Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Pages: 483-496

Journal: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry

Volume number: 69

Issue number: 7

ISSN: 0803-9488

eISSN: 1502-4725

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3109/08039488.2015.1005023

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
Background: With a lifetime prevalence of 8% posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental disorders; nevertheless, its longitudinal course is largely unknown. Aims: Our aim was to conduct a systematic review summarizing available findings on the prospective, naturalistic long-term course of PTSD and its predictors. Methods: Databases MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched. Main selection criteria were: 1) naturalistic cohort study with a follow-up period of at least 3 years, 2) adult participants with observer-rated or probable PTSD at baseline. Results: Twenty-four cohorts (25 studies) were retrieved (14 with observer-assessed, 10 with probable PTSD). In total, they comprised about 10,500 participants with PTSD at baseline that were included in the long-term follow-ups. Studies investigating patient populations with observer-assessed PTSD found that between 18% and 50% of patients experienced a stable recovery within 3-7 years; the remaining subjects either facing a recurrent or a more chronic course. Outcomes of community studies and studies investigating probable PTSD varied considerably (remission rates 6-92%). Social factors (e.g. support) as well as comorbid physical or mental health problems seem to be salient predictors of PTSD long-term course and special focus should be laid on these factors in clinical settings. Conclusions: Included studies differed notably with regard to applied methodologies. The resulting large variability of findings is discussed. More standardized systematic follow-up research and more uniformed criteria for remission and chronicity are needed to gain a better insight into the long-term course of PTSD.

Harvard Citation style: Steinert, C., Hofmann, M., Leichsenring, F. and Kruse, J. (2015) The course of PTSD in naturalistic long-term studies: High variability of outcomes. A systematic review, Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 69(7), pp. 483-496. https://doi.org/10.3109/08039488.2015.1005023

APA Citation style: Steinert, C., Hofmann, M., Leichsenring, F., & Kruse, J. (2015). The course of PTSD in naturalistic long-term studies: High variability of outcomes. A systematic review. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. 69(7), 483-496. https://doi.org/10.3109/08039488.2015.1005023