Exposure therapy for combat-related PTSD: A critical review

This review critically examines the treatment outcome literature using exposure treatment for combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the current literature is quite underdeveloped, available data suggest that exposure is superior to wait-list controls and “standard treatment.” In particular, exposure treatment results in decreased symptoms of intrusive images, cognitions, and physiological arousal. Treatment gains are maintained for as long as 6 months. Limitations of current studies, important procedural variables, patient characteristics, and issues of measurement are highlighted. Finally, efficacy of exposure alone as a treatment for PTSD and the need for addition of other behavioral treatment strategies to exposure is discussed.