Description

Evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral activation on quality of life and combat stress control for Vietnam veterans with co-morbid complaints: A case study

MARY-CATHERINE MCCLAIN

Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

ABSTRACT

Research consistently demonstrates a strong relationship between traumatic events and increased levels of substance use. This case presents a client who exhibited symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence due to frequent combative exposures experienced during the Vietnam War. Individual counseling was provided that incorporated principles of behavioral activation and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Self-report measures were administered during sessions 1, 5, and 10. At termination, the client no longer met criteria for any pre-treatment diagnosis and appeared to be in remission from alcohol dependence. These findings suggest that veterans presenting with a comorbid diagnosis can benefit from simultaneous treatment targeting both disorders. Clinical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also addressed.

Keywords: veterans, comorbidity, behavioral activation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, quality of life, posttraumatic stress disorder