Non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency responders: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: Identify non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in emergency responders. Method: Scope review according to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR protocol. A search was conducted in nine databases, portals of theses and dissertations, and using an electronic search engine. Results: In total, 23 studies were selected and analyzed, and then categorized into six thematic fields - therapy with omega 3 food supplement, art therapy, physical exercise therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, therapy with elements of nature, and psychotherapy - which were considered non-pharmacological treatments for this psychopathology among emergency responders, as well as the use of psychotherapy via telehealth as an option for treatment. Conclusion: More evidence supporting diet therapy is required, while the other therapeutic options presented positive results, finding support in national and international recommendations of treatment and clinical practice.

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Online-Treatment with Trial-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion and Positive Psychotherapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Protocol

“…MBHP was inspired by Jon Kabat-Zinn’s original model, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction , adapted to the context of Health and Quality of Life Promotion. Besides mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSB), other inspirations have contributed to the MBHP protocol, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention , both programs used by British Institutes [ 58 , 59 ].…”

“…There are no studies specifically on PTSD symptoms, and this project addresses this gap. On the other hand, other mindfulness protocols have been shown to be effective for PTSD, especially those inspired by MBHP, such as the MBSR and MBCT [ 58 , 59 ].…”

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-Related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Literature Review

“…The non-pharmacological interventions are listed in Table 1. Reference: [36] Pharmacological options: Pharmacological interventions have shown promising results in lowering the severity of symptoms of PTSD; however, the overall impact of medications is uncertain. A meta-analysis supported the effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in PTSD.…”