Nature adventure rehabilitation for combat-related posttraumatic chronic stress disorder: A randomized control trial

Marc Gelkopf, Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon, Menashe Bikman, Shlomo Kravetz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Chronic combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) is a condition with many treatment barriers. Nature Adventure Rehabilitation (NAR) as a second line or as a supplemental intervention has the potential to overcome some of these barriers and incorporate aspects of successful treatment modalities for PTSD within an experiential learning paradigm. In a pre-post controlled trial, CR-PTSD veterans (n=22) underwent a 1-year NAR intervention compared to a waiting list (WL) control group (n=20). Posttraumatic symptoms (PTS), depression, functional problems, quality of life, perceived control over illness (PCI) and hope were measured by self report measures. PTS, emotional and social quality of life, PCI, hope and functioning improved significantly. Change in PTS was contingent upon change in PCI. The current study is the first to present NAR as a promising supplemental intervention for chronic CR-PTSD. NAR seems to work through a process of behavioral activation, desensitization, gradual exposure to anxiety evoking situations and gaining control over symptomatology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)485-493
Number of pages9
JournalPsychiatry Research
Volume209
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 Oct 2013

Keywords

  • CR-PTSD
  • Experiential learning
  • Nature Adventure therapy
  • PTSD
  • Rehabilitation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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