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Behavioral Activation for Treatment of PTSD and Depression in an Iraqi Combat Veteran with Multiple Physical Injuries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 April 2010

Aaron P. Turner  and
Matthew Jakupcak
Aaron P. Turner*
Affiliation:
VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, USA
Matthew Jakupcak
Affiliation:
VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, USA
*
Reprint requests to Aaron P. Turner, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Rehabilitation Care Service, S-117-RCS, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. E-mail: aaron.turner@va.gov
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Abstract

Background: Physical injury and psychological trauma associated with combat in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan frequently lead to a constellation of symptoms including pain, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Method: This single case study describes the application of a behaviorally-based psychotherapy known as behavioral activation for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in a recent combat veteran with multiple physical injuries sustained from a blast injury. Treatment was provided concurrently with other rehabilitation services and consisted of weekly individual sessions for 4 months, followed by monthly sessions for 4 months. Results: Clinically significant reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms were noted between baseline and 1 year follow-up. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence from this case suggests that behavioral activation may be a promising treatment for PTSD and depression, and can be readily tailored to individuals with physical limitations such as pain and mobility restriction. Treatment can be provided in the context of concurrent interdisciplinary medical and rehabilitation care.

Keywords

Behavioral activationPTSDdepressionrehabilitationveteran
Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 38 , Issue 3 , May 2010 , pp. 355 - 361
Creative Commons
This is a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2010. This is a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.

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