Using Prolonged Exposure to Treat Abortion-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Alcohol-Dependent Men

Abstract

Men’s reactions to a partner’s abortion are an understudied area. Few studies have examined abortion as it relates to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in males, and no studies have examined the use of an empirically supported behavioral treatment for PTSD in this population. The current case study examines prolonged exposure (PE) for the treatment of abortion-related PTSD in a 46-year-old White male who also has alcohol dependence. The patient was involved in a residential substance abuse treatment program at the time of treatment. After receiving 12 sessions of PE, the patient experienced a decrease in PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Rating Scale (87%) and Impact of Event Scale–Revised (85%). The results of this study suggest that the literature supporting PE as a first-line treatment for PTSD can be expanded to include men needing treatment for abortion-related PTSD. Implications for treatment and research are discussed.