Efficacy of psychological interventions for PTSD in distinct populations - An evidence map of meta-analyses using the umbrella review methodology. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kip, Ahlke; Iseke, Linnéa N.; Papola, Davide; Gastaldon, Chiara; Barbui, Corrado; Morina, Nexhmedin
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology review. Volume 100(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: PTSD -- Psychological interventions -- Psychotherapy -- meta-analysis -- Umbrella review; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology, Clinical -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102239
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7358

Abstract

Abstract: We aimed at mapping the meta-analytic evidence base on the efficacy of psychological treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in specific populations. We conducted a systematic search until January 2022 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PTSDpubs, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. We contrasted all eligible meta-analyses irrespective of overlapping datasets to present a comprehensive overview of the state of research. Reporting quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool and certainty of evidence was assessed using established umbrella review criteria. Nine meta-analyses with distinct adult populations (51 unique trials) and four with children and adolescents (24 unique trials) were included. Reporting quality of meta-analyses was heterogeneous with risk of bias assessment being rated lowest. The certainty of evidence on the efficacy of psychological interventions for adult populations was thoroughly weak because of small samples and large heterogeneity. In war- and conflict-affected youth, the certainty of evidence was suggestive. Our review highlights the need to improve quality of meta-analyses on treatment efficacy for PTSD. More importantly, however, the findings demonstrate the need for new large-scale trials on the efficacy of treatments for PTSD in distinct populations in order to increase certainty of evidence and to identify potential differences in treatment responses. Highlights: We created an evidence map of meta-analyses for distinct adult and pediatric PTSD populations. Results suggest that treatment is effective for a range of adult populations and for war- and conflict-affected youth. Reporting quality of meta-analyses was mixed as assessed by AMSTAR-II. The certainty of evidence according to umbrella review criteria was weak regarding adults. The certainty of evidence was suggestive regarding war- and conflict-affected youth.