Treatment outcome in substance use disorder patients with and without comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review

Abstract

We investigated the role of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (CO-PTSD) in substance use disorder (DSM-IV/ICD-10 substance abuse or dependence, SUD) treatment. We conducted a systematic review of treatment outcome studies in SUD patients with and without CO-PTSD from 2000 to 2011. The N = 22 studies found differed clearly with regard to methodology and the sufficiency of provided study information, limiting their comparability. Remarkably, no consistent indication of a negative effect of CO-PTSD on the reported SUD treatment outcome was found. In addition to CO-PTSD, we point out possible further effect modifiers which need to be better understood. Finally, we emphasize the requirements for future research such as methodological standardization and a focus on long-term studies.

Keywords: comorbidity; outcome research; substance abuse; substance use disorder; trauma.