Psychosocial interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder in low- and middle-income countries: a Bayesian meta-analysis.
Psychol MedSep 17, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry
Cosima Leithner, Smilla Gerst, Rebeca Niyaz et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for adults with PTSD in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It included 55 randomized controlled trials with 5,041 participants. The analysis found large effects for PTSD symptoms, with a within-group effect size of g = -1.88 and a between-group effect size of g = -1.31, both sustained at follow-up.
Key findings
- Psychosocial interventions showed a large within-group effect size of g = -1.88 for PTSD symptoms.
- The between-group effect size for PTSD symptoms was g = -1.31, indicating significant treatment efficacy.
- Medium to large effects were also observed for secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety.
- Treatments were most effective when trauma-focused and delivered face-to-face.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for PTSD in LMICs is crucial, as these regions often lack access to pharmacological treatments. This evidence supports the integration of effective nonpharmacological options into mental health care.