Couple/family therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: review to facilitate interpretation of VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline

J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(5):717-28. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2011.09.0166.

Abstract

A well-documented association exists among Veterans' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, family relationship problems, and mental health problems in partners and children of Veterans. This article reviews the recommendations regarding couple/family therapy offered in the newest version of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DOD) VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. We then provide a heuristic for clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to consider when incorporating couple/family interventions into Veterans' mental health services. The range of research that has been conducted on couple/family therapy for Veterans with PTSD is reviewed using this heuristic, and suggestions for clinical practice are offered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Couples Therapy / methods*
  • Family Characteristics
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Government Agencies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / rehabilitation*
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Veterans / psychology*