The effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in Azerbaijan

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) poses a significant mental health challenge in postconflict Azerbaijan. This study explored the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in this context, addressing a critical gap in psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD. The study employed an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis to assess the impact of CPT on PTSD and depressive symptoms, evaluate sustainability over 3 months, and examine changes in psychosocial functioning and well-being. A single-arm, open-label pilot dissemination project was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. Participants (N = 103) underwent CPT led by local clinicians trained by U.S. experts. Measures included the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning (B-IPF). Post-CPT, significant reductions were observed in PTSD symptoms, ΔM_{baseline-posttreatment} = -35.9, p < .001, d = 3.56, and depressive symptom, ΔM _{baseline-posttreatment} = -12.9, p < .001, d = 2.91. Sustained improvements in PTSD symptoms were noted at the 3-month follow-up assessment. Psychosocial functioning notably improved posttreatment ΔM _{baseline-posttreatment} = -5.6, p < .001, d = 0.75, and well-being showed a significant increase, ΔM _{baseline-posttreatment} = 7.1, p < .001, d = 1.52. This pilot trial highlights CPT's effectiveness in alleviating PTSD and depressive symptoms, improving psychosocial functioning, and enhancing well-being. Despite limitations, the findings suggest that CPT is a promising psychotherapeutic intervention for PTSD in Azerbaijan, warranting further research with larger samples and extended follow-up periods.