An Open Pilot Trial of Written Exposure Therapy for Patients With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Korea
- Author:
Ju-Eun PARK
1
;
Kyeong-Sook CHOI
;
Yu-Ri HAN
;
Jeong-Eun KIM
;
Jay SONG
;
Je-Chun YU
;
Ji-Ae YUN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2021;18(8):728-735
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:Written exposure therapy (WET) is exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compared to evidencebased treatments for PTSD, WET requires only five sessions, has a shorter session time, and no between-session assignments. The current study examined the efficacy of WET among Korean patients with PTSD due to various traumatic events on PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and global functioning levels.
Methods:The study recruited 41 patients with a current primary diagnosis of PTSD in psychiatric outpatient clinics. Assessments were conducted at baseline, and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks following the first treatment session.
Results:In total, 25 patients started WET. Findings showed a significant reduction in the rate of PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity scores. Fourteen of 23 (60.9%) patients at 6 weeks, 15 of 22 (68.2%) patients at 12 weeks, and 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients at 24 weeks no longer met the diagnosis of PTSD. Depressive symptoms and global function scores also improved after WET. The dropout rate was 8% (n=2).
Conclusion:This study suggests the feasibility of implementing WET among various types of patients with PTSD in Korea and other Asian countries.
