Digital-Based Interventions for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) presents unique challenges related to self-perception, necessitating tailored treatments.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital-based interventions (DBIs) for various mental health conditions.
• Existing research synthesizes DBIs for PTSD, but a review for cPTSD is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first systematic review of research on the efficacy and acceptability of digital-based interventions (DBIs) for complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD).
• To identify therapeutic approaches, digital modalities, safety measures, and support levels in DBIs for cPTSD.
• To provide recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across Scopus, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost databases.
• Inclusion of studies specifically targeting "cPTSD" and "DBIs" for treatment.
• Analysis of ten identified papers reporting on DBIs for cPTSD symptoms.

Main Results:

• Preliminary evidence suggests DBIs are effective in reducing cPTSD symptoms.
• Individuals with complex trauma history found DBIs to be acceptable.
• Insights were gained into various aspects of DBIs, including therapeutic strategies, modalities, safety, and support.

Conclusions:

• DBIs demonstrate potential as a treatment modality for cPTSD.
• Significant advancements are required in the empirical evidence base for DBIs in cPTSD.
• Recommendations for both clinical application and research are provided to guide future development.