title: Group therapy among OEF/OIF veterans: treatment barriers and preferences.
abstract: Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) combat Veterans are at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many are seeking treatment from the Veterans Health Administration; yet, it is an ongoing challenge to engage some Veterans in sustained mental health services, especially group therapy for PTSD. This pilot study assessed OEF/OIF Veterans' prior use of mental health treatment and perceived barriers to and interest in group therapy for PTSD using a survey distributed in one outpatient OEF/OIF PTSD specialty clinic in the Midwest. The 110 OEF/OIF Veterans reported experience with a range of mental health treatment services and most frequently identified perceptions of the group process to be barriers to engaging in group therapy. Specifically, OEF/OIF Veterans endorsed concerns about taking part in a group, expressing emotions, being misunderstood, and disliking the group composition. A clear preference for individual over group therapy for PTSD treatment was reported with 57% reporting disinterest in group therapy. Data suggest that Veterans are apprehensive about taking part in group therapy for PTSD. Awareness of barriers and treatment preferences can inform clinical practice and aid in developing patient-centered Veterans Health Administration services.
authors.affiliation: Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Amanda C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kracen
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mastnak
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Loaiza
authors.forename: Monica M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Matthieu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D058014:Veterans Health; D055815:Young Adult