Therapeutic Interventions Impact Brain Function and Promote Post-Traumatic Growth in Adults
Written by: Pierce, Z. P., Johnson, E. R., Kim, I. A., Lear, B. E., Mast, A. M., & Black, J. M. (2023)
Edited by: EMDR-Zone Editorial Team
Content Warning: Please be advised, if you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 898. Free, private support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
EMDR showed the strongest link between enhanced brain function and post-traumatic growth, outperforming other interventions.
Introduction to Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and Its Significance
Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is a transformative process that individuals undergo after experiencing profound traumatic stress. Unlike resilience, which is about bouncing back from adversity, PTG involves rebuilding one's perception of self, others, and the world after trauma. This concept has provided clinicians, researchers, and survivors with a new perspective on reclaiming life from the grips of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current research on PTG has primarily focused on its theoretical construct across various clinical contexts and its operationalization during chronic illnesses.
The Neuroscience Behind PTG
Recent studies in neuroscience have aimed to identify key brain areas involved in the phenomenon of PTG. Regions like the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L dlPFC) and the left/right anterior cingulate cortex (L/R ACC) have been highlighted for their roles in regulating distressing affect and synthesizing thoughts and feelings, respectively. The left precuneus has also been identified as crucial in helping survivors effectively recode trauma memories and reduce the sensitivity of trauma triggers.
Therapeutic Interventions and Their Impact on Brain Function
The article focuses on three leading psychotherapies for PTSD: cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure (PE). These therapies have been studied for their impact on PTG and brain function. The research aimed to advance knowledge about the neural bases of PTG across these treatments, providing insights into their effectiveness and promoting the importance of PTG in trauma-informed care.
Methodology of the Systematic Review
The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using databases like Boston College Libraries, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. The review process involved a rigorous search and screening process, with seven eligibility criteria set for including studies. The primary psychometric instrument used to measure PTG across interventions was the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).
EMDR's Superior Impact on Brain Function and PTG
Among the therapies studied, EMDR exhibited the most significant effect on brain function, especially in regions like the R thalamus and R precuneus. Notably, EMDR showed the strongest link between enhanced brain function and post-traumatic growth, outperforming other interventions. This correlation between increased brain function and PTGI scores for EMDR was notably strong, emphasizing EMDR's potential in promoting post-traumatic growth.
Conclusion and Implications for Future Research
The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that while CPT, EMDR, and PE all had a robust effect on PTG, EMDR stood out in terms of its impact on brain function and PTG. The findings underscore the potential of EMDR as a therapeutic intervention for PTSD, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing brain function and promoting post-traumatic growth. The research paves the way for further studies to delve deeper into the neural mechanisms behind PTG and the role of therapeutic interventions in facilitating this transformative process.
For more detailed information, here is the link for the original article:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1074972/full
.webp)