Refinement and Pilot Testing of a Brief, Early Intervention for PTSD and Alcohol Use Following Sexual Assault. Issue 4 (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bedard-Gilligan, Michele; Masters, N. Tatiana; Ojalehto, Heidi; Simpson, Tracy L.; Stappenbeck, Cynthia; Kaysen, Debra
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 27:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 486
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: sexual assault -- treatment development -- PTSD -- alcohol use; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2019.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Abstract: Experiencing a sexual assault can have long-lasting negative consequences including development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol misuse. Intervention provided in the initial weeks following assault can reduce the development of these chronic problems. This study describes the iterative treatment development process for refining a brief intervention targeting PTSD and alcohol misuse for women with recent sexual assault experiences. Experts, treatment providers, and patients provided feedback on the intervention materials and guided the refinement process. Based on principles of cognitive change, the final intervention consists of one in-person session and four coaching calls targeting beliefs about the assault and about drinking behavior. Initial feasibility and acceptability data are presented for patients enrolled in an open trial ( N = 6). The intervention was rated as helpful, not distressing, and interesting by patients and all patients completed the entire treatment protocol. A large decrease in PTSD symptoms pre- to post-intervention was observed. A small effect on decreasing alcohol consequences also emerged, although drinks consumed per week showed a slight increase, not a decrease, over the course of the intervention. Applications of this intervention and next steps for testing efficacy are presented. Highlights: Expert, provider, and patient feedback were synthesized to develop a brief, cognitive based intervention The intervention was delivered in the acute aftermath of a sexual assault to decrease symptoms of PTSD and alcohol misuse Key components of the intervention included rapport building, psychoeducation and normalization, identification of key maladaptive cognitions, and cognitive restructuring The one session intervention was rated as helpful, not distressing, and interesting by patients with PTSD and alcohol misuse following a recent sexual assault In a small open trial patients reported decreases in symptoms of PTSD and alcohol consequences, but not drinks consumed per week