TITLE:
Addressing the Negative Self-Concept in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by a Three-Session Programme of Cognitive Restructuring and Imagery Modification (CRIM-PTSD): A Case Study
AUTHORS:
Meike Müller-Engelmann, Kerstin Hadouch, Regina Steil
KEYWORDS:
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cognitive Restructuring, Imagery, Self-Concept
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science,
Vol.8 No.5,
May
28,
2018
ABSTRACT: Background: Cognitive restructuring and imagery modification for posttraumatic stress
disorder (CRIM-PTSD) is a new intervention that involves only three sessions
and focuses on the self-concept. It combines cognitive restructuring of core
trauma-related dysfunctional beliefs and mental imagery. The effectiveness of
CRIM-PTSD has recently been demonstrated in a pilot study. Method: This
article presents a step-by-step description of the administration of CRIM-PTSD
in a female survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) suffering from PTSD and
major depressive disorder related to strong self-blame. Results: The
intervention showed substantial reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression in
the patient comparable to those observed in the pilot study. Conclusions: CRIM-PTSD might provide an economical tool for reducing PTSD symptoms when only
a short time is available for intervention. Furthermore, this tool could be
included in well-established PTSD treatments. In addition to the pilot study, a
randomized controlled trial is needed to further explore the feasibility and
effectiveness of this short intervention.