A rapid review examining non-pharmaceutical treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found evidence supporting several psychotherapeutic approaches for reducing typical PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and depression while improving quality of life and daily functioning.
The review searched systematic reviews in databases including Epistemonikos, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo, ultimately including two comprehensive systematic reviews evaluating various treatment forms. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and group-based TF-CBT likely reduce PTSD symptoms compared to either treatment-as-usual or waitlist conditions. Cognitive therapy, cognitive processing therapy, non-TF-CBT approaches, prolonged exposure, narrative exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may also reduce PTSD symptoms compared to treatment-as-usual or waitlist conditions.
Regarding effects on daily functioning, the evidence suggests psychotherapeutic treatments may have positive effects compared to treatment-as-usual and waitlist conditions, while cognitive-based treatments may be advantageous compared to coping or skills training approaches. For other treatment forms, the evidence base is too limited to draw conclusions about PTSD symptoms and functional improvement.
The review noted that some identified treatments are relatively new, with less research available compared to more established forms of treatment. However, these newer approaches may also produce positive effects. The findings support the use of multiple non-pharmaceutical approaches as viable options for individuals with PTSD, with particular evidence strength for trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and related psychotherapeutic interventions.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.fhi.no/en/publ/2025/Non-pharmaceutical-treatments-for-adults-with-PTSD/