An evaluation of cognitive-behavioural in-patient group therapy for German soldiers suffering from deployment-related mental illness

The current therapies used for in-patient treatment of war-traumatized German soldiers have so far not been evaluated sufficiently. As part of an effectiveness study at the Berlin Trauma Centre the effectiveness of in-patient cognitive-behavioural group therapy on trauma and comorbid symptoms was examined at three measurement times with 78 patients suffering from deployment-related mental illness. Significant effects were found on trauma symptoms and the extent of dysfunctional trauma-related beliefs as well as on depression and complaint symptoms after completion of the therapy and in catamnesis. The effect strengths and the Reliable Change Index (RCI) reflect the effectiveness of group therapy. Specific deployment-related group concepts are a valuable contribution to in-patient treatment available for war-traumatized soldiers. The column discusses the difficulties in the examination and the problems in the treatment of soldiers with comorbid disorders.