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van Hemert MTC, de Jong PM, Vanaerschot G, Brouwer TR, Zoon JS, Gunst E. Posttraumatic stress disorder following childhood sexual and physical abuse: a study protocol for an 11-week randomised controlled trial comparing imaginal exposure and imagery rescripting. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2358683. [PMID: 39076139 PMCID: PMC11290290 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2358683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a vast amount of evidence supporting the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it remains unclear which specific treatment is most effective for patients with PTSD following childhood sexual and physical abuse (CSPA). Although Imaginal Exposure (IE) has proven highly effective in treating PTSD and is widely acknowledged as a standard method, Imagery Rescripting (IR) may be more suitable for CSPA-related PTSD. IR not only addresses fear but also targets other emotions and cognitions associated with childhood maladaptive schemas. Preliminary findings suggest lower drop-out rates for IR compared to IE, but no Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) currently assesses the effectiveness of IR for CSPA-related PTSD.Objective: This article presents a study protocol designed to investigate the optimal treatment (IE or IR) for individuals with CSPA-related PTSD and explore predictors of treatment success.Method: In our study protocol, we suggest the inclusion of 173 patients (N = 64 in IR, N = 64 in IE, and N = 45 in the waitlist condition). The therapy procedures for both IE and IR will consist of 16 sessions lasting 90 min each, with treatment durations of 11 weeks. Measurements take place at baseline, at start of treatment, 11 weeks after the start of treatment (after 16 sessions) and at follow-up at 26 weeks after the last session. A mixed regression will be used to compare the three active conditions before and after measurement.Results: This article serves as a study protocol. The results are not yet available but they will be presented in a subsequent article.Conclusion: This study protocol outlines a RCT which will be the first to provide information on the effectiveness of IR versus IE versus a control group in CSPA-related PTSD.Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR 4817. Registered 26 September 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula M. de Jong
- Psychotherapy & Movement, Mental Health Care Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Greet Vanaerschot
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tessa R. Brouwer
- Psychotherapy & Movement, Mental Health Care Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri S. Zoon
- Psychotherapy & Movement, Mental Health Care Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, and GGZ Ingeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Gunst
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Belgium
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2
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Burback L, Forner C, Winkler OK, Al-Shamali HF, Ayoub Y, Paquet J, Verghese M. Survival, Attachment, and Healing: An Evolutionary Lens on Interventions for Trauma-Related Dissociation. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2403-2431. [PMID: 38912158 PMCID: PMC11193433 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s402456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Dissociation is a necessary part of our threat response system, common to all animal species, normally temporarily activated under conditions of extreme or inescapable threat. Pathological dissociation, however, continues to occur after the initial threat has passed, in response to reminders or inaccessibility of safety and security. Present across the spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses, recurrent dissociative symptoms are linked to severe trauma exposure, insecure attachment, treatment non-response, and maladaptive coping behaviors such as substance use, suicidality, and self-harm. However, empirical studies testing treatments specific to dissociative processes remain scarce. This narrative review summarizes existing studies and provides theoretical, neurobiological, and evolutionary perspectives on dissociative processes and treatments for pathological dissociation. Methods A systematic search of five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL plus, Scopus) was conducted on April 13, 2023. Peer-reviewed clinical studies with adult participants, assessing intervention effects on dissociative symptoms, were included. Results were thematically analyzed and summarized. Results Sixty-nine studies were identified, mainly focused on posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma-exposed populations, and borderline personality disorder. Psychotherapy was studied in 72.5% of studies; other interventions included medications and neurostimulation. The majority reported positive outcomes, despite the heterogeneous spectrum of interventions. However, treatment of dissociative symptoms was the primary objective in only a minority. Conclusion Pathological dissociation is a complex phenomenon involving brain and body systems designed for perceiving and responding to severe threats, requiring an individualized approach. A literature is emerging regarding potentially evidence-based treatments to help those impacted by recurrent dissociative symptoms. When contextualized within a neurobiological and evolutionary perspective, these treatments can be understood as facilitating an internal and/or relational sense of safety, resulting in symptom reduction. Further studies are needed to explore effective treatments for dissociative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Huda F Al-Shamali
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yahya Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn Paquet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Myah Verghese
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Lampe A, Riedl D, Kampling H, Nolte T, Kirchhoff C, Grote V, Fischer MJ, Kruse J. Improvements of complex post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms during a multimodal psychodynamic inpatient rehabilitation treatment - results of an observational single-centre pilot study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2333221. [PMID: 38577992 PMCID: PMC11000601 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2333221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) describes chronic disturbances in self-organization (i.e. affect dysregulation; negative self-concept; severe difficulties in relationships) which are frequently observed in survivors of prolonged, repeated or multiple traumatic stressors. So far, evidence of psychodynamic treatment approaches for CPTSD is scarce.Methods: In this single-centre observational pilot study, symptom change during a 6-week psychodynamic inpatient treatment in a multimodal psychosomatic rehabilitation centre was evaluated using repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Patients completed questionnaires on PTSD and CPTSD symptoms (ITQ), anxiety, depression and somatization (BSI-18), functional impairment (WHODAS) and epistemic trust, mistrust and credulity (ETMCQ) before (T1) and at the end of treatment (T2). A hierarchical linear regression analysis was calculated to identify factors associated with improved CPTSD symptoms.Results: A total of n = 50 patients with CPTSD were included in the study, of whom n = 40 (80%) completed treatment. Patients reported a significant reduction of CPTSD symptoms during treatment with a large effect size (-3.9 points; p < .001; η2 = .36), as well as a significant reduction of psychological distress (p < .001; η2 = .55) and functional impairment (p < .001; η2 = .59). At the end of treatment, 41.0% of patients no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for CPTSD. Changes in epistemic stance included improved epistemic trust (β = -.34, p = .026) and decreased epistemic credulity (β = .37, p = .017), which together with lower age (β = .43, p = .012) and lower depression levels at baseline (β = .35, p = .054) were significantly associated with baseline adjusted mean change of CPTSD symptoms during therapy and explained 48% of its variance.Discussion: In our study, patients reported a significant reduction of CPTSD symptoms and comorbid symptoms during a multimodal psychodynamic inpatient rehabilitation treatment. Improved epistemic trust may facilitate the establishment of a trusting therapeutic relationship, thus fostering an environment of openness for knowledge transfer (i.e. social learning) and the exploration of diverse viewpoints and perspectives in the therapeutic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Lampe
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- VAMED Rehabilitation Montafon, Schruns, Austria
| | - D. Riedl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - H. Kampling
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - T. Nolte
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
- Research Department for Clinical, Educational and Heath Psychology, UCL, London, UK
| | - C. Kirchhoff
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - V. Grote
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. J. Fischer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Vienna, Austria
- VAMED Rehabilitation Center Kitzbuehel, Kitzbuehel, Austria
| | - J. Kruse
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center of the Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Kline AC, Otis NP, Norman SB, Hunt WM, Walter KH. Dropout in a clinical trial for comorbid PTSD and MDD among US service members: Are pretreatment characteristics predictive? Psychother Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38497740 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2024.2325519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite effective treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many patients do not complete therapy. This includes U.S. active duty service members, yet factors linked to attendance in this population remain understudied and dropout remains difficult to predict. Additionally, most studies have not examined samples with PTSD and co-occurring major depressive disorder (MDD) despite high rates of comorbidity. METHOD The current study explored predictors of dropout among service members with comorbid PTSD and MDD (N = 94) randomized to cognitive processing therapy enhanced with behavioral activation (BA + CPT) or CPT as part of a clinical trial. RESULTS Using the Fournier approach, only two predictors were associated with lower dropout risk among over 20 examined: shorter duration between pretreatment assessment and Session 1 (p = .041) and past 3-month PTSD treatment engagement (p = .036). CONCLUSION Results suggest the possible utility of early momentum in starting therapy and leveraging recent treatment to improve attendance. However, this study also highlights the possible limitations of commonly assessed pretreatment factors in predicting attendance and current challenges in measuring dropout risk. Strategies to improve prediction, such as shifting focus to assess modifiable factors and processes more proximal to dropout during treatment, may be needed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02874131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Kline
- Psychological Health and Readiness, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas P Otis
- Psychological Health and Readiness, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
- Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, White River Junction, VT, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - W Michael Hunt
- Directorate of Mental Health, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristen H Walter
- Psychological Health and Readiness, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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Wells M, Karl A, Handley R. Feasibility, acceptability and clinical benefit of a trauma-focused stabilisation group for post-traumatic stress disorder patients with complex presentations on primary care waitlists. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:119-134. [PMID: 37877221 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large numbers of people showing complex presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the NHS Talking Therapies services routinely require multi-faceted and extended one-to-one National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended treatment approaches. This can lead to longer waits for therapy and prolong patient suffering. We therefore evaluated whether a group stabilisation intervention delivered to patients on the waitlist for individual trauma-focused psychological treatment could help address this burden. AIMS The study aimed to ascertain a trauma-focused stabilisation group's acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary clinical benefit. METHOD AND RESULTS Fifty-eight patients with PTSD waiting for trauma-focused individual treatment were included in the study. Two therapists delivered six 5-session groups. The stabilisation group was found to be feasible and acceptable. Overall, PTSD symptom reduction was medium to large, with a Cohen's d of .77 for intent-to-treat and 1.05 for per protocol analyses. Additionally, for depression and anxiety, there was minimal symptom deterioration. CONCLUSIONS The study provided preliminary evidence for the acceptability, feasibility and clinical benefit of attending a psychoeducational group therapy whilst waiting for one-to-one trauma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Wells
- Plymouth Options, Plymouth, UK
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES), Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Anke Karl
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES), Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rachel Handley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES), Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Rezaei M, Bagheri MMS. Clinical effects of anodal tDCS and identifying response markers in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): An open-label study. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114751. [PMID: 37931705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, not all patients respond to this type of treatment. The first aim of present study was to examine efficacy of tDCS for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anhedonia in patients with PTSD. The second aim of this study was to examine the demographic, clinical, and psychological factors that may predict response to tDCS. In this open-label study, 103 PTSD patients underwent 10 sessions of tDCS (2 mA, 20 min). The anodal and cathodal electrodes were placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; F3) and right supra-orbital (FP2) Respectively. Clinical outcome measures included Posttraumatic the Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). There was an overall significant improvement in symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anhedonia from pre- to post-treatment. Results also revealed that non-responders had higher severity at baseline for depression, anxiety, and anhedonia. However, higher severity of depression and anhedonia at baseline predicted response status, with higher severity associated with greater likelihood of non-response. tDCS of the left dLPFC and right supra-orbital appears to have a positive effect in reducing PTSD and related symptoms. These initial results could have an important influence on the adoption of anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC for PTSD, by enabling the early identification of patients who respond to tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rezaei
