New study in Lancet Psychiatry on internet-mediated CBT for PTSD. Alexander Rozental co-author.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric diagnosis that affects about 5-10% of the population. PTSD arises as a result of experiencing – or witnessing – severe, life-threatening and traumatic events, such as abuse, war, accidents and violence.

Common symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional and cognitive consequences, such as sadness and difficulties with concentration. Psychological treatment in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to have good effects in PTSD, but access to care is limited and varies between different locations.

In a large-scale randomized controlled trial, researchers from the UK and Sweden – represented by Alexander Rozental – have shown that internet-mediated CBT can produce results that are comparable to traditional face-to-face care. The article, recently published in the prestigious psychiatric journal Lancet Psychiatry, also demonstrates a significant reduction in the time required for therapists, which could potentially mean that more patients can be treated and gain access to the right help.

Read the full article in Lancet Psychiatry: ”Therapist-assisted online psychological therapies differing in trauma focus for post-traumatic stress disorder (STOP-PTSD): a UK-based, single-blind, randomised controlled trial”