Aim and Background: The aim of this study was to compare cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and time perspective therapy in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans. Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design. From among war veterans with PTSD who referred to medical centers in Tehran, Iran, 45 individuals were selected through purposive sampling method. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups of CBT, time perspective therapy, and control group (15 individuals in each group). To collect data, the Beck Depression Inventory was used. Analysis of data was performed using two-factor repeated measures ANOVA. Findings: The results showed no significant difference between the CBT and time perspective treatment on reduction of PTSD symptoms (P = 0.942) in war veterans. However, both CBT and time perspective therapy had significant effects on reduction of depression in war veterans (P < 0.001). Time perspective therapy had a greater effect on reduction of depression (P = 0.001) in war veterans, but this difference was not significant. Conclusions: Follow-up results showed that the effectiveness of time perspective therapy in the reduction of depression among war veterans with PTSD was higher and had greater stability and sustainability compared to CBT. Hence, it can be used as a short-term psychological intervention of war veterans.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder

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