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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

Published in:

01-04-2012

Discrepancy in Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Treatment for the Wrong Reason

Authors: Ellen C. Meltzer, MD, MSc, Tali Averbuch, MPP, Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, MA, MPH, Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, Khelda Jabbar, MD, Christine Lloyd-Travaglini, MPH, Jane M. Liebschutz, MD, MPH

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

In primary care (PC), patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often undiagnosed. To determine variables associated with treatment, this cross-sectional study assessed 592 adult patients for PTSD. Electronic medical record (EMR) review of the prior 12 months assessed mental health (MH) diagnoses and MH treatments [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and/or ≥1 visit with MH professional]. Of 133 adults with PTSD, half (49%; 66/133) received an SSRI (18%), a visit with MH professional (14%), or both (17%). Of those treated, 88% (58/66) had an EMR MH diagnosis, the majority (71%; 47/66) depression and (18%; 12/66) PTSD. The odds of receiving MH treatment were increased 8.2 times (95% CI 3.1–21.5) for patients with an EMR MH diagnosis. Nearly 50% of patients with PTSD received MH treatment, yet few had this diagnosis documented. Treatment was likely due to overlap in the management of PTSD and other mental illnesses.

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Title: Discrepancy in Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Treatment for the Wrong Reason
Authors: Ellen C. Meltzer, MD, MSc
Tali Averbuch, MPP
Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, MA, MPH
Richard Saitz, MD, MPH
Khelda Jabbar, MD
Christine Lloyd-Travaglini, MPH
Jane M. Liebschutz, MD, MPH
Publication date: 01-04-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-011-9263-x

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Discrepancy in Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Treatment for the Wrong Reason

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