From the Journals

Primary Care’s Role in PTSD Treatment

Researchers found that written exposure therapy and SSRIs both reduced PTSD symptoms in primary care, while switching to venlafaxine benefited nonresponders.

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A recent randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry highlighted that switching to the antidepressant venlafaxine significantly improved symptoms in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who did not respond to initial treatment. Conducted across seven health centers and eight Veterans Affairs medical centers, the trial involved 700 adults. Both trauma-focused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy showed clinically meaningful improvements, with venlafaxine outperforming written exposure therapy for SSRIs nonresponders, suggesting effective treatment pathways for clinicians.

Original Source(s)

Primary Care’s Role in PTSD Treatment

Researchers found that written exposure therapy and SSRIs both reduced PTSD symptoms in primary care, while switching to venlafaxine benefited nonresponders.

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • November 10, 2025

  • 3 min

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