title: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Systematic Review.
abstract: To (1) characterize complementary and alternative medicine studies for posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, (2) evaluate the quality of these studies, and (3) systematically grade the scientific evidence for individual CAM modalities for posttraumatic stress disorder.
  Systematic review. Eight data sources were searched. Selection criteria included any study design assessing posttraumatic stress disorder outcomes and any complementary and alternative medicine intervention. The body of evidence for each modality was assessed with the Natural Standard evidence-based, validated grading rationale.
  Thirty-three studies (n = 1329) were reviewed. Scientific evidence of benefit for posttraumatic stress disorder was strong for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and good for acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, and visualization. Evidence was unclear or conflicting for biofeedback, relaxation, Emotional Freedom and Thought Field therapies, yoga, and natural products. Considerations for clinical applications and future research recommendations are discussed.
authors.affiliation: 1 Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.|2 National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Helané
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wahbeh
authors.affiliation: 1 Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.|2 National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Senders
authors.affiliation: 2 National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Neuendorf
authors.affiliation: 1 Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cayton
keywords: complementary and alternative medicine; posttraumatic stress disorder