Phase-Based Versus Trauma-Focused Therapy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.