PTSDΒ Meta Analyses Papers
This area represents the clinical research inΒ PTSD meta-analysis papers.Β Explore byΒ title below. Where the paper is available free of charge in an open access journal, you can download it and use freely (on website, social media, newsletters). If it is behind a pay wall, you can freely share the abstract and reference but cannot share the full article, due to copyright.
Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Abstract
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFTs) combine elements of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques with acupoint stimulation. Meta-analyses indicate large effect sizes for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety; however, treatment effects may be due to components EFT shares with other therapies. This analysis reviewed whether EFTs acupressure component was an active ingredient. Six studies of adults with diagnosed or self-identified psychological or physical symptoms were compared (n = 403), and three (n = 102) were identified. Pretest vs. posttest EFT treatment showed a large effect size, Cohen's d = 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 2.00) and Hedges' g = 1.25 (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.96). Acupressure groups demonstrated moderately stronger outcomes than controls, with weighted posttreatment effect sizes of d = -0.47 (95% CI, -0.94 to 0.0) and g = -0.45 (95% CI, -0.91 to 0.0). Meta-analysis indicated that the acupressure component was an active ingredient and outcomes were not due solely to placebo, nonspecific effects of any therapy, or nonacupressure components.
Citation (APA Style):Β Church, D., Stapleton, P., Yang, A., & Gallo, F. (2018). Is tapping on acupuncture points an active ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)? A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 206(10), 783β793.Β
Direct link:Β https://journals.lww.com/jonmd/abstract/2018/10000/is_tapping_on_acupuncture_points_an_active.6.aspx
The Efficacy of Acupoint Stimulation in the Treatment of Psychological Distress: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background and objectives: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a type of therapy involving the stimulation of acupuncture points while using a spoken affirmation to target a psychological issue. While some studies cite data indicating EFT is highly efficacious, findings in other studies are unconvincing. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the effect of EFT, particular acupoint stimulation, in the treatment of psychological distress.
Method: A systematic review of the literature identified 18 randomised control trials published in peer reviewed journals involving a total of 921 participants.
Results: A moderate effect size (Hedge's g = -0.66: 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.33) and significantly high heterogeneity (I(2) = 80.78) across studies was found using a random effects model indicating that EFT, even after removing outliers (decreases in I(2) = 72.32 and Hedge's g = -0.51:95% CI:-0.78 to -0.23), appears to produce an effect. The analysis involved 12 studies comparing EFT with waitlist controls, 5 with adjuncts and only 1 comparison with an alternate treatment. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the effect of moderators on effect size of symptom change following EFT.
Conclusions: Due to methodological shortcomings, it was not possible to determine if the effect is due to acupoint stimulation or simply due to treatment elements common with other therapies.
Citation (APA Style):Β Gilomen SA, Lee CW, The Efficacy of Acupoint Stimulation in the Treatment of Psychological Distress: A Meta-Analysis. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2015 Sep;48:140-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2015.03.012. Epub 2015 Mar 31.
Direct link:Β https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005791615000439?via%3Dihub
The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background: Over the past two decades, growing numbers of clinicians have been utilizing emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown encouraging outcomes for all three conditions.
Objective: To assess the efficacy of EFT in treating PTSD by conducting a meta-analysis of existing RCTs.
Methods: A systematic review of databases was undertaken to identify RCTs investigating EFT in the treatment of PTSD. The RCTs were evaluated for quality using evidence-based standards published by the American Psychological Association Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Those meeting the criteria were assessed using a meta-analysis that synthesized the data to determine effect sizes. While uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded, they were examined for clinical implications of treatment that can extend knowledge of this condition.
Results: Seven randomized controlled trials were found to meet the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A large treatment effect was found, with a weighted CohenΧ³s d = 2.96 (95% CI: 1.96-3.97, P < .001) for the studies that compared EFT to usual care or a waitlist. No treatment effect differences were found in studies comparing EFT to other evidence-based therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; 1 study) and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; 1 study).
Conclusions: 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.
Citation (APA Style):Β Sebastian, B., & Nelms, J. (2017). The effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis.Β Explore, 13(1), 16-25.
Direct link:Β https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005791615000439?via%3Dihub
Emotional Freedom Techniques for Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Introduction:Β Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychophysiological intervention that includes cognitive and somatic elements, utilizing techniques from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE). Because only a single meta-analysis existed examining EFT for PTSD, this systematic review and meta-analysis represents an update.
Method:Β Ten databases were searched for quantitative reviews and randomised clinical trials, and six met inclusion criteria.
