Posttraumatic stress disorder's role in integrated substance dependence and depression treatment outcomes

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occurs with depression and substance use disorder (SUD). This study investigates the impact of PTSD diagnosis on treatment outcomes of 178 veterans treated for depression and SUD, with Integrated Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) or 12-Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF). Percentage days abstinent (PDA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score (HDRS total) trajectories were created. PDA was similar through initial follow-up; however, by 18 months, ICBT participants without PTSD had better PDA ( M = 91%) than those without PTSD in TSF ( M = 76%) and those with PTSD in either group ( M = 75%–77%). Across time, participants with PTSD had higher depression levels than those without PTSD but benefited similarly from treatment (main effect, p < .004). Both conditions demonstrated reductions in average HDRS at 18 months ( M = 17%–29%). Findings highlight the need to assess for PTSD and to investigate how to treat concomitant SUD, depression, and PTSD.