A randomized controlled trial of cognitive analytic versus compassion-focused therapy for PTSD in Iran-Iraq War Veterans

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, debilitating mental illness with a substantial burden on individuals and society. The authors aimed to compare the effects of cognitive analytic therapy and compassion-focused therapy on Veterans with PTSD. This study showed that a 12-session program of cognitive analytic therapy or an 8-session program of compassion-focused therapy was effective for treating PTSD. The interventions controlled re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal in PTSD. Also, they decreased depression, anxiety, and numbness in patients with PTSD. Compassion-focused therapy was more effective in controlling avoidance and depression than cognitive analytic therapy.