A comparison of Narrative Exposure Therapy and Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD

The purpose of this review was to compare and contrast Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). We examined the treatment manuals to describe the theoretical foundation, treatment components, and procedures, including the type, manner, and focus of exposure techniques and record...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical psychology review 2014-08, Vol.34 (6), p.453-467
Main Authors: Mørkved, N., Hartmann, K., Aarsheim, L.M., Holen, D., Milde, A.M., Bomyea, J., Thorp, S.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Humans
Implosive Therapy - methods
Implosive Therapy - standards
Narrative Exposure Therapy
Narrative Therapy - methods
Narrative Therapy - standards
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Prolonged Exposure
Review
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy
Trauma
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Summary:The purpose of this review was to compare and contrast Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). We examined the treatment manuals to describe the theoretical foundation, treatment components, and procedures, including the type, manner, and focus of exposure techniques and recording methods used. We examined extant clinical trials to investigate the range of treatment formats reported, populations studied, and clinical outcome data. Our search resulted in 32 studies on PE and 15 studies on NET. Consistent with prior reviews of PTSD treatment, it is evident that PE has a solid evidence base and its current status as a first line treatment for the populations studied to this date is warranted. We argue that NET may have advantages in treating complex traumatization seen in asylum seekers and refugees, and for this population NET should be considered a recommended treatment. NET and PE have several commonalities, and it is recommended that studies of these treatments include a broader range of populations and trauma types to expand the current knowledge on the treatment of PTSD. •There is evidence that PE and NET can be effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.•PE’s status as a first line treatment for the populations studied seems warranted.•Research on each treatment has focused on different populations and traumas.•Future research should investigate each treatments effect on diverse populations.•Knowledge of the impact of specific components might increase personalization of care.
ISSN:0272-7358
1873-7811
DOI:10.1016/j.cpr.2014.06.005