Behavioral family therapy for Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

Severe interpersonal problems are common in veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their families. The authors first detail the rationale and use of behaviorally based family therapy to help reduce avoidance and withdrawal symptoms of PTSD and improve the active coping capacities of both veterans and their loved ones, then present a case example of the model, and finally discuss the clinical application of behavioral family therapy to the unique concerns of veterans with combat-related PTSD.