Body oriented psychological therapy for patients with complex PTSD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring group body oriented psychological therapy for the treatment of patients with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): a proof of concept cohort study utilising a manualised treatment protocol
IRAS ID
337610
Contact name
Frank Rohricht
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Patients suffering from the consequences of significant trauma in their life and who have been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, experience significant problems with their emotion regulation and often display a range of somatic symptoms such as increased arousal, generalised pain and numbness, dissociation (fragmentation between mind and body) and self-harming or suicidal behaviours.
Up to 50% of these patients do not significantly improve following standard psychotherapeutic treatments such as trauma-focused talking therapies (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy / CBT).
According to trauma therapy experts, the variety of physical symptoms following experiences of trauma (in particular abuse or neglect) are regarded as significantly important for the prognosis of the disorder. Body-centered approaches have therefore been recommended to become a key component of trauma therapy as a key part of the healing process. There is however a paucity of systematic research to explore the efficacy and effectiveness of these treatments.As many of the core symptoms are psychosomatic in nature, this proof-of-concept study aims to ascertain if manualised Body Oriented Psychological Therapy (BOPT), an innovative therapeutic intervention, will be acceptable for complex-PTSD sufferers and is likely to impact on trauma symptoms including PTSD, subjective quality of life, physical health and emotional regulation.
The study will take place in two NHS Trusts, both with specialist trauma services. The study will assess the acceptance, safety and therapeutic impact of the intervention. 30 patients (15 from each Trust), diagnosed with cPTSD, will be invited from the trauma therapy waiting lists. 24 patients (12 per site) will be recruited and offered 40 sessions of group BOPT. Patients will be assessed pre-post therapy and 3-months after the treatment on a range of quantitative and qualitative measures. The experience of taking part in this therapy will be evaluated systematically, adherence to and utility of the manual will also be evaluated.REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0372
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion