LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR PTSD COMBINED WITH A TREATMENT FOR NIGHTMARES
This study examines the long-term effects of a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD and imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) on PTSD symptoms, sleep, quality of life, and daily functioning. Forty-two sexual assault victims with PTSD were randomly assigned to the CBT alone or RRIM conditions, and were assessed at pre- and post-treatment, as well as at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Results support long-term efficacy for most variables and suggest that therapeutic gains are sustained within 12 months after treatment, except for quality of life, sleep quality and disruptive nocturnal behaviors.