Cognitive-behavioral therapy of post-traumatic stress disorder (based on foreign studies)

Abstract

The article provides a review of foreign research on the topic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It presents a definition, symptoms of PTSD; identifies PTSD risk factors and group types; defines diagnostic criteria for PTSD diagnosis; reviews existing diagnostic instruments and therapy methods used to work with people who suffered from PTSD. As mentioned by various researchers, PTSD can be found in cultures with different level of socio-economic development, in various ethnic and social groups, and in different age groups. The authors of the work particularly focus their attention on presenting the cognitive-behavioral approach, which is used widely in therapies for individuals with PTSD. They review the theories and concept models as the basis for cognitive-behavioral therapy; identify valid diagnostic tools such interviews and self-reports frequently used for the diagnosis of PTSD; describe cognitive-behavioral methods and techniques; present the basic structure for the therapeutic programs. As pointed by the authors of the article, the effectiveness of the cognitive –behavioral approach as shown by vary theoretical and experimental researches prove validity and reliability of cognitive-behavioral methods as well as their successful implementation in therapeutic work with people with PTSD.

Keywords

• posttraumatic stress disorder
• traumatic event
• suicidal risk
• theory of emotional processing
• cognitive-processing therapy