Service utilization and outcomes in medically ill veterans with posttraumatic stress and depressive disorders

This study examined behavioral health service utilization, health-related quality of life, and psychological distress in medically hospitalized male veterans (N = 743) with and without current or lifetime comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorder. Participants completed psychiatric and psychosocial self-report measures at baseline and follow-up. Clinical/functional status and service utilization rates were compared for patients with PTSD only, depressive disorder only, comorbid PTSD/depressive disorder, and neither disorder. Patients with PTSD/depressive disorder were more likely to use mental health/substance abuse services, have longer lengths of stay, and report more psychological distress than others. Results indicate that screening, early detection, and referral are critical in treating these comorbid patients because of increased psychological distress and high service-use rates.