Discussion
combat-related PTSD, PTSD, disability
This RCT found that 2 PE protocols compressed to 3 weeks each demonstrated before-to-after treatment improvements in post-9/11 US military service members and veterans with PTSD. These findings provide strong support that combat-related PTSD can be effectively treated. Significant posttreatment reductions in clinician-rated and self-reported PTSD symptoms were seen across both therapies, and these changes were statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Approximately two-thirds of all participants reported clinically meaningful improvements in their clinician-diagnosed and self-reported PTSD symptoms, and more than half no longer qualified for a PTSD diagnosis. Notable posttreatment reductions also occurred in disability and functional impairment across both treatments. Compared with the previous 2-week massed-PE treatment protocol,