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Rose S, et al. Psychological debriefing for preventing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(2):CD000560. PMID 12076399

One-paragraph summary

This Cochrane review included 11 randomized studies of a single-session intervention within one month of trauma that encouraged emotional processing/ventilation and normalization.

Key findings

  • Short-term PTSD risk: OR 1.22 (95% CI .60–2.46).
  • One trial at one year: OR 2.88 (95% CI 1.11–7.53), favouring control.
  • No evidence supported prevention of PTSD or reduction of general psychological morbidity.

Limitations

  • Trial quality was generally poor and two studies could not be synthesized.
  • The finding applies to compulsory/single-session debriefing, not all practical support or targeted early CBT.
  • Trauma contexts and intervention protocols varied.

Why it matters

This record changed the evidentiary baseline for psychological debriefing prevention review; later claims should begin from this result rather than earlier narrative consensus.

Cited by wiki pages

  • early-intervention-and-prevention
  • overview
  • red-flags-and-safety-concerns