Citation

Reina SA, Freund B, Ironson G. Clin. Case Stud. 2019; 18(4): 239-253.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1534650119834646

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Approximately 1% to 2% of women suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth, with obstetric emergencies being a key risk factor for birth-related PTSD. The current study augmented prolonged exposure (PE) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and agoraphobia in a 28-year-old married Hispanic female following a life-threatening case of postpartum preeclampsia. To target distressing symptoms and reach treatment goals, the patient engaged in two preparatory sessions, 12 active PE sessions, and five supplementary CBT sessions. Posttreatment assessment indicated a significant reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Panic attacks reduced in frequency and severity, and by the end of treatment, the patient no longer met criteria for PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), or agoraphobia. In the case of postpartum PTSD, CBT can augment PE treatment to reduce symptomatology. © The Author(s) 2019.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; cognition; sexual abuse; female; PTSD; case report; psychotherapy; depression; anxiety; suicide attempt; major depression; hospitalization; postpartum; posttraumatic stress disorder; risk factor; psychoeducation; antidepressant agent; personality disorder; clinical article; automutilation; panic; family history; borderline state; restlessness; relapse; Beck Depression Inventory; physical abuse; habituation; agoraphobia; preeclampsia; Article; mood change; childbirth; maternal disease; muscle relaxation; State Trait Anxiety Inventory; postnatal depression; long term exposure; Impact of Events Scale; emotional abuse; DSM-IV-TR; cognitive behavioral therapy; mental disease assessment; dissociative experiences scale; Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; exposure therapy; medical PTSD; Montreal cognitive assessment; postpartum trauma; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians; prolonged exposure