Psychosocial interventions with cognitive-behavioral components for the treatment of cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms: A review of randomized controlled trials Journal Article


Authors: Nenova, M.; Morris, L.; Paul, L.; Li, Y.; Applebaum, A.; Duhamel, K.
Article Title: Psychosocial interventions with cognitive-behavioral components for the treatment of cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms: A review of randomized controlled trials
Abstract: Background: Cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can significantly impact the quality of life and psychological adjustment of patients and survivors with cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention previously shown to ameliorate non-cancer-related PTSD. Because of some of the unique aspects of cancer-related traumatic stress, such as the internal and ongoing nature of the traumatic stressor, it is important to review the overall efficacy of CBT interventions in populations with cancer. Objective: To review the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of interventions with CBT components for cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including intrusion and avoidance, in adults with cancer. Methods: Eligible RCTs were identified via search of OVID, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. Bayesian random effects analysis of treatment effect sizes (ES) was conducted in a portion of the studies for which data were available. Results: Nineteen RCTs met search criteria. Six trials reported reductions in traumatic stress symptoms as a result of the intervention and 13 studies reported null findings. Bayesian modeling based on 13 studies showed no overall discernible effect of interventions with CBT components on intrusion and avoidance symptoms. Conclusions: Most of the studies were not designed to target traumatic stress symptoms in highly distressed patients with cancer and did not include previously validated CBT components, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure. Thus, there was insufficient evidence from which to draw definitive conclusions about the efficacy of CBT interventions for the treatment of cancer-related traumatic stress symptoms, including PTSD. However, interventions with CBT components may have potential for the reduction of PTSD symptoms in highly distressed patients. Future research should focus on testing trauma-focused interventions in demographically and clinically diverse samples. © 2013 Springer Publishing Company.
Keywords: quality of life; prevalence; exercise; practice guideline; data base; psychoeducation; cognitive therapy; posttraumatic stress disorder; psychosocial care; coping behavior; therapy effect; problem solving; meditation; relaxation training; patient counseling; avoidance behavior; randomized controlled trial (topic); cognitive behavioral therapy; traumatic stress; cancer related traumatic stress
Journal Title: Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy
Volume: 27
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0889-8391
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2013-01-01
Start Page: 258
End Page: 284
Language: English
DOI: 10.1891/0889-8391.27.3.258
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 1 October 2013" - "CODEN: JCPSE" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Yuelin Li
    220 Li
  2. Katherine N Duhamel
    99 Duhamel
  3. Allison Joyce Applebaum
    191 Applebaum
  4. Maria Nenova
    3 Nenova
  5. Loretta Morris
    1 Morris