The role of cognitive behaviour therapy in mitigating the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This paper deals with an understanding of how cognitive behaviour therapy plays a role in alleviating PTSD in Northern Ireland. The paper starts with a definition of PTSD and the problems that are prevalent in Northern Ireland as a result of PTSD. The methodology that is used here is qualitative in nature where five practitioners from the area were considered with regards to their response to open ended questions regarding PTSD, treatments, as well as the impact that the disorder has on Northern Ireland. Six key themes were mined from the interview data. The study notes that there is a pervasive impact of PTSD on families where the impact is expected to last for nearly 30 to 40 years after the conflicts end. Moreover, it was noted that CBT is an effective short term treatment which is suitable for some, but for some patients longer term treatments are required. Interventions proposed to bring down the level of PTSD in the region are education in order to remove the stigma attached to PTSD, and a better role for the government which will be essential in supporting and funding the treatments. Author keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, cognitive behaviour therapy, Northern Ireland, Troubles, mitigating the impact, EMDR