Predictors of Consent to Treatment and Premature Termination of Treatment in a Sample of Veterans With Military-Related PTSD

This study examined different variables as predictors of treatment entry and treatment dropout among veterans with military-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). First, we examined predictors of treatment entry versus refusal of treatment. Among the veterans who started therapy, we examined predictors of treatment completion. Symptom severity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety at baseline were measured. Daily functioning at baseline was also measured. Results indicate that the younger the veterans were, the more likely they were to refuse treatment. Dropout from treatment was also predicted by younger age at referral, as well as by past treatment, higher number of years of education, and higher depression levels at baseline. Two conclusions can be drawn from the results. First, it may be beneficial to increase awareness of treatment options for PTSD among younger veterans as this may increase treatment consent rates. Second, to reduce treatment dropout in veteran patients with PTSD, therapists should take into consideration both past treatment and baseline depression levels as risk factors for dropout.