Behavioral Interventions for Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder‪.‬

Abstract Optimal therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) follows logically from an understanding of etiological models describing the development and maintenance of the disorder. Accordingly, the present article provides a brief overview of PTSD with particular attention paid to etiology. Exposure-based interventions have consistently been shown to promote superior posttraumatic adjustment relative to alternate treatment approaches. In addition to describing exposure therapy for PTSD, we briefly review the supporting treatment-outcome literature. Misconceptions surrounding exposure therapy are presented and discussed. Finally, cultural considerations and complex presentations are considered.