Behavioral Interventions for Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Optimal therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) follows logically from an understanding of etiological models describing the development and maintenance of the disorder. Accordingly, the present article provides a brief overview of PTSD with particular attention paid to etiology. Exposure-based interventions have consistently been shown to promote superior posttraumatic adjustment relative to alternate treatment approaches. In addition to describing exposure therapy for PTSD, we briefly review the supporting treatment-outcome literature. Misconceptions surrounding exposure therapy are presented and discussed. Finally, cultural considerations and complex presentations are considered.