European Journal of Psychotraumatology最新文献

{"title":"A neurocognitive account of complex PTSD: self-modelling, affective dysregulation, and implications for MDMA-assisted and targeted psychotherapies.","authors":"Philip Gerrans, Hugh Mcgovern, Jakob Hohwy, Lena K L Oestreich","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2631358","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2631358","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a trauma-related condition characterized by pervasive disturbances in affect regulation, self-concept, and interpersonal functioning that extend beyond the symptom profile of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While neurobiological studies have implicated limbic, salience, and prefrontal systems in C-PTSD, mechanistic accounts linking these findings to disturbances in self-organization and treatment-relevant processes remain underdeveloped.<b>Objective</b>: This narrative review develops a hypothesis-generating neurocognitive account of C-PTSD grounded in predictive processing and self-modelling frameworks, with particular emphasis on affective dysregulation and disturbances in self-organization.<b>Method</b>: We synthesize clinical, neurobiological, and theoretical evidence to conceptualize PTSD and C-PTSD along a continuum of regulatory stability, and to advance a conceptual model highlighting the role of insula-mediated self-modelling processes. Within this framework, we examine 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy, as one illustrative intervention that may transiently modulate affective salience, interpersonal trust, and self-referential cognition.<b>Results</b>: The proposed model integrates converging evidence linking insular function to interoception, affective experience, salience processing, and self-referential cognition, and situates disturbances in self-organization as emerging from maladaptive predictive regulation under conditions of prolonged interpersonal adversity. This framework helps reconcile overlapping neurobiological findings across PTSD and C-PTSD while accounting for differences in symptom generalization, relational threat processing, and affective stability.<b>Conclusions</b>: This review delineates a set of testable, mechanistically grounded hypotheses concerning the role of self-modelling processes in C-PTSD. These hypotheses generate specific predictions for future empirical work and inform the design and evaluation of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions that aim to recalibrate affective regulation and self-referential processing in complex trauma presentations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2631358"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13003871/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147480151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virtual rescripting after loss using deepfake technology in prolonged grief treatment: a study protocol for a multiple baseline design.","authors":"Michele Petkovski, Rik Knipschild, Theo Gevers, Lonneke I M Lenferink","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2643984","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2643984","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is characterized by severe and persistent grief that impairs daily functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the first-line treatment but yields only small-to-moderate effects. Imagery rescripting, which targets distressing loss-related memories, is increasingly used for PGD and related trauma complaints. Incorporating deepfake technology into imagery rescripting, i.e. virtual rescripting, may increase emotional engagement and facilitate processing of the loss, potentially improving treatment outcomes. However, this approach has not yet been empirically examined for PGD.<b>Objective:</b> This study aims to explore the potential effectiveness of virtual rescripting in reducing prolonged grief intensity, loss-related unfinished business, grief rumination, guilt, regret, and negative affect, and increasing well-being and positive affect.<b>Methods:</b> A multiple baseline design will be employed (ethics ID: NL-010145). Nine participants will be randomly assigned to a baseline length of five, six, or seven weeks. The intervention phase will span five weeks and include three therapist-guided sessions: (1) introduction, (2) virtual rescripting, and (3) evaluation. Participants will complete weekly questionnaires during both the baseline and intervention phases. Data will be analyzed using randomization tests to compare the intensity levels of the outcomes of interest between the baseline and intervention phases.<b>Conclusions:</b> This is the first study to explore the potential effectiveness of virtual rescripting in PGD treatment, providing preliminary evidence for future large-scale trials to improve bereavement care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2643984"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147590881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modelling post-traumatic stress disorder-major depressive disorder comorbidity in rats: impaired α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor signalling is consistent with synergistic behavioural and cognitive deficits.","authors":"Baoying Jiang, Siyi Li, Wenhan Yan, Hao Zheng, Houxin Zhou, Yongjing Sun, Qianjun Ma, Xiaofei Guo, Yuehan Zhao, Guohui Zhu, Lifen Liu, Lin Sun","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2645520","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2645520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Post-traumatic stress disorder comorbid with major depressive disorder (PTSD + MDD) is a multifactorial condition with significant individual and societal impacts. Although neuroimaging studies have highlighted large-scale neural circuit dysfunctions, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms at the synaptic level remain poorly understood. The glutamatergic system, particularly the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR), is hypothesized to play a pivotal role in stress-induced pathologies, yet its specific role in PTSD + MDD comorbidity has not been elucidated. Furthermore, research has been hindered by a lack of validated experimental paradigms that accurately model this complex clinical state.<b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to establish a robust rat model of PTSD + MDD comorbidity and to investigate regional alterations of AMPAR subunits within this framework.<b>Method:</b> An animal model of PTSD + MDD comorbidity was constructed using single prolonged stress and electric foot shock (SPS&S) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The face, construct, and predictive validity of the model were verified through behavioural monitoring, molecular biological assessments, and drug treatment with paroxetine (PRX).