Attachment-based therapy for elder suffering PTSD symptoms: A narrative of modeling efficacy for improved outcomes.

PURPOSE: This paper will acquaint the psychiatric nurse with attachment theory-based therapy through a narrative of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment of a Vietnam veteran with a history of compound trauma in childhood.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Application of attachment-based therapy is discussed within the context of its guiding principles and tenets.

FINDINGS: Attachment-based therapy is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in a Vietnam veteran through forming secure base scripts from which the patient better evaluated and managed stressors, resulting in improved life functioning.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Attachment theory provides valuable tools with which to treat PTSD sufferers by utilizing nurses' expert skills in establishing rapport and relationship building to form the basis of effectual therapy.