Assessment of research criteria for exposure-based outcome studies of PTSD

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Treatment outcome research strives towards objective estimates of disorder-specific treatment efficacyand has been applied to most psychiatric disorders. However, due to shortcomings in outcome researchdesigns, problems still remain regarding the interpretation and generalisability of treatment outcomes.This is despite the development of research methodology criteria such as the Gold Standards, currentlyviewed as essential criteria for well-controlled cognitive-behavioural outcome research. The objectivesof this assignment are (a) to assess the Gold Standards as criteria for treatment outcome research bymeans of a qualitative overview and evaluation of exposure treatment studies for PTSD, and (b) tomake recommendations for the expansion and/or modification of these criteria. An assessment of fiveselected treatment outcome trials, based on the Gold Standards, showed significant limitations in thescope of the Gold Standards regarding (a) the inclusion of target symptoms in the research hypotheses,(b) estimates of treatment adherence, (c) guidelines for statistical analyses of attrition points, (d) theethical implementation of exposure treatment, and (e) estimates of significant clinical change. It isconcluded that the Gold Standards are not sufficient to ensure valid and reliable treatment outcomes.Recommendations are made for the expansion of four of the existing Gold Standards parameters andthree additional criteria are proposed.Key words: treatment outcome research, Gold Standards, post-traumatic stress disorder, exposuretherapy.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University