Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Energy psychology, particularly emotional freedom techniques (EFT), has gained attention as a non-pharmacological treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of EFT in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

Methods: This meta-analysis follows PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Airiti Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant studies published before December 31, 2024.

Results: The meta-analysis included 13 studies involving 621 patients. Our findings showed that EFT significantly improved PTSD symptoms compared to the baseline (standardized mean difference [SMD]: - 0.901; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: - 1.130- - 0.671; Hedge's g: -0.865) and was more effective than the control group (SMD: - 2.106; 95% CI: - 2.759- - 1.452; Hedge's g: -2.062). Furthermore, anxiety (SMD: - 0.591; 95% CI: - 0.726- - 0.456; Hedge's g: -0.567) and depression (SMD: - 0.516; 95% CI: - 0.654- - 0.377; Hedge's g: -0.495) scores decreased significantly compared to the baseline. Notably, these treatment effects were sustained for up to three months for PTSD severity (SMD: - 0.757; 95% CI: - 0.967- - 0.547; Hedge's g: -0.723), anxiety (SMD: - 0.522; 95% CI: - 0.683- - 0.361; Hedge's g: -0.498), and depression (SMD: - 0.420; 95% CI: - 0.542- - 0.298; Hedge's g: -0.402). The subgroup analysis of veterans revealed that EFT effectively reduced PTSD symptoms (SMD: - 1.159; 95% CI: - 1.441- - 0.877; Hedge's g: -1.102), anxiety (SMD: - 0.715; 95% CI: - 0.943- -0.487; Hedge's g: -0.676), and depression (SMD: - 0.627; 95% CI: - 0.803- - 0.451; Hedge's g: -0.597).

Conclusions: EFT effectively treated PTSD and reduced comorbid symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, its therapeutic effect could be applied in veteran populations and sustained for up to three months.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Emotional freedom techniques; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Systematic review and meta-analysis.