Psychological Intervention Including Emotional Freedom Techniques for an Adult with Motor Vehicle Accident Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

April 7, 2015 PTSD, Trauma

Case Study Explores Auto Accident Related PTSD Relieved in 8 Weeks Following EFT Combined with Psychotherapy

Citation: Sheldon, T., 2014. Psychological intervention including emotional freedom techniques for an adult with motor vehicle accident related posttraumatic stress disorder: A case study. Curr. Res. Psychol., 5: 40-63. Click here to read Abstract and Full Paper http://goo.gl/QsuhfD

Abstract

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant public health concern and can have long-term emotional, social and financial consequences for individuals and society. Lifetime prevalence in the general population is estimated at 8% and rates of exposure to Post-Traumatic Events (PTE) indicate approximately 50 to 65% have been exposed to at least one PTE in their lives. This indicates that approximately 15 to 25% of people exposed may also have a diagnosis of PTSD at some time in their life. It is therefore paramount that sufferers receive effective treatment. A case of successful treatment using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) combined with more conventional psychological treatment for a woman, DS, suffering from acute PTSD with travel anxiety post a motor vehicle accident is presented. The client’s progress was evaluated at baseline and post treatment. After six sessions, over an eight week period, improvements were noted on all identified goals and on all assessment tools such that at post treatment DS no longer met the criteria for PTSD. The case highlights the utility of single case designs to evaluate the clinical decisions made in selection of treatment of PTSD. Theoretical implications of this study are discussed and an evaluation of using EFT in this case is provided.

Editor’s Note

This is a single case study of a woman who was diagnosed with acute PTSD who had been involved with her daughter in a multi-vehicle auto collision and who was suffering from pain, insomnia, nightmares, reluctance to drive, emotional lability, etc. and was treated successfully. Psychological treatment methods included the use of Trauma Focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), psychoeducation, Exposure Therapy, EFT, cognitive restructuring and Progressive Muscular Relaxation. Multiple measurements showed significant improvements and she no longer qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD post treatment nor did she suffer from any post-trauma symptoms. “The inclusion of EFT in the treatment regimen, although not currently recommended by the world authorities on treating PTSD, was reported by DS as beneficial in quickly decreasing anxiety associated with traumatic memories in the retelling the story narrative and provided another tool for her to manage her hyperarousal when away from session.”