Review and Critical Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

This systematic analysis seeks to describe the evidence regarding cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the recent, published, professional literature. This systematic review addressed the question of the efficacy of and evidence for CBT for the treatment of PTSD. The review incorporates a comprehensive literature review, addresses the methodological quality of the papers, and synthesizes the results by themes. After evaluation of the published and professional literature, five themes; Result of CBT for PTSD, Alternatives to CBT for PTSD, CBT in practice, Treatment of children, and CBT in tandem with medication. 11 published studies including qualitative interviews, randomized control trials, and meta-analyses were examined. CBT proved to be instrumental in alleviating PTSD symptoms in men who have been exposed to combat trauma, women who have experienced violence, veterans who have gone through combat trauma and also have disorders due to addictions, and young adults and children who have experienced trauma. Studies have shown that CBT works quite well in the case of couples where one has been diagnosed with PTSD. CBT for PTSD can be delivered face-to-face or by using telepsychiatry. CBT tends to have a higher success rate when carried out while administering appropriate drugs. Also, carrying out CBT for PTSD can bring about stronger relationships and post-traumatic stress growth.