I learned that the cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) provided in the initial month after trauma has long-term benefits for people at risk of developing PTSD. Furthermore, patients who received CBT reported less intense PTSD symptoms, particularly less frequent and less avoidance symptoms, than those who received supportive counseling (SC) (Bryant et al., 2003). The question is, what are the long-term benefits of cognitive behavior therapy for PTSD, compared to other studies, and what other treatments can be used to reduce the risk of PTSD in trauma survivors?
Given the study’s limitations and the fact that PTSD is a disorder that must be treated for life, it could be argued that conducting a study today with a larger sample size and more methods would not be considered unethical. This is because today’s study would not require a control group that would not receive any care (Bryant et al., 2003). Instead, the study could focus on comparing different treatment methods and evaluating which method is more effective in treating PTSD in the long term. Furthermore, conducting a study today could be beneficial in providing more evidence-based data on how to treat PTSD best. Currently, the evidence available regarding the efficacy of different treatment methods for PTSD is limited (Bryant et al., 2003). A larger, more comprehensive study today could provide more information on which methods are most effective in treating PTSD in the long term.
Thus, even though carrying out a study with a bigger sample size and more methodologies could be regarded as unethical, it is crucial to consider these implications. For instance, we take care of what will happen to the control group, will they be given any assistance, or will they be totally excluded. It’s also critical to consider any hazards connected to the study, such as the chance that volunteers may undergo extra trauma. In essence, it is crucial to ensure that such a study is carried out ethically and responsibly.
Reference
Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., & Nixon, R. V. D. (2003). Cognitive behavior therapy of acute stress disorder: A four-year follow-up. Behavior Research and Therapy, 41(4), 489–494. Web.