Outcome of intensive inpatient treatment for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzed the outcome of a 4-month intensive inpatient program for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam veterans.


METHODS
The subjects were 51 male veterans with PTSD who completed the inpatient treatment program. Comprehensive measures of PTSD and psychiatric symptoms, as well as social functioning, were assessed at admission, discharge, and 6, 12, and 18 months after discharge.


RESULTS
The overall study group showed an increase in symptoms from admission to follow-up and a decrease in violent actions and thoughts and legal problems. Family and interpersonal relationships and overall morale were improved at discharge but then returned to pretreatment levels at 18 months. Patient evaluations also indicated that the program affected morale and interpersonal relationships but not symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The chronic nature of combat-related PTSD among Vietnam veterans is evident. The study raises the possibility that long-term intensive inpatient treatment is not effective, and other forms of treatment should be considered after rigorous study of such variables as length of stay, trauma versus rehabilitation focus, and patient characteristics.
Johnson
D R
DR
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
Rosenheck
R
R
Fontana
A
A
Lubin
H
H
Charney
D
D
Southwick
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006757:Hospital Units; D006760:Hospitalization; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008884:Milieu Therapy; D009013:Morale; D010555:Personality Inventory; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology; D014744:Vietnam