https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Thompson2021

Thompson-Hollands, J., Burmeister, L. B., Rosen, C. S., O'Dougherty, M., Erickson, E. P. G., & Meis, L. A. (2021). Veterans with poor PTSD treatment adherence: Exploring their loved ones’ experience of PTSD and understanding of PTSD treatment. Psychological Services, 18(2), 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000389

Support persons (SPs; e.g., spouses) of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may encourage Veterans to complete treatment, but SPs may also hinder progress by allowing Veterans to avoid stress (e.g., avoidance, not actively coping). This study interviewed 19 SPs of Veterans with poor adherence to PTSD treatment. SPs shared their perspective on therapy goals, Veteran avoidance, therapy activities, and therapist contact. Overall, SPs reported a lack of understanding and involvement in Veterans’ PTSD treatment.

https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000389

Couples

Army

Veteran

Child of a service member or veteran
Parent of a service member or veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)

Cross-Sectional Study
Qualitative Study
Secondary Analysis

Thompson-Hollands, Johanna, Burmeister, Lori B., Rosen, Craig S., O'Dougherty, Maureen, Erickson, Emily P. G., Meis, Laura A.

Trauma-focused psychotherapies such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure (PE) are some of the most effective treatments available for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These treatments have been widely disseminated and promoted throughout the VA Health care System. However, adherence to and completion of these protocols among veterans is often poor, resulting in diminished impact. “Support persons” (SPs) such as relatives and close friends may provide a source of emotional or practical support in treatment, but little is known about how SPs are involved in or exposed to treatment principles and activities. The primary goal of the current research was to examine the experience of SPs of veterans who had poor adherence to treatment. We were interested in SPs’ knowledge about the treatment, their level of involvement in treatment activities or sessions, and their potential interest in more participation or education. Qualitative analyses were used to examine data collected from interviews with 19 SPs of veterans who had an unsuccessful course of CPT or PE. Results indicated generally very low levels of knowledge and treatment participation. However, among most SPs there was substantial interest in the possibility of more treatment involvement, particularly in order to receive guidance from the clinician about how to respond to the veteran’s symptoms. We suggest that it is possible and desirable to incorporate loved ones more formally into such protocols. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

American Psychological Association

Article
REACH Publication

Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, JTH
Phoenix VA Health Care System, LBB
Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, CSR
Department of Social Science, Metropolitan State University, MO
Minneapolis VA Health Care System Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, EPGE
Minneapolis VA Health Care System Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, LAM