Science and Research: PTSD & Trauma

PTSD and Complex PTSD: ICD-11 Updates on Concept and Measurement in the UK, USA, Germany and Lithuania

Filed Under: 2017, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), Bissoni, J I, Brewin, C R, Cloitre, M, Guidance Papers, Hyland, P, Karatzias, T, Kazlauskas, E, Maercker, A, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Roberts, N P, Shevlin, M

Study found CPTSD more prevalent than PTSD. Only based on 4 countries. Limitations of the study include need for larger samples sizes, across more countries and cultural contexts to consider the cultural-bound factors in the two siblinig conditions. Cross referencing with International Trauma Interviewing (ITI)processes, also important to increase deepening of understanding of the ITQ use and of trauma-effects globally.

Childhood Adversity, Externalizing Behavior, and Substance Use in Adolescence: Mediating Effects of Anterior Cingulate Cortex Activation During Inhibitory Errors

Filed Under: 2018, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), Addiction, Cope, L, Fava, N, Martz, M, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Trucco, E

Childhood adversity can negatively impact development across various domains, including physical and mental health. Adverse childhood experiences have been linked to aggression and substance use; however, developmental pathways to explain these associations are not well characterized. Understanding early precursors to later problem behavior and substance use can inform preventive interventions.

Epigenetic Effects of PTSD Remediation in Veterans Using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Filed Under: 2018, Church, D, Fox, L, Nelms, J, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Rachlin, K, Randomized Controlled Trials, Stress, Veterans, Yount, G

Study results identify candidate gene expression correlates of successful PTSD treatment, providing guidelines for the design of further studies aimed at exploring the epigenetic effects of EFT…

Borrowing Benefits: Group Treatment With Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques Is Associated With Simultaneous Reductions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms

Filed Under: 2018, Anxiety, Borrowing Benefits, Church, D, Clinical Applications, Depression, House, D, PTSD & Trauma

The current study sought to elucidate the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in a nonclinical population. The sample (N = 81) comprised participants at five 2-day EFT workshops. All groups used an EFT protocol called Borrowing Benefits, in which the group facilitator works with a single client while other participants self-apply EFT…

Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD Using Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

Filed Under: 2018, Boath, E H, Church, D, Feinstein, D, Guidance Papers, Mackay, D, Mollon, P, PTSD & Trauma, Science Papers, Sims, R

This paper recommends guidelines for the use of EFT in treating PTSD derived from the literature and a detailed practitioner survey. It has been reviewed by the major institutions providing training or supporting research in the method. The guidelines recommend a stepped-care model, with five treatment sessions for subclinical PTSD, 10 sessions for PTSD, and escalation to intensive psychotherapy or psychopharmacology or both for nonresponsive patients and those with developmental trauma. Group therapy, social support, apps, and online and telemedicine methods also contribute to a successful treatment plan…

Evaluating a 3-Week Model for Reducing Symptoms of Stress in Traumatised Youth Using the Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) for Self-help: A Pilot Trial

Filed Under: 2018, Hamne, G, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Sandstrom, U, Stapleton, P, Stress

The study involved 77 youth who received a TTT 3-week model of intervention (self-applied). Post traumatic stress symptoms and general happiness were assessed pre and post the intervention and at 6-month follow-up…

The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Improving The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health of People with Chronic Diseases and/or Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review Protocol

Filed Under: 2014, Kalla, M, Khalil, H, Pain and Physical Conditions, Phobias, PTSD & Trauma, Quality of Life, Research Reviews, Serious Disease, Stress

Specifically, this systematic review will examine the available Level 1 scientific literature in order to examine the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques, as a tool to assist with improving people’s health. These will include: 1. Specific changes occurring in the physical body, as a result of administering EFT to a subject; for example, changes in cortisol levels, reduced clumping in blood cells, or a reduction in somatization. 2. Emotional and mental health benefits reported immediately and at a later follow-up time by subjects…

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Therapy on the Reduction of Aggression in Single Mothers

Filed Under: 2015, Abdi, M R, Abolmaali, K, Impulse Control / Anger Management, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Stress

The present study was aimed to determine the efficacy of emotional freedom technique (EFT) therapy on the reduction of aggression in single mothers. The statistical population consisted of women referring to welfare centers in Tehran aged 25 to 40 in 2013…

Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) vs. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

Filed Under: 2015, Al-Hadethe, A, Al-Qaysi, G, EFT-Related Modalities, Hunt, N, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials, Thomas, S, Veterans

Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Vs. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)…

Efficacy of Two Evidence-Based Therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the Treatment of Gender Violence in the Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Filed Under: 2015, Gender, Nemiro, A, Papworth, S, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials

Psychological trauma in the aftermath of sexual violence is a persistent problem in both developing and developed nations, and appropriate treatment techniques are needed to address the special needs of this population. The objective of this study was to assess whether two evidence-based therapeutic methods for PTSD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), are efficacious for sexual gender-based violence (SGBV)…

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Effects on Psychoimmunological Factors of Chemically Pulmonary Injured Veterans

Filed Under: 2015, Alipour, A, Arefnasab, Z, Babamahmoodi, A, Babamahmoodie, F, Darabi, H, Ghanei, M, Noorbala, A, PTSD & Trauma, Research Reviews, Science Papers, Veterans

Editor’s Note: The link to this research is not currently functional (23rd, May 2018). Please write research@aamet.org with any updated information.

Naturally Thin You: Weight Loss and Psychological Symptoms After a Six-Week Online Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Course

Filed Under: 2018, Carter, B, Church, D, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Quality of Life, Sheppard, L, Stapleton, P, Weight Loss

The current study investigated the effects of Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in 76 participants enrolled in a six-week online course… Participants received six live group teleclasses, access to online course materials and a private social media group, and a year of monthly support teleclasses. No particular diet was recommended; the course focused instead on controlling emotional eating, and using EFT to treat the emotional triggers associated with food… Weight decreased an average of 1 lb/week during the course, and 2 lb/month between pretest and one-year follow-up. On follow-up, no change was observed in PTSD symptoms measured by a brief civilian trauma checklist, or anxiety, and increases in happiness were non-significant.

The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Filed Under: 2016, Meta Analysis, Nelms, J, PTSD & Trauma, Sebastien, B, Veterans

The analysis of existing studies showed that a series of 4–10 EFT sessions is an efficacious treatment for PTSD with a variety of populations. The studies examined reported no adverse effects from EFT interventions and showed that it can be used both on a self-help basis and as a primary evidence-based treatment for PTSD.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and Resiliency in Veterans at Risk for PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Filed Under: 2016, Church, D, Clond, M, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials, Sparks, T

Prior research indicates elevated but subclinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a risk factor for a later diagnosis of PTSD. This study examined the progression of symptoms in 21 subclinical veterans… Symptom improvements were similar to those assessed in studies of PTSD-positive veterans. EFT may thus be protective against an increase in symptoms and a later PTSD diagnosis. As a simple and quickly learned self-help method, EFT may be a clinically useful element of a resiliency program for veterans and active-duty warriors.