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Exposure-Based Writing Therapies for Subthreshold and Clinical Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and
Rachelle L Dawson1, Alison L Calear2, Sonia M McCallum2
1Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|October 12, 2020
Summary
Exposure-based writing therapies (WTs) effectively reduce posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms compared to waitlist and placebo conditions. However, the evidence base is limited by study quality and heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Clinical Interventions
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects adults exposed to trauma.
- Exposure-based writing therapies (WTs) are a potential intervention for PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of exposure-based WTs for adults with PTSD.
- To assess WTs against waitlist and placebo control conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched four databases: PsycINFO, Medline, Wiley Online, and PILOTS.
- Primary outcomes: PTSD symptom severity and clinical response.
Main Results:
- WTs demonstrated significant benefits over waitlist and placebo writing.
- No difference found between longer WTs and other psychotherapy durations.
- High risk of bias (84.6%) and methodological heterogeneity noted.
Conclusions:
- Exposure-based WTs are effective for PTSD symptom reduction compared to control conditions.
- Current evidence is limited by study quantity, quality, and heterogeneity.
- Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and explore treatment mediators/predictors.
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