title: Review of assessment and treatment of PTSD among elderly American armed forces veterans.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The number of elderly combat veterans is steadily increasing in the US and estimates project that a notable percentage of these veterans experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Limited data exist specifically related to prevalence, assessment, and treatment of PTSD among the elderly veteran population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review summarizes the available research related to difficulties in assessment with the elderly American Armed Forces veteran population. In addition, both psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment interventions for PTSD are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, Medline, and the National Center for PTSD's PILOTS database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence suggests that elderly veterans generally present more somatic symptoms of PTSD. Medical and psychological comorbidities, such as depression, substance abuse, or cognitive deficits can further complicate the assessment process. Cut-scores for existing instruments need to be further established with elderly veterans. Use of exposure therapies with the elderly has not been adequately researched and mixed results have been obtained for supportive therapy for treatment of PTSD. Controlled research investigating pharmacological interventions for PTSD with the elderly is also limited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence suggests that some psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions already utilized with younger individuals may be useful with the elderly veteran population. However, research indicates that modifications may be required for working with the elderly population and further research in the areas of assessment and treatment are necessary.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, KY, USA. ginaowens@juno.com
authors.forename: Gina P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.forename: Dewleen G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kasckow
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ciesla
authors.forename: Somaia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohamed
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015897:Comorbidity; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D014857:Warfare