A review of selected psychotherapies for PTSD, their efficacy and treatment guidelines in adults

Abstract

Aim. Around 2.5% of Poles will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. Recent events, i.e. the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, are the factors that will increase the number of people dealing with PTSD. Owing to that, this paper aims to review and familiarise readers with the available scientific evidence on psychotherapies of PTSD provided in Poland. Method. A review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and a review of the most recent treatment guidelines concerning PTSD. Results. The best available evidence points to high efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with prolonged exposure and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Humanistic therapy also proves effective to a certain degree, but not as effective as therapies that use exposure to stimuli and memories associated with trauma. There is no evidence of the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy and methods based on polyvagal theory. Organisations preparing guidelines recommend primarily CBT and EMDR. Conclusions. Efficacious treatment of PTSD should include a protocol with a component of exposure to trauma-related memories and stimuli. It is recommended to use such therapies in the psychotherapeutic treatment of PTSD.