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
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Sullivan KS, Ancharski K, Wortham W, Okosi M, Kaplan D, Urquiza A, Timmer S, Cloitre M, Chemtob C, Lindsey MA. Feasibility and Preliminary Impact of a Community-Based Intervention for Maternal PTSD and Parenting: Parenting-STAIR Pilot. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:481-497. [PMID: 36685737 PMCID: PMC9842206 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impact emotional and physical well-being, social functioning, and parent-child relationship quality. The effect of parental trauma on parenting and child maltreatment is often overlooked by current child welfare (CW) services. The novel intervention, Parenting-STAIR, was created to address maternal mental health, parenting skills, and child well-being outcomes. Parenting-STAIR is a combination of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy and Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE). This open pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary impact of Parenting-STAIR in reducing maternal PTSD and increasing positive parenting skills for mothers and families involved in the child welfare system. Parenting-STAIR was delivered to 111 mothers receiving family preservation services in New York City. Of these, 70 completed treatment; statistical and clinically significant changes were observed for maternal PTSD and depression as well as in parenting stress, parenting skills, and child behaviors. These findings provide encouraging initial evidence for the feasibility and impact of this novel PTSD intervention. An evaluation of maltreatment recidivism is needed, as well as implementation of a randomized controlled trial to establish efficacy of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Ancharski
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Whitney Wortham
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Mercedes Okosi
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Debra Kaplan
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Anthony Urquiza
- CAARE Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Susan Timmer
- CAARE Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- Institute for Trauma and Stress, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Claude Chemtob
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Michael A. Lindsey
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
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Bhattacharya S, Goicoechea C, Heshmati S, Carpenter JK, Hofmann SG. Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety-Related Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Literature. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:19-30. [PMID: 36534317 PMCID: PMC9834105 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Effective treatment of anxiety-related disorders is crucial, considering the prevalence of such disorders and their association with poor psychosocial functioning. To evaluate the most recent evidence on the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety-related disorders in adults, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials published since 2017. RECENT FINDINGS Ten studies with a total of 1250 participants met the inclusion criteria. Seven of these studies examined PTSD. The findings demonstrated small placebo-controlled effects of CBT on target disorder symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.24, p < 0.05) and depression (Hedges' g = 0.15, p = n.s). When examining only PTSD studies, effects were reduced (Hedges' g = 0.14, p < 0.05). Heterogeneity in most analyses was very low, and no publication bias was found. Effect sizes from placebo-controlled trials from the past 5 years appear to be smaller than those in prior meta-analyses. The findings are largely driven by research on PTSD, with few placebo-controlled trials of other anxiety-related disorders published since 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Bhattacharya
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Goicoechea
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Saeideh Heshmati
- Department of Psychology, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA USA
| | - Joseph K. Carpenter
- National Center for PTSD Women’s Health Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Stefan G. Hofmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA USA
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Raabe S, Ehring T, Marquenie L, Arntz A, Kindt M. Imagery Rescripting as a stand-alone treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood abuse: A randomized controlled trial. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 77:101769. [PMID: 36113906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childhood abuse (CA) is associated with high symptom complexity. This study examined the efficacy of Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) as a stand-alone treatment versus a sequenced approach with Skills training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) followed by ImRs for CA-related PTSD. METHODS Outpatients of two mental health clinics with CA-related PTSD (N = 61) were randomly assigned to ImRs (16 sessions; n = 21), STAIR/ImRs (8 STAIR-sessions followed by 16 ImRs-sessions; n = 20), or Waitlist (8 weeks; n = 20). Patients of the waitlist condition were also randomized to the two active conditions for comparison of STAIR/ImRs (total n for this condition = 31) and ImRs (total n for this condition = 30) and started treatment after waitlist completion. Assessments took place at pre-treatment, after each treatment phase and at 12-week post-intervention follow-up. PTSD symptoms and diagnosis were primary outcome measures, and depression, emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning were secondary outcomes. RESULTS ImRs showed greater reduction of PTSD severity (effect sizes [ES] 1.40-1.63) than STAIR (ES, 0.23-0.33) as compared to waitlist. When comparing STAIR/ImRs and ImRs directly, (i.e. including re-randomized Waitlist-patients), PTSD symptoms reduced significantly (within condition ES, 1.64-2.10) and improved further to 12-week follow-up (within-condition ES, 2.33-2.66), with no significant difference between both conditions (between-condition ES, 0.21-0.45). Loss of PTSD diagnosis was achieved by 70% in the ImRs condition and 86% in the STAIR/ImRs condition. LIMITATIONS The sample size was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS Results show that ImRs is an effective treatment for CA-related PTSD, whereby the current data do not convincingly show an additive effect of STAIR.
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van Meggelen M, Morina N, van der Heiden C, Brinkman WP, Yocarini IE, Tielman ML, Rodenburg J, van Ee E, van Schie K, Broekman ME, Franken IHA. A randomized controlled trial to pilot the efficacy of a computer-based intervention with elements of virtual reality and limited therapist assistance for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:974668. [PMID: 36329832 PMCID: PMC9622938 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.974668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although well-established therapies exist for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), barriers to seek mental health care are high. Technology-based interventions may play a role in improving the reach of efforts to treat, especially when therapist availability is low. The goal of the current randomized controlled trial was to pilot the efficacy of a computer-based trauma intervention with elements of virtual reality (VR; 3MR system) and limited therapist involvement for the treatment of PTSD in a childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and war veteran sample and to compare this to "treatment as usual" (TAU). TAU consisted of evidence-based approaches such as imaginal exposure, EMDR, or narrative exposure therapy. A total of 44 patients with PTSD were included and randomly assigned to 12 sessions of 3MR intervention or TAU (completer n 3MR = 12, TAU = 18). Several measures (PCL-5, BDI-II, OQ-45-2, and the M.I.N.I. 5.0.0.) were administered to measure symptoms of PTSD and depression and scores of overall well-being at pre, post, and a three-month follow-up measurement. Analyses suggest that symptoms of PTSD and depression in the 3MR condition decreased, and overall well-being increased between pre and post measurements. Results did not indicate any clear differences between the treatment conditions over time which suggests that treatment gains of the 3MR intervention seem no less than those of TAU. Finally, both treatment conditions produced similar remission rates of PTSD and depression. Therefore, the 3MR intervention could possibly constitute an appropriate treatment alternative. The small sample size as well as evident drop-out rates in the 3MR condition (45%) do warrant further research. The procedures of this study were approved by the Medical Ethical Research Committee (MERC) of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam (MEC-NL46279.078.13) and pre-registered via ClinicalTrials.gov (Protocol Record CI1-12-S028-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke van Meggelen
- Department of Psychology, Child and Education Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Parnassia Group, Outpatient Treatment Center PsyQ, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Nexhmedin Morina
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Colin van der Heiden
- Department of Psychology, Child and Education Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Parnassia Group, Outpatient Treatment Center PsyQ, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willem-Paul Brinkman
- Department of Intelligent Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Iris E. Yocarini
- Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Myrthe L. Tielman
- Department of Intelligent Systems, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Jan Rodenburg
- DeHemisfeer, Praktijk Voor Psychotrauma / Migratieproblematiek, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
| | - Elisa van Ee
- Reinier van Arkel, Psychotrauma Centrum Zuid-Nederland, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kevin van Schie
- Department of Psychology, Child and Education Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ingmar H. A. Franken
- Department of Psychology, Child and Education Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Meiling L, Hania A, Waqas M. Case Report: A Functional Approach to Deal With Sexual Harassment Within Families. Front Psychol 2022; 13:537599. [PMID: 35712189 PMCID: PMC9197489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.537599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abuse is followed by multiple short- and long-term psychological consequences. Researchers suggest a significant need to design a culturally relevant and competent treatment plan specifically for the Asian context. This research presents an account of therapeutic strategies that were employed to manage the complaints of sexual harassment and associated psychological challenges. This case report dealt with a 16-year-old girl who was self-referred to the psychologist with complaints of getting sexually harassed by her brother-in-law, difficulty in managing academic challenges, communication gap with parents, and difficulty in handling her anger for the past 7 years. The assessment modalities used with the client were Behavioral Observation, Clinical Interview, Baseline Charts, School Children Problem Scale to rule out emotional-behavioral problems, the Adult-Child Interaction Test, and Downward Arrow Technique for cognitive assessment. The management plan was based on trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and constituted of goals, such as having self-protection awareness from harassment, reducing the fear and unexplained emotions of grief, increasing self-esteem, designing a proper schedule for studies, and developing good communication ability. Post-assessment showed that anger reduced to 40%, communication gap with parents reduced to 50%, fear of harassment reduced to 40%, and self-image improved up to 40%. Sessions were based on 9 in-person meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Meiling
- School of Economics and Statistics, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Muhammad Waqas
- Department of Business Administration, Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan
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12
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Vivian K, Strodl E, Kitamura H, Johnson L. Memory reconsolidation therapy for comorbid bulimia nervosa and traumatic memories: a case series study. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2022.2065913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Vivian
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Esben Strodl
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Haruka Kitamura
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Johnson
- School of Medicine/Division of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
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13
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Jericho B, Luo A, Berle D. Trauma-focused psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2022; 145:132-155. [PMID: 34473342 PMCID: PMC9539869 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Meta-analytic reviews suggest similar outcomes across trauma-focused psychotherapies for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this conclusion may be premature due to suboptimal statistical-review methodologies. Network meta-analysis (NMA) allows a detailed rank-ordering of the efficacy of established psychotherapy interventions derived from indirect evidence as well as results from direct head-to-head comparisons. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the efficacy and attrition rates of psychotherapy interventions for PTSD by applying NMA. METHODS We searched EMBASE, PsychINFO, PTSDPubs and PubMed for randomised controlled trials that compared psychotherapies either head-to-head or against controls for adults with PTSD. A frequentist NMA was used to compare direct and indirect effects to determine the efficacy and attrition rates of psychotherapy interventions. RESULTS Of the 5649 papers identified, 82 trials comprising of 5838 patients were included. The network comprised 17 psychotherapies and four control conditions. Network estimates indicated superior efficacy of meta-cognitive therapy and cognitive processing therapy over other psychotherapies (ESs between = 0.26 and 2.32). Written exposure therapy and narrative exposure therapy were associated with lower risk of drop out when considered alongside other psychotherapies. Confidence in the network meta-analytic estimates was considered moderate for both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In broad terms, therapeutic commensurability was evident. Nevertheless, with additional studies and larger sample sizes, meta-cognitive and written exposure therapies could indeed differentiate themselves from other approaches as having favourable efficacy and acceptability respectively. These findings may inform clinical decision-making, as well as guide future research for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Jericho
