Citation

Arens AM. Clin. Case Stud. 2015; 14(2): 115-128.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1534650114541324

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Despite the development of evidence-based treatment protocols for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many clinicians are hesitant to begin trauma-focused treatment for individuals presenting with co-occurring conditions, particularly disorders with psychotic features. The current clinical case describes the treatment of a male veteran with PTSD with hallucinogenic features and recurrent depression who was treated with Trauma Management Therapy, a comprehensive treatment program for combat-related PTSD incorporating virtual-reality assisted exposure therapy and group therapy. Following treatment, the veteran demonstrated clinically significant decreases in overall PTSD symptoms as well as combat-themed hallucinations. Treatment gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. This case illustrates how exposure therapy can safely and effectively be delivered to individuals with complex co-occurring conditions. © The Author(s) 2014.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; male; PTSD; case report; suicidal ideation; depression; psychosis; suicide attempt; veteran; posttraumatic stress disorder; unemployment; alcohol abuse; differential diagnosis; distress syndrome; self report; patient care; behavior therapy; avoidance behavior; middle aged; follow up; nightmare; patient satisfaction; hypertension; Caucasian; exposure; group therapy; auditory hallucination; Article; treatment duration; visual hallucination; nocturnal enuresis; divorced person; virtual reality exposure therapy