Abstract
Background: A majority of patients with psychosis have
experienced trauma, but trauma-focused (TF) treatment is not routinely
offered. As new studies are published continuously, updated reviews are
necessary to guide clinical practice, including a broader focus on
several outcome variables. The current systematic review set out to
examine the effect of TF treatments in patients with a psychotic
disorder and comorbid trauma symptoms on symptoms of (1) trauma, (2)
psychosis and (3) anxiety, depression, and psychosocial functioning.
Methods: A systematic search following the PRISMA guideline
yielded 17 studies reported in 19 records, which were evaluated and
presented. Results: Overall, results indicated positive effects
on trauma symptoms following TF Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye
Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing, Prolonged Exposure, Written
Emotional Disclosure, and Imagery Rescripting. Results were inconclusive
but suggestive of positive effects for other outcomes.
Discussion: The present findings gives preliminary support for
the effect of TF treatment on trauma symptoms, but are more inconclusive
for outcomes related to symptoms of psychosis, anxiety, depression, and
psychosocial functioning. In addition, support was found for treatments
delivered both individually and by group. The current evidence base on
TF treatment in psychosis is, however, still at an early stage and
challenged by methodological issues.