- Discipline of Clinical PsychologyGraduate School of HealthUniversity of TechnologySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Aileen Luo
- Discipline of Clinical PsychologyGraduate School of HealthUniversity of TechnologySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - David Berle
- Discipline of Clinical PsychologyGraduate School of HealthUniversity of TechnologySydneyNSWAustralia
- School of PsychiatryUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
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14
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Lely JCG, Ter Heide FJJ, Moerbeek M, Knipscheer JW, Kleber RJ. Psychopathology and resilience in older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial comparing narrative exposure therapy and present-centered therapy. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2022277. [PMID: 35126882 PMCID: PMC8815622 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.2022277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Using data from a randomized controlled trial on psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults (aged >55), this study aimed at analysing the efficacy of two psychological interventions in terms of self-reported symptoms, comorbid psychopathology and resilience outcomes. Method Thirty-three outpatients (age 55-81) with PTSD were randomly assigned to eleven sessions of narrative exposure therapy or present-centered therapy. Self-reported symptom severity of PTSD, depression and general psychopathology, along with measures of resilience (self-efficacy, quality of life and posttraumatic growth cognitions), were target outcomes. Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory, General Efficacy Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment and Meaning of War Scale (personal growth) were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and at four months follow-up. Because of variable inter-assessment intervals, a piecewise mixed effects growth model was used to investigate treatment effects. Results Neither post-treatment, nor at mean follow-up, between-group effects were found. At follow-up, significant medium to large within-group effect sizes were found in the NET-group for psychopathology (self-reported PTSD: Cohen's d = 0.54, p < .01; depression: Cohen's d = 0.51, p = .03; general psychopathology: Cohen's d = 0.74, p = .001), but not so in the PCT-group. Resilience (self-efficacy, quality of life and personal growth cognitions) did not significantly change in either group. Conclusions In older adults with PTSD, the efficacy of NET extended beyond PTSD, reducing not only self-reported symptoms of PTSD but also comorbid depression and general psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mirjam Moerbeek
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W. Knipscheer
- Research Department, ARQ Centrum’45, Diemen, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rolf J. Kleber
- Research Department, ARQ Centrum’45, Diemen, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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15
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Ford JD, Tennen H, Grasso DJ, Chan G. An in-Vivo Daily Self-Report Approach to the Assessment of Outcomes of Two Psychotherapies for Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Behav Ther 2022; 53:11-22. [PMID: 35027153 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Emotion regulation and interpersonal psychotherapies that do not require trauma memory processing have been shown to be effective in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study used a novel method to assess in vivo outcomes in a randomized clinical trial with women (N = 147; ages 18-54; 61% of color; 94% low income) with full (79%) or partial (21%) PTSD. Participants were assigned to affect regulation or interpersonal therapy, or wait-list, and completed daily self-reports for 2 to 4 weeks at baseline and up to 30 days at posttest. Mixed model regression analyses tested pre-post change on five factor analytically derived aggregated daily self-report scores. Emotion regulation-focused therapy was associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, dysregulation, and negative affect, and improvement in adaptive self-regulation and positive affect. Interpersonal-focused therapy was associated with reduced PTSD symptoms and dysregulation. Although both therapies were associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, whether this was due to nonspecific factors rather than the treatments per se could not be determined. Daily self-report data warrant further investigation in psychotherapy research with disorders such as PTSD, in order to assess affective and interpersonal dysregulation and adaptive regulation as they occur in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Grace Chan
- University of Connecticut, School of Medicine
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16
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Allard CB, Norman SB, Straus E, Kim HM, Stein MB, Simon NM, Rauch SAM. Reductions in guilt cognitions following prolonged exposure and/or sertraline predict subsequent improvements in PTSD and depression. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 73:101666. [PMID: 34147766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Reduction of trauma related negative cognitions, such as guilt, is thought to be a mechanism of change within PTSD treatments like prolonged exposure (PE). Research suggests PE can directly address guilt cognitions. However, whether pharmacotherapies for PTSD can remains unclear. METHODS Data from a randomized controlled trial of PE plus placebo (PE + PLB), sertraline plus enhanced medication management (SERT + EMM), and their combination (PE + SERT) in 195 Veterans from recent wars was analyzed. RESULTS The unadjusted means and mixed-effects model showed guilt decreased significantly over the follow-up time as expected; however, contrary to our hypothesis, PE conditions were not associated with greater reductions in guilt than the SERT + EMM condition. As hypothesized, week 12 reduction in guilt predicted post-treatment (weeks 24-52) reduction in PTSD and depression, but not impairments in function. LIMITATIONS Generalizability of findings is limited by the sample being comprised of combat Veterans who were predominantly male, not on SSRI at study entry, willing to be randomized to therapy or medication, and reporting low levels of guilt. To reduce differences in provider attention, SERT + EMM was administered over 30 min to include psychoeducation and active listening; it is unknown if this contributed to effects on guilt. CONCLUSIONS PE + PLB, SERT + EMM, and PE + SERT were equally associated with reduction in trauma related guilt. Reducing trauma related guilt may be a pathway to reducing PTSD and posttraumatic depression symptoms. Further study is needed to determine how best to treat trauma related guilt and to understand the mechanisms by which guilt improves across different treatments for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn B Allard
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Daley Hall, 10455 Pomerado Rd, San Diego, CA, 92131, USA.
| | - Sonya B Norman
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; National Center for PTSD, VA Medical Center, 215 North Main st, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC116B, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Straus
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - H Myra Kim
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; University of Michigan, Consulting for Statistics, Computing and Analytics Research, 3550 Rackham, 950 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Murray B Stein
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA, 92161, USA; University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Naomi M Simon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, One Bowdoin Square, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, One Park Avenue 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA; Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30029, USA.
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17
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Espeleta HC, Taylor DL, Kraft JD, Grant DM. Child maltreatment and cognitive vulnerabilities: Examining the link to posttraumatic stress symptoms. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2021; 69:759-766. [PMID: 31944931 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1706538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Research attempting to identify pathways from childhood maltreatment to adulthood posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) implicates cognitive vulnerabilities that may increase risk for mental health concerns. The present study examined two cognitive vulnerabilities and their relation to PTSS amongst individuals with and without childhood maltreatment histories: attentional control and repetitive negative thinking (RNT). This research surveyed college students (N = 376) on constructs of interest. Results revealed that attentional control and RNT demonstrated significant indirect effects on PTSS (95% CI =.0003, .0336 and 95% CI =.0643, .1857, respectively). Findings suggest that childhood maltreatment severity was related to decreased attentional control and increased RNT, which were then both related to increased PTSS. Interventions for increasing attentional control and decreasing RNT should be implemented and evaluated for young adults with early adversity currently experiencing PTSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Espeleta
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Danielle L Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Jacob D Kraft
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - DeMond M Grant
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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18
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Parkes M. Working with older people and complex posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of the field and case study using schema therapy. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2021.1934428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Parkes
- Aged Persons Mental Health Program, North West Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Parkville, Australia
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19
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Snoek A, Nederstigt J, Ciharova M, Sijbrandij M, Lok A, Cuijpers P, Thomaes K. Impact of comorbid personality disorders on psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1929753. [PMID: 34211638 PMCID: PMC8221135 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1929753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although personality disorders are common in PTSD patients, it remains unclear to what extent this comorbidity affects PTSD treatment outcome. Objective: This constitutes the first meta-analysis investigating whether patients with and without comorbid personality disorders can equally benefit from psychotherapy for PTSD. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases from inception through 31 January 2020, to identify clinical trials examining psychotherapies for PTSD in PTSD patients with and without comorbid personality disorders (PROSPERO reference CRD42020156472). Results: Of the 1830 studies identified, 12 studies reporting on 918 patients were included. Effect sizes were synthesized using a random-effects model. Patients with comorbid personality disorders did not have significantly higher baseline PTSD severity (Hedges' g = 0.23, 95%CI -0.09-0.55, p = .140), nor were at higher risk for dropout from PTSD treatment (RR = 1.19, 95%CI 0.83-1.72, p = .297). Whilst pre- to post-treatment PTSD symptom improvements were large in patients with comorbid PDs (Hedges' g = 1.31, 95%CI 0.89-1.74, p < .001) as well as in patients without comorbid PDs (Hedges' g = 1.57, 95%CI 1.08-2.07, p < .001), personality disorders were associated with a significantly smaller symptom improvement at post-treatment (Hedges' g = 0.22, 95%CI 0.05-0.38, p = .010). Conclusion: Although the presence of personality disorders does not preclude a good treatment response, patients with comorbid personality disorders might benefit less from PTSD treatment than patients without comorbid personality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Snoek
- Department Sinai Centrum, Arkin, Amstelveen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle Nederstigt
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marketa Ciharova
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja Lok
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Thomaes
- Department Sinai Centrum, Arkin, Amstelveen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Daignault IV, Hébert M, Cyr M, Pelletier M, McDuff P. Correlates and Predictors of Mothers' Adaptation and Trauma Symptoms Following the Unveiling of the Sexual Abuse of Their Child. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP5784-NP5808. [PMID: 30388043 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518808849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) can severely affect the mental health of children and their parents. While correlates of recovery have been documented in children, factors exacerbating parents' adaptation to their child's unveiling of CSA deserves further attention. Parents' history of abuse has been inconsistently identified as a predictor of their distress in reaction to their child's abuse disclosure. This study proposes a mediation model that explores various processes underlying mother's psychological distress (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], dissociation, and their comorbidity) following their children's unveiling of CSA. It investigates the influence of mother's own CSA, as well as of her exposure to additional forms of past and current victimization, on her reaction to the child's CSA disclosure, while considering coping mechanisms as mediators (avoidance, problem solving, search for social support, and feeling of guilt). Data were collected through self-report measures completed by 298 mothers of children who had recently disclosed CSA. Path analyses revealed that mother's exposure to interparental violence as a child acted as a primary predictor of dissociation and of its comorbidity with PTSD, while a history of CSA was directly and exclusively linked to dissociation. Being exposed to recent partner violence was indirectly related to trauma symptoms, with coping mechanisms acting as mediators. This study outlines the relationship between mother's psychological distress and her cumulative, past, and current exposure to various forms of victimization. Exposure to interparental violence as a child represents a particularly important factor for identifying mothers most in need of support, as it is a significant predictor of dissociation and of its comorbidity with PTSD.
