Taped imaginal exposure as a treatment for post-traumatic stress reactions.

Abstract

The efficacy of taped imaginal exposure as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions (PTSR) was assessed in eighteen consecutive outpatients, including Gulf War veterans. Detailed present-tense scripts of their personal traumatic experiences were prepared and in all but two cases audio-taped and listened to regularly. The severity of PTSR and standard questionnaire scores (including the IES, BDI, GHQ8 and the SCL 90) all showed statistically significant improvements post treatment and at three month follow-up. This case series confirms the potential efficacy of taped imaginal exposure in the treatment of full and partial forms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The simplicity of its administration and acceptability to the individual suggest that it is worthy of more thorough research.