Effectiveness of an intensive outpatient treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy for adolescents and young adults with PTSD in a naturalistic setting

Jan 21, 2025European journal of psychotraumatology

Effectiveness of intensive outpatient therapy combining prolonged exposure and eye movement techniques for PTSD in adolescents and young adults

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Abstract

Seventy-four adolescents and young adults with PTSD participated in a six-day intensive outpatient treatment program.

Participants experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, with a Cohen's effect size of 1.66 from pre-treatment to one month after treatment.
A total of 52 patients (70%) demonstrated a clinically meaningful response, while 48 patients (65%) no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment.
Significant decreases in depressive symptoms were also observed, with a Cohen's effect size of 1.02.
The dropout rate for the program was low at 4%, indicating high acceptability.
No adverse events or worsening of symptoms were reported by any patients during the treatment.

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Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents and young adults are hampered by high dropout rates. Looking at the results from adult treatments, short, intensive, outpatient treatment programmes may offer a promising alternative, but it has yet to be tested in this young population.To assess the results of a six-day intensive outpatient trauma-focused treatment programme for young individuals (12-25 years) with PTSD. The treatment combined prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy, supplemented with physical activity and the participation of relatives and/or friends. Treatment was performed by a rotating team of therapists.Seventy-four adolescents and young adults (89% women, mean age = 18.6 years, 36 patients aged 12-17 and 38 patients aged 18-25; = 3.1) with PTSD and a minimum of four memories of A-criterion traumatic events participated in the programme. PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and the perceived burden of trauma symptoms were assessed before treatment, at the start and one month after treatment.Patients showed a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms from pre-treatment to one month after treatment (Cohen's = 1.66). Of all patients, 52 (70%) showed a clinically meaningful response, and 48 (65%) no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD one month after treatment. Depressive symptoms also decreased significantly (Cohen's = 1.02). The dropout rate was 4% ( = 3). None of the patients experienced an adverse event or worsening of symptoms.Results suggest that a short, intensive, outpatient therapy programme combining prolonged exposure, EMDR therapy, physical activity, and participation of relatives and friends, is well-tolerated, and an effective and safe treatment alternative for adolescents and young adults with PTSD due to multiple traumatization. Background: Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusions: SD d d N

Key numbers

1.66

PTSD Symptom Reduction

Cohen's d effect size from pre-treatment to one month after treatment.

52 of 74

Clinically Meaningful Improvement

Patients showing clinically meaningful response one month after treatment.

Dropout Rate

Percentage of patients who dropped out of the treatment program.

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Abstract

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