Key Takeaway
EFT shows very large effect sizes (d=2.96) for PTSD treatment, with most participants no longer meeting diagnostic criteria after treatment.
Summary
This systematic review examined the evidence for Emotional Freedom Techniques in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. The review analyzed clinical trials involving veterans, abuse survivors, and other trauma populations.
The pooled effect size was very large (d = 2.96), one of the largest reported in the PTSD treatment literature. Across studies, 86% of participants no longer met clinical criteria for PTSD after EFT treatment. The review noted that EFT has been approved as an evidence-based treatment by the Veterans Administration.
Methods
- Systematic review of PTSD treatment trials
- Included RCTs and controlled studies
- Analyzed various trauma populations
- Pre/post symptom measures using validated scales
- Clinical significance analysis (diagnostic status)
Key Results
- Very large effect size (d = 2.96)
- 86% no longer met PTSD criteria post-treatment
- Effects maintained at follow-up (3-6 months)
- Effective for combat veterans and civilian trauma
- Rapid improvement often seen (4-10 sessions)
Limitations
- Limited large-scale RCTs
- Some studies lacked active control groups
- Therapist allegiance effects possible
- Long-term maintenance needs more study