Maintenance of treatment gains up to 12-months following a three-week cognitive processing therapy-based intensive PTSD treatment programme for veterans

Abstract

Background Intensive treatment programmes (ITPs) have shown promise for reducing PTSD and depression symptoms. It is still unknown whether treatment gains are maintained following completion. Objective This study examined whether veterans were able to maintain treatment gains for up to 12 months after an ITP for PTSD and whether reductions in negative posttrauma cognitions predicted treatment gain maintenance. Methods 209 veterans (62.7% male, mean age = 40.86 years) completed a 3-week, CPT-based ITP for PTSD. Participants’ PTSD (PCL-5) and depression (PHQ-9) symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up timepoints. Results Despite small symptom increases from post-treatment to 3-month follow-up, significant and clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms were reported from intake to 12 months follow-up (averaging >18 points on the PCL-5 and >6 points on the PHQ-9; d = 1.28, and d = 1.18, respectively). Greater reductions in negative posttrauma cognitions during treatment were associated with lower PTSD (p <.001) and depression (p =.005) severity at follow-up. Most veterans who completed the aftercare survey followed treatment recommendations and reported seeing a mental health provider at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment. Aftercare treatment did not significantly predict whether veterans maintained treatment gains at follow-up. Conclusions Overall maintenance of treatment gains long-term suggests veterans may be able to apply skills acquired during the ITP following treatment. These findings further support the feasibility and effectiveness of intensive, trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy delivery.

Keywords

• ptsd
• intensive treatment
• veterans
• follow-up
• posttraumatic cognitions