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21
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Fávero M, Moreira D, Abreu B, Del Campo A, Moreira DS, Sousa-Gomes V. Psychological intervention with adult victims of sexual abuse: A comprehensive review. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:62-80. [PMID: 33844370 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a phenomenon that is ubiquitous to all cultures and social classes. It has short- and long-term consequences, with specific treatment models that have been developed and adapted from psychological intervention models. A wide variety of studies have sought to evaluate the results of treatments with adult CSA survivors. This study presents an overview of research on the treatment of adult victims of CSA, by reviewing the existing literature on the types of treatment and the most studied psychotherapeutic avenues, and reports the findings related to the efficacy of these treatments. It is possible to conclude that psychological intervention exhibits benefits in the reduction of symptoms resulting from the experience of CSA and demonstrates the need to conduct further research on the effectiveness of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisalva Fávero
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Unit I&D of the Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School, University of Minho (JusGov/UM), Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Moreira
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto - IPNP Health, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Abreu
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Amaia Del Campo
- Department of Evolutionary and Educational Psychology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Diana Sá Moreira
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto - IPNP Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Valéria Sousa-Gomes
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.,Unit I&D of the Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School, University of Minho (JusGov/UM), Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto - IPNP Health, Porto, Portugal
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22
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Ashfield E, Chan C, Lee D. Building 'a compassionate armour': The journey to develop strength and self-compassion in a group treatment for complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychol Psychother 2021; 94 Suppl 2:286-303. [PMID: 32306537 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with severe difficulties in emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and shame. For individuals with these difficulties, exposure-based treatment for PTSD symptoms is less effective and can even be harmful. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of change at an individual and group level for individuals completing treatment for complex PTSD. DESIGN Constructivist grounded theory was used to develop an explanatory theoretical model of the change process. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women with a diagnosis of complex PTSD who had completed the group treatment. RESULTS The theoretical model captured change as an ongoing journey, which continued after treatment finished. Participants identified three essential aspects of the group that brought about change. The first was the group itself, in which valued relationships were formed. Additionally, participants described two key mechanisms - developing a comprehensive understanding of themselves and their difficulties, and experiencing their emotions and compassion from others. CONCLUSIONS The key mechanisms of change were the relationships formed within the group and the need for a deeper understanding of the self in order to reduce shame and prepare for exposure-based treatment. Further support is provided for a phase-based approach to complex PTSD treatment. Psychoeducation alone, however, was not sufficient, and it was also crucial that participants could safely access their emotions and experience compassion from others in order for change to come about. PRACTITIONER POINTS Important aspects of treatment for complex PTSD are emphasised to inform professional practice. In particular, the role of relationships is altering self-perceptions through group therapy. Other key elements included participants building an understanding of themselves and their difficulties through psychoeducation, developing compassion for others and themselves, and safely accessing their emotions. This study also builds upon the body of evidence for the benefits of phase-based treatment which addresses shame and emotional regulation prior to exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ashfield
- Wokingham Community Mental Health Team, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Carmen Chan
- Horizon (Supporting Young People and Families Affected by Sexual Harm), Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Deborah Lee
- Berkshire Traumatic Stress Service, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, UK
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23
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Khazem LR, Rozek DC, Baker JC, Bryan CJ. The Marine Suicide Prevention and Intervention REsearch (M-SPIRE) study: A randomized clinical trial investigating potential treatment mechanisms for reducing suicidal behaviors among military personnel. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2021; 21:100731. [PMID: 33665470 PMCID: PMC7897982 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicides within the U.S. Armed Forces remain elevated. Brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention (BCBT) has demonstrated preliminary efficacy as a psychotherapeutic intervention that reduces suicide attempts among U.S. Army Soldiers. The generalizability of BCBT's effects in other military groups and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unknown, however. The Marine Suicide Prevention and Intervention REsearch (M-SPIRE) study is designed to test the efficacy of BCBT for the prevention of suicide attempts among active duty U.S. Marines with recent suicidal ideation or attempts and to identify potential mechanisms of change contributing to BCBT's effects. In this protocol paper, we describe M-SPIRE's rationale and methods with a particular emphasis on measuring treatment fidelity and BCBT's hypothesized mechanisms of action.
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24
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Neria Y. Functional Neuroimaging in PTSD: From Discovery of Underlying Mechanisms to Addressing Diagnostic Heterogeneity. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:128-135. [PMID: 33517750 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20121727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Neria
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology and New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York
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25
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Kline AC, Cooper AA, Rytwinski NK, Feeny NC. The Effect of Concurrent Depression on PTSD Outcomes in Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Behav Ther 2021; 52:250-266. [PMID: 33483121 PMCID: PMC7826446 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of depression with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common and associated with greater severity and impairment than PTSD alone, but the effects on PTSD treatment outcomes are unclear. This study investigated the impact of baseline depression on PTSD symptom change and dropout in a meta-analysis of 44 randomized controlled trials (N = 4,866) of trauma-focused psychotherapies for PTSD. Analyses included 107 active (k = 71) and control (k = 36) conditions. Baseline depression was indexed within samples as (a) continuous symptom severity (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory), standardized across depression measures and (b) proportion of patients with comorbid depressive disorder diagnosis. Among active conditions reporting continuous depression scores (k = 62), greater depression severity predicted smaller PTSD treatment effect sizes (ß = -.36, p = .002), but not dropout (ß = .25, p = .18). Categorical depressive diagnosis rates (k = 29)-reported less frequently-were not associated with treatment effects or dropout in active conditions. Greater depression severity may reflect a risk factor for attenuated response in PTSD psychotherapies, potentially demanding complementary strategies within trauma-focused interventions. Variability between trials in baseline depression symptoms may suggest the need to consider this sample characteristic when comparing treatment outcomes across studies.
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Parameters of Aggressive Behavior in a Treatment-Seeking Sample of Military Personnel: A Secondary Analysis of Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Evidence-Based PTSD Treatments. Behav Ther 2021; 52:136-148. [PMID: 33483111 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is prevalent among veterans of post-9/11 conflicts who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about whether PTSD treatments reduce aggression or the direction of the association between changes in PTSD symptoms and aggression in the context of PTSD treatment. We combined data from three clinical trials of evidence-based PTSD treatment in service members (N = 592) to: (1) examine whether PTSD treatment reduces psychological (e.g., verbal behavior) and physical aggression, and; (2) explore temporal associations between aggressive behavior and PTSD. Both psychological (Estimate = -2.20, SE = 0.07) and physical aggression (Estimate = -0.36, SE = 0.05) were significantly reduced from baseline to posttreatment follow-up. Lagged PTSD symptom reduction was not associated with reduced reports of aggression; however, higher baseline PTSD scores were significantly associated with greater reductions in psychological aggression (exclusively; ß = -0.67, 95% CI = -1.05, -0.30, SE = -3.49). Findings reveal that service members receiving PTSD treatment report substantial collateral changes in psychological aggression over time, particularly for participants with greater PTSD symptom severity. Clinicians should consider cotherapies or alternative ways of targeting physical aggression among service members with PTSD and alternative approaches to reduce psychological aggression among service members with relatively low PTSD symptom severity when considering evidence-based PTSD treatments.
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Walker RSW, Marks EH, Jaeger J, Duax JM, Feeny NC, Zoellner LA. Imaginal exposure exacerbation revisited: Deconstructing patient characteristics associated with worse reactions to the initiation of imaginal exposure in PTSD. Behav Res Ther 2020; 135:103747. [PMID: 33049550 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines whether imaginal exposure leads to symptom exacerbation, systematically comparing individuals who received prolonged exposure (PE) to those who received pharmacotherapy. The study also examined whether common clinical features increase the likelihood of symptom exacerbation. METHOD In 151 men and women with PTSD, we examined rates of reliable exacerbation of PTSD and depression symptoms after initiation of imaginal exposure and compared it to those receiving sertraline. We also examined relationships between exacerbation, treatment outcome, dropout, imaginal distress, and specific clinical features, including co-occurring MDD, multiple co-occurring disorders, childhood sexual abuse as target trauma, and a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse. RESULTS Symptom exacerbation was not more common in PE compared to sertraline, not associated with higher dropout, or predictive of worse outcome. Those with co-occurring depression or multiple disorders, a target trauma of child sexual abuse, or a history of child abuse reported functionally equivalent peak distress at onset of imaginal as those without these characteristics. These factors did not lead to more exacerbation or worse adherence. CONCLUSION Exacerbation was not specific to PE and patients with and without symptom worsening showed comparable treatment gains, suggesting symptom exacerbation may reflect a common clinical process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeff Jaeger
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, USA
| | - Jeanne M Duax
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Norah C Feeny
- Department of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University, USA
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Bohus M, Kleindienst N, Hahn C, Müller-Engelmann M, Ludäscher P, Steil R, Fydrich T, Kuehner C, Resick PA, Stiglmayr C, Schmahl C, Priebe K. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (DBT-PTSD) Compared With Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in Complex Presentations of PTSD in Women Survivors of Childhood Abuse: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2020; 77:1235-1245. [PMID: 32697288 PMCID: PMC7376475 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Childhood abuse significantly increases the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often accompanied by symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other co-occurring mental disorders. Despite the high prevalence, systematic evaluations of evidence-based treatments for PTSD after childhood abuse are sparse. OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for PTSD (DBT-PTSD), a new, specifically designed, phase-based treatment program, against that of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), one of the best empirically supported treatments for PTSD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS From January 2014 to October 2016, women who sought treatment were included in a multicenter randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessments at 3 German university outpatient clinics. The participants were prospectively observed for 15 months. Women with childhood abuse-associated PTSD who additionally met 3 or more DSM-5 criteria for BPD, including affective instability, were included. Data analysis took place from October 2018 to December 2019. INTERVENTIONS Participants received equal dosages and frequencies of DBT-PTSD or CPT, up to 45 individual sessions within 1 year and 3 additional sessions during the following 3 months. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The predefined primary outcome was the course of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) score from randomization to month 15. Intent-to-treat analyses based on dimensional CAPS-5 scores were complemented by categorical outcome measures assessing symptomatic remission, reliable improvement, and reliable recovery. RESULTS Of 955 consecutive individuals assessed for eligibility, 193 were randomized (DBT-PTSD, 98; CPT, 95; mean [SD] age, 36.3 [11.1] years) and included in the intent-to-treat analyses. Analysis revealed significantly improved CAPS-5 scores in both groups (effect sizes: DBT-PTSD: d, 1.35; CPT: d, 0.98) and a small but statistically significant superiority of DBT-PTSD (group difference: 4.82 [95% CI, 0.67-8.96]; P = .02; d, 0.33). Compared with the CPT group, participants in the DBT-PTSD group were less likely to drop out early (37 [39.0%] vs 25 [25.5%]; P = .046) and had higher rates of symptomatic remission (35 [40.7%] vs 52 [58.4%]; P = .02), reliable improvement (53 [55.8%] vs 73 [74.5%]; P = .006), and reliable recovery (34 [38.6%] vs 52 [57.1%]; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings support the efficacy of DBT-PTSD and CPT in the treatment of women with childhood abuse-associated complex PTSD. Results pertaining to the primary outcomes favored DBT-PTSD. The study shows that even severe childhood abuse-associated PTSD with emotion dysregulation can be treated efficaciously. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00005578.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bohus
