Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms in Adults with a History of Childhood Adversity: Scoping Review

Purpose: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) predispose individuals to adult-onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with amplified arousal and reactivity symptoms (A&R). This review aimed to identify interventions for reducing A&R symptoms in adults diagnosed with PTSD and a history of ACEs. Method: Systematic scoping review of RCT and quasi-experimental studies in peer-reviewed journals using Arksey and O'Malley's 5-Stage Framework. Extracted data were analyzed descriptively and thematically. Results: Five articles met inclusion criteria. Skills training in affect and interpersonal regulation (STAIR) with exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-PE), Interpersonal Processing Group Therapy (IPG), and Trauma-informed yoga interventions were identified. STAIR (d = -1.45, 95% CI [-2.10, -0.80), CBT-PE (d = -1.21, 95% CI [-1.92, -0.51]), and IPG (d = -1.33, 95% CI [-2.07, -0.58]) had large effects on A&R symptoms. Discussion: CBT exposure-based treatments were supported interventions for reducing A&R symptoms in adults diagnosed with PTSD and a history of ACEs.