Investigating the effectiveness of a model of religious psychotherapy on Iranian prisoners of war (Azadegan) suffering from chronic PTSD

The main aim of the present research was to develop a model of religious psychotherapy and examine its effectiveness on Iranian prisoners of war (Azadegan) who suffering from chronic PTSD. The research was a quasi-experimental one and its statistical population included all the Azadegan living in Tehran city. To select statistical sample using purposive sampling (available) 12 people were randomly selected and divided into two groups (experimental group and control group). The developed protocol¡ training courses using psychotherapy with an emphasis on religious teachings of Islam¡ the group tested for 10 two-hour sessions (two sessions per week). The data obtained from pre-test and posttest using tests Czech list of impact stress disorder (TSC-40 and PCL-17) and general health (GHQ) were analyzed statistically. The results revealed that religious education and psychotherapy reduce incidence of signs of stress disorder after a trauma (PTSD) as associate of the Iranian Azadegan. Also¡ religious education psychotherapy reducing signs and symptoms of shock stress disorder (PTSD) is effective in the Iranian Azadegan. These findings could be useful applications for treating patients with PTSD and other disorders which have similar disorders in the present study it has been.