Can a different type of talk therapy help PTSD as well as standard treatments?

NCT ID NCT00739765

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) works as well as two established treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): prolonged exposure therapy and relaxation therapy. 110 adults with chronic PTSD took part, receiving weekly sessions over 14 weeks. The goal was to see if IPT, which focuses on improving relationships and social support, could be a good alternative for people who may not tolerate exposure-based therapies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

psychotherapy (interpersonal psychotherapy, prolonged exposure therapy, relaxation therapy)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that interpersonal psychotherapy is another effective option for treating chronic PTSD, expanding access to care.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial with 110 participants, so results are limited in size. Psychotherapy outcomes can vary widely between individuals, and the study may not prove one therapy is clearly better than others.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder injury post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • New York State Psychiatric Institute

    New York, New York, 10032, United States