Wiley Open Access, International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research, 1(33), 2024
DOI: 10.1002/mpr.2005
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AbstractIntroductionPsychological trauma is an established risk factor for psychosis. Trauma‐focused psychotherapies (TFPT) have been suggested as a potential treatment for reducing psychotic symptoms in those who have experienced trauma. We therefore sought to investigate the effectiveness, tolerability, and acceptability of TFPT for psychotic symptoms.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of studies of any form of TFPT that measured psychotic symptoms across a broad range of diagnoses.ResultsFrom 2584 papers initially identified, 17 studies (857 participants) met eligibility criteria. TFPT were found to be well tolerated, with very few adverse events. Acceptability was also high, with a mean dropout rate of 20%.ConclusionsWhilst the evidence of effectiveness for TFPT in reducing psychotic symptoms is weak, we found tentative evidence in favour of exposure‐based interventions. Methodologically rigorous trials investigating the efficacy of TFPT for the treatment of psychotic symptoms are needed to assess this promising intervention.