Trauma re-engagement and PTSD in older medically ill veterans: implications for trauma-informed care

We characterize rates and correlates of PTSD and of trauma re-engagement without PTSD in medically ill older Veterans, as well as supportive strategies, with the goal of advancing trauma-informed care.

We interviewed medically ill older Veterans (N = 88, M age 75.13, SD = 6.14) with primary care screening measures for PTSD and trauma re-engagement, and open-ended questions to assess supportive strategies.

One-fifth (20.5%) presented with probable PTSD, associated with greater trauma exposures (r=.57, p<.001), whereas two-fifths (43.2%) reported re-engagement with military memories without PTSD, associated with having a spouse/partner (t = 2.27, p=.028). Of those who experienced trauma, half reported thinking more about the trauma recently and becoming more emotional on certain days. In response to the question 'What gives you strength as you think about the future with your illness' Veterans described support of family, healthcare, worldview, personal control, acceptance, and health behaviors.

Memories of trauma are common with medical illness. Age-friendly trauma-informed care could consider factors that patients describe as sources of strength with illness.