Psychodrama’s effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, traumatic grief, prolonged grief disorder, and spontaneity: A mixed methods study in inpatient addiction treatment

This study (n = 148) examines psychodrama as an effective group therapy in an inpatient substance use setting as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and traumatic grief. Overall quantitative outcomes indicate an average reduction in PTSD by 52.71 %, depression by 61.76 %, anxiety by 53.72 %, traumatic grief by 31.39 %, and prolonged grief disorder (PGD) by 32.36 %. Results also show an increase in spontaneity by 31.08 % and high patient satisfaction scores related to the experience of participation in the trauma-focused psychodrama groups. Qualitative findings from patient surveys support the quantitative outcomes and provide additional insight into participants’ experiences of the sessions. The outcomes of this mixed-methods study further contribute to the research base of psychodrama as an effective treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and traumatic grief, while also highlighting the essential role of spontaneity – the curative agent in psychodrama psychotherapy. While there are multiple limitations in this study, the overall results point to psychodrama as a viable group therapy modality in inpatient addiction treatment to address co-occurring disorders.