A new study released Tuesday found that specialized couples therapy sessions may be one way to repair relationships devastated by the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Toronto and Boston, looked at the effect couples therapy had on a relationship where one of the partners was suffering from PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD include depression, anxiety, nightmares and trouble sleeping.

Studies suggest that the anxiety disorder -- which typically occurs after an individual experiences a traumatic event such as an accident, violent attack or war -- affects nearly one in 10 Canadians.

Many who suffer from PTSD report having problems maintaining relationships due to the disorder, but the latest study suggests that couples therapy may be one way to mend broken relationships.

The study tracked 40 different couples in which one partner suffered from PTSD from 2008 to 2012.

Half of the couples were assigned to take part in 15 specialized therapy sessions and the other half placed on a wait list for the therapy.

After four months, researchers found that among the couples who received therapy, around 80 per cent of the partners with PTSD could be classified as no longer having PTSD symptoms. Also, more than 90 per cent of the couples who received treatment said they were now satisfied with their relationship.

Lead researcher, Prof. Candice Monson told CTV News that the study shows that providing therapy sessions for both partners, rather than therapy for only the affected partner, has several benefits.

“We had improvements in PTSD symptoms that were similar to what we find or better than individual treatment, with the added benefit of improvements in relationship functioning,” said Monson.

“So essentially you are getting a bit of a two-for-one in a single therapy for PTSD.”

Monson said the therapy sessions provided to the couples during the course of the study taught very specific communication and coping skills that are known to improve relationships, as well as the debilitating symptoms of PTSD.

Monson believes that involving both partners in the therapy sessions was a key factor in the successful results.

“When you think about it, trauma is a very interpersonal experience,” she said. “Because of that very interpersonal nature it obviously can have effects on relationships. But vice versa, relationships can be a very powerful part of healing.”

Monson said those who participated in the therapy sessions showed progress towards combating their PTSD.

“These are real life changes that happen in people’s lives that restore a level of hope and functioning that many of them never thought possible,” she said.

One couple that participated in the study noticed improvements in their relationship just a few weeks after they started their therapy sessions.

Denise struggled with PTSD for 10 years after being brutally attacked. She told CTV News that living with the disorder was unmanageable, as she was often gripped by fear and depression.

“I had lots of nightmares. I couldn’t work,” she said. “When my husband was at work I’d be calling him constantly because I would have flashbacks.”

Denise’s husband, Scott, also recalled the toll PTSD took on their relationship. The couple requested that their last name not be used in this story.

“It was kind of frightening at times. It’s difficult to have the person you love wake up screaming beside you,” he said.

“Sometimes I would walk in the door and she would cling to me for half an hour crying and I just couldn’t understand why.

“So it was very, very stressful and in a way very depressing. At times I felt like I had to take care of her and it was hard,” he said.

Denise is doing much better since participating in the study. She says she rarely has flashbacks any more and her relationship with Scott has improved as well.

“The couples therapy brought Denise out more. It gave her the freedom to actually speak about her experience,” he said. “And it allowed me to explain what I was going through when she was having severe symptoms.”

According to Monson, the study's results should give hope to couples who struggle with PTSD.

“Post-traumatic stress disorder is not a life-long condition. It does not have to be. You can reclaim your life, you can reclaim your relationship,” she said.

With a report from CTV’s medical correspondent Avis Favro