Guidelines for the treatment of PTSD using Clinical EFT

Today, we’re reviewing two related papers discussing the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and leading to Clinical Guidelines.

• Dawson Church, PhD; Sheri Stern, MS, CRNP, APRN-PMH; Elizabeth Boath, PhD; Antony Stewart, FFPH, FRSPH, MPH; David Feinstein, PhD; Morgan Clond, MD, PhD (Cand).
  Emotional Freedom Techniques to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Review of the Evidence, Survey of Practitioners, and Proposed Clinical Guidelines
  Perm J 2017;21:16-100
  https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/16-100

This paper presents findings based on a survey of 448 EFT practitioners regarding the treatment of PTSD, and recommendation for Clinical Guidelines.

1. Most practitioners reported that complex PTSD can be treated in 10 or fewer EFT sessions, with a high success rate.
   Around 65% of practitioners found that more than 60% of PTSD clients are fully rehabilitated, and 89% stated that less than 10% of clients make little or no progress.

2. A proposed clinical guideline suggests a stepped care model, with 5 EFT therapy sessions for subclinical PTSD and 10 sessions for clinical PTSD.
   This model also includes group therapy, online self-help resources, and social support. Referral for further care is recommended if needed.

3. Practitioners combined EFT with various other approaches, particularly cognitive therapy, to enhance treatment effectiveness.

4. The survey results provided valuable insights into practitioner experiences with PTSD treatment, contributing to the formulation of clinical guidelines based on practitioner experiences and existing research evidence.

These findings underscore the effectiveness of EFT in treating PTSD and offer practical recommendations for its application in clinical settings, emphasizing a structured approach to treatment and the importance of referral for additional care when necessary.

• Dawson Church, Peta Stapleton, Phil Mollon, David Feinstein, Elizabeth Boath, David Mackay and Rebecca Sims.
  Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD Using Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
  Healthcare 2018, 6, 146
  https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare6040146

1. Clinical EFT combines acupressure with elements from cognitive and exposure therapies. It has been validated in numerous clinical trials and shown efficacy in treating PTSD across various demographic groups.

2. PTSD affects a significant portion of the population, with a high prevalence worldwide. The average duration of untreated PTSD is over five years, emphasizing the need for effective treatments.

3. Conventional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions have shown some effectiveness but often leave a significant portion of patients still meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

4. The EFT protocol involves cognitive reframing, exposure therapy, and tapping on specific acupuncture points. Studies have shown significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms using this approach.

5. The proposed guidelines recommend a stepped-care model, with 5 sessions for subclinical PTSD and 10 sessions for clinical PTSD.
   Group therapy, social support, apps, and online methods are also suggested for a comprehensive treatment plan.

6. Clinical EFT has been found to be safe and effective in treating PTSD, with low dropout rates and no reported adverse events.
   It offers a gentle approach to addressing traumatic memories while minimizing the risk of re-traumatization.