Diagnostic and psychopharmacological treatment characteristics of 536 inpatients with posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Descriptive information (demographic variables, DSM-III diagnoses, and medications prescribed) was obtained from the discharge summaries of 536 male veteran inpatients who received a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over a 4-year period. Data comparisons were also made between two types of inpatient programs (specialized PTSD vs. psychiatric ward) to control for program selection biases. Consistent with previous studies, alcohol and substance abuse and/or depression diagnoses occurred concurrently with PTSD. Diagnoses of schizophrenia were more prevalent in the psychiatric wards. Nearly one third of the total sample received an axis II diagnosis, with borderline features most common. Half of all patients received psychopharmacological treatment in addition to psychotherapy. Antidepressants, neuroleptics, and beta-blockers were prescribed most frequently. Directions for future inpatient PTSD research are offered based on the findings.