PTSD

Recommendations from the Depts of Veterans Affairs and Defense regarding diagnosis and management of PTSD and acute stress disorders. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Description: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) worked together to revise the 2017 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder. This article summarizes the 2023 clinical practice guideline (CPG) and its development process, focusing on assessments and treatments for which evidence was sufficient to support a recommendation for or against.

Methods: Subject experts from both departments developed 12 key questions and reviewed the published literature after a systematic search using the PICOTS (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, timing of outcomes measurement, and setting) method. The evidence was then evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) method. Recommendations were made after consensus was reached; they were based on quality and strength of evidence and informed by other factors, including feasibility and patient perspectives. Once the draft was peer reviewed by an external group of experts and their inputs were incorporated, the final document was completed.

Recommendations: The revised CPG includes 34 recommendations in the following 5 topic areas: assessment and diagnosis, prevention, treatment, treatment of nightmares, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with co-occurring conditions. Six recommendations on PTSD treatment were rated as strong. The CPG recommends use of specific manualized psychotherapies over pharmacotherapy; prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing psychotherapy; paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine; and secure video teleconferencing to deliver recommended psychotherapy when that therapy has been validated for use with video teleconferencing or when other options are unavailable. The CPG also recommends against use of benzodiazepines, cannabis, or cannabis-derived products. Providers are encouraged to use this guideline to support evidence-based, patient-centered care and shared decision making to optimize individuals' health outcomes and quality of life.

Author/s:

Paula P Schnurr, Jessica L Hamblen, Jonathan Wolf, Rachael Coller, Claire Collie, Matthew A Fuller, Paul E Holtzheimer, Ursula Kelly, Ariel J Lang, Kate McGraw, Joshua C Morganstein, Sonya B Norman, Katie Papke, Ismene Petrakis, David Riggs, James A Sall, Brian Shiner, Ilse Wiechers, Marija S Kelber

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Aubrey Delammermore — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

November 6, 2022

Publisher:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Publication Date:

October 24, 2022

URL:

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.23970/AHRQEPCPTSD2022

Keywords

PTSD

Sample Size

Health Policy

referral and consultation

MEDLINE

PMID (1):

33252890

MeSH

stress disorders, post-traumatic

An evidence-based review of our current knowledge of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for people suffering from PTSD. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Objectives: Identify and abstract data from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to update the PTSD Trials Standardized Data Repository (PTSD-Repository) with data on PTSD and mental health, including suicide-related outcomes and substance use.

Data sources: We searched PTSDpubs, Ovid® MEDLINE®, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO®, Embase®, CINAHL®, and Scopus® for eligible RCTs published from 1980 to May 22, 2020.

Review methods: In consultation with the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), we updated the PTSD-Repository by expanding inclusion criteria to RCTs targeting comorbid PTSD/substance use disorder (SUD) and adding data elements. The primary publication for each RCT was abstracted; data and citations from secondary publications (i.e., companion papers) appear in the same record. We assessed risk of bias (ROB) for all studies in the PTSD-Repository. We undertook an exploratory assessment of an expanded ROB system developed with guidance from a Technical Expert Panel and NCPTSD, which was pilot tested on a small subset of studies.

Results: We identified 47 new RCTs of interventions for PTSD and 21 RCTs for comorbid PTSD/SUD, resulting in 389 included studies published from 1988 to 2020. Psychotherapy interventions were the most common (63%), followed by pharmacologic interventions (25%). Most studies were conducted in the United States (62%) and had sample sizes ranging from 25 to 99 participants (60%). Approximately half of studies enrolled community participants (55%), and most were conducted in the outpatient setting (72%). Studies typically enrolled participants with a mix of trauma types (53%). Most RCTs (60%) were rated as having a medium ROB, and only 6 percent were rated as having a low ROB. Our pilot testing of an expanded ROB assessment tool emphasized more detailed assessment of elements, including: (1) methods for managing missing data, including both dropout from treatment and missing measurements (i.e., loss to followup); (2) differential assessment of subjective and objective outcomes; and (3) consideration of a five-category overall rating system.

Conclusions: The PTSD-Repository is a comprehensive database of data from PTSD trials. The PTSD-Repository allows clinical, research, education, and policy stakeholders to understand current research on treatment effectiveness and harms, and enable informed decisions about future research, mental health policy, and clinical care priorities. This report updates the studies and variables included in the PTSD-Repository to include recently published trials, interventions targeting comorbid PTSD/SUD, variables related to comorbidities such as suicide and SUDs, and ROB assessment.

Author/s:

O'Neil, M. E., Cheney, T. P., Hsu, F. C., Carlson, K. F., Hart, E. L., Holmes, R. S., Murphy, K. M., Graham, E., Cameron, D. C., Kahler, J., Lewis, M., Kaplan, J., McDonagh, M. S.

