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Developing an Emotion- and Memory-Processing Group Intervention for PTSD with complex features: a group case series with survivors of repeated interpersonal trauma.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Meiser-Stedman, Richard  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0262-623X
Johnson, Rebecca D 
Hitchcock, Caitlin 
Dalgleish, Tim 

Abstract

Individuals who experience repeated interpersonal trauma exposure often present with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with more complex features. There is currently no consensus regarding whether current evidence-based interventions for PTSD need to be tailored to better account for these complex features. However, one recommended adaptation is to adopt a phase-based or sequenced approach involving three phases, each with a distinct function. This paper describes the development of a 12-session Emotion- and Memory-Processing Group Programme, adapted from Cloitre's Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) phase-based treatment protocol. A single case series provided a preliminary examination of the group-based intervention's efficacy for three groups of women with a history of repeated interpersonal trauma and PTSD with complex features (N = 15; age 19-46 years) at The Haven Sexual Assault Referral Centre in London. Results revealed significant reductions in: PTSD, complex features of PTSD, and depression, along with improvements in process measures of maladaptive cognitions and emotion processing. Results from this case series demonstrate that an Emotion- and Memory-Processing Group Programme holds promise for treating individuals with a history of interpersonal trauma in outpatient settings, and provides evidence to warrant the completion of a feasibility trial.

Description

Keywords

CPTSD, PTSD, Posttraumatic stress disorder, complex PTSD, emotion regulation, group case series, group therapy, trauma-focused therapy, • Reports a small (N = 15) case series of an Emotion- and Memory-Processing Group Intervention.• Primary aim was to establish acceptability and feasibility; secondary aim was to explore treatment efficacy.• Treatment achieved a 76% completion rate with one drop-out.• Large effect sizes demonstrated for PTSD severity (d = 1.18) and severity of complex features (d = 0.96).

Journal Title

Eur J Psychotraumatol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2000-8066
2000-8066

Volume Title

9

Publisher

Informa UK Limited
Sponsorship
MRC (1099928)
MRC (unknown)
Economic and Social Research Council (ES/R010781/1)
Medical Research Council (MC_UU_00005/4)