The Trauma Recovery Group: a cognitive-behavioral program for post-traumatic stress disorder in persons with severe mental illness

Community Ment Health J. 2007 Jun;43(3):281-304. doi: 10.1007/s10597-006-9075-2. Epub 2007 Jan 19.

Abstract

To address the problem of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in severe mental illness, the Trauma Recovery Group, a mixed gender cognitive-behavioral program, was developed and piloted at a community mental health center. The 21-week program includes breathing retraining, education about PTSD, cognitive restructuring, coping with symptoms, and making a recovery plan. Eighty clients were assessed at baseline and 41 provided follow-up data. Retention in the group was good: 59%. Treatment completers improved significantly in PTSD symptoms and diagnosis, depression, and post-traumatic cognitions, but dropouts did not. The results support the feasibility of the program and suggest it produces clinical benefits.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Community Mental Health Centers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders*
  • Middle Aged
  • New Hampshire
  • Program Development
  • Psychotherapy, Group / organization & administration*
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires