Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study of a 19-Year-Old
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Author
Dervin, Michaela
Publisher
Washburn University
Sponsor
Psychology Department
Issue Date
Rights
Alternative Title
Abstract
The following is a de-identified case study that presents the assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy
(CPT). Names and other identifying information have been changed to protect the client’s
privacy, with the name “Ruby” used in lieu of the client’s real name. At the time of treatment,
this 19-year-old Caucasian female, was struggling to manage PTSD symptoms. Ruby was
administered the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) and various self-report measures
to aid in diagnoses and track treatment progress. Ruby’s primary diagnosis was PTSD with a
secondary diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. She attended 14 treatment sessions over the
course of five months utilizing the treatment protocol outlined in Cognitive Processing Therapy
for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual (Resick et al., 2017). The treatment included
psychoeducation, self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation strategies.
Treatment was still in progress during the writing of this report. Comparisons of pre-to-post test
scores on diagnostic and other measures suggest Ruby had made some treatment gains in the
areas of a decrease in symptom severity, specifically arousal symptoms of PTSD, and decrease in
functional impairment, regarding home and social related tasks.
Description
An Empirically Supported Treatment Case Study