Harnessing the Healing Power of Relationships in Trauma Recovery: a Systematic Review of Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

Purpose The goal of this systematic review was to examine the empirical literature on cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT). The aims were to (1) review the efficacy of CBCT for PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and related symptoms; (2) describe novel adaptations to the treatment; an...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current treatment options in psychiatry 2020-09, Vol.7 (3), p.203-220
Main Authors: Liebman, Rachel E., Whitfield, Kristen M., Sijercic, Iris, Ennis, Naomi, Monson, Candice M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Intervention
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mental disorders
Mental health
Neurology
Post traumatic stress disorder
Psychiatry
PTSD (SK Creech and LM Sippel
Section Editors
Sex crimes
Systematic review
Topical Collection on PTSD
Trauma
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Purpose The goal of this systematic review was to examine the empirical literature on cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT). The aims were to (1) review the efficacy of CBCT for PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and related symptoms; (2) describe novel adaptations to the treatment; and (3) identify potential moderators and mediators of treatment outcomes. A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was conducted across three databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, and SCOPUS). Relevant publications were rated by two authors using a validated checklist. Findings Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings ranged from “fair” to “good”. The majority of studies were uncontrolled designs; no studies compared CBCT to an active control condition. Three studies adapted standard CBCT. Nearly all studies found improvements in patient- and partner-rated PTSD symptoms and patient depression, anxiety, and anger. Findings on relationship satisfaction and partner accommodation as outcomes were somewhat mixed. Baseline relationship satisfaction, partner accommodation, and social support moderated outcomes. Summary Overall, CBCT has demonstrated initial efficacy for PTSD and comorbid problems. Future studies should examine moderators and mediators to answer how and for whom this treatment works. Controlled trials on novel adaptations to CBCT are also needed.
ISSN:2196-3061
2196-3061
DOI:10.1007/s40501-020-00211-1