Intensive vs. Standard Weekly CBT: Which Works Better for Chronic PTSD?

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These investigators assessed the potential benefits of intensive CBT in 121 patients (59% female; 30% ethnic minority) with chronic PTSD resulting from one or two traumatic events during adulthood (mostly physical or sexual assault, accidents, disasters, or traumatic deaths of others).

Stratified by gender and PTSD severity, patients were randomized to one of four arms: 7 to 10 days of intensive CBT treatment totaling 20 hours; 3 months of standard CBT provided in once- or twice-weekly visits; 3 months of weekly, nondirective, emotion-focused, supportive psychotherapy; or a 14-week wait-list. Psychiatric comorbidities, diagnose…