Treatment Outcomes of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Earthquake-Related Distress

Background

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few studies have examined its effectiveness among individuals exposed to natural disasters. Group CBT could be an efficient way to treat disaster-related PTSD, but it is unclear how the outcome of group and individual formats compare.

Aims

The current study used a non-controlled design to examine CBT outcomes among adults with severe, ongoing earthquake-related distress and a non-randomised design to compare the outcomes of group and individual CBT.

Materials & Methods

Participants were 175 adults with earthquake-related PTSD or adjustment disorder consecutively referred for treatment at a specialist mental health service between one and four and a half years post-earthquake. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and self-report measures pertaining to PTSD severity; depression, anxiety, and stress; fear and avoidance; social adjustment; aggression; and resilience before and after treatment.

Results

Following treatment, 92.3% of participants (with available interview data) no longer met criteria for their primary earthquake-related disorder (PTSD or adjustment disorder), and significant reductions in PTSD severity were observed. Following treatment, participants had significantly fewer mental disorders, less depression, anxiety, stress, fear, avoidance, and aggression, and greater social adjustment and resilience. Treatment format (group vs. individual) and timing of treatment presentation were not associated with any treatment outcomes of interest.

Conclusion

Findings suggest CBT is effective for individuals exposed to natural disasters when delivered in real-world post-disaster settings. Group CBT is an efficient way to treat large numbers of people using limited resources, strengthening the rationale for group treatment following natural disasters.