Intervention Soon After Trauma Cuts PTSD Symptoms in Victims of Sexual Assault

Clinicians have searched with mixed success for interventions shortly after trauma occurs to prevent later posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a newly reported study of the issue, Emory University researchers randomized 137 patients to review and process their trauma experiences under the guidance of a trained therapist.

The one-hour therapy began in the emergency room within 12 hours of the trauma and was repeated one and two weeks later. Symptoms were assessed at weeks 4 and 12. Significantly fewer patients in the intervention group met criteria for PTSD at week 12,...

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Published By: Psychiatric News - Thursday, 29 November