Effect of Cognitive Processing Therapy on Cardiovascular Biomarkers of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Aims: In terms of epidemiology, posttraumatic stress disorder is considered as the fourth most common psychiatric disorder. This study aimed to study the use of cardiovascular biomarkers (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature) in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest and control group was done on Iran-Iraq war men veterans living in Kermanshah province in 2014 with posttraumatic stress disorder. 24 patients were selected by convenience sampling and were placed into experimental groups were waiting list. Data were collected by the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Military (PCL-M). For the experimental group, 12 weeks cognitive processing therapy was applied for 60 minutes each session. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 22 statistical software and univariate analysis of covariance. Findings: 56% of systolic blood pressure reduction, 62% of diastolic blood pressure reduction, 80% of heart rate reduction and 97% of body temperature reduction in experimental group at the post-test was explained by cognitive processing therapy. Conclusion: Due to the negative consequences of posttraumatic stress disorder on cardiovascular health in patients, who suffer from this disorder, cognitive processing therapy can be effective in improving symptoms of cardiovascular hyperarousal indices