@article{ref1,
title="Effectiveness of written exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System",
journal="Psychological trauma: theory, research, practice, and policy",
year="2021",
author="LoSavio, Stefanie T. and Worley, Courtney B. and Aajmain, Syed T. and Rosen, Craig S. and Wiltsey Stirman, Shannon and Sloan, Denise M.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be efficacious in clinical trials; however, research is needed to determine WET's effectiveness in clinical practice settings. Additionally, research is needed to understand whether patient characteristics or treatment delivery format moderate outcomes. <br><br>METHOD: Patient outcomes (n = 277) were assessed as part of a multisite training and implementation program in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). During treatment, patients completed self-report measures of PTSD, depression, and functional impairment. Patient characteristics (i.e., demographics, psychiatric comorbidity, trauma type) and treatment delivery format (i.e., telehealth vs. in-person) were assessed as treatment moderators. <br><br>RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that WET was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (d =.84), depression symptoms (d =.47), and functional impairment (d =.36) during treatment. Approximately one quarter of patients dropped out of treatment prematurely. No moderators of PTSD treatment outcome were observed; however, telehealth delivery was associated with lower dropout. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: WET was an effective approach across a range of patient characteristics in this sample of veterans with PTSD. WET was also effective whether delivered in-person or via telehealth. WET is a promising treatment option for veteran patients in VA clinical care settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1942-9681",
doi="10.1037/tra0001148",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0001148"
}