Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Inclusion Criteria: * Clear memory of an "index" traumatic event (sufficient for constructing a scene to be used in exposure) that occurred no less than six months prior to entering the trial (Montgomery and Bech 2000) * PTSD according to the DSM-IV, related to the index traumatic event, as measured with the CAPS: frequency ≥ 1 and intensity ≥ 2 for a symptom to be counted plus a minimum level of overall severity ≥ 50 * Not receiving other psychotherapy for PTSD during the 16 weeks of active treatment; psychotherapy for other problems, brief check-ins with an existing therapist, and attendance at self-help groups will be allowed * If on psychoactive medication: on a stable medication regimen for a minimum of two months prior to entering the trial * Aged between 18 and 70 years * Sufficient proficiency in the German language to participate in BEP * Consent to be randomized into the trial Exclusion Criteria: * Current psychotic, bipolar, substance-related, or severe personality disorder * Current severe depressive disorder * Severe cognitive impairment or a history of organic mental disorder * Evidence of PTSD or depression immediately prior to the index trauma * Ongoing threat of traumatic exposure * Prominent current suicidal or homicidal ideation * Asylum seeking status