Comparing probable subthreshold and full PTSD prevalence in older versus younger veterans

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Gerontology
• Veterans Health

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is less prevalent in older adults.
• Subthreshold PTSD may be more common in older adults, but comparisons are limited.
• Accurate identification of subthreshold PTSD is crucial due to functional impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence of PTSD and subthreshold PTSD across age groups in U.S. military veterans.
• To compare the likelihood of subthreshold PTSD versus full PTSD in different age cohorts.
• To investigate the relationship between age, PTSD, subthreshold PTSD, and psychiatric comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nationally representative sample of 4069 U.S. military veterans.
• Employed an empirically derived definition of subthreshold PTSD using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, including symptom duration and distress/impairment criteria.
• Analyzed prevalence rates of PTSD and subthreshold PTSD stratified by age group.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of both full and subthreshold PTSD declined with increasing age.
• Subthreshold PTSD and full PTSD were equally likely in all examined age groups.
• Psychiatric comorbidities were most common in full PTSD, followed by subthreshold PTSD, and least common in those without PTSD, with no age-related differences.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of both full and subthreshold PTSD decreases with age in veterans.
• Subthreshold PTSD is as common as full PTSD across age groups, emphasizing its clinical significance.
• Identification and characterization of subthreshold PTSD are important in all age groups, even without a full PTSD diagnosis.