INTRODUCTION:
Mental health challenges are a critical global concern, impacting millions and straining healthcare systems. Among mental health disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands out for its severe effects on quality of life. Females are disproportionately affected, being twice as likely to develop PTSD due to higher exposure to gender-based violence, sexual assault, and interpersonal trauma. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are widely used evidence-based treatments; however, limited research compares their effectiveness specifically among females. Understanding which intervention offers greater symptom relief, functional improvement, and treatment adherence is essential for informing gender-responsive mental health care.

METHODS:
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, and PsycTherapy (2000–2024). Thirty peer-reviewed studies met inclusion criteria, focusing on females with PTSD receiving TF-CBT or EMDR. Studies reporting symptom reduction, functional improvement, or treatment adherence were synthesised using thematic analysis. Both TF-CBT and EMDR significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in females. EMDR demonstrated larger immediate effect sizes (1.3–2.8), indicating rapid symptom relief1–3. TF-CBT, however, showed stronger statistical significance (p < 0.001) and more consistent improvements across emotional dysregulation, hyperarousal, avoidance, and re-experiencing 4–6. Functional outcomes showed a similar pattern: both therapies improved overall functioning, but TF-CBT demonstrated more stable long-term gains, while EMDR showed some decline at six-month follow-up 7–9. Regarding adherence, TF-CBT achieved higher completion rates (68–90%) compared to EMDR, which had higher dropout rates due to session intensity 10,11.