The Effectiveness of Behavioral Activation Group Therapy: Treating Comorbid Depression on a Specialized Inpatient Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Unit for Combat Veterans
Year: 2002
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The comorbidity of depression and PTSD has been shown to be relatively prevalent. Researchers have found a 70% lifetime prevalence o f comorbid PTSD and depression among combat veterans. This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral activation (BA) group treatment when administered to combat veterans with comorbid depression and PTSD in the residential treatment program at the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Forty-five veterans participated in the study. Twenty-four veterans participated in a BA treatment group while in the treatment program. Twenty-one veterans attended the treatment program, but did not participate in the BA treatment group and served as a comparison group. All o f the participants completed a battery of assessments upon admission, at discharge, 1 month after discharge, and 2 months after discharge. It was hypothesized that veterans participating in the BA group would evidence a greater reduction in depressive and PTSD symptoms than those in the comparison group at the posttreatment and two follow-up assessments. Veterans in the BA group evidenced mild reductions of depressive symptoms, but no changes in PTSD symptoms. The comparison group evidenced no reductions in depressive or PTSD symptoms. Factors associated with changes in symptoms were also explored.
Author: Theodore P. Wright
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2398232885