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nikolaus Kleindienst
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Hahn
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Petra Ludäscher
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Kuehner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia A. Resick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathlen Priebe
- Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Knaust T, Felnhofer A, Kothgassner OD, Höllmer H, Gorzka RJ, Schulz H. Virtual Trauma Interventions for the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorders: A Scoping Review. Front Psychol 2020; 11:562506. [PMID: 33281664 PMCID: PMC7691274 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.562506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients do not benefit from imaginal exposure therapy. One possible approach to reach such patients are virtual trauma interventions. Herein, a qualitative scoping review was conducted. Different types of virtual trauma exposure interventions were identified. For each type of virtual trauma exposure interventions it was examined in detail: (1) which in sensu trauma exposure approach serves as therapeutic framework, how it was transferred into virtual reality, and if it was manualized; (2) which hardware and software were used; (3) whether the influence of spatial and social presence on the efficacy of virtual trauma interventions have been measured, and (4) whether the efficacy of virtual trauma interventions for PTSD patients having imagination difficulties was evaluated. These research questions were analyzed qualitatively. Accordingly, an extensive literature search was conducted using the databases Web of Science, PsycINFO, LIVIVO, PTSDpubs, and PubMed for scientific articles published between January 2013 and July 2020. Only studies aimed to reduce PTSD symptoms using virtual trauma interventions were included. The literature search was not limited to a specific study design, treatment/intervention method, or a minimum sample size. Eighteen studies were identified, which reported three different virtual trauma intervention approaches, namely, virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), multi-modular motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR), and action-centered exposure therapy (ACET). Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two pilot studies, and one case study were focused on VRET; while two RCTs, one pilot study, and three case studies focused on 3MDR, and two case studies on ACET. Regarding the first research question (1), the results show that VRET is based on prolonged exposure, aiming for a virtual re-creation of the patient's traumatic recounting. Several treatment protocols exist for VRET. 3MDR is based on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, aiming to reduce the patient's avoidance behavior. In 3MDR patients walk toward individualized trauma-related symbolic images in a cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE). One treatment protocol exists for 3MDR. ACET is based on the inhibitory learning theory, aiming for active interactions with a virtual trauma-associated environment to alter the anxiety structure through new secondary inhibitory learning. One treatment protocol exists for ACET. For the second research question (2), the results indicate that all VRET studies used head-mounted displays (HMDs) with a virtual version of the Iraq/Afghanistan or the World Trade Center attacks, while 3MDR studies utilized two different versions of a CAVE with personalized trauma-related images, and the ACET studies used HMDs with virtual street scenarios. For the third research question (3), the results demonstrate that the influence of spatial or social presence on the efficacy of virtual trauma interventions was not examined in any of the included studies. Similarly, for the fourth research question (4), the results show that empirical evidence for the efficacy of virtual trauma interventions on PTSD patients having imagination difficulties was lacking. Therefore, such empirical studies are needed to fill these research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiemo Knaust
- Center for Mental Health, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Felnhofer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oswald D. Kothgassner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helge Höllmer
- Center for Mental Health, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert-Jacek Gorzka
- Department of Applied Military and Operational Psychology, Military Police Command, Hanover, Germany
| | - Holger Schulz
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Lazarov A, Suarez-Jimenez B, Levi O, Coppersmith DDL, Lubin G, Pine DS, Bar-Haim Y, Abend R, Neria Y. Symptom structure of PTSD and co-morbid depressive symptoms - a network analysis of combat veteran patients. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2154-2170. [PMID: 31451119 PMCID: PMC7658641 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719002034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive research, symptom structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highly debated. The network approach to psychopathology offers a novel method for understanding and conceptualizing PTSD. However, extant studies have mainly used small samples and self-report measures among sub-clinical populations, while also overlooking co-morbid depressive symptoms. METHODS PTSD symptom network topology was estimated in a sample of 1489 treatment-seeking veteran patients based on a clinician-rated PTSD measure. Next, clinician-rated depressive symptoms were incorporated into the network to assess their influence on PTSD network structure. The PTSD-symptom network was then contrasted with the network of 306 trauma-exposed (TE) treatment-seeking patients not meeting full criteria for PTSD to assess corresponding network differences. Finally, a directed acyclic graph (DAG) was computed to estimate potential directionality among symptoms, including depressive symptoms and daily functioning. RESULTS The PTSD symptom network evidenced robust reliability. Flashbacks and getting emotionally upset by trauma reminders emerged as the most central nodes in the PTSD network, regardless of the inclusion of depressive symptoms. Distinct clustering emerged for PTSD and depressive symptoms within the comorbidity network. DAG analysis suggested a key triggering role for re-experiencing symptoms. Network topology in the PTSD sample was significantly distinct from that of the TE sample. CONCLUSIONS Flashbacks and psychological reactions to trauma reminders, along with their strong connections to other re-experiencing symptoms, have a pivotal role in the clinical presentation of combat-related PTSD among veterans. Depressive and posttraumatic symptoms constitute two separate diagnostic entities, but with meaningful between-disorder connections, suggesting two mutually-influential systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lazarov
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ofir Levi
- Division of Mental Health, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Israel
- Social Work Department, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel D. L. Coppersmith
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gadi Lubin
- Division of Mental Health, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Israel
- The Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Eitanim-Kfar Shaul, Israel
| | - Daniel S. Pine
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yair Bar-Haim
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rany Abend
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuval Neria
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Melton H, Meader N, Dale H, Wright K, Jones-Diette J, Temple M, Shah I, Lovell K, McMillan D, Churchill R, Barbui C, Gilbody S, Coventry P. Interventions for adults with a history of complex traumatic events: the INCiTE mixed-methods systematic review. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-312. [PMID: 32924926 DOI: 10.3310/hta24430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with a history of complex traumatic events typically experience trauma and stressor disorders and additional mental comorbidities. It is not known if existing evidence-based treatments are effective and acceptable for this group of people. OBJECTIVE To identify candidate psychological and non-pharmacological treatments for future research. DESIGN Mixed-methods systematic review. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged ≥ 18 years with a history of complex traumatic events. INTERVENTIONS Psychological interventions versus control or active control; pharmacological interventions versus placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, common mental health problems and attrition. DATA SOURCES Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (1937 onwards); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (from inception); EMBASE (1974 to 2017 week 16); International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 onwards); MEDLINE and MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (1946 to present); Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) (1987 onwards); PsycINFO (1806 to April week 2 2017); and Science Citation Index (1900 onwards). Searches were conducted between April and August 2017. REVIEW METHODS Eligible studies were singly screened and disagreements were resolved at consensus meetings. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and a bespoke version of a quality appraisal checklist used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. A meta-analysis was conducted across all populations for each intervention category and for population subgroups. Moderators of effectiveness were assessed using metaregression and a component network meta-analysis. A qualitative synthesis was undertaken to summarise the acceptability of interventions with the relevance of findings assessed by the GRADE-CERQual checklist. RESULTS One hundred and four randomised controlled trials and nine non-randomised controlled trials were included. For the qualitative acceptability review, 4324 records were identified and nine studies were included. The population subgroups were veterans, childhood sexual abuse victims, war affected, refugees and domestic violence victims. Psychological interventions were superior to the control post treatment for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (standardised mean difference -0.90, 95% confidence interval -1.14 to -0.66; number of trials = 39) and also for associated symptoms of depression, but not anxiety. Trauma-focused therapies were the most effective interventions across all populations for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Multicomponent and trauma-focused interventions were effective for negative self-concept. Phase-based approaches were also superior to the control for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and showed the most benefit for managing emotional dysregulation and interpersonal problems. Only antipsychotic medication was effective for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; medications were not effective for mental comorbidities. Eight qualitative studies were included. Interventions were more acceptable if service users could identify benefits and if they were delivered in ways that accommodated their personal and social needs. LIMITATIONS Assessments about long-term effectiveness of interventions were not possible. Studies that included outcomes related to comorbid psychiatric states, such as borderline personality disorder, and populations from prisons and humanitarian crises were under-represented. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based psychological interventions are effective and acceptable post treatment for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and depression and anxiety in people with complex trauma. These interventions were less effective in veterans and had less of an impact on symptoms associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. FUTURE WORK Definitive trials of phase-based versus non-phase-based interventions with long-term follow-up for post-traumatic stress disorder and associated mental comorbidities. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017055523. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 43. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollie Melton
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nick Meader
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Holly Dale
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | | | - Karina Lovell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dean McMillan
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.,Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.,Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Peter Coventry
