Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for U.S. Veterans With a History of Traumatic
Katie A Ragsdale1, Sarah C Voss Horrell2
1Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salem, Virginia, USA. KatieRagsdale@knights.ucf.edu.
Abstract:
This retrospective analysis of previously existing nonrandomized clinical data examined the effectiveness of completing prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in a sample of 41 U.S. veterans at a Veterans Affairs medical center. The sample included 19 veterans with diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 22 veterans with PTSD only. Diagnostic groups did not significantly differ on PTSD and depression symptom reduction, F(2, 36) = 0.05, p = .951; Pillai's trace = 0.00, partial η2 = .00. Veterans who completed PE showed greater symptom reduction than those who completed CPT, F(2, 36) = 12.10, p < .001; Pillai's trace = 0.40, partial η2 = .40, regardless of TBI status. Overall, our results suggested that TBI status should not preclude individuals from being offered trauma-focused PTSD treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Traumatic Memory
Interpersonal Psychotherapy

