Randomized clinical trial pilot study of prolonged exposure versus present centred affect regulation therapy for PTSD and anger problems with male military combat veterans

A randomized controlled trial pilot study (www.ClinicalTrials.org; NCT01228539) with N = 31 U.S. male military recent combat veterans with PTSD and severe anger problems was conducted comparing 10‐session individual therapy versions of Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET) versus prolonged exposure (PE). TARGET had fewer drop‐outs than PE (i.e., 29% vs. 64%). At post‐test, improvements were found for both interventions in increased emotion regulation and hope, and reduced PTSD symptoms, hostility, experiential avoidance, and mental health problems. At a four‐month follow‐up, comparable proportions (approximately 40%) of recipients in each therapy maintained clinically significant gains. Self‐rated expectancy of therapeutic outcome and working alliance was comparable for both PE and TARGET early in therapy, at mid‐treatment, and at the end of treatment. While preliminary, these results suggest that TARGET may be a viable therapeutic option for male military veterans with PTSD and anger problems.