Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Its Sequelae and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as an Appropriate Therapy Katharine Mary Steyn

Posttraumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) has been researched and written about since its recognition as a disorder in the DSM-III in 1980. This study reviews the literature on PTSD and cognitive behavioural therapies, designed for its treatment. It covers the historical aspects of how the syndrome came to be identified, defined and recognized as a discrete disorder. The neurobiological features of the disorder, its cognitive processes, particularly those of dissociation and traumatic memory are dealt with. Cognitive behavioural therapies are reviewed, these include: relaxation; hypnosis; exposure; eye movement desensitization reprocessing; anxiety management training; cognitive therapy and combination therapies. Further areas for research are suggested based on the lacunae that have yet to be explored with regard to cognitive behavioral therapy treatments. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za