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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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Abstract
Objectives: Research on dissociative symptomatology in the context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been gaining traction, with dissociation being studied as a set of complex symptoms following trauma exposure and as a specific subtype of PTSD. The aims of this review are to summarize the literature as it stands, examine the efficacy of existing interventions in treating dissociative symptomatology within the context of PTSD, and offer potential suggestions for future research. Methods: A systematic approach was taken to locate empirical studies on PTSD that included dissociation as an outcome in the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases. Recent experimental designs with adult subjects (18+ years) in the English language were included, yielding 103 potentially eligible studies. Thirty-three full-text articles were screened with 17 articles meeting criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Results: Designs, populations, treatments, and inventories were extremely diverse. Most therapies did not target dissociation specifically, although the results of this review suggest that PTSD patients who experience dissociative symptoms could benefit from trauma-focused treatments, which often significantly reduced dissociative and trauma-related symptoms. Conclusion: Future work should consider the evaluation of dissociation as a unique outcome to gain understanding about the nature of traumatic stress and to develop treatment options for its many presentations. The current literature displays limited generalizability to the treatment of individuals with high dissociation, which is a line of inquiry that should be explored. More RCTs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Atchley
- Department of Precision Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carter Bedford
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University , Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Najavits LM, Clark HW, DiClemente CC, Potenza MN, Shaffer HJ, Sorensen JL, Tull MT, Zweben A, Zweben JE. PTSD / substance use disorder comorbidity: Treatment options and public health needs. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN PSYCHIATRY 2020; 7:544-558. [PMID: 35444925 PMCID: PMC9017717 DOI: 10.1007/s40501-020-00234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with substance use disorder (SUD) and is challenging to treat. We review all behavioral therapy models with at least one randomized controlled trial in a current PTSD/SUD population. We identify factors in selecting a model for clinical use, emphasizing a public health framework that balances the need for evidence with the need for feasibility in frontline settings. Recent Findings Seven published models and 6 unpublished models are reviewed. Public health considerations for choosing a model include: whether it's been studied across a broad range of SUDs and in complex SUD patients; whether it can be conducted in group modality; its appeal to patients and providers; its cost; workforce requirements; and its ability to reduce substance use in addition to PTSD. Summary There are two broad types of models: those that originated in the PTSD field versus the SUD field. Overall, the latter are stronger on public health factors and more feasible in SUD settings. Published models in this category include Relapse Prevention, BRENDA, and Seeking Safety. PTSD/SUD research is at an early stage and there is a need for methodology that quantifies "level of burden" (patients' socioeconomic disadvantages) across trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marc N Potenza
- Departments of Psychiatry, Child Study and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine
| | | | - James L Sorensen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center
| | | | | | - Joan E Zweben
- University of California, San Francisco, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco
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Bourdon DÉ, El-Baalbaki G, Girard D, Lapointe-Blackburn É, Guay S. Schemas and coping strategies in cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD: A systematic review. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Najavits LM, Krinsley K, Waring ME, Gallagher MW, Skidmore C. A Randomized Controlled Trial for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder: Creating Change versus Seeking Safety. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:1788-1800. [PMID: 29461920 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1432653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) co-occur in military veterans and other populations. OBJECTIVE To conduct a randomized controlled trial to compare a new past-focused treatment (Creating Change; CC), to a well-established, evidence-based present-focused treatment for PTSD/SUD (Seeking Safety; SS), on symptoms of both disorders. CC guides patients to process the past through exploration of PTSD/SUD life themes and memories whereas SS focuses on coping skills in the present. METHODS Fifty-two male and female veterans with current PTSD/SUD were randomized (n = 26 per treatment) and assessed at baseline, end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. They received 17 individual one-hour sessions. RESULTS Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that both conditions improved over time, with no difference between conditions, on PTSD, alcohol use, and drug use (our primary outcomes) as well as mental health symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, and SUD cognitions. Effect sizes were medium except for alcohol use, which was large. Change over time reflected improvement from baseline to end-of-treatment, with gains sustained at follow-up, although alcohol use showed continued improvement from end-of-treatment to follow-up. Both treatments evidenced a strong safety profile; and attendance, alliance, and treatment satisfaction were also very strong. Conclusions/importance: CC has promise as a PTSD/SUD therapy with strong public health relevance and the potential to fill important gaps in the field. We used minimal exclusionary criteria to obtain a real-world sample, which was severe-predominantly substance-dependent with chronic PTSD and additional psychiatric diagnoses. Future research is warranted, especially on nonveteran samples and treatment mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Najavits
- a Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , Massachusetts , USA.,d Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research , Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital , Bedford , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Karen Krinsley
- a Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Molly E Waring
- c Departments of Quantitative Health Sciences and Obstetrics & Gynecology , University of Massachusetts Medical School , Worcester , Massachusetts , USA.,d Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research , Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital , Bedford , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Matthew W Gallagher
- e Department of Psychology, Texas Institute for Measurement , Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston , Houston , Texas , USA
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Ralevski E, Southwick S, Jackson E, Jane JS, Russo M, Petrakis I. Trauma- and Stress-Induced Response in Veterans with Alcohol Dependence and Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1752-60. [PMID: 27368085 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ralevski
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
| | - Steven Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
| | - Eric Jackson
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
| | - Jane Serrita Jane
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
| | - Melanie Russo
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
| | - Ismene Petrakis
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven Connecticut
- Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
- Mental Illness Research and Clinical Center; VA Connecticut Healthcare System; West Haven Connecticut
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Ramos Z, Fortuna LR, Porche MV, Wang Y, Shrout PE, Loder S, McPeck S, Noyola N, Toro M, Carmona R, Alegría M. Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and their Relationship to Drug and Alcohol use in an International Sample of Latino Immigrants. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 19:552-561. [PMID: 27150593 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We identify the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms and their relationship to alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) among Latino immigrants in two countries. A screening battery assessing PTSD symptoms (PCL-C), alcohol use (AUDIT), drug abuse (DAST), and psychological measures was administered to 562 Latino immigrants recruited in clinics. We used logistical regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and AUD/SUD. Prevalence of elevated PTSD symptoms was high (53.7 % in Boston, 47.9 % in Madrid and, 43.8 % in Barcelona). Screening positive for psychological measures was significantly correlated to screening positive on the PCL-C (p < 0.001). Significant gender differences in risk of AUD/SUD were moderated by PTSD symptoms. Presence of any PTSD symptoms predicted problems with benzodiazepine misuse. Given the high rates of co-morbidity between PTSD symptoms and AUD/SUD, we recommend early interventions for dual pathology for Latino immigrants with trauma history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorangelí Ramos
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | - Lisa R Fortuna
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA.,Boston University Medical School, Boston Medical Center, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ye Wang
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | - Patrick E Shrout
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Loder
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | - Samantha McPeck
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | - Nestor Noyola
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | - Manuela Toro
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA
| | | | - Margarita Alegría
- Disparities Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 8th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114-2698, USA.
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