Examining the role of emotion and alexithymia in cognitive behavioural therapy outcomes for posttraumatic stress disorder: Clinical implications

Abstract

Abstract Although several evidence-based trauma-focused treatments have been developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a high proportion of treatment completers fail to show total symptom or disorder-level remission. Trauma-focused treatments are predicated on the ability of one to emotionally engage with a trauma memory in order to process the traumatic experience and facilitate safety learning in the post-trauma ‘here and now’. Alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying, describing and tending to one’s emotions, occurs in approximately 40% of those who experience PTSD. This article investigates the role of emotional mechanisms in the effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments for PTSD, particularly prolonged exposure and trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy. Second, it explores how alexithymia poses challenges to emotion processing, undermining the effectiveness of trauma-focused treatments. The article concludes with a discussion of the clinical implications and possible treatment augmentation for those presenting with alexithymia and PTSD. Key learning aims (1) To recognise the important affective mechanisms that can undermine trauma-focused CBT interventions. (2) To widen the understanding and recognition of those who may be at risk of treatment non-response. (3) To increase knowledge of available strategies and approaches in treating those who may have difficulties engaging with frontline exposure-based interventions.