Final project overview and deliverables

¶ … therapy in helping veterans to overcome the challenges that they are facing the most notable include: exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring. To determine the effectiveness of these approaches we will be conducting a literature review on: the quantitative approach, qualitative technique, mixed methods and program evaluation. Once this occurs, it will provide us with the greatest insights about how to achieve these objectives.

The article that was written by Parsons (2008) discusses how exposure therapy is a common method in the treatment of anxiety disorders and specific phobias. However, after conducting an extensive investigation of various forms of literature, they determined that while it is effective to a certain extent. More research needs to be conducted, on the various ways that it can be used and its lasting long-term effects. This is important, because it is showing how this could help veterans. Yet, more follow up needs to take place to ensure that there are not any kind relapses. (Parsons, 2009, pp. 250 -- 261)

Moreover, Kramer (2010) found that this kind of therapy is effective at helping to treat returning veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. This was accomplished by looking at 18 different group therapy sessions conducted by the VA. As, they found it is effective at understanding the root causes of their problems. Yet, the individual's long-term ability to deal with these issues will depend upon: the considerations of mental health professionals and the barriers that were identified. (Kramer, 2010, pp. 1153 -- 1156)

The article that was written by Karlin (2010), talks about how the VA has been using two different approaches in dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning veterans to include: exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring. They found that when both are utilized in conjunction with each other, the two can help to improve the way patients are looking at these events. This was accomplished by examining various clinical studies that were conducted at numerous VA hospitals around the nation. However, more research needs to take place to determine the long-term impact. This is significant, because it is illustrating how both can deal with the short to medium term effects. Yet, more research needs to occur, to improve our understanding of how this will influence the behavior of veterans in the future. (Karlin, 2010, pp. 663 -- 673)

The article that was written by Kim (2008) discusses how cognitive restructuring has been effective at treating individuals with PTSD. This was determined by comparing the research on 18 different cases involving various veteran therapy sessions. They concluded that this was more effective at helping these individuals to address their problems with: an 85% improvement in most cases. This information is important, because it is highlighting how this can be a good approach in working with these kinds of patients. (Kim, 2008, pp. 259 -- 271)

Furthermore, Otis (2009) found that cognitive restructuring was effective at helping veterans who are suffering from chronic pain and PTSD. This was accomplished by looking at the cases of six different veterans in the VA health clinic. They found, that there was a 50% drop out rate. However, those who remained in the program reported a dramatic improvement in their levels of mental health. (Otis, 2009, pp. 1300 -- 1311)

As far as qualitative research is concerned, both methods were shown to be effective at helping veterans. Evidence of this can be seen with a study that was conducted by Sayer (2009), she found that exposure therapy was valuable in helping patients who are suffering from PTSD to overcome their issues in the short-term. This was accomplished by conducting a study of 40 different veterans and comparing their results with traditional forms of therapy. This was an improvement in helping them to overcome these issues. (Sayer, 2009, pp. 703 -- 716)

The article that was written by Brenner (2008) discusses the impact that exposure therapy had in effectively reducing the suicide rates in veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Evidence of this can be seen with the sample that was taken from 16 different soldiers and Marines who returned. This information is important, because it is corroborating the previous findings from the research that was discussed earlier. (Brenner, 2008, pp. 211 -- 225)

Moreover, Tuerk (2010) found that exposure therapy can have a positive impact on veterans who are suffering from the PTSD. This was accomplished by following the results of 12 different vets that were sampled. The impact is that there was a dramatic improvement in: their states of mental health and how they were dealing with the underlying situation. This is useful, because it is illustrating how this form of therapy can effectively deal with these issues.

In the case of cognitive restructuring, the literature determined similar kinds of findings as the quantitative studies. Evidence of this can be seen with the article that was written by Beder (2009), she determined that this form of treatment was effective in improving the mental health for most veterans who are suffering from PTSD and substance abuse. This was accomplished by conducting a study of 140 social workers that were providing some kind of support to this group of individuals. These elements are important, because it is showing how it is confirming other information that was examined on this form of treatment. (Beder, 2009, pp. 486 -- 490)

Furthermore, Feczer (2009) found that there were similar kinds of results in female veterans who were suffering from PTSD. As, they interviewed over 100 personnel and monitored the effects that cognitive restructuring had on these individuals. The results were that these different techniques are being utilized to help improve their underlying state of mental health. This is important, because it is highlighting how this form of therapy can be used in a wide variety of veterans dealing with issues related to PTSD. (Feczer, 2009, pp. 278 -- 291)

The article that was written by Kamerling (2011), discusses the impact of cognitive restructuring using mixed methods. This was accomplished by looking at available research and sampling a total of 197 veterans suffering from PTSD. The results this form of treatment, was helping to improve their lives and the way they are interacting with others. However, the author also determined that more research needs to be conducted on this subject in the future. These elements are important, because they are corroborating how this approach can help to improve the way PTSD is treated. While at the same time, it is illustrating how more research needs to be conducted on the subject and its long-term effects. (Kamerling, 2011, pp. 118 -- 127)