Differential Effects of an Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Writing Therapy for Reducing PTSD Symptoms after Intensive Care: Results of a Per-Protocol Analysis

Objective: To investigate the differential effects of an internet-based cognitive-behavioral writing therapy (iCBT) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after intensive care in patients and their spouses. Methods: This reanalysis of a randomized controlled trial compared PTSD symptom severity (measured by PCL-5) before and after therapy considering potential influencing factors in the per-protocol population. Results: A significant reduction in post-traumatic symptom severity after iCBT was found. Eleven of the 25 treated participants showed a clinically significant change (PCL-5 difference≥10 points). The number of words written by the participants in the therapy modules had a significant impact on iCBT efficacy. Conclusion: iCBT appears to be a promising option to augment therapy for PTSD, particularly for physically impaired patients following critical illness.