PTSD and complex PTSD, current treatments and debates: a review of reviews

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were published in 2018, based on research up until that point. In this review, we summarize the current state of the evidence and discuss the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2024.

We include peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within the last 5 years.

Reviews and meta-analyses continue to support the efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, of trauma-focused psychological interventions, particularly Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Despite their demonstrated efficacy, dropout rates from psychological interventions for PTSD remain high. There has also been a rapid proliferation of research into novel interventions for treating PTSD. However, much of this research is of low quality and lacks head-to-head comparisons with established interventions.

Novel methods of delivery of established treatments are being developed, including using virtual reality, intensive forms of treatment, and digital and remote methods of delivery.

More qualitative research to explore recipients' experiences of interventions. More good-quality research and head-to-head comparisons of treatments.