A systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials evaluated the effectiveness of psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TFCBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) were found to be more effective than waiting-list or usual care in reducing PTSD symptoms. While there was no significant difference between TFCBT and EMDR, both were superior to stress management and other therapies. Stress management was better than other therapies in some cases. The study concluded that TFCBT and EMDR should be the first-line psychological treatments for PTSD. The results suggest that these treatments are effective for chronic PTSD, with effect sizes comparable to those found for cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression and anxiety disorders. However, not all patients with chronic PTSD will benefit from these treatments, and alternative approaches may be necessary. The study also noted limitations, including potential heterogeneity in study results and the need for further research on the effectiveness of psychological treatments in real-world settings. The findings support the use of trauma-focused psychological treatments for chronic PTSD, with TFCBT and EMDR being the most effective options.A systematic review and meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials evaluated the effectiveness of psychological treatments for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TFCBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) were found to be more effective than waiting-list or usual care in reducing PTSD symptoms. While there was no significant difference between TFCBT and EMDR, both were superior to stress management and other therapies. Stress management was better than other therapies in some cases. The study concluded that TFCBT and EMDR should be the first-line psychological treatments for PTSD. The results suggest that these treatments are effective for chronic PTSD, with effect sizes comparable to those found for cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression and anxiety disorders. However, not all patients with chronic PTSD will benefit from these treatments, and alternative approaches may be necessary. The study also noted limitations, including potential heterogeneity in study results and the need for further research on the effectiveness of psychological treatments in real-world settings. The findings support the use of trauma-focused psychological treatments for chronic PTSD, with TFCBT and EMDR being the most effective options.