Results:Β Study quality and effect size were evaluated and the results demonstrated that treatment with Clinical EFT, when compared to wait list, usual care, or no treatment controls, resulted in significant and large effect sizes, ranging from 1.38 to 2.51. When compared to active controls, effect sizes ranged from β0.15 to 0.79, producing treatment results similar to other evidence-based therapies.
Discussion:Β Limitations are presented and considerations for further research are proposed.
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Citation (APA Style):Β Stapleton, P., Kip, K., Church, D., Toussaint, L., Footman, J., Ballantyne, P., & O'Keefe, T. (2023). Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.Β Frontiers in psychology,Β 14, 1195286.Β https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286
Direct link:Β https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286/full
Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
Energy psychology, particularly emotional freedom techniques (EFT), has gained attention as a non-pharmacological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of EFT in alleviating PTSD symptoms. This meta-analysis follows PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Airiti Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies published before December 31, 2024. The meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 621 patients. Our findings showed that EFT significantly improved PTSD symptoms compared to the baseline (standardized mean difference [SMD]:βββ0.901; 95% confidence intervals [CI]:βββ1.130ββββ0.671; Hedge's g: β0.865) and was more effective than the control group (SMD:βββ2.106; 95% CI:βββ2.759ββββ1.452; Hedge's g: β2.062). Furthermore, anxiety (SMD:βββ0.591; 95% CI:βββ0.726ββββ0.456; Hedge's g: β0.567) and depression (SMD:βββ0.516; 95% CI:βββ0.654ββββ0.377; Hedge's g: β0.495) scores decreased significantly compared to the baseline. Notably, these treatment effects were sustained for up to three months for PTSD severity (SMD:βββ0.757; 95% CI:βββ0.967ββββ0.547; Hedge's g: β0.723), anxiety (SMD:βββ0.522; 95% CI:βββ0.683ββββ0.361; Hedge's g: β0.498), and depression (SMD:βββ0.420; 95% CI:βββ0.542ββββ0.298; Hedge's g: β0.402). The subgroup analysis of veterans revealed that EFT effectively reduced PTSD symptoms (SMD:βββ1.159; 95% CI:βββ1.441ββββ0.877; Hedge's g: β1.102), anxiety (SMD:βββ0.715; 95% CI:βββ0.943ββββ0.487; Hedge's g: -0.676), and depression (SMD:βββ0.627; 95% CI:βββ0.803ββββ0.451; Hedge's g: β0.597). EFT effectively treated PTSD and reduced comorbid symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, its therapeutic effect could be applied in veteran populations and sustained for up to three months.
Citation (APA Style):Β Chen, WT., Chao, TY., Huang, WZ.Β et al.Β Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Β Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin NeurosciΒ (2025).Β https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-025-02000-4
Direct link:Β https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00406-025-02000-4
EMDR v. Other Psychological Therapies for PTSD: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background:Β This systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) examined the overall effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, achieving response and remission, and reducing treatment dropout among adults with PTSD compared to other psychological treatments. Additionally, we examined available participant-level moderators of the efficacy of EMDR.
Methods:Β This study included randomized controlled trials. Eligible studies were identified by a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, PsyclNFO, PTSDpubs, and CENTRAL. The target population was adults with above-threshold baseline PTSD symptoms. Trials were eligible if at least 70% of study participants had been diagnosed with PTSD using a structured clinical interview. Primary outcomes included PTSD symptom severity, treatment response, and PTSD remission. Treatment dropout was a secondary outcome. The systematic search retrieved 15 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs); 8 of these 15 were able to be included in this IPDMA (346 patients). Comparator treatments included relaxation therapy, emotional freedom technique, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral psychotherapies, and REM-desensitization.
Results:Β One-stage IPDMA found no significant difference between EMDR and other psychological treatments in reducing PTSD symptom severity (Ξ²Β = -0.24), achieving response (Ξ²Β = 0.86), attaining remission (Ξ²Β = 1.05), or reducing treatment dropout rates (Ξ²Β = -0.25). Moderator analyses found unemployed participants receiving EMDR had higher PTSD symptom severity at the post-test, and males were more likely to drop out of EMDR treatment than females.
Conclusion:Β The current study found no significant difference between EMDR and other psychological treatments. We found some indication of the moderating effects of gender and employment status.
Citation (APA Style): Wright, S. L., Karyotaki, E., Cuijpers, P., Bisson, J., Papola, D., Witteveen, A., Suliman, S., Spies, G., Ahmadi, K., Capezzani, L., Carletto, S., Karatzias, T., Kullack, C., Laugharne, J., Lee, C. W., Nijdam, M. J., Olff, M., Ostacoli, L., Seedat, S., & Sijbrandij, M. (2024). EMDR v. other psychological therapies for PTSD: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 54(8), 1β9. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291723003446