[The impact of secondary traumatization on the mental health of the patients with PTSD].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of secondary traumatization on the mental health of patients suffering from chronic PTSD.

METHODS

This study involved two groups of subjects who were diagnosed with chronic PTSD. Group One is comprised of 41 subjects who were included in treatment for the first time. Group Two is comprised of 13 subjects who were readmitted for treatment because of the reoccurrence of symptoms due to secondary traumatization. Both groups were assessed prior to treatment and after three months of treatment with a packet of standardized instruments that were chosen for this study by the authors.

RESULTS

The authors present the results for the two groups of subjects; those from Group One who have showed for treatment for the first time, and those from Group Two who were readmitted to treatment after relapse of symptoms due to secondary trauma. Average results on assessment instruments for Group One were higher than those obtained for Group Two.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects suffering from PTSD who have received treatment in the past that yielded significant reduction in psychopathological symptoms have demonstrated milder deterioration in the course of the relapse due to secondary traumatization compared with the subjects who showed for treatment for the first time. In order to prevent reoccurrence of symptoms due to secondary traumatization in individuals suffering from PTSD, providing adequate social support and prevention of secondary traumatization is of utmost importance.