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK.,Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Psychological and pharmacological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid mental health problems following complex traumatic events: Systematic review and component network meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003262. [PMID: 32813696 PMCID: PMC7446790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex traumatic events associated with armed conflict, forcible displacement, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence are increasingly prevalent. People exposed to complex traumatic events are at risk of not only posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but also other mental health comorbidities. Whereas evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments are effective for single-event PTSD, it is not known if people who have experienced complex traumatic events can benefit and tolerate these commonly available treatments. Furthermore, it is not known which components of psychological interventions are most effective for managing PTSD in this population. We performed a systematic review and component network meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological interventions for managing mental health problems in people exposed to complex traumatic events. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress, PsycINFO, and Science Citation Index for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs of psychological and pharmacological treatments for PTSD symptoms in people exposed to complex traumatic events, published up to 25 October 2019. We adopted a nondiagnostic approach and included studies of adults who have experienced complex trauma. Complex-trauma subgroups included veterans; childhood sexual abuse; war-affected; refugees; and domestic violence. The primary outcome was reduction in PTSD symptoms. Secondary outcomes were depressive and anxiety symptoms, quality of life, sleep quality, and positive and negative affect. We included 116 studies, of which 50 were conducted in hospital settings, 24 were delivered in community settings, seven were delivered in military clinics for veterans or active military personnel, five were conducted in refugee camps, four used remote delivery via web-based or telephone platforms, four were conducted in specialist trauma clinics, two were delivered in home settings, and two were delivered in primary care clinics; clinical setting was not reported in 17 studies. Ninety-four RCTs, for a total of 6,158 participants, were included in meta-analyses across the primary and secondary outcomes; 18 RCTs for a total of 933 participants were included in the component network meta-analysis. The mean age of participants in the included RCTs was 42.6 ± 9.3 years, and 42% were male. Nine non-RCTs were included. The mean age of participants in the non-RCTs was 40.6 ± 9.4 years, and 47% were male. The average length of follow-up across all included studies at posttreatment for the primary outcome was 11.5 weeks. The pairwise meta-analysis showed that psychological interventions reduce PTSD symptoms more than inactive control (k = 46; n = 3,389; standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.02 to -0.63) and active control (k-9; n = 662; SMD = -0.35, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.14) at posttreatment and also compared with inactive control at 6-month follow-up (k = 10; n = 738; SMD = -0.45, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.08). Psychological interventions reduced depressive symptoms (k = 31; n = 2,075; SMD = -0.87, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.63; I2 = 82.7%, p = 0.000) and anxiety (k = 15; n = 1,395; SMD = -1.03, 95% CI -1.44 to -0.61; p = 0.000) at posttreatment compared with inactive control. Sleep quality was significantly improved at posttreatment by psychological interventions compared with inactive control (k = 3; n = 111; SMD = -1.00, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.51; p = 0.245). There were no significant differences between psychological interventions and inactive control group at posttreatment for quality of life (k = 6; n = 401; SMD = 0.33, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.66; p = 0.021). Antipsychotic medicine (k = 5; n = 364; SMD = -0.45; -0.85 to -0.05; p = 0.085) and prazosin (k = 3; n = 110; SMD = -0.52; -1.03 to -0.02; p = 0.182) were effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. Phase-based psychological interventions that included skills-based strategies along with trauma-focused strategies were the most promising interventions for emotional dysregulation and interpersonal problems. Compared with pharmacological interventions, we observed that psychological interventions were associated with greater reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms and improved sleep quality. Sensitivity analysis showed that psychological interventions were acceptable with lower dropout, even in studies rated at low risk of attrition bias. Trauma-focused psychological interventions were superior to non-trauma-focused interventions across trauma subgroups for PTSD symptoms, but effects among veterans and war-affected populations were significantly reduced. The network meta-analysis showed that multicomponent interventions that included cognitive restructuring and imaginal exposure were the most effective for reducing PTSD symptoms (k = 17; n = 1,077; mean difference = -37.95, 95% CI -60.84 to -15.16). Our use of a non-diagnostic inclusion strategy may have overlooked certain complex-trauma populations with severe and enduring mental health comorbidities. Additionally, the relative contribution of skills-based intervention components was not feasibly evaluated in the network meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we observed that trauma-focused psychological interventions are effective for managing mental health problems and comorbidities in people exposed to complex trauma. Multicomponent interventions, which can include phase-based approaches, were the most effective treatment package for managing PTSD in complex trauma. Establishing optimal ways to deliver multicomponent psychological interventions for people exposed to complex traumatic events is a research and clinical priority.
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Benuto LT, Bennett NM, Casas JB. Minority Participation in Randomized Controlled Trials for Prolonged Exposure Therapy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:420-431. [PMID: 32521089 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Per the most recent census, non-Latinx White individuals comprise the majority of the U.S. population (76.6%); Latinx individuals make up 18.3% of the total U.S. population, followed by African Americans (13.4%) and Asians (5.9%). Given the high prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) observed across many ethnoracial minority groups in the United States, the fact that PTSD presentation may vary across culture, and the National Institute of Health's mandates for the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical outcome research, the aim of the present systematic review was to examine minority inclusion in clinical outcome research for PTSD. Our review focused exclusively on one empirically supported treatment: prolonged exposure therapy (PE); we identified 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Apart from African Americans, who were overrepresented in 21 studies (inclusion rate range: 13.5%-73.9%), ethnoracial minority inclusion in RCTs examining PE was low. More specifically, across included studies that reported ethnoracial minority data, 58.9% of participants were White, 31.1% were African American, 4.9% were Latinx, 0.6% were Asian American or Pacific Islander, and 4.7% reported race as "other." Inclusion rates for ethnoracial minorities appeared to increase across time, and recruitment strategies did not appear to be associated with increased ethnoracial minority participation in RCTs for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine T Benuto
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Natalie M Bennett
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Jena B Casas
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
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Barawi KS, Lewis C, Simon N, Bisson JI. A systematic review of factors associated with outcome of psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1774240. [PMID: 33029317 PMCID: PMC7473314 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1774240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not always effective and can leave some individuals with enduring symptoms. Little is known about factors that are associated with better or worse treatment outcome. Our objective was to address this gap. METHOD We undertook a systematic review following Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. We included 126 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions for PTSD and examined factors that were associated with treatment outcome, in terms of severity of PTSD symptoms post-treatment, and recovery or remission. RESULTS Associations were neither consistent nor strong. Two factors were associated with smaller reductions in severity of PTSD symptoms post-treatment: comorbid diagnosis of depression, and higher PTSD symptom severity at baseline assessment. Higher education, adherence to homework and experience of a more recent trauma were associated with better treatment outcome. CONCLUSION Identifying and understanding why certain factors are associated with treatment outcome is vital to determine which individuals are most likely to benefit from particular treatments and to develop more effective treatments in the future. There is an urgent need for consistent and standardized reporting of factors associated with treatment outcome in all clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kali S Barawi
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Wales, UK
| | - Catrin Lewis
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Wales, UK
| | - Natalie Simon
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Wales, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Wales, UK
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Walter KH, Glassman LH, Wells SY, Thorp SR, Morland LA. The Impact of Depression Severity on Treatment Outcomes Among Older Male Combat Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:345-352. [PMID: 32216149 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly comorbid within the veteran population. Research studies have yielded divergent findings regarding the effect of depression on PTSD treatment outcomes. The present study investigated the influence of pretreatment depression severity on PTSD and depression symptom trajectories among 85 older (i.e., ≥ 60 years) male veterans with military-related PTSD who received either prolonged exposure or relaxation training as part of a randomized controlled trial. Participants were categorized as having no/mild depression (n = 23) or moderate/severe depression (n = 62). The PTSD Checklist (PCL-S) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were completed at pretreatment, each of 12 therapy sessions, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up, for a total of up to 15 data points per participant. Multilevel modeling (MLM) was used to evaluate the impact of pretreatment depression severity on piecewise symptom trajectories (i.e., active treatment and follow-up periods) over time and to determine whether treatment condition moderated the trajectories. The final MLM results showed significant main effects of depression severity on PCL-S scores, B = 10.84, p = .043 and PHQ-9 scores, B = 7.09, p = .001, over time. No significant interactions emerged for either the PCL-S or PHQ-9, indicating that although older veterans with more severe depression endorsed higher PTSD and depression scores across time, the symptom trajectories were not moderated by depression severity, treatment condition, or their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H Walter
- Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lisa H Glassman
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Wells
- Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Steven R Thorp
- Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, California, USA.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Leslie A Morland
- Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,National Center for PTSD-Pacific Island Healthcare, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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37
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Fuller-Thomson E, Lacombe-Duncan A, Goodman D, Fallon B, Brennenstuhl S. From surviving to thriving: factors associated with complete mental health among childhood sexual abuse survivors. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2020; 55:735-744. [PMID: 31565755 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01767-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite many negative health and social consequences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), some of those with a history of adversity manage to thrive in adulthood and achieve complete mental health (CMH). CMH is defined as the absence of mental illness in combination with almost daily happiness and/or life satisfaction, as well as high levels of social and psychological well-being. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify the pathways linking CSA to CMH in adulthood and (2) to estimate the magnitude of risk and protective factors associated with CMH among those exposed to CSA. METHODS A sample of 17,014 respondents aged 20 years and older from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health was selected including 651 with a history of CSA. Path analysis was used to estimate indirect and direct pathways between CSA, a priori hypothesized risk and protective factors, and CMH. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to investigate the magnitude of effects of the same risk and protective factors on CMH among CSA survivors. RESULTS After controlling for age, sex, race, education, and marital status, the association between CSA and CMH was mediated by lifetime depression, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic pain, and having a confidant. The strongest predictor of past-year CMH among those with a history of CSA was lifetime depression (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.07-0.20) followed by having a confidant (OR 6.78, 95% CI 1.89-24.38). The odds of CMH was decreased by over three times among those with a history of substance misuse, and halved for those with lifetime anxiety and/or presence of pain. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that CMH among survivors of CSA is related to social and emotional factors such as social support and lifetime history of mental health conditions. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of multilevel interventions for promoting recovery among CSA survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esme Fuller-Thomson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada.
| | - Ashley Lacombe-Duncan
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Deborah Goodman
- Child Welfare Institute, Children's Aid Society of Toronto, 30 Isabella Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1N1, Canada
| | - Barbara Fallon
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Sarah Brennenstuhl
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 130, Toronto, ON, M5T 1P8, Canada
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38
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Lange BCL, Bach-Mortensen AM, Condon EM, Gardner F. A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions designed for mothers who experienced child sexual abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 104:104401. [PMID: 32361655 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past experiences of child sexual abuse (CSA) have been shown to have a pernicious effect on the parenting behaviors of mothers. As a result, interventions have been developed to address these effects. However, a systematic synthesis of the effectiveness of such interventions has not been conducted. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of existing literature on interventions that have been developed and evaluated for mothers who experienced CSA. METHODS Studies were located through a sensitive search strategy in nine academic databases and search engines, and through handsearching reference lists of included studies and their subsequent citations. Two authors independently completed screening, full text review, data extraction, and quality appraisal. RESULTS Searches revealed a paucity of literature, with four intervention studies located. All four interventions consisted of therapy, with three of these interventions using a group-based format. One of the included intervention studies used reiki as an adjunct to therapy. Decreases in negative mental health symptoms were reported through both validated measures and interviews. No validated measures to assess parenting were used in any intervention, though some qualitative results indicated changes in parenting. Qualitative results also suggested that most mothers were satisfied with the interventions. Studies were of limited quality - none used a randomized trial design, and only one a control group. CONCLUSIONS Given the limitations of the identified intervention studies for mothers who experienced CSA, there is a clear need to develop evidence-based interventions for this population given the unique detrimental effects of CSA on parenting. Avenues for future intervention development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C L Lange
- University of Oxford, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, UK.
