Prolonged exposure therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy was developed by Edna B Foa, Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania.

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is a theoretically based, and is posited to be, a highly effective[1] treatment for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related depression, anxiety, and anger.

PE falls under the category of "exposure-based therapy"[2] and is supported by scientific studies which reflect its positive impact on patient symptoms.

Over years of testing and development, prolonged exposure has evolved into an adaptable program of intervention to address the needs of varied trauma survivors.

[9] PTSD is characterized by the re-experiencing of the traumatic event through intrusive and upsetting memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and strong emotional and physiological reactions triggered by reminders of the trauma.

[11] Randomized control trials reflect that only 10–38% of PTSD patients who take part in PE therapy terminate treatment before their program is complete (generally after at least eight sessions).

[2] Practitioners throughout the United States and many other countries currently use prolonged exposure to successfully treat survivors of varied traumas including rape, assault, child abuse, combat, motor vehicle accidents, and disasters.