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Treatment outcome in Australian veterans with combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder: A cause for cautious optimism?
Author(s) -
Creamer Mark,
Morris Philip,
Biddle Dirk,
Elliott Peter
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1023/a:1024702931164
Subject(s) - comorbidity , optimism , psychiatry , anxiety disorder , anger , anxiety , psychology , depression (economics) , clinical psychology , posttraumatic stress , psychotherapist , economics , macroeconomics
This study investigated treatment outcome in combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were 419 Australian Vietnam veterans who completed a 12‐week hospital‐based program. A comprehensive protocol assessed PTSD, comorbidity, and social functioning at admission and at 3 and 9 months posttreatment. Overall, the group showed significant improvements in core PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, social dysfunction, and anger. Changes occurred mostly between admission and 3 months posttreatment, with gains maintained at 9 months. Ratings by patients and their partners indicated perceived improvement and strong satisfaction with treatment. Nevertheless, treatment gains were variable and, for most veterans, considerable pathology remained following the programs. The current study provides grounds for cautious optimism in the treatment of combat‐related PTSD.