Clinical presentations and treatment outcomes of peacekeeper veterans with PTSD: preliminary findings.
OBJECTIVE
Despite evidence of potential psychiatric sequelae following peacekeeping operations, no data have appeared on treatment outcome for this population. This study examined intake and treatment outcome data for a group of peacekeepers with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


METHODS
Participants were 63 Australian Vietnam veterans and 66 Australian peacekeepers attending specialized PTSD treatment units. Measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and anger were obtained at intake and 3-month follow-up.


RESULTS
PTSD scores were more severe for peacekeepers than Vietnam veterans at intake, primarily in reexperiencing symptoms. In terms of comorbidity, only anger was higher among peacekeepers. No differences were apparent in treatment outcome. Initial anger predicted change in PTSD severity for peacekeepers.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of differences between peacekeepers and Vietnam veterans in anger and reexperiencing symptoms, in addition to the attenuating role of anger on treatment outcome, suggests that modification to standard PTSD treatment models may be warranted for peacekeepers.
Forbes
David
D
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, P.O. Box 5444, West Heidelberg, Victoria 3081, Australia. dforbes@unimelb.edu.au
Bennett
Neanne
N
Biddle
Dirk
D
Crompton
David
D
McHugh
Tony
T
Elliott
Peter
P
Creamer
Mark
M
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000786:Anger; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D047829:Vietnam Conflict