In a study from the University of California in San Francisco, scientists found most people with suspected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not receive care.
The team compared rates of PTSD treatment utilization (medication and psychotherapy) among veterans and nonveterans and identified factors linked to treatment utilization.
The analysis included 2,775 individuals (2,508 veterans; 267 nonveterans) meeting the criteria for probable PTSD.
The researchers found that the majority of participants had not received any PTSD treatment (56% of veterans and 86% of nonveterans).
Veterans with probable PTSD were substantially more likely to receive any treatment for PTSD than nonveterans.
Veterans with Veterans Affairs health care coverage were most likely to receive PTSD medication and psychotherapy.
However, Black veterans were less likely to have received PTSD medication and psychotherapy than White veterans.
Among nonveterans, being married or divorced was most strongly linked to receiving PTSD medication compared with those who were never married.
The team says concerted efforts are necessary to increase PTSD care utilization for both veteran and nonveteran populations.
Public health efforts should focus on educating patients and providers about the nature and benefit of treatment for PTSD and associated symptoms.
Systemic change may be necessary to increase the availability of care for PTSD—especially for psychotherapy, which requires a higher time investment from providers.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and carotenoid supplements could improve memory.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about warning signs of PTSD you need to know, and results showing how sleep may help you process emotions and reduce PTSD.
The study was conducted by Rachel M. Ranney et al and published in Medical Care.
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