<b>Results:</b> The combined SPS&S + CUMS paradigm resulted in core PTSD- and MDD-like behavioural deficits, including severe anhedonia and significant cognitive impairment. At the molecular level, we observed distinct, region-specific alterations in AMPAR subunits and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR): hippocampal glutamate receptor A1 (GluA1) and mTOR were downregulated, prefrontal GluA1 and GluA3 were reduced, while the amygdala showed decreased GluA2 with concurrent increases in GluA3 and mTOR. PRX treatment partially ameliorated both the behavioural abnormalities and protein-level dysregulation.<b>Conclusions:</b> The SPS&S + CUMS paradigm successfully induces core features of PTSD + MDD comorbidity and demonstrates robust validity. The observed alterations in AMPAR-related molecules are strictly characterized as significant correlates of the comorbid state, suggesting their potential involvement in the underlying pathophysiology. These findings identify AMPAR-related signalling as a promising correlative molecular signature, providing a necessary foundation for future investigations using region-specific manipulations to establish definitive causal links.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2645520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13045200/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147591023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phase-based versus non-phase-based psychological interventions for complex PTSD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yongjun Lee, Subin Park, Young-Eun Cho","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2644112","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2644112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Since complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was incorporated to the International Classification of Diseases-11th revision (ICD-11), the construct has drawn increasing attention in clinical research due to its debilitating effects across multiple domains of functioning. However, whether stabilization (Phase 1) is necessary before exposure to traumatic memories (Phase 2) remains controversial.<b>Objective:</b> We examined whether phase-based interventions are more effective than non-phase-based interventions in reducing symptoms of CPTSD.<b>Methods:</b> On 17 June 2025, we searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PTSDpubs, Scopus, and Web of Science as well as South Korean databases, including the Korean Citation Index, the Research Information Sharing Service, DataBase Periodical Information Academic (DBPia), and ScienceON. Randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions for individuals with clinically significant CPTSD symptoms or PTSD with at least two of the 'disturbances in self-organization' (DSO) symptom clusters were eligible. We used Hedges' <i>g</i> to pool effect sizes and performed subgroup analyses using Cochran's <i>Q</i> test. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Assessment 2 tool.<b>Results:</b> Across most outcomes, we observed no significant differences between phase- and non-phase-based interventions, between multi-phase and single-phase interventions, or between exposure and non-exposure interventions. However, multi-phase interventions had superior effects on PTSD, while phase-based, multi-phase, and exposure interventions showed greater improvements in DSO - affect regulation compared to their counterparts.<b>Conclusions:</b> This study was limited by the small number of available trials, single time-point, and heterogeneity in outcome measures, which constrained both the detection of subgroup differences and the precision of effect size estimates. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the current discourse, suggesting that non-phase-based and non-exposure-based interventions can be as effective as structured approaches in many contexts, while some outcomes may still benefit from phase-, multi-modular-, or exposure-based designs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2644112"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13063326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147632808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Grief modular group therapy: theoretical bases and pilot study of a new bereavement intervention programme in China.","authors":"Ningning Zhou, Suqin Tang, Jiaqi Zhou, Liping Guo, Lang Junlian, Bowen Situ, Xinxian Liu","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2651656","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2651656","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Bereavement is a major life stressor, with millions of Chinese individuals experiencing grief each year. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among bereaved people in China, yet culturally appropriate interventions are scarce. Existing Western-based protocols often showed limited cross-cultural applicability when implemented in the Chinese context, highlighting the need for evidence-based, culturally adapted interventions.<b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to introduce and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed structured Grief Modular Group Therapy (GMGT), designed under the framework of the Dual Process Model and integrating multiple therapeutic elements and culturally relevant practices.<b>Method:</b> A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Trained therapists delivered a 10-session GMGT protocol to bereaved individuals with prolonged grief symptoms (<i>N</i> = 69). Their outcomes were compared with those of a blank (non-intervention) control group (<i>N</i> = 64). Symptoms of PGD and PTSD were measured at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. GMGT showed high acceptability, with 79.8% of participants completing the programme.<b>Result:</b> Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in PGD symptom severity to a clinically significant extent (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.85). Improvements were maintained at follow-up (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.86). GMGT also reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms, though with smaller effect sizes.<b>Conclusion:</b> These findings suggest that GMGT is a promising, culturally sensitive, structured, and scalable intervention that could be remotely delivered for bereaved individuals in China, with potential applicability in other cultural contexts facing similar resource limitations in mental health care. