title: Veterans' disclosure of trauma to healthcare providers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of patients' trauma disclosure to health professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample of 173 veterans in outpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Veterans Health Administration completed surveys querying trauma history, reasons for trauma disclosure and perceived provider responses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For half of the participants, a healthcare provider was the first person to whom they disclosed. Reasons were primarily external, such as pressure from others. Although 72% were glad to disclose, 45% perceived at least one negative provider response.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients disclose to a wide range of provider types and perceive varied responses. Providers' awareness of the need to be sensitive to trauma disclosure could facilitate treatment for PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Research and Development Service, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Dr.Leibq@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ruth Q
authors.initials: RQ
authors.lastname: Leibowitz
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Jeffreys
authors.forename: Laurel A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Copeland
authors.forename: Polly H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Noël
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014728:Veterans; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology