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CRITERIA FOR TREATMENT

1. PE is a treatment for trauma survivors with PTSD. It is not intended to treat other disorders.
2. The patient must have sufficient memory of the trauma to tell a narrative. Even a snippet or a vague memory will suffice.
3. PE is safe and effective, even in patients with comorbid conditions. For example, patients with one or more of the following comorbid conditions often respond well to PE:
   1. Anxiety disorders
   2. Depression
   3. Chronic anxiety
   4. High levels of guilt, anger, or shame
   5. Axis II disorders
   6. Substance abuse
4. It is quite common for patients with PTSD to have comorbid conditions. A 1995 study found that about 80% of patients with PTSD had at least one other diagnosis.
5. Conditions that preclude trauma treatment also preclude PE. Treatment of the following issues should take precedence over treatment of PTSD:
6. Imminent threat of suicidal or homicidal behavior
7. Ongoing, serious self-injurious behavior
8. Current psychosis
9. Current high risk of being assaulted (e.g., living with an abusive spouse)