Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Women Veterans Experiencing Military Sexual Trauma Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Abstract
Purpose: To examine the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) as an emerging, brief, non-invasive treatment for Military Sexual Assault-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (MST-PTSD) including potential minimal dropout.
Design: This was a feasibility study utilizing an evidence-based, best practice intervention for PTSD. The aim was to examine treatment success in relation to reductions of PTSD symptomology, psychological distress, sleep dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and guilt hopelessness.
Method: Pre and post treatment surveys were used to evaluate ART as a treatment modality for reducing MST-PTSD.
Findings: After delivery of ART, both statistically and clinically significant improvements were reported for symptoms of MST-PTSD including psychological trauma, psychological distress, sleep, depression, anxiety, and guilt hopelessness.
Conclusions: Results from this feasibility study indicate that ART is a viable treatment option for women with MTS-PTSD.
Clinical Relevance: MST is the leading cause of PTSD in women veterans. With upwards of 6,083 military cases of sexual assault reported in fiscal
year 2015, women in the military experiencing sexual harassment and/or sexual assault suffer from multiple physical and psychological health comorbidities.
We contend that ART may potentially be more cost effective, decrease wait time to care, and decrease the stigma associated with mental health services by providing an effective therapeutic option that is less invasive and of shorter duration than current established therapies.