Ptsd treatment therapy
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Effective Therapies for PTSD Treatment
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy directly addresses memories of the traumatic event and related thoughts and feelings. Multiple studies have shown that TF-CBT significantly reduces PTSD symptoms in both adults and children1 3 4 6 10. Individual forms of TF-CBT have demonstrated large effects in reducing PTSD symptoms post-treatment compared to waitlist controls1. Additionally, TF-CBT has been found to be more effective than other therapies such as supportive counseling and non-directive counseling3 5.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another highly effective treatment for PTSD. EMDR involves the patient recalling distressing experiences while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements. Studies have shown that EMDR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and is comparable in effectiveness to TF-CBT3 5 6 8. EMDR has also been found to sustain symptom improvements beyond the treatment endpoint6.
MDMA-Assisted Therapy
MDMA-assisted therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for severe PTSD. A recent phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and functional impairment compared to placebo2. This therapy involves the administration of MDMA in conjunction with manualized therapy sessions, and it has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even in individuals with comorbid conditions such as depression and substance use disorders2.
Stress Management
Stress management techniques, which include various methods to reduce stress and improve coping mechanisms, have also been found to be effective in treating PTSD. These techniques are particularly beneficial when combined with other therapies like TF-CBT and EMDR3 5 8. Stress management has shown significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to waitlist controls and other non-trauma-focused therapies3 5.
Combined Therapies
Combining different therapeutic approaches can enhance treatment outcomes for PTSD. For instance, combining TF-CBT with parent training or somatic therapies has shown large positive effects in reducing PTSD symptoms1. Similarly, combining TF-CBT with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has also been found to be effective6.
Other Therapies
Other psychological treatments such as supportive counseling, non-directive counseling, psychodynamic therapy, and hypnotherapy have been studied, but they generally show less effectiveness compared to trauma-focused therapies like TF-CBT and EMDR3 5 6. Group therapies, including group TF-CBT, have also been found to be beneficial but are generally less effective than individual therapies3 5.
Conclusion
In summary, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are the most effective psychological treatments for PTSD. MDMA-assisted therapy shows promise for severe cases, while stress management techniques can provide additional benefits. Combining different therapeutic approaches may further enhance treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effectiveness and comparative benefits of these therapies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Psychological and psychosocial treatments for children and young people with post-traumatic stress disorder: a network meta-analysis.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, particularly individual forms, is most effective in managing PTSD in youth, while supportive counselling shows inconclusive results.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedMDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study
MDMA-assisted therapy is highly effective and safe for treating severe PTSD, warranting expedited clinical evaluation.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly CitedPsychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) is significantly better than waitlist/usual care for reducing clinician assessed PTSD symptoms.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedTreating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions
Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are strongly recommended for adults with PTSD, addressing memories and thoughts related to the traumatic event.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedPsychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Review)
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TFCBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedPsychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: a network meta-analysis
EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy are most effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving remission rates in adults, with sustained improvements beyond treatment endpoint.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedA multidimensional meta-analysis of psychotherapy for PTSD.
Psychotherapy for PTSD is effective in reducing symptoms, but future research should avoid exclusion criteria and follow patients for at least 2 years.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedPsychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TFCBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) should be the first-line psychological treatment for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedCognitive-behavior therapy vs exposure therapy in the treatment of PTSD in refugees.
Both cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy (E) are effective treatments for PTSD in refugees, with no significant difference in outcomes between the two treatments.
RCTHighly CitedCognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD in children and adolescents: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.
Individual trauma-focused CBT effectively treats PTSD in children and young people, with gains maintained at 6-month follow-up.
RCTHighly Cited