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Numerous studies have documented that comprehensive psychotherapy is an effective method of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.
However, the benefits of therapeutic interventions have not yet been compared based on whether the disorder is caused by a single event, such as a road traffic accident, or multiple traumatic events lasting a certain period. The latter includes war, repeated sexual or physical violence.
An international group of researchers conducted a meta-analysis based on data from approximately 10,600 patients, published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry.
The Issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This disorder does not develop after every trauma or stress, even if they are prolonged.
Characteristic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include anxious intrusive traumatic memories, avoidance behavior, and difficulties with emotional regulation.
Millions of people worldwide suffer from it, including military veterans, emergency responders, and victims of cruel treatment or violence.
- About 7-8% of people will experience post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives.
- Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from PTSD.
- PTSD is more common among individuals who have experienced multiple traumas.
- Military veterans have a higher risk of developing PTSD compared to the general population.
- Emergency responders, like police officers, and firefighters also face an increased risk of developing PTSD.
- Approximately 1 in 3 individuals who have experienced sexual violence will develop PTSD.
Research Overview
Scientists from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Norway conducted a review of over 130 clinical trials related to the impact of psychotherapy on PTSD. The studies involved a total of 10,684 participants, comprising 54% women, 46% men, and three (<1%) transgender or other individuals. The average age of participants was 40.2 years, ranging from 18 to 65.4 years. Residents of low and middle-income countries participated in 23 (17%) of the 137 trials.
Effectiveness of Psychotherapy for Individuals with PTSD from Multiple Traumas
Researchers found that adults whose post-traumatic stress disorder resulted from multiple traumas experienced the same benefits as those with PTSD related to a single event. Previously, these results were only documented in the treatment of children and adolescents with PTSD.
Dr. Tol Hoppen from the University of Münster notes that some psychotherapists hesitate to address traumatic experiences directly during treatment.
However, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy – a form of psychotherapy which helps process the traumatic memories – is not only very effective according to the accumulated data, but more effective than non-trauma-focused interventions.
Corresponding Author Richard Meiser-Stedman, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School
Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused, is the first-line treatment recommended by national and international psychological organizations.
Future research will focus on assessing the long-term effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with PTSD.
