0
0
January 14, 2024
A recent study published in the esteemed journal Lancet Psychiatry has provided compelling evidence that psychotherapy is a highly effective treatment for individuals grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from exposure to repeated traumatic incidents. The groundbreaking research, led by a team of experts, sheds light on the efficacy of psychological interventions in addressing PTSD in adults who have faced multiple traumatic events.
The comprehensive study, conducted by researchers from the University of Munster in Germany, involved the evaluation of 137 empirical articles spanning four decades, all focused on the treatment of PTSD in adults. Professor Nexhmedin Morina, a key figure in the study, emphasized the significance of the findings.
“The data show that several psychological interventions are highly effective in treating PTSD following multiple traumatic events — in fact, they are about as effective as when the PTSD follows a single trauma,” stated Professor Morina.
Notably, these findings extend the scope of effective psychotherapeutic interventions, as previously documented success was limited to the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. Professor Morina expressed optimism about the implications for both patients and therapists.
“Now, this study indicates that it can also be used to treat PTSD in adults. This is very encouraging news for patients and therapists,” he added.
According to the study, approximately four percent of the global population suffers from PTSD as a result of traumatic events. The characteristic symptoms include distressing intrusive traumatic memories, avoidance behavior, and difficulty with emotional regulation.
Dr. Thole Hoppen, a psychologist at the University of Munster, highlighted the importance of the study’s findings in breaking down barriers to treatment for patients with a history of multiple traumatic events. He acknowledged that, aside from patients’ reluctance to discuss their traumatic experiences, some psychotherapists hesitate to directly address these experiences during treatment.
The study recommends trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, a specific type of psychotherapy designed to facilitate the processing of painful memories. This therapy not only proved very effective according to the accumulated data but was found to be more effective than non-trauma-focused interventions. Consequently, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy is now recommended as the first line of treatment in both national and international guidelines.
The groundbreaking study not only underscores the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating PTSD resulting from repeated trauma but also paves the way for improved mental health care for individuals dealing with the enduring impact of multiple traumatic events.
