PTSD and complex PTSD, current treatments and debates: A review of reviews

This review is a summary of the current state of the evidence for PTSD treatment and discusses the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2024.

Article Abstract

“Introduction: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were published in 2018, based on research up until that point. In this review, we summarize the current state of the evidence and discuss the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2024.

Sources of data: We include peer-reviewed systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within the last 5 years.

Areas of agreement: Reviews and meta-analyses continue to support the efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, of trauma-focused psychological interventions, particularly Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Areas of controversy: Despite their demonstrated efficacy, dropout rates from psychological interventions for PTSD remain high. There has also been a rapid proliferation of research into novel interventions for treating PTSD. However, much of this research is of low quality and lacks head-to-head comparisons with established interventions.
Growing points: Novel methods of delivery of established treatments are being developed, including using virtual reality, intensive forms of treatment, and digital and remote methods of delivery.
Areas timely for developing research: More qualitative research to explore recipients’ experiences of interventions. More good-quality research and head-to-head comparisons of treatments.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Billings, J., & Nicholls, H. (2025). PTSD and complex PTSD, current treatments and debates: A review of reviews. British Medical Bulletin, 156: ldaf015.  https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaf015

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Date
September 26, 2025

Creator(s)
Jo Billings, Helen Nicholls

Topics
Complex Trauma/C-PTSD, PTSD

Extent
13 pages

Publisher
Oxford University Press

Rights
Copyright © The Author(s) 2025

APA Citation
Billings, J., & Nicholls, H. (2025). PTSD and complex PTSD, current treatments and debates: A review of reviews. British Medical Bulletin, 156: ldaf015.  https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaf015

Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals

Language
English

Content Type
Article, Meta-analyses/Systematic Reviews, Peer-Reviewed

Access Type
External Resource, Open Access

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