The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among Arab Addicts in a mandatory Rehabilitation Facility: Case Study Reports

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the more commonly used approach with regards to psychological treatment, for a number of psychological disorders, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The current case studies discuss the efficacy of CBT when applied in a confined environment (an inpatient, rehabilitation facility) while considering the possible contribution of cultural responsiveness to treatment outcomes in a considerably conservative culture. Three adult patients in a rehabilitation center with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were treated using CBT. The patients’ scores in GAD 7, PHQ9 and IES-R were noticeably reduced, and patients were relieved from PTSD symptoms. Key elements of CBT such as the use of in vivo exposure were not possible in the treatment, however, realistic and achievable goals set jointly by the clinician and the patients at the beginning of therapy were realized. Patients applied learned skills in their daily life in the facility. Follow up after the patients were released from the facility was possible with one patient only. The limited follow up after he was released, makes it difficult to know if the patient had maintained the skills that he obtained during therapy sessions.