Cognitive behavioral treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder subsequent to a motor vehicle accident: A case example

A high-functioning 27-year old male with no prior psychiatric history developed posttraumatic stress disorder and marital problems subsequent to a motor vehicle accident. His treatment with exposure-based behavior therapy was augmented by involving his wife in exposure however assignments. The additional inclusion of marital sessions that focused on increasing intimacy levels appeared to facilitate recovery. Upon completion of treatment, the patient returned to baseline levels of functioning. At 16-week follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic. Treatment implications for the interconnection between PTSD symptoms and relationship difficulties are discussed.