Review of assessment and treatment of PTSD among elderly American armed forces veterans

Abstract

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.

Mental Health Treatment for Older Veterans Newly Diagnosed with PTSD: A National Investigation

“…Pharmacological treatments appear to be a more accessible treatment option, although few studies have examined efficacy of pharmacotherapy in this population. 31 Geriatric clinics may be an ideal location for targeted outreach to enhance the delivery of mental health treatment to this group of veterans at risk for less mental health care.…”

“…27 In the United States, the majority of veterans diagnosed with PTSD receive pharmacological treatment, both in VA and privately insured populations, 28e30 despite limited evidence to indicate that pharmacotherapy could be efficacious in older adults with PTSD. 31 Research indicates that veterans with PTSD (aged 18e69 years) have reduced levels of receipt of first-line pharmacotherapy. 32 However, the role of age in receiving pharmacological treatment for PTSD appears to vary across studies.…”

Posttraumatic stress disorder and its comorbidity with depression and somatisation in the elderly – A German community-based study

“…Notwithstanding these limitations, the study highlights the importance of trauma and -especially partial -PTSD in the elderly generation. Future research should focus on diagnostic and therapeutic implications to ameliorate the treatment of full and partial PTSD in the elderly (Busuttil, 2004;Owens, Baker, Kasckow, Ciesla, & Mohamed, 2005).…”

Posttraumatic stress disorder in older adults: an overview of characteristics and treatment approaches

“…Another review has examined difficulties in the assessment of PTSD in a specific group of older patients, namely US veterans (Owens et al, 2005). In terms of age-specific treatment approaches, only Hyer and Sohnle (2001) have described a multimodal approach based on case studies.…”