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Update of the PTSD-Repository Evidence Base

Brian Desmarais — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:14:11 +0000

Date Added:

November 9, 2020

Journal/Publication:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Publisher:

U.S Department of Health & Human Services

Publication Date:

November 4, 2020

URL:

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Update of the PTSD-Repository Evidence Base

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.23970/AHRQEPCCER235

Keywords

PTSD

MeSH

stress disorders, post-traumatic

23-valent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine

An AHRQ evidence report on the treatment of PTSD, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic. James W. Mold,. MD, MPH

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Structured Abstract

Objectives. Identify and abstract data from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to update the PTSD Trials Standardized Data Repository (PTSD-Repository) with data on PTSD and mental health, including suicide-related outcomes and substance use.

Data sources. We searched PTSDpubs, Ovid® MEDLINE®, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO®, Embase®, CINAHL®, and Scopus® for eligible RCTs published from 1980 to May 22, 2020.

Review methods. In consultation with the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), we updated the PTSD-Repository by expanding inclusion criteria to RCTs targeting comorbid PTSD/substance use disorder (SUD) and adding data elements. The primary publication for each RCT was abstracted; data and citations from secondary publications (i.e., companion papers) appear in the same record. We assessed risk of bias (ROB) for all studies in the PTSD-Repository. We undertook an exploratory assessment of an expanded ROB system developed with guidance from a Technical Expert Panel and NCPTSD, which was pilot tested on a small subset of studies.

Results. We identified 47 new RCTs of interventions for PTSD and 21 RCTs for comorbid PTSD/SUD, resulting in 389 included studies published from 1988 to 2020. Psychotherapy interventions were the most common (63%), followed by pharmacologic interventions (25%). Most studies were conducted in the United States (62%) and had sample sizes ranging from 25 to 99 participants (60%). Approximately half of studies enrolled community participants (55%), and most were conducted in the outpatient setting (72%). Studies typically enrolled participants with a mix of trauma types (53%). Most RCTs (60%) were rated as having a medium ROB, and only 6 percent were rated as having a low ROB. Our pilot testing of an expanded ROB assessment tool emphasized more detailed assessment of elements, including: (1) methods for managing missing data, including both dropout from treatment and missing measurements (i.e., loss to followup); (2) differential assessment of subjective and objective outcomes; and (3) consideration of a five-category overall rating system.

Conclusions. The PTSD-Repository is a comprehensive database of data from PTSD trials. The PTSD-Repository allows clinical, research, education, and policy stakeholders to understand current research on treatment effectiveness and harms, and enable informed decisions about future research, mental health policy, and clinical care priorities. This report updates the studies and variables included in the PTSD-Repository to include recently published trials, interventions targeting comorbid PTSD/SUD, variables related to comorbidities such as suicide and SUDs, and ROB assessment.

Author/s:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Evidence Update for Clinicians: Treatment Options for People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

John Bayhi — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:19:49 +0000

Date Added:

September 12, 2019

Journal/Publication:

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Website

Publisher:

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Publication Date:

September 1, 2019

URL:

Evidence Update for Clinicians: Treatment Options for People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Web Page

Keywords

post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD

CBT

cognitive behavior therapy

This is a concise summary of treatment options for PTSD. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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A recent update of a systematic review, supported by PCORI through a research partnership with AHRQ, informs clinicians on psychological and pharmacological treatments for PTSD in adults. The review reports on 207 articles from 193 studies published before 2018, updating a 2013 review.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 6% of US adults. It is more common in groups including women, younger people, and those who did not complete high school or who have lower incomes. PTSD can affect military personnel serving in combat, but it may also develop after a person experiences or witnesses intimate partner violence, sexual violence, physical abuse or assault, a motor vehicle crash, natural disaster, violent crime, or other traumatic event.

The Findings

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve PTSD symptoms to the point where the PTSD diagnosis is no longer substantiated. Although the harms of CBT were not well studied, they are likely minimal.

The Primary Care PTSD Screen (PC-PTSD)

Jeffrey Wilson — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:54:45 +0000

Date Added:

October 18, 2018

Journal/Publication:

Journal of General Internal Medicine

Issue:

Volume:

Pages:

1206-1211

URL:

The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5)

Type:

Clinical Decision Aids, Practice Management Research Results

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1007/s11606-016-3703-5

Keywords

PTSD

post-traumatic stress disorder

DSM

PMID (1):

27170304

MeSH

stress disorder, post-traumatic

self report

diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

patient health questionnaire

The PC-PTSD is a 4-item screen that was designed for use in primary care and other

medical settings and is currently used to screen for PTSD in veterans at the VA.

