![Clinical trial finds that cognitive processing therapy is beneficial for treating PTSD](https://centrial.org/images/articles/adhd-2.jpg)
A clinical trial has explored the use of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for the management of PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects people who have experienced a traumatic event. It can be caused by a wide range of events, such as natural disasters, accidents, or violence. The symptoms of PTSD can be severe and can include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Fortunately, there are treatments available for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which is a form of talk therapy. It helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patients create a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on their lives. However, a recent study has found that some people may experience a temporary increase in their PTSD symptoms while receiving CPT.
A clinical trial looked at the results of using CPT therapy for PTSD management with special emphasis on the exacerbation of symptoms at the start of the therapy.
The trial included 183 participants suffering from PTSD who received 12 sessions of CPT each. At the end of therapy, these participants were assessed for initial symptom worsening as well as other factors such as treatment completion rates.
The results of the clinical study showed that most participants (67.3%) experienced at least one temporary symptom increase during CPT. However, only 1.6% of the patients continued to have higher symptoms by the end of treatment.
The study found that some participants experienced temporary increases in their PTSD symptoms during the treatment period. However, the symptoms decreased over time, and overall, the participants experienced significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms.