SynthesisBMJ mental health2024
Predictors of study dropout in cognitive-behavioural therapy with a trauma focus for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: An individual participant data meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMJ mental health, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- Comparing dropout from cognitive processing therapy versus prolonged exposure: Results from a randomized clinical trial.Journal of consulting and clinical psychology · 2026Trial
- Walk and Talk: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Multi-Modal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation Therapy versus Treatment as Usual for Veterans and First Responders with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.Psychotherapy and psychosomatics · 2026Trial
- Dropout From Trauma-Focused Treatment for Intimate Partner Violence Against Women.Clinical psychology & psychotherapyTrial
- Psychotherapy for PTSD - a scoping review of how change during treatment has been studied.European journal of psychotraumatology · 2026Article
- The role of intelligence in PTSD treatment outcomes: evidence from a multicenter TF-CBT trial with youth.Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health · 2026Article
- Case Report: Psychological acupuncture for severe cynophobia with comorbid PTSD.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2026Article
- AI-guided digital intervention with physiological monitoring reduces intrusive memories after experimental trauma.NPJ digital medicine · 2025Article
- Why was the treatment discontinued? Reasons for attrition in evidence-based trauma-focused treatments.European journal of psychotraumatology · 2025Article
- How tapping works: physiological and psychological mechanisms in energy psychology.Frontiers in psychology · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
47 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundAvailable empirical evidence on participant-level factors associated with dropout from psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is both limited and inconclusive. More comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to study dropout from cognitive-behavioural therapy with a trauma focus (CBT-TF) is crucial for enhancing treatment outcomes.
objectiveUsing an individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) design, we examined participant-level predictors of study dropout from CBT-TF interventions for PTSD.
methodsA comprehensive systematic literature search was undertaken to identify randomised controlled trials comparing CBT-TF with waitlist control, treatment-as-usual or another therapy. Academic databases were screened from conception until 11 January 2021. Eligible interventions were required to be individual and in-person delivered. Participants were considered dropouts if they did not complete the post-treatment assessment.
findingsThe systematic literature search identified 81 eligible studies (n=3330). Data were pooled from 25 available CBT-TF studies comprising 823 participants. Overall, 221 (27%) of the 823 dropped out. Of 581 civilians, 133 (23%) dropped out, as did 75 (42%) of 178 military personnel/veterans. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that military personnel/veterans (RR 2.37) had a significantly greater risk of dropout than civilians. Furthermore, the chance of dropping out significantly decreased with advancing age (continuous; RR 0.98).
conclusionsThese findings underscore the risk of premature termination from CBT-TF among younger adults and military veterans/personnel. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Understanding predictors can inform the development of retention strategies tailored to at-risk subgroups, enhance engagement, improve adherence and yield better treatment outcomes.
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