Meta-Analysis of Psychotherapy and Alternative Treatments for Combat-Related

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that can affect returning combat soldiers as they try to reintegrate into civilian life. Recent conservative estimates indicate that 25% of veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan will experience symptoms of PTSD, and even more will experience additional mental health issues such as major depression, substance abuse, increased family conflicts, and social phobia. In response to the increase in the number of PTSD diagnoses, there has been a focus on finding the most effective treatment modalities. Currently there are several different types of psychotherapy as well as alternative interventions being used for treating the symptoms of PTSD, many of which are evidence-based treatments. Several meta-analyses evaluating overall effectiveness of treatment modalities for PTSD have been published. However, no meta-analysis for combat- related PTSD in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA programs has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to address the need for more empirical data in this area. A meta-analysis was conducted to examine efficacy of combat related PTSD interventions in VA and non-VA settings, specifically examining studies published between 2003 and 2012.