Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD: Initial Findings for Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom Male Combat Veterans and Their Partners

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and partner relationship difficulties commonly co-occur among Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF-OIF). This study reports upon results for six male OEF-OIF Veterans with PTSD and their female relationship partners who completed cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT for PTSD), which is a treatment that targets reductions in PTSD and couple distress. Case- and group-level data supported reductions in Veterans' PTSD symptoms and female partners' relationship distress. These findings suggest that CBCT for PTSD may be a promising intervention for OEF-OIF Veterans' PTSD and their partners.