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2651656"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147671786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of arousal symptoms in PTSD and depression comorbidity: a longitudinal network analysis among adolescents after a natural disaster.","authors":"Aiping Yang, Yaru Chen, Yiming Liang, Zhengkui Liu","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2643987","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2643987","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression frequently co-occur in adolescents following trauma, but the symptom-level mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain unclear. The arousal symptoms of PTSD, including sleep problems and other symptoms, are a potential bridging symptom group. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic bridge symptoms linking PTSD and depression among adolescents exposed to a natural disaster, and to examine how these connections evolve over time.<b>Methods:</b> A longitudinal study was conducted with 1,444 adolescents affected by the Zhouqu debris flow. Participants were assessed at 3, 15, and 27 months post-disaster. The University of California at Los Angeles Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index for Children, revision 1 and the Child Depression Inventory were used to assess PTSD and depression symptoms, respectively. Two cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) models were used to estimate temporal symptom associations and to identify bridge symptoms based on bridge expected influence (BEI).<b>Results:</b> Symptoms in the arousal and reactivity cluster (e.g. sleep disturbance, startle response, concentration problems) exhibited high and stable BEI across two years. However, specific bridge symptoms shifted across phases: startle and irritability were more influential between 3 and 15 months, while concentration problems and anhedonia became more prominent between 15 and 27 months. Network comparison revealed limited structural overlap across time, highlighting stage-specific changes in comorbidity patterns.<b>Conclusions:</b> These findings support a dual-phase mechanism of comorbidity between PTSD and depression. Arousal-related symptoms primarily drive cross-disorder associations in the early stage (3-15 months). In the later stage (15-27 months), depressive symptoms, especially anhedonia, become central, with attentional problems from hyperarousal also contributing. Tailored interventions targeting distinct symptom profiles at different recovery stages (hyperarousal in 3-15 month and anhedonia in 15-27 months) may enhance the effectiveness of post-disaster mental health care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2643987"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13037176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147572912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The microbiome and PTSD: a scoping review across preclinical and clinical studies.","authors":"Ronja Berendse, Marieke Verkleij, Joost Daams, Sian Hemmings, Ramon Lindauer, Aniko Korosi, Jasper B Zantvoord, Anja Lok","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2627060","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2627060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that substantially impairs quality of life and global health. Emerging evidence implicates that the human microbiome contributes to PTSD pathophysiology via gut-brain-immune interactions, although the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review aimed to systematically map the evidence linking microbiome alterations to PTSD, with a focus on mechanistic pathways, therapeutic potential, and research gaps.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review was conducted in Medline, Embase, and PsychINFO from inception to 18-03-2025. Eligible studies included human participants with PTSD and preclinical rodent models employing validated PTSD paradigms. Outcomes of interest included microbiome diversity and composition, gut-brain axis biomarkers, and effects of microbiome-targeted interventions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty studies were included, comprising 20 human, 29 preclinical and one cross-species study. Human observational studies frequently observed reduced overall microbial diversity, along with a loss of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and an increased abundance of <i>Veillonella</i>, <i>Odoribacter</i>, and <i>Catenibacterium</i> linked to gut permeability and inflammation. Human intervention studies testing probiotics, prebiotics, fermented soy, and dietary fibre showed preliminary evidence for symptom and related metabolic and inflammatory marker improvements; however, microbiome effects were inconsistent. Preclinical models revealed stress-induced reductions in <i>Bifidobacteria</i>, Verrucomicrobia, and <i>Parabacteroides</i>, and increases in <i>Coprobacillus</i> and <i>Anaeroplasma</i>. Functional consequences included impaired barrier integrity, altered SCFA levels, and heightened immune activation. Preclinical interventions, particularly <i>Mycobacterium vaccae</i>, as well as probiotics, synbiotics, acetate, and MDMA, mitigated microbial alterations, reduced anxiety-like behaviours, and modulated neuroimmune pathways.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence supports an association between PTSD and microbiome alterations, with convergent human and preclinical findings. However, human research remains limited by small, cross-sectional designs, which preclude causal inferences. Rigorous longitudinal and interventional studies are required to establish causality and assess microbiome-targeted therapies as adjuncts in PTSD treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2627060"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147369237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The experience of professionals receiving patients with manifestations of traumatic dissociation: a qualitative study.","authors":"Elea Mezard, Mayssa' El Husseini, Rahmeth Radjack, Marie Rose Moro, Sevan Minassian","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2634587","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2634587","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traumatic dissociation is defined as a disruption or disturbance in the integration of various cognitive functions in response to a traumatic event and has been the subject of extensive research in recent decades. For mental health professionals, exposure to patients with a history of trauma can have both negative and positive effects on their well-being. However, few studies have focused on the specific experiences of professionals encountering patients with traumatic dissociation.