Development of a Conceptual Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder using Qualitative Patient Experience Data

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms impairing one’s functioning. Manifestations of PTSD are complex, posing challenges for drug development in the management of PTSD. A qualitative study was conducted to characterize the experience of patients diagnosed with PTSD and to identify concepts to be included in a conceptual model, which is an important step in patient-focused drug development.
Methods: Targeted literature review findings informed the development of a draft conceptual model. Individual, semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted among patients diagnosed with PTSD to examine their perspectives on and experiences with the condition. Interview data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software to identify the key concepts to be included in the final conceptual model.
Results: Twenty patients with PTSD were interviewed. Participants reported symptoms related to intrusion, changes in arousal and reactivity, changes in cognitions and mood, and avoidance. Participants identified irritability and aggression, negative emotions, nightmares, and sleep problems as most bothersome. All participants described impacts on daily functioning, social functioning, and work. Most participants (n=19) indicated impacts on emotional functioning. Less commonly reported impacts included financial (n=8), school (n=5), and spirituality (n=3). Almost half (n=8) described impacts on social functioning as most bothersome.
Conclusion: Study findings provided key concepts that were included in a conceptual model. Incorporating the patient perspective in the development of a conceptual model is essential for laying the groundwork for evaluating the benefits of pharmacotherapies in managing symptoms of PTSD.