Cognitive-behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: applications to injured trauma survivors.

Abstract

This article discusses the applicability of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to the treatment of injured trauma survivors, with special consideration of treatment delivery within the trauma care system. The theoretical underpinnings and major treatment components of CBT for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are presented, followed by a review of the treatment outcome research to date. As few studies have evaluated CBT for injured trauma survivors, specifically, circumstances and comorbidities of this population, that might impact treatment delivery and outcome are discussed within a cognitive-behavioral framework. The article concludes with recommendations for research and treatment of PTSD among injured trauma survivors that draw from cognitive-behavioral theory and empirically supported principles of change.