Post-traumatic stress disorder in a person with a diagnosis of schizophrenia: Examining the efficacy of psychological intervention using single N methodology.

Psychological intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a person with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is presented using single N methodology. Psychological formulation and intervention were informed by psychological models of PTSD symptom persistence that focus on dual maintaining factors of (a) disturbance in the form of trauma autobiographical memory and (b) problematic trauma-related appraisals. Baseline assessment of difficulties related to intrusive memories, problematic trauma-related appraisals (e.g., responsibility appraisals) and associated negative emotions (e.g., anger) was followed by two phases of intervention: (1) written elaboration of the trauma memory and (2) cognitive restructuring of problematic trauma-related appraisals. Treatment produced reduction in ratings of distress in all domains and there were clinically significant reductions in PTSD symptomatology and co-morbid depression on standardized self-report measures. There were, however, differential effects of treatment components as evidenced during the sequential introduction of treatment components. These are discussed and directions for future research in the treatment of PTSD in persons with severe mental health problems are highlighted. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]