Stephen A. Russo

Treatment of Reactivated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Imaginal Exposure in an Older Adult With Multiple Traumas

A single-case analysis was used to assess the effects of imaginal exposure in a 57-year-old woman suffering from current and reactivated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a transient ischemic attack. The client’s responses to self-reported depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were repeatedly recorded during four phases: (a) initial psychotherapy, (b) imaginal exposure, (c) skill generalization, and (d) fading of treatment. In addition to dramatic reduction in levels of depression and anxiety, results showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms relating to recent and remote traumatic experiences. Improvements were maintained approximately 16 months after imaginal exposure ended, despite ongoing external stressors.

Relations between Coercive Strategies and MMPI-2 Scale Elevations among Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

The relationship between coercion strategies used by perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and elevations of CSA survivors on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) was investigated. Participants were 151 women survivors of CSA in outpatient treatment at a university-based community mental health center. Scores on the MMPI-2 clinical scales and the Keane posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scale were examined. Main effects were found for promised or received rewards on several clinical scales and the PTSD scale of the MMPI-2, independent of the presence of force. Specifically, the presence of such rewards was associated with significantly higher levels of symptomatology on Paranoia (Pa), Psychasthenia (Pt), Schizophrenia (Sc), and PTSD (Pk). There were no main or interaction effects noted for the presence of actual or threatened force on any of the scales.

Treatment of Reactivated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A single-case analysis was used to assess the effects of imaginal exposure in a 57-year-old woman suffering from current and reactivated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a transient ischemic attack. The client’s responses to self-reported depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms were repeatedly recorded during four phases: (a) initial psychotherapy, (b) imaginal exposure, (c) skill generalization, and (d) fading of treatment. In addition to dramatic reduction in levels of depression and anxiety, results showed a significant improvement in PTSD symptoms relating to recent and remote traumatic experiences. Improvements were maintained approximately 16 months after imaginal exposure ended, despite ongoing external stressors.

Concussion history and knowledge base in competitive equestrian athletes.

Background: Head injuries are responsible for the majority of serious equestrian sports injuries and deaths. Because of significant health risks to equestrians, education regarding the prevention of head and brain injuries is essential. Hypothesis: A significant number of riders have experienced a concussion, and few have knowledge of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Ninety-four riders competing, riding, or attending equestrian events at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, from January to April 2010 were surveyed. Measures of central tendency were utilized to evaluate response patterns. Results: Almost half of equestrian riders (44%) experienced concussions during their careers. Those riders who suffered a brain injury were likely to return to riding without seeking medical clearance. Almost 40% of riders were never educated regarding concussions, while 15% received education from their trainers. Conclusion: Education of riders, parents, and horse trainers is needed to raise awareness of concussions and reduce the likelihood of subsequent injuries.