title: Mental health service utilization by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans after entry into PTSD specialty treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Use of care by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans was examined after entry into a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) specialty outpatient program for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those who had received mental health care before entry (continuing patients) were compared with those who had not (new patients).
  
  
  METHODS
  Regression analyses compared veterans' retention in PTSD programs in the 180 days after program entry for new patients (N=172) and continuing patients (N=422). Two retention measures, total visits and completion of nine or more visits, were developed from VA administrative data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New patients completed fewer PTSD visits than did continuing patients (5.2±9.5 versus 8.3±14.3; incidence risk ratio=.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]=.85-.97) and were also less likely to complete nine or more visits (OR=.81, CI=.68-.97).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contact with providers before entering PTSD specialty care may facilitate veterans' treatment engagement, suggesting the value of repeated attempts at engaging such veterans in treatment.
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Aakre
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Himelhoch
authors.forename: Eric P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Slade
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*