Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Due to COVID-19-Related Traumas: A Case Study

Impact Statement This case study provided preliminary evidence that cognitive processing therapy may be an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Research in patients who develop PTSD due to COVID-19 should be conducted to ensure that treatment is efficacious and tailored to this traumatic experience. While awaiting rigorous randomized controlled trials with high internal validity, patients with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome should be screened for PTSD and if present, referred to evidence-based trauma-focused treatments. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a multitude of physical, psychological, and psychosocial issues including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the presence of posttraumatic symptoms has been reported in the general population, little is known about the prevalence of PTSD in patients who experienced a traumatic COVID-19 infection or sequelae. There are currently no documented reports on the treatment of PTSD in patients with COVID-19-related index traumas. The present case study details the use of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD in a patient with multiple COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 syndrome. The patient successfully completed treatment and reported a clinically significant change in PTSD symptoms, providing preliminary support for this evidence-based treatment protocol among patients with COVID-19-related index traumas. This case study highlights the need for PTSD symptom screening among patients with COVID-19 and referral to evidence-based psychological interventions. Recommendations for providers who regularly interface with patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and provide trauma-focused treatments are provided.