Coordinated Biopsychosocial and Voluntary Faith-Sensitive Care for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Kidnapping: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Kidnapping exposes survivors to threatened death, coercion, confinement, loss of control, and possible physical or sexual violence. Survivors may subsequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depressive symptoms, anxiety, functional impairment, and continuing concerns about personal safety. Management may require coordinated medical, psychological, social, and culturally responsive interventions. Case presentation A married Nigerian woman in her early twenties presented several months after being kidnapped. She reported recurrent trauma related nightmares, intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, persistent fear, exaggerated threat perception, insomnia, autonomic anxiety, reduced interest, self-blame, poor appetite, impaired concentration, and substantial restriction of independent movement. Physical and neurological examinations were reported as unremarkable, and no acute alternative medical explanation was identified. The clinical formulation was post-traumatic stress disorder accompanied by clinically significant depressive symptoms. Therapeutic intervention and outcomes The patient received psychoeducation, collaborative safety planning, basic arousal-regulation support, and paroxetine 20 mg daily. She was referred for trauma-focused psychological treatment. At her request and with her consent, her spouse and an imam provided informal chaplaincy practical and spiritual support alongside clinical care. Serial follow-up reportedly showed progressive improvement in sleep, nightmares, fear, social participation, and independent functioning. Paroxetine was gradually discontinued after sustained remission. However, the exact psychotherapy protocol, treatment sequence, symptom-scale scores, medication duration, and follow-up intervals require confirmation from the clinical record. Conclusion This case illustrates the potential value of coordinated biopsychosocial care after kidnapping-related trauma. Patient-led faith sensitive support may complement evidence-based PTSD treatment when it is voluntary, non-blaming, culturally respectful, and clinically governed. Publication should proceed only after the clinical timeline has been verified, potentially identifying information has been removed, and written informed consent for publication has been documented.