GP-Led Brief Talking Therapy Reduces PTSD Symptoms After Critical Illness, Study Finds

A recent study conducted in Germany has demonstrated that a short, structured talking therapy delivered through general practitioners (GPs) can help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of critical illness. The trial, published in The BMJ, involved 319 adults who had experienced intensive care and were at risk of developing PTSD. Participants received either three targeted GP consultations combined with eight follow-up sessions led by nurses, or received improved usual care without the specific intervention.

The primary measure was PTSD symptom severity at six months, assessed via the post-traumatic diagnostic scale (PDS-5). Results showed that the intervention group experienced a modest but notable reduction in symptoms, with PDS-5 scores decreasing by an average of 6.2 points, compared to a 1.5-point decrease in the control group. Although these improvements did not reach the predefined threshold for clinical significance, the broader benefits included reductions in depression, disability, and enhancements in quality of life.

The researchers highlight that this approach could serve as a practical interim support mechanism, bridging the gap until patients can access specialized mental health services, which often face long waiting times. The intervention's low intensity and feasibility in routine primary care make it a promising option, especially given the high prevalence of PTSD after intensive care and the limited availability of specialist resources.

Limitations of the study include excluding patients with severe PTSD symptoms and providing only brief training to participating GPs. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that structured, GP-led psychological interventions could play a vital role in trauma-informed care, offering a scalable solution to manage post-critical illness psychological sequelae. Future research aims to optimize such interventions, refine their content, and improve integration across healthcare systems.

This study underscores the importance of early psychological support and offers a pragmatic strategy to address mental health needs in post-ICU populations, according to the study authors and an accompanying editorial.