Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure in reducing PTSD symptomology in United States military veterans. The present research study attempted to identify individual factors that may lead to a more effective treatment outcome with one of the two therapies that are frequently utilized in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria for the present study. The findings demonstrated both Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure are effective in reducing PTSD symptomology in veterans. Only one study directly compared the two therapies, and Prolonged Exposure was found to be more effective. Several studies indicated factors that may impact outcomes with Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure including a veteran's period of service, age, gender, application for an increase in service connection, race and ethnicity, education, alcohol use, and use of psychotropic medication. More research is needed to directly compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure, so veterans can make more informed decisions when considering the therapies.