Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Systematic Review.


Author: Wahbeh H1, Senders A, Neuendorf R, Cayton J.

Affiliation: 1Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 
Date published: 2014 Mar 27
Other:
  Word Count: 144  
    

Objectives.To (1) characterize complementary and alternative medicine studies for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, (2) evaluate the quality of these studies, and (3) systematically grade the scientific evidence for individual CAM modalities for posttraumatic stress disorder.Design.Systematic review. Eight data sources were searched. Selection criteria included any study design assessing posttraumatic stress disorder outcomes and any complementary and alternative medicine intervention. The body of evidence for each modality was assessed with the Natural Standard evidence-based, validated grading rationale.Results and Conclusions.Thirty-three studies (n = 1329) were reviewed. Scientific evidence of benefit for posttraumatic stress disorder was strong for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and good for acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, and visualization. Evidence was unclear or conflicting for biofeedback, relaxation, Emotional Freedom and Thought Field therapies, yoga, and natural products. Considerations for clinical applications and future research recommendations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

complementary and alternative medicine, posttraumatic stress disorder



PMID: 24676593