Psychiatric researchers at the University of British Columbia are
seeking 60 people to help determine the best treatment for post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD).
Eight free sessions of individual psychological treatment are available
to people who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
“Many people receive no treatment at all for this disorder,” says
Steven Taylor, associate professor of Psychiatry who is leading
the study. “Besides giving us research information, the study offers
therapy to people who may have been unable to get help.”
PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic events such as
physical or sexual assault, motor vehicle accidents and other kinds
of trauma. Symptoms include recurrent upsetting memories, intense
fear, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and feeling distant or
detached from others.
In the first direct comparison study ever done, researchers who
are also qualified therapists will evaluate the effectiveness of
two traditional therapies (exposure therapy and relaxation training)
and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
EMDR, a controversial treatment created in the mid-1980s, combines
conscious rapid eye movement and thoughts of the trauma. Although
shown to be effective, it has not been directly compared to traditional
treatments.
Participants must undergo evaluations to determine the diagnosis
of PTSD and ensure they are appropriate for the study. If accepted
into the program, participants will be randomly assigned to one
of the therapies. Participants must be 19 years or older, must not
have received any changes in psychiatric medication for at least
three months and have PTSD as their most severe psychological disorder.
For more information on the study, contact 604.822.8040.
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