| | - Anders Malthe Bach-Mortensen
- University of Oxford, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, UK
| | - Eileen M Condon
- Yale School of Nursing, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, United States
| | - Frances Gardner
- University of Oxford, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, UK
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Shea MT, Krupnick JL, Belsher BE, Schnurr PP. Non-Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies for the Treatment of PTSD: a Descriptive Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00214-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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40
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Lu JY, Tung TH, Shen SA, Huang C, Chen PS. The effects of psychotherapy for depressed or posttraumatic stress disorder women with childhood sexual abuse history: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19776. [PMID: 32332620 PMCID: PMC7220744 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the most common mental disorders of women suffered from childhood sexual abuse histories. It has been widely recognized that depression and PTSD may decrease patients' quality of life. The objective of this study is conducted to explore the effects of psychotherapy for depressed or PTSD women with childhood sexual abuse history. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library from inception to June 30, 2019. The search strategy is (sexual assault OR sexual crime OR sexual abuse) AND (depression OR PTSD) AND (treatment OR intervention OR psychotherapy) with no restriction on language. Two authors independently selected the studies, assessed the quality of the included studies, and extracted data. RESULTS Nine randomized control trials with 761 participants met the inclusion criteria. There were 340 participants in the psychotherapy group and 421 participants in the control group (usual treatment or waiting list). Compared to usual care, improvements were significantly greater in the psychotherapy group. The Beck depression inventory score for depression diagnosis of the psychotherapy group is lower from 4.27 to 8.96 (P < .05) than the control group. The client assessment protocols for PTSD, the diagnosis is also lower from 12.4 to 13.71 than the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION The results suggested that psychotherapy is effective in reducing depressed or PTSD women with childhood sexual abuse. Further large-scale high-quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are warranted for confirming this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Yuan Lu
- Taiwan Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation, Taipei
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Department of Crime Prevention and Correction, Central Police University, Taoyuan
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei
| | - Sheng-Ang Shen
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien Huang
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shih Chen
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
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Lewis C, Roberts NP, Andrew M, Starling E, Bisson JI. Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1729633. [PMID: 32284821 PMCID: PMC7144187 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1729633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychological therapies are the recommended first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous systematic reviews have grouped theoretically similar interventions to determine differences between broadly distinct approaches. Consequently, we know little regarding the relative efficacy of the specific manualized therapies commonly applied to the treatment of PTSD. Objective: To determine the effect sizes of manualized therapies for PTSD. Methods: We undertook a systematic review following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. A pre-determined definition of clinical importance was applied to the results and the quality of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Results: 114 randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of 8171 participants were included. There was robust evidence that the therapies broadly defined as CBT with a trauma focus (CBT-T), as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), had a clinically important effect. The manualized CBT-Ts with the strongest evidence of effect were Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); Cognitive Therapy (CT); and Prolonged Exposure (PE). There was also some evidence supporting CBT without a trauma focus; group CBT with a trauma focus; guided internet-based CBT; and Present Centred Therapy (PCT). There was emerging evidence for a number of other therapies. Conclusions: A recent increase in RCTs of psychological therapies for PTSD, results in a more confident recommendation of CBT-T and EMDR as the first-line treatments. Among the CBT-Ts considered by the review CPT, CT and PE should be the treatments of choice. The findings should guide evidence informed shared decision-making between patient and clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin Lewis
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil P. Roberts
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
- Directorate of Psychology and Psychological Therapies, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Martin Andrew
- Cardiff Traumatic Stress Service, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elise Starling
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jonathan I. Bisson
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Tracy EL, Tracy CT, Kim JJ, Yang R, Kim E. Cascading effects of childhood abuse on physical health issues in later adulthood through trait anxiety and poor daily sleep quality. J Health Psychol 2020; 26:2342-2348. [PMID: 32114830 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320909876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating roles of trait anxiety and daily sleep quality between childhood abuse and physical health issues later in adulthood by utilizing the Midlife in the United States Study (n = 281; Mage = 56.38 in wave 2 and Mage = 62.57 in wave 3). Individuals who reported a higher level of childhood abuse reported a higher level of trait anxiety and a lower level of daily sleep quality, leading to an increase in physical health issues. The results highlight the cascading effects of childhood abuse on serious health consequences over the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rumei Yang
- University of Utah, USA.,Nanjing Medical University, China
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43
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C'de Baca J, Castillo D, DeBeer B, Qualls C. Rationale and design of an efficacy study of Group Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 17:100509. [PMID: 31989057 PMCID: PMC6970140 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among health problems in the Veteran population, the most common is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its effect on the quality of life. Prolonged Exposure therapy, based on emotional processing theory, is a first-line treatment for reducing PTSD symptom severity when delivered in an individual format, and its efficacy is well established. The primary objective of this study is to establish the efficacy of prolonged exposure delivered in a small 3-person group modality. Quality of life should improve with decreases in PTSD symptoms such as sleep disturbance, irritability, and hypervigilance. Stigma is associated with hesitation in seeking treatment and treatment dropout. A secondary objective is to measure the effect of group treatment on reducing the stigma surrounding PTSD. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of Group Prolonged Exposure (PE) for reducing PTSD symptom severity and improving quality of life in male Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans. All participants are randomly assigned to receive Group PE or Group Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) for 10-weekly, 90-min sessions. Group PE focuses on processing trauma memories, while the goal of Group PCT is improved psychosocial functioning through management of current stressors. The primary outcome is improvement in CAPS-5 PTSD symptom severity scores and quality of life measures (WHO-QOL and SF-36) from pre-treatment to post-treatment, 3-months post-treatment, and 6-months post-treatment. A secondary outcome is reductions in perceived self-stigma of mental illness based on the Stigma Scale at baseline and follow-up points. This study is designed to expand access to this first-line treatment for PTSD by delivering PE in a small group modality while conforming to the individual PE protocol, with group treatment reducing perceived stigma of mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet C'de Baca
- New Mexico VA Health Care System VISN 22, Behavioral Health Care Line (116), 1501 San Pedro SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA
| | - Diane Castillo
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, 151-C, Waco, TX, 76711, USA
| | - Bryann DeBeer
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, 151-C, Waco, TX, 76711, USA.,Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Clifford Qualls
- Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.,Biostatistician, Biomedical Research Institute of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Lewis C, Roberts NP, Gibson S, Bisson JI. Dropout from psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1709709. [PMID: 32284816 PMCID: PMC7144189 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1709709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the established efficacy of psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) there has been little systematic exploration of dropout rates. Objective: To ascertain rates of dropout across different modalities of psychological therapy for PTSD and to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Method: A systematic review of dropout rates from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological therapies was conducted. The pooled rate of dropout from psychological therapies was estimated and reasons for heterogeneity explored using meta-regression. Results:: The pooled rate of dropout from RCTs of psychological therapies for PTSD was 16% (95% CI 14-18%). There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity across studies. We found evidence that psychological therapies with a trauma-focus were significantly associated with greater dropout. There was no evidence of greater dropout from therapies delivered in a group format; from studies that recruited participants from clinical services rather than via advertisements; that included only military personnel/veterans; that were limited to participants traumatized by sexual traumas; that included a higher proportion of female participants; or from studies with a lower proportion of participants who were university educated. Conclusions: Dropout rates from recommended psychological therapies for PTSD are high and this appears to be particularly true of interventions with a trauma focus. There is a need to further explore the reasons for dropout and to look at ways of increasing treatment retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin Lewis
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil P Roberts
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.,Psychology and Psychological Therapies, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK.,Cardiff University Traumatic Stress Service, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Samuel Gibson
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Belsher BE, Beech E, Evatt D, Smolenski DJ, Shea MT, Otto JL, Rosen CS, Schnurr PP. Present-centered therapy (PCT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2019:CD012898. [PMID: 31742672 PMCID: PMC6863089 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012898.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Present-centered therapy (PCT) is a non-trauma, manualized psychotherapy for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PCT was originally designed as a treatment comparator in trials evaluating the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Recent trials have indicated that PCT may be an effective treatment option for PTSD and that patients may drop out of PCT at lower rates relative to TF-CBT. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of PCT for adults with PTSD. Specifically, we sought to determine whether (1) PCT is more effective in alleviating symptoms relative to control conditions, (2) PCT results in similar alleviation of symptoms compared to TF-CBT, based on an a priori minimally important differences on a semi-structured interview of PTSD symptoms, and (3) PCT is associated with lower treatment dropout as compared to TF-CBT. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and PTSDpubs (previously called the Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) database) (all years to 15 February 2019 search). We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify unpublished and ongoing trials. Reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews were checked. Grey literature searches were also conducted to identify dissertations and theses, clinical guidelines, and regulatory agency reports. SELECTION CRITERIA We selected all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that recruited adults diagnosed with PTSD to evaluate PCT compared to TF-CBT or a control condition. Both individual and group PCT modalities were included. The primary outcomes of interest included reduced PTSD severity as determined by a clinician-administered measure and treatment dropout rates. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We complied with the Cochrane recommended standards for data screening and collection. Two review authors independently screened articles for inclusion and extracted relevant data from eligible studies, including the assessment of trial quality. Random-effects meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous data or risk ratios (RR) and risk differences (RD) for dichotomous data. To conclude that PCT resulted in similar reductions in PTSD symptoms relative to TF-CBT, we required a MD of less than 10 points (to include the 95% confidence interval) on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Five members of the review team convened to rate the quality of evidence across the primary outcomes. