A SELF-HELP MANUAL

This is a highly structured manual designed for use as a stand-alone treatment dissemination tool or as an adjunct to therapist-delivered treatment.

It structure closely parallels therapist delivered treatment. It consists of sections that provide information about traumatic stress symptoms, treatment rationale, self-exposure instructions, target setting, and trouble-shooting at various stages of treatment.

The manual is accompanied by a booklet that contains a questionnaire battery for self-assessment. These questionnaires help the survivor obtain feedback on and monitor progress during treatment.

Evidence of effectiveness

A series of 8 multiple baseline experimental case studies

Using multiple baseline experimental design the manual was given to 14 survivors after initial therapist contact and assessment. Eight survivors read and utilized the manual. Seven (88%) survivors showed marked clinical improvement. This suggested that about 50% of survivors are likely to benefit from the manual when it is used after initial therapist contact and subsequent follow-up.

The manual was delivered to more than 1,000 survivors in routine field practice. No untoward problems or complications pertaining to self-directed treatment were reported.

► Self-exposure instructions can be safely and effectively delivered by a self-help manual.

► Audio or video versions of the manual can be used to deliver treatment to illiterate survivors.

► Effective delivery of mass treatment dissemination though mass media (e.g. radio, TV) is conceivable. Further research is worthwhile.

Reference
Basoglu M, Salcioglu E, Livanou M. The usefulness of a self-help manual in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in earthquake survivors. Submitted for publication.