Phase-Based Versus Trauma-Focused Therapy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma

Introduction: There is debate as to whether phase-based treatment approaches add value beyond standard trauma-focused treatment protocols for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review examined the efficacy of phase-based treatments for adults with childhood trauma. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, PTSDpubs, and PsycINFO identified randomized controlled trials of phase-based interventions for PTSD symptoms in adults with childhood trauma. Four studies comprising a total of 356 participants met the inclusion criteria. A random effects meta-analysis estimate of the pooled effect size was calculated. Results: A small-sized positive effect for phase-based approaches over comparator interventions was indicated (Hedges g=0.17; SE =0.12). The pooled odds of completing treatment were not significantly different between phase-based and comparison interventions ( OR =0.84, 95% CI: 0.41–1.72). Conclusions: Our review did not identify advantages of phase-based approaches when compared with trauma-focused therapy alone among the few studies to date.