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Abstract
Background: Psychological interventions, in particular those derived from cognitive-behavioural therapy frameworks, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, are effective for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and associated distress. To date, studies have tended to exclude individuals who have psychosis; a clinical population who are known to be at risk of experiencing trauma. Whether people with psychosis also benefit from trauma-focussed psychological therapies (TFPT) warrants further investigation.
Method: A systematic search for randomised controlled trials was undertaken. Data were synthesised using narrative and meta-analytic approaches.
Results: Five studies met the review inclusion criteria. Study findings overall indicate that TFPT are effective for reducing intrusive thoughts and images, negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories, hypervigilance, and avoidance. Limited data were available about the utility of interventions for improving mood, anxiety and quality of life. Attrition rates were comparable for participants offered active and control conditions.
Conclusion: Findings are consistent with those reported for the non-psychosis population. Future studies should establish which interventions are more acceptable and glean more favourable outcomes for this clinical population.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the expert input provided by the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group (CSG) Trials Search Coordinator, Farhad Shokraneh who devised and executed the search strategies for trials in the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group’s Study-Based Register of Controlled Trials. The current review is derived from a Cochrane systematic review entitled “Psychological interventions for PTSD in people with severe mental illness”, but has a broader remit. We thank the co-authors Marie Furuta, Trevor Murrells, Ian Norman and the CSG editorial team members for their contributions to the Cochrane systematic review. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.