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BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased health care utilization, medical morbidity, and tobacco and alcohol use. Consequently, screening for PTSD has become increasingly common in primary care clinics, especially in Veteran healthcare settings where trauma exposure among patients is common.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to revise the Primary Care PTSD screen (PC-PTSD) to reflect the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for PTSD (PC-PTSD-5) and to examine both the diagnostic accuracy and the patient acceptability of the revised measure.

DESIGN

We compared the PC-PTSD-5 results with those from a brief psychiatric interview for PTSD. Participants also rated screening preferences and acceptability of the PC-PTSD-5.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 398 Veterans participated in the study (response rate = 41 %). Most of the participants were male, in their 60s, and the majority identified as non-Hispanic White.

MEASURES

The PC-PTSD-5 was used as the screening measure, a modified version of the PTSD module of the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to diagnose DSM-5 PTSD, and five brief survey items were used to assess acceptability and preferences.

KEY RESULTS

The PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.941; 95 % C.I.: 0.912– 0.969). Whereas a cut score of 3 maximized sensitivity (κ[1]) = 0.93; SE = .041; 95 % C.I.: 0.849–1.00), a cut score of 4 maximized efficiency (κ[0.5] = 0.63; SE = 0.052; 95 % C.I.: 0.527–0.731), and a cut score of 5 maximized specificity (κ[0] = 0.70; SE = 0.077; 95 % C.I.: 0.550–0.853). Patients found the screen acceptable and indicated a preference for administration by their primary care providers as opposed to by other providers or via self-report.

CONCLUSIONS

The PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated strong preliminary results for diagnostic accuracy, and was broadly acceptable to patients.

Author/s:

Prins, Annabel, Bovin, Michelle J., Smolenski, Derek J., Marx, Brian P., Kimmerling, Rachel, Jenkins-Guarnieri, Michael A., Kaloupek, Danny G.

Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review Update

Jeffrey Wilson — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:35:02 +0000

Date Added:

August 23, 2018

Journal/Publication:

Comparative Effectiveness Review

Publisher:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Publication Date:

May 17, 2018

Issue:

URL:

Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review Update

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines, Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.23970/AHRQEPCCER207

Keywords

PTSD

therapy

MeSH

stress disorders, post-traumatic

This AHRQ evidence review summarizes the effectiveness of various non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for PTSD. The tabular results are on pages E3 – E6.

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Objective. To assess efficacy, comparative effectiveness, and harms of psychological and pharmacological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to update the original 2013 review.

Data sources. MEDLINE®, CINAHL®, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry, PILOTS (Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress), PsycINFO®, and reference lists of published literature (May 2012–September 2017).

Review methods. Two investigators independently selected, extracted data from, and rated risk of bias of relevant studies. We conducted meta-analyses or network meta-analyses using random-effects models when we had evidence from three or more studies with low heterogeneity. We graded strength of evidence (SOE) following established Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidance.

Results. We included 193 randomized controlled trials (207 articles) for this review.

Several psychological treatments were associated with the reduction of PTSD symptoms and loss of PTSD diagnosis compared with inactive comparators; high SOE supports efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-exposure and CBT-mixed treatments, and moderate SOE supports efficacy of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive therapy (CT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative exposure therapy (NET). When directly comparing two treatments of interest, moderate SOE favors CBT-exposure over relaxation therapy.

Several pharmacological treatments reduced PTSD symptoms; moderate SOE supports the efficacy of fluoxetine, paroxetine, and venlafaxine compared with placebo. Our network meta-analysis (33 trials; N=4,817) of Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)-measured PTSD symptoms showed no differences in effectiveness between medications with at least moderate SOE of efficacy (fluoxetine, paroxetine, and venlafaxine) (low SOE for no difference).

Studies provided insufficient strength of evidence for serious adverse events associated with any treatments of interest. The majority of psychological studies reported no information about adverse events. Among pharmacological treatments with evidence of efficacy (moderate SOE), we found increased risk of nausea with venlafaxine compared with placebo (moderate SOE).

Our review found insufficient strength of evidence for the comparative effectiveness of any psychological versus pharmacological treatment and for differences in the efficacy or comparative effectiveness of treatments by patient characteristics (e.g., co-occurring conditions) or type, number, severity, or chronicity of trauma exposure(s). We did not find evidence for many of our outcomes of interest or interventions of interest, including the newer treatments added since our prior review.

Conclusions. Several psychological and pharmacological treatments have moderate to high SOE of efficacy for treating adults with PTSD. Future research is needed on the comparative effectiveness of treatments (including different comparisons of psychological and pharmacological treatments), differences in treatment benefits by trauma type or other patient characteristics, and adverse events associated with treatments.

Author/s:

Forman-Hoffman, Valerie, Middleton, Jennifer Cook, Feltner, Cynthia, Gaynes, Bradley N., Weber, Rachel Palmieri, Bann, Carla, Viswanathan, Meera, Lohr, Kathleen N., Baker, Claire, Green, Joshua