Psychological debriefing 

1983-2007

After a traumatic experience, there is a risk that some people will develop psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological debriefing was a new form of psychological treatment introduced to prevent these psychological problems. The treatment consisted of a group session with participants who recently experienced the same traumatic event. A trained counsellor encouraged participants to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences of the traumatic event. Psychological debriefing emerged during the 1980s, and became a standard practice after major disasters.

However, researchers questioned the treatment’s effectiveness. For example, studies of people who experienced the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, showed that the method was not only ineffective – it actually increased the risk of PTSD and depression amongst trauma survivors. Research shows that, in the aftermath of traumatic events, support from family, friends, and trusted colleagues is preferable to formalised treatment by trained professionals. 

For twenty years, psychological debriefing was considered effective treatment, until it was made obsolete by research. The failure of debriefing demonstrates the importance of continual evaluation of treatments and how important it is for healthcare professional to keep up-to-date on the research in their field. 

Additional info:
Psychiatrictimes.com – Psychological Debriefing Does Not Prevent PTSD
British Journal of Psychiatry – link opens/downloads the academic article: “Psychological debriefing is a waste of time”