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Exposure utilization and completion of cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD in a “real world” clinical practice
Author(s) -
Zayfert Claudia,
DeViva Jason C.,
Becker Carolyn B.,
Pike Julie L.,
Gillock Karen L.,
Hayes Sarah A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20072
Subject(s) - psychology , clinical psychology , cognitive therapy , depression (economics) , cognitive behavioral therapy , cognition , randomized controlled trial , borderline personality disorder , psychiatry , medicine , surgery , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract This study assessed rates of imaginal exposure therapy (ET) utilization and completion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a clinical setting and examined variables associated with CBT completion. Using a clinical definition, the completion rate of CBT was markedly lower than rates reported in randomized trials. CBT completion was inversely related to severity of overall pretreatment measures of PTSD, avoidance, hyperarousal, depression, impaired social functioning, and borderline personality disorder. Regression yielded avoidance and depression as unique predictors of completion. Most dropouts occurred before starting imaginal ET, although initiating ET was associated with greater likelihood of completion. Results highlight methodological differences between research and practice notions of treatment completion and the need for further study of variables influencing CBT completion in practice settings.