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study analyzed the experiences of 23 professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, and residents in psychiatry) working with patients presenting manifestations of traumatic dissociation, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This approach led to the identification of three key themes: (1) professionals' reactions to patient dissociation, (2) professionals' emotional and dissociative response, and (3) factors influencing reactions and impact on professionals' life.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In light of these findings, we propose several key points for training and supervision: taking into account the question of the body and physical contact; addressing the emotions experienced by professionals, particularly helplessness and loneliness, and carefully utilizing the diffusion of emotions and dissociation from the patient to the professional as a therapeutic tool to help patients self-regulate and reintegrate dissociated parts of themselves.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2634587"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973776/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trauma exposure and traumatic stress in foster carers: a scoping review.","authors":"Sanne G Helder, Sander J A de Vries, Petra Helmond, Joost Daams, Ramón J L Lindauer, Irma M Hein","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2616986","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2026.2616986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Foster carers provide care for children who have been removed from their primary caregivers due to serious adverse experiences. While considerable research focuses on trauma among foster children, little is known about the traumatic experiences and resulting (secondary) traumatic stress in foster carers themselves.<b>Objective</b>: To review existing literature on traumatic experiences and traumatic stress among foster carers. Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the methodological framework developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute [Peters, M. D. J., Marnie, C., Tricco, A. C., Pollock, D., Munn, Z., Alexander, L., McInerney, P., Godfrey, C. M., & Khalil, H. (2020). Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews<i>. JBI Evidence Synthesis</i>, 18(10), 2119-2126. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBIES-20-00167] and reported it in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and checklist. We searched for literature in MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO.<b>Results</b>: We included nine studies (2005-2024) involving over 2,200 foster carers. Results indicate that (1) many foster carers have personally experienced adverse childhood experiences; (2) carers report indirect trauma exposure through their children's narratives and direct exposure, such as threats or violence; (3) a notable portion experience high levels of secondary traumatic stress; and (4) higher levels of trauma exposure are related to higher levels of secondary traumatic stress.<b>Conclusions</b>: The findings highlight the need for mental health screening, ongoing training, and systemic support for foster carers. Acknowledging carers as both caregivers and trauma-affected individuals is essential to trauma-informed care, as it contributes to the wellbeing of both foster children and foster carers, and helps ensure stable foster placements. Given the limited number of studies, future research should further explore the specific trauma foster carers encounter in their caregiving role, the nature and severity of their secondary traumatic stress symptoms, and how these factors influence their caregiving capacity and the stability of foster placements.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2616986"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12849806/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146060933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Augmenting virtual reality exposure for PTSD with physical activity: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial.","authors":"Rick de Haart, Judith K Daniels, Marieke E Timmerman, Danielle C Cath, Miriam J J Lommen","doi":"10.1080/20008066.2025.2605803","DOIUrl":"10.1080/20008066.2025.2605803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Physical activity is increasingly incorporated in trauma-focused treatments as an augmentation strategy to improve treatment outcome. In a novel VR exposure treatment known as 3MDR (Multi-modal Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation), patients engage in low-intensity physical activity by walking on a treadmill throughout the therapy session, approaching trauma-related pictures that progressively enlarge until fully displayed in a VR environment. Physical activity is considered a key augmentation strategy in this treatment, with the proposed mechanism that walking toward a trauma-related picture facilitates the reduction of trauma-related avoidance, thereby improving treatment outcome. However, neither the specific effect of walking during this treatment nor the proposed working mechanism have been scientifically examined yet.<b>Objective:</b> In this paper we describe the rationale and study design of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine the specific effect of walking toward trauma-related stimuli during VR exposure on treatment outcome. In addition, we will test whether walking toward trauma-related pictures facilitates a greater reduction in trauma-related avoidance.<b>Method:</b> Patients with PTSD (<i>N</i> = 158) are randomised to two treatment conditions: <b>walking</b> (VR exposure while walking) or <b>stationary</b> (VR exposure without walking), while keeping all other treatment aspects constant. Participants in both conditions receive two preparatory treatment sessions, 6 or 12 VR exposure sessions, and one closure session. The primary outcome is clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity. Secondary outcomes are both clinician-rated- and self-reported trauma-related avoidance symptom severity, as well as self-reported PTSD symptom severity. Assessments take place pre- and after 6 and 12 VR exposure sessions (posttreatment), and at 3-, 6-, 12- and 18- months follow-up.<b>Conclusion:</b> This RCT aims to examine whether incorporating walking during trauma-focused treatment in a VR exposure environment augments the treatment of patients with PTSD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12055,"journal":{"name":"European Journal of Psychotraumatology","volume":"17 1","pages":"2605803"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12863069/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146017914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}