Determining the most effective treatment for PTSD

In order to improve the quality of life for paramedics who suffer from PTSD, it is important to determine the most effective treatment for PTSD. A study was conducted to determine whether brief exposure (CBT-B) or prolonged exposure (CBT-L) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was more beneficial. It found that both CBT-L and CBT-B are very effective. According to that study, “CBT, which can include either long or brief imaginal exposure, is efficacious in reducing PTSD in emergency service personnel.” (Bryant et al., 2018) In the same study, when they put some of the patients on a waitlist (WL) instead of giving them treatment right away, they discovered that the waitlist was not as effective. “At post-treatment, participants in WL had smaller reductions in PTSD severity (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale), depression, maladaptive appraisals about oneself and the world, and smaller improvements on psychological and social quality of life than CBT-L and CBT-B.” (Bryant et al., 2018) Research has also been done with cannabinoids, and they are discovering that these may decrease PTSD symptoms. According to a 2016 study, “There is substantial evidence from studies in humans and animal models for a role of the endocannabinoid system in the control of emotional states.” (Zer-Aviv, Segev, & Akirav, 2016) Paramedics with PTSD need access to these forms of treatment.