Journal Article Details

Citation:
Gersons,B.P.R., Carlier,I.V.E., Lamberts, R. D., & van der Kolk, B. A. (2000). Randomized clinical trail of brief eclectic psychotherapy for police officers with post traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13 (2), 333-347.
Title:
Randomized clinical trail of brief eclectic psychotherapy for police officers with post traumatic stress disorder
Authors:
Gersons,B.P.R., Carlier,I.V.E., Lamberts, R. D., & van der Kolk, B. A.
Year:
2000
Journal/Publication: 
Journal of Traumatic Stress
Publisher:
Wiley
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
No
Research design:
Randomized controlled trial

Structured abstract:

Background:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is quite common and often disabling. PTSD has serious long-term morbidity, and effective treatments are urgently needed.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy (BEP) in a sample of police officers with PTSD.
Setting:
The setting for the study was the Department of Psychiatry at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam.
Study sample:
The study sample included 42 patients with PTSD. 22 were randomly assigned to to the treatment group and 20 to the wait-list control group.
Intervention:
Individual psychotherapy, 60 minute sessions over 16 weeks. BEP course which included psycho-education, imaginary guidance, writing assignments and mementos, domain of meaning or integration, and a farewell ritual.
Control or comparison condition:
The control group was wait-listed and told they would receive treatment in 7 months. They were monitored by a non-assessor psychologist in the interim.
Data collection & analysis:
Psychometric assessments were conducted by trained research psychologists at four points in time: one week before the start of treatment, one month after the start, four months after the start and three months after termination.
Findings:
At post test and at follow-up BEP had produced significant improvement in PTSD, in work resumption and in comorbid other conditions.
Conclusions:
Further research is needed to see if BEP will be effective for other traumatized populations and if the effects of treatment will be long term.
Disabilities served:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Populations served:
Gender: Male
Outcomes:
Return to work