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion. Review authors who were investigators on any of the included trials were not involved in the qualitative or quantitative syntheses. MAIN RESULTS We included 12 studies (n = 1837), of which, three compared PCT to a wait-list/minimal attention (WL/MA) group and 11 compared PCT to TF-CBT. PCT was more effective than WL/MA in reducing PTSD symptom severity (SMD -0.84, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.59; participants = 290; studies = 3; I² = 0%). We assessed the quality of this evidence as moderate. The results of the non-inferiority analysis comparing PCT to TF-CBT did not support PCT non-inferiority, with the 95% confidence interval surpassing the clinically meaningful cut-off (MD 6.83, 95% CI 1.90 to 11.76; 6 studies, n = 607; I² = 42%). We assessed this quality of evidence as low. CAPS differences between PCT and TF-CBT attenuated at 6-month (MD 1.59, 95% CI -0.46 to 3.63; participants = 906; studies = 6; I² = 0%) and 12-month (MD 1.22, 95% CI -2.17 to 4.61; participants = 485; studies = 3; I² = 0%) follow-up periods. To confirm the direction of the treatment effect using all eligible trials, we also evaluated PTSD SMD differences. These results were consistent with the primary MD outcomes, with meaningful effect size differences between PCT and TF-CBT at post-treatment (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.56; participants = 1129; studies = 9), but smaller effect size differences at six months (SMD 0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.29; participants = 1339; studies = 9) and 12 months (SMD 0.17, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.31; participants = 728; studies = 5). PCT had approximately 14% lower treatment dropout rates compared to TF-CBT (RD -0.14, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.10; participants = 1542; studies = 10). We assessed the quality of this evidence as moderate. There was no evidence of meaningful differences on self-reported PTSD (MD 4.50, 95% CI 3.09 to 5.90; participants = 983; studies = 7) or depression symptoms (MD 1.78, 95% CI -0.23 to 3.78; participants = 705; studies = 5) post-treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Moderate-quality evidence indicates that PCT is more effective in reducing PTSD severity compared to control conditions. Low quality of evidence did not support PCT as a non-inferior treatment compared to TF-CBT on clinician-rated post-treatment PTSD severity. The treatment effect differences between PCT and TF-CBT may attenuate over time. PCT participants drop out of treatment at lower rates relative to TF-CBT participants. Of note, all of the included studies were primarily designed to test the effectiveness of TF-CBT which may bias results away from PCT non-inferiority.The current systematic review provides the most rigorous evaluation to date to determine whether PCT is comparably as effective as TF-CBT. Findings are generally consistent with current clinical practice guidelines that suggest that PCT may be offered as a treatment for PTSD when TF-CBT is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley E Belsher
- Defense Health AgencyPsychological Health Center of ExcellenceSilver SpringMarylandUSA20910
- Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Erin Beech
- Defense Health AgencyPsychological Health Center of ExcellenceSilver SpringMarylandUSA20910
| | - Daniel Evatt
- Defense Health AgencyPsychological Health Center of ExcellenceSilver SpringMarylandUSA20910
- Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Derek J Smolenski
- Defense Health AgencyPsychological Health Center of ExcellenceSilver SpringMarylandUSA20910
| | - M Tracie Shea
- VA Medical CenterDepartment of Veterans AffairsProvidenceRIUSA
- Brown UniversityThe Warren Alpert Medical SchoolProvidenceUSA
| | - Jean Lin Otto
- Defense Health AgencyPsychological Health Center of ExcellenceSilver SpringMarylandUSA20910
- Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Craig S Rosen
- National Center for PTSDPalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
- Stanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- National Center for PTSDWhite River JunctionVermontUSA
- Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
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Bryant RA. Post-traumatic stress disorder: a state-of-the-art review of evidence and challenges. World Psychiatry 2019; 18:259-269. [PMID: 31496089 PMCID: PMC6732680 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is arguably the most common psychiatric disorder to arise after exposure to a traumatic event. Since its formal introduction in the DSM-III in 1980, knowledge has grown significantly regarding its causes, maintaining mechanisms and treatments. Despite this increased understanding, however, the actual definition of the disorder remains controversial. The DSM-5 and ICD-11 define the disorder differently, reflecting disagreements in the field about whether the construct of PTSD should encompass a broad array of psychological manifestations that arise after trauma or should be focused more specifically on trauma memory phenomena. This controversy over clarifying the phenotype of PTSD has limited the capacity to identify biomarkers and specific mechanisms of traumatic stress. This review provides an up-to-date outline of the current definitions of PTSD, its known prevalence and risk factors, the main models to explain the disorder, and evidence-supported treatments. A major conclusion is that, although trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy is the best-validated treatment for PTSD, it has stagnated over recent decades, and only two-thirds of PTSD patients respond adequately to this intervention. Moreover, most people with PTSD do not access evidence-based treatment, and this situation is much worse in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying processes that can overcome these major barriers to better management of people with PTSD remains an outstanding challenge.
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Deng W, Hu D, Xu S, Liu X, Zhao J, Chen Q, Liu J, Zhang Z, Jiang W, Ma L, Hong X, Cheng S, Liu B, Li X. The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for PTSD symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2019; 257:698-709. [PMID: 31382122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.07.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for PTSD is an emerging treatment of remarkable promise, but its efficacy and safety are still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy of VRET for individuals with PTSD, and to identify the potential moderating variables associated with interventions. METHODS Literature search was conducted via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and EBSCO. We identified 18 studies on PTSD including 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 654 participants) and 5 single-group trials (60 participants). RESULTS The main effects analysis showed a moderate effect size (g = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.105-0.550, p<0.01) for VRET compared to control conditions on PTSD symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects of VRET were larger when compared to inactive groups (g = 0.567) than active control groups (g = 0.017). This finding was in agreement with depressive symptoms. A dose-response relationship existed with more VRET sessions showing larger effects. There was a long-range effect of VRET on PTSD symptoms indicating a sustained decrease in PTSD symptoms at 3-month follow-up (g = 0.697) and 6-month follow-up (g = 0.848). The single-group trials analysis revealed that the VRET intervention had a significant effect on PTSD. LIMITATIONS Many of the combat-related PTSD subjects resulted in uncertainty regarding meta-analytical estimates and subsequent conclusions. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that VRET could produce significant PTSD symptoms reduction and supported its application in treating PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Deng
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jiayuan Liu
- Department of Medical Anesthesia, the First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Anesthesia, the First Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Wenxiu Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, Stomatology College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lijun Ma
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, Anhui 246133, China
| | - Xinyi Hong
- Department of Clinical Medical, the First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shengrong Cheng
- Department of Clinical Medical, the First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Boya Liu
- Department of Clinical Medical, the First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Medical Psychology, Chaohu Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Lely JCG, Knipscheer JW, Moerbeek M, Ter Heide FJJ, van den Bout J, Kleber RJ. Randomised controlled trial comparing narrative exposure therapy with present-centred therapy for older patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Br J Psychiatry 2019; 214:369-377. [PMID: 30957736 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based treatment and age-specific services are required to address the needs of trauma-affected older populations. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) may present an appropriate treatment approach for this population since it provides prolonged exposure in a lifespan perspective. As yet, however, no trial on this intervention has been conducted with older adults from Western Europe.AimsExamining the efficacy of NET in a sample of older adults. METHOD Out-patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aged 55 years and over, were randomly assigned to either 11 sessions of NET (n = 18) or 11 sessions of present-centred therapy (PCT) (n = 15) and assessed on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) pre-treatment, post-treatment and at follow-up. Total scores as well as symptom scores (re-experience, avoidance and hyperarousal) were evaluated. RESULTS Using a piecewise mixed-effects growth model, at post-treatment a medium between-treatment effect size for CAPS total score (Cohen's d = 0.44) was found, favouring PCT. At follow-up, however, the between-treatment differences were non-significant. Drop-out rates were low (NET 6.7%, PCT 14.3%) and no participant dropped out of the study because of increased distress. CONCLUSIONS Both NET and PCT appear to be safe and efficacious treatments with older adults: PCT is non-intrusive and NET allows for imaginal exposure in a lifespan perspective. By selectively providing these approaches in clinical practice, patient matching can be optimised.Declaration of interestNone.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C G Lely
- Psychotherapist and Researcher,Foundation Centrum '45; and Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group,the Netherlands
| | - J W Knipscheer
- Psychotherapist,Foundation Centrum '45;Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group; andAssistant Professor,Department of Clinical Psychology,Utrecht University,the Netherlands
| | - M Moerbeek
- Associate Professor,Department of Methodology and Statistics,Utrecht University,the Netherlands
| | - F J J Ter Heide
- Psychotherapist,Foundation Centrum '45; andSenior Researcher,Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group,the Netherlands
| | - J van den Bout
- Professor Emeritus,Department of Clinical Psychology,Utrecht University,the Netherlands
| | - R J Kleber
- Professor Emeritus Psychotraumatology,Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University; and Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group,the Netherlands
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49
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Gobin RL, Strauss JL, Golshan S, Allard CB, Bomyea J, Schnurr PP, Lang AJ. Gender Differences in Response to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn Veterans. Womens Health Issues 2019; 29:267-273. [PMID: 31060890 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most of our knowledge base regarding treatment response among veterans comes from predominantly male samples. Evidence suggests, however, that women and men use different coping strategies, which may impact how effective treatments are for people of different genders. The purpose of this investigation was to examine gender differences in response to acceptance and commitment therapy, an empirically supported transdiagnostic psychotherapy. METHODS Data were drawn from a multisite, randomized, controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy as compared with a psychotherapy control, namely, present-centered therapy (PCT), in veterans with emotional distress who served in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). Although the original trial did not find a difference between acceptance and commitment therapy and present-centered therapy, we were interested in examining whether gender differences may have been obscured in the original analyses. This secondary analysis included 117 participants for whom at least one post-baseline data point was available and examined the role of gender in treatment response. RESULTS Gender differences were not observed on the primary outcome of general distress, but were observed in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest the possibility of gender differences in psychotherapy response and should motivate additional study of gender-specific care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn L Gobin
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.
| | - Jennifer L Strauss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Shahrokh Golshan
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Carolyn B Allard
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California; California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Alhambra, California
| | - Jessica Bomyea
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Paula P Schnurr
- Executive Division, National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, Vermont; Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Ariel J Lang
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
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Evidenced-Based Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Updated Review of Validated Psychotherapeutic and Pharmacological Approaches. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2019; 26:99-115. [PMID: 29734225 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Evaluate psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic approaches to treating patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. ABSTRACT A strong evidence base exists for psychological and pharmacological interventions for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The published literature investigating the effectiveness of these treatments in reducing the symptoms and impairments associated with PTSD has expanded substantially in recent years. This review provides a concise overview of the empirical literature examining these treatment approaches. Evidence-based, trauma-focused therapies are recommended as first-line interventions, with the most support for cognitive- and exposure-based approaches. Prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy are the two most cited and rigorously investigated. Various other evidence-supported protocols are discussed. Pharmacotherapies can be used when evidence-based psychotherapies are not available or are ineffective, or on the basis of patient preference. Pharmacotherapy with the most support for PTSD includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Evidence supports the implementation of these interventions across genders, populations, and settings. Given that little research directly compares the effectiveness of different PTSD interventions and their mechanisms of action, it remains uncertain how to best select and tailor treatments to optimize individual outcomes. Future directions and novel, ongoing research are discussed.
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