Cognitive Processing Therapy for Acute Stress Disorder Resulting From an Anti-Gay Assault.

Abstract

This case study describes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with a 30-year-old gay man with symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) following a recent homophobic assault. Treatment addressed assault-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms. Also addressed were low self-esteem, helplessness, and high degrees of internalized homophobia. Client symptomatology was tracked using the PTSD Symptom Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory over the course of 12 sessions and for a 3-month posttermination session. Symptoms were significantly reduced by the end of the 12-week therapy and were maintained at 3-month follow-up. This case highlights the utility of this therapy in targeting both ASD symptoms and internalized homophobia relating to experiencing a hate crime-related assault. The authors elaborate on theoretical and applied issues in adapting a structured cognitive-behavioral intervention to the treatment of ASD symptoms associated with experiencing a hate crime.

• Authors: Debra Kaysen, Ty W Lostutter, Marie A Goines
• Journal: Cognitive and behavioral practice (Cogn Behav Pract) Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. 278-289 ( 2005) ISSN: 1077-7229 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17075610 (Publication Type: Journal Article)