Obsessional thought disturbance in a gainfully employed PTSD patient

Abstract

This is a single case study of obsessional thought disturbance in a currently employed Vietnam veteran who experienced traumatic stress during and subsequent to his tour of duty in Vietnam. It was hypothesized that with the diagnostic indicators present a systematic desensitization model with muscle relaxation, covert imagery, cognitive disputation and self-monitoring would offer relief to the patient's obsessive-compulsive features and allow maintenance of employment. Cognitive disputation, especially with spouse participation addressing the irrational belief system, proved to be a very effective component in the treatment program. The patient learned effective coping skills to guard against future obsessional thought disturbance and has been able to maintain gainful employment.