Early versus delayed imaginal exposure for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder following accidental upper extremity injury.

Background: The consequences following work-related injuries are far reaching, which are in part due to unrecognized and untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Imaginal exposure is a frequently used cognitive behavioral approach for the treatment of PTSD. This study examined the impact of early versus delayed treatment with imaginal exposure on amelioration of PTSD symptomatology in individuals who suffered upper extremity injuries.

Streamlined classification of psychopathological hand disorders: A literature review.

In the surgical hand clinic, psychopathological hand disorders can be sorted into one of the following four categories: (1) factitious wound creation and manipulation; (2) factitious edema; (3) psychopathological dystonias, and (4) psychopathological sensory abnormalities and psychopathological Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. This article introduces these four categories. Pertinent literature that includes descriptions of each category's syndromes and diseases, demographic and psychological profiles, differential diagnoses, and appropriate treatment recommendations is reviewed.

Imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy after failed prolonged exposure for post-traumatic stress disorder following industrial injury.

Prolonged exposure (PE) has been reported to be effective for improving post-traumatic stress symptoms in 60-65% of trauma victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the results of adding an imagery-based, cognitive restructuring component (imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy, IRRT) to the treatment of 23 Type I trauma victims suffering from PTSD, all of whom failed to improve with PE alone. With the added treatment component, 18 of 23 clients showed a full recovery from their PTSD symptoms, and no longer met criteria for PTSD after 1-3 sessions of IRRT.

Post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic injuries in adults.

The residuals of traumatic injuries from home or workplace accidents, automobile accidents, physical assault, or other unintentional human error can affect victims both physically and psychologically. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among survivors of accidents and nonsexual assaults and can impede recovery. Early identification of PTSD and timely referrals to mental health providers can greatly reduce medical expenses, disability payments, lost wages, lost work productivity, and direct mental health costs.