Exploring the impact of expressive therapies on military Veterans with PTSD: A systematic review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in military veterans and presents as distress, anxiety, or depression due to a traumatic event. Expressive therapies are an emerging intervention used to enhance the quality of life by addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of individuals. METHODS: Five databases were searched from 2014 to 2022 with search terms addressing the expressive therapies of art, dance, drama, music, and writing, and military veterans with PTSD. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven articles were screened and 16 articles qualified for review. Articles were categorized based on the following results: decrease in PTSD symptoms, veterans' triggered responses, participants recommending expressive therapy/finding it helpful, and increased well-being and/or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Results found that expressive therapies are effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in military veterans. However, more research is recommended to fully support the use of expressive therapies in PTSD treatment.

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