Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of comorbid personality disorders on treatment outcome for male and female Veterans with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred and sixty-six Veterans participated in a PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program, which
included cognitive processing therapy (CPT) provided in a combined individual and group format. Sixty-six percent of participants
met criteria at pre-treatment for at least one personality disorder. No difference was found between participants with and
without personality disorders on pre-treatment demographic variables, self-reported PTSD symptoms, or clinician-assessed PTSD
symptoms. However, differences were found between the groups on self-reported depression symptoms. When controlling for pre-treatment
self-reported depression symptoms, results indicated that both groups had significant reductions on PTSD outcome measures,
regardless of the presence of a personality disorder. Additionally, a comparable number of participants with and without personality
disorders no longer met criteria for PTSD following treatment. Findings suggest that Veterans with personality disorders can
benefit from a CPT-based PTSD residential program.
stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred and sixty-six Veterans participated in a PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program, which
included cognitive processing therapy (CPT) provided in a combined individual and group format. Sixty-six percent of participants
met criteria at pre-treatment for at least one personality disorder. No difference was found between participants with and
without personality disorders on pre-treatment demographic variables, self-reported PTSD symptoms, or clinician-assessed PTSD
symptoms. However, differences were found between the groups on self-reported depression symptoms. When controlling for pre-treatment
self-reported depression symptoms, results indicated that both groups had significant reductions on PTSD outcome measures,
regardless of the presence of a personality disorder. Additionally, a comparable number of participants with and without personality
disorders no longer met criteria for PTSD following treatment. Findings suggest that Veterans with personality disorders can
benefit from a CPT-based PTSD residential program.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9393-8
- Authors
- Kristen H. Walter, Ft. Thomas—PTSD and Anxiety Disorders Division, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 1000 S. Ft. Thomas Avenue, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075, USA
- Teri Ann Bolte, Substance Dependence Program, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
- Gina P. Owens, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Kathleen M. Chard, Ft. Thomas—PTSD and Anxiety Disorders Division, Cincinnati VA Medical Center, 1000 S. Ft. Thomas Avenue, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916