The Trauma Recovery Group: A Cognitive-Behavioral Program for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Persons with Severe Mental Illness

• DOI: 10.1007/s10597-006-9075-2
• Publication Date: 2007-01-18T16:01:16Z
• Authors: Kim T. Mueser; Elisa Bolton; Patricia C. Carty; Michael J. Bradley; Kimberly F. Ahlgren; Diane R. DiStaso; Andrew Gilbride; Carol Liddell
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Community Mental Health Centers; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; 3. Good health; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Psychotherapy, Group; Humans; New Hampshire; Female; Program Development

To address the problem of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in severe mental illness, the Trauma Recovery Group, a mixed gender cognitive-behavioral program, was developed and piloted at a community mental health center. The 21-week program includes breathing retraining, education about PTSD, cognitive restructuring, coping with symptoms, and making a recovery plan. Eighty clients were assessed at baseline and 41 provided follow-up data. Retention in the group was good: 59%. Treatment completers improved significantly in PTSD symptoms and diagnosis, depression, and post-traumatic cognitions, but dropouts did not. The results support the feasibility of the program and suggest it produces clinical benefits.