Psychological Interventions for Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is characterized by the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms combined with disturbances in self-organization. However, treatment strategies for this newly defined condition remain lacking.

In this systematic review of international studies exploring psychological interventions for CPTSD in children, adolescents, and adults, we screened PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant literature while adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

In total, 6 studies met our inclusion criteria. The psychological interventions explored in these studies encompassed a range of therapeutic modalities, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, skill training in affect and interpersonal regulation narrative therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and group therapies with a focus on somatic or body-oriented techniques. For children and adolescents with CPTSD, interventions were typically concise and followed a structured, phase-based approach, whereas adults often benefited from longer intervention durations that facilitated a more gradual and profound therapeutic process.

This review highlights the effectiveness of psychological interventions in addressing CPTSD symptoms. However, treatments specifically targeting CPTSD's unique symptom clusters, especially disturbances in self-organization, remain limited. Future research should prioritize the development of interventions tailored to address these distinct features.