Abstract
Background Romantic partners living alongside veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) appear at increased risk of secondary traumatic stress (sPTSD) and common mental health difficulties (CMD) compared to the general population. The severity of symptoms implies the need for structured, bespoke and evidence-based interventions. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of offering a community support programme (The Together Programme, TTP) for military partners. TTP was developed based upon a number of US programmes and consisted of 10 hours of group-based support delivered over a five-week course. 56 participants engaged in TTP over a year at nine locations across the UK and were followed up three months later. Methods Measures of CMD, sPTSD, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction were used to assess benefits. Data were also collected on attendance and participant feedback. Results Significant reductions were observed for symptoms of sPTSD and CMD at follow up. 51/56 (90.1%) participants completed TTP. The majority of participants reported positive experiences. However, several individuals stated wanting more sessions and that barriers such as work, and family commitments made it difficult to attend. Conclusions Whilst limitations exist, the data presented suggests cautious optimism for the efficacy of offering a structured programme of support to address the needs of military partners living alongside PTSD.
Highlights
The impact of military conflict on mental health is well established, for instance several studies have demonstrated the higher prevalence rates of mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance misuse among veterans compared to that of the general population [1] [2] [3] [4]
Significant reductions were observed for symptoms of sPTSD and common mental health difficulties (CMD) at follow up. 51/56 (90.1%) participants completed TTP
Whilst limitations exist, the data presented suggests cautious optimism for the efficacy of offering a structured programme of support to address the needs of military partners living alongside Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Summary
The impact of military conflict on mental health is well established, for instance several studies have demonstrated the higher prevalence rates of mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance misuse among veterans compared to that of the general population [1] [2] [3] [4]. When restricted to only veterans (in the UK defined as having completed one day of paid service) the prevalence rate was 9% Further analysis of this population suggested PTSD prevalence rates of over 17% in veterans who had been deployed within combat roles to Iraq or Afghanistan. These rates suggest that veterans; those in combat roles, are at increased risk of experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Despite these rates of PTSD, much of the literature has focused on the primary trauma survivor, less research has looked at the impact on the veteran’s partner. The severity of symptoms implies the need for structured, bespoke and evidence-based interventions
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