Preliminary Effectiveness of Brief Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Expanding Access to Effective Therapies

Abstract

Over the last three decades, several empirically supported trauma therapies have been developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet issues such as access to treatments and dropout are ongoing barriers to adequate dissemination and implementation, especially in low resource settings. To this end, we present results on the preliminary effectiveness of a brief prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD in South Africa, a low resource setting. Based on a case-series design, seven participants ( n = 7) from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds were recruited and started a six-session brief PE for PTSD and co-morbid depression and anxiety. To examine the treatment outcomes, participants were assessed at baseline, during treatment, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Overall, brief PE reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety from baseline to post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. A downward trend in symptoms was evident during treatment, with slight symptom variations during exposure sessions. In conclusion, a six-session brief PE intervention produced positive outcomes for PTSD, depression, and anxiety at two community counseling centers in South Africa. We reflect on the implementation of brief PE in a South African context.