Citation

Guay S, Sader J, Boyer R, Marchand A. J. Affect. Disord. 2018; 241: 15-21.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.048

PMID

30089232

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Victims of violent crime are at elevated risk of developing acute stress disorder (ASD) as well as subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which are linked to severe psychological distress. The aim of this 12-month prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) vs. cognitive-behavioral therapy with a significant other (CBT-SO), relative to usual care (UC), for the improvement of post-traumatic, depression and anxiety symptoms and the prevention of PTSD among victims of violent crime with ASD.

METHODS: A total of 166 victims of violent crime with ASD were assigned to CBT (n = 54), CBT-SO (n = 52) or UC (n = 60). Self-report assessments and diagnostic interviews were completed at pre-treatment and post-treatment as well as at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS: CBT and CBT-SO participants had fewer depression symptoms than those in the UC group up to 12 months post-event. Significantly fewer participants in the CBT condition met criteria for PTSD than in the UC group up to 12 months post-event. The CBT group did not differ from the CBT-SO group on any variable at any assessment time. LIMITATIONS: Findings must be interpreted in light of the quasi-experimental nature of the study and limitations concerning the management of missing data.

CONCLUSIONS: Further research is warranted in order to assess whether more extensive involvement of a significant other in therapy may lead to better outcomes for victims of violent crime with ASD.

Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Language: en

Keywords

Acute stress disorder; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Social support; Victims of violent crime