A Brief Exposure-Based Treatment vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress DisorderA Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial

Denise M. Sloan, PhD1,2; Brian P. Marx, PhD1,2; Daniel J. Lee, PhD1; et alPatricia A. Resick, PhD3
Author Affiliations Article Information
JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 17, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.4249

Key Points

Question Is a brief, exposure-based treatment noninferior to the more time-intensive cognitive processing therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder?

Findings In this randomized noninferiority clinical trial of 126 adults who received a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, those treated with written exposure therapy, a 5-session treatment, and those treated with cognitive processing therapy improved significantly, with large effect sizes observed. Despite the substantial dose difference, written exposure therapy was noninferior to cognitive processing therapy.

Meaning The findings provide evidence that written exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy are effective for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, and that posttraumatic stress disorder can be effectively treated with a 5-session psychotherapy.