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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study

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Abstract

With as many as 1.9 million men and women deployed as part of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, increased recognition is being placed on the effect of returning Veterans’ combat experiences on their adjustment and mental health, particularly those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated effects on families and relationships. Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) for PTSD is a manualized intervention with demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials with Veterans who have experienced trauma and their intimate partners. This case study involves the successful application of Mindfulness-based CBCT for PTSD to treat an operation Iraqi freedom male Veteran and his wife referred for PTSD and relationship dissatisfaction. In the current study, mindfulness interventions were integrated into the existing CBCT for PTSD protocol and treatment duration was shortened by including a weekend group retreat for couples. Baseline and post-treatment data from self- and partner-report measures demonstrates symptom reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms as well as an increase in relationship satisfaction. The advantages of incorporating mindfulness strategies into this treatment protocol and recommendations for future work are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded in part by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Rehabilitation, Research, and Development Service, USA.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest or disclosures to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Brandi Luedtke

  2. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1481 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Louanne Davis

  3. Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Ave, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada

    Candice Monson

Authors
  1. Brandi Luedtke
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  2. Louanne Davis
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  3. Candice Monson
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Correspondence to Brandi Luedtke.

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Luedtke, B., Davis, L. & Monson, C. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Study. J Contemp Psychother 45, 227–234 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9298-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9298-z

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