences. Improvements were maintained approximately 16 months after imaginal exposure ended, despite ongoing external stressors.

DOI

10.1177/0145445501251006

Volume

25

Issue

1

First Page

94

Last Page

115

NSUWorks Citation

Russo, S. A., Hersen, M., Van Hasselt, V. B. (2001). Treatment of Reactivated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Imaginal Exposure in an Older Adult With Multiple Traumas. Behavior Modification, 25(1), 94-115.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/167