Psychosocial interventions for adults with crime-related PTSD

Criminal victimization is a common occurrence. Although most crime victims are resilient or recover rapidly, many experience psychosocial difficulties that require formal intervention. The authors review the current status of the treatment literature for adult victims of crime, with emphasis on posttraumatic stress disorder. They begin with a brief discussion of screening and assessment, followed by an overview of early intervention approaches. The 4 treatment modalities endorsed by expert consensus (E. B. Foa, J. R. T. Davidson, & A. Frances, 1999) are summarized (exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, anxiety management training, and psychoeducation), and specific treatment packages that integrate these components are reviewed, with discussion of theoretical underpinnings, procedures, barriers and treatment choices, and empirical support. Because comorbidity is prevalent among crime victims, the authors discuss the implications of comorbidity for assessment and treatment. Issues in training and dissemination are also discussed, as are promising future directions for the field.