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

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.