@article {2976, title = {A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder}, journal = {Behav Res Ther}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, year = {2000}, note = {Ehlers, A
Clark, D M
eng
069777/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov{\textquoteright}t
Review
ENGLAND
2000/04/13 09:00
Behav Res Ther. 2000 Apr;38(4):319-45.}, month = {Apr}, pages = {319-45}, abstract = {Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction to traumatic events. Many people recover in the ensuing months, but in a significant subgroup the symptoms persist, often for years. A cognitive model of persistence of PTSD is proposed. It is suggested that PTSD becomes persistent when individuals process the trauma in a way that leads to a sense of serious, current threat. The sense of threat arises as a consequence of: (1) excessively negative appraisals of the trauma and/or its sequelae and (2) a disturbance of autobiographical memory characterised by poor elaboration and contextualization, strong associative memory and strong perceptual priming. Change in the negative appraisals and the trauma memory are prevented by a series of problematic behavioural and cognitive strategies. The model is consistent with the main clinical features of PTSD, helps explain several apparently puzzling phenomena and provides a framework for treatment by identifying three key targets for change. Recent studies have provided preliminary support for several aspects of the model.}, keywords = {*Adaptation, Psychological, *Cognitive Therapy, Association, Chronic Disease, Humans, Imagery (Psychotherapy), Memory, Models, Psychological, Negativism, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/*psychology/therapy, Stress, Psychological/*psychology, Thinking}, isbn = {0005-7967 (Print)
0005-7967 (Linking)}, author = {Ehlers, A. and Clark, D. M.} }