O Uso das Imagens Mentais na Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático: uma Revisão Sistemática

Abstract

In posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the occurrence ofsymptoms associated with mental images that recall the traumatic event is common. These images have a very intense emotional impact, since they can intrusively manifest themselves and generate a sense of reliving the trauma. Thus, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques using mental imagery have been studied as a therapeutic intervention. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of mental imagery use as a CBT resource for PTSD. Eight studies published between 2001-2012 were identified in the PubMed, Web of Science and PsycNet databases. The interventions in the experimental groups were statistically significant in five of the eight identified studies. Yet, it is still necessary to carry out more research on the effects of these interventions due to the limited number of studies found in this review.