Evidence-based treatments for PTSD symptoms resulting from military sexual trauma in women Veterans: A systematic review

Abstract: Introduction: Military sexual trauma (MST) can encompass sexual assault and harassment and has been shown to be pervasive across militaries, disproportionately affecting women. The most common psychological consequence is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study sought to synthesize the treatments that demonstrate effectiveness in treating PTSD symptoms resulting from MST in women Veterans. Methods: A systematic review explored research into interventions that included measured outcomes of PTSD symptoms resulting from MST. An electronic search for studies published between 1992 and 2022 was conducted. Effect sizes were calculated for all interventions. Results: A total of 998 papers were initially identified, of which 12 met inclusion criteria. Seven interventions were studied, and all reported meaningful impact on PTSD symptoms. Studies with follow-up measurements post-treatment were limited in number (n = 5). Heterogeneity in study design and populations, and definition of MST were observed. Trauma-focused interventions — particularly cognitive processing therapy (CPT) — had the strongest evidence for reducing PTSD symptoms beyond treatment completion. One non-trauma-focused intervention — Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) — similarly demonstrated longitudinal PTSD symptom reductions. Higher dropout rates were reported for trauma-focused therapies compared to non-trauma-focused interventions. Discussion: CPT demonstrated the strongest published evidence base, with emerging evidence for TCTSY. Future attempts should be made to facilitate international comparisons, with a need for a consistent operationalization of MST. A focus on the sequalae resulting from MST beyond PTSD may also allow for developing targeted adjuvant interventions that may improve overall treatment response.

Read the full article
Report a problem with this article

Related articles

  • More for Researchers

    Risk of incident mild cognitive impairment and dementia soon after leaving incarceration among a US Veteran population

    Abstract: Objectives: Increasing numbers of older adults are reentering community following incarceration (i.e., reentry), yet risk of incident neurodegenerative disorders associated with reentry is unknown. Our objective was to determine association between reentry status (reentry vs never-incarcerated) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and/or dementia. Methods: This nationwide, longitudinal cohort study used linked Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Veterans Health Administration data. Participants were aged 65 years or older who experienced reentry between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2018, with no preincarceration MCI/dementia, compared with age-matched/sex-matched never-incarcerated veterans. MCI/dementia was defined by diagnostic codes. Fine-Gray proportional hazards models were used to examine association. Results: This study included 35,520 veterans, mean age of 70 years, and approximately 1% women. The reentry group (N = 5,920) had higher incidence of MCI/dementia compared with the never-incarcerated group (N = 29,600; 10.2% vs 7.2%; fully adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.12; 95% CI 1.00-1.25). On further investigation, reentry was associated with increased risk of dementia with or without prior MCI diagnosis (aHR 1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.39) but not MCI only. Discussion: Transition from incarceration to community increased risk of neurocognitive diagnosis. Findings indicate health/social services to identify and address significant cognitive deficits on late-life reentry. Limitations include generalizability to nonveterans.

    Mental Health Peer reviewed