Factors Influencing The Decision to Utilize Pharmacotherapy and/or Psychotherapy Among Individuals With PTSD

Several treatment modalities are available for patients with PTSD, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and combination therapy. This research aims to evaluate the factors associated with treatment selection and to better understand patient preference among modalities. A cohort of 200 civilians with PTSD in the US completed a 30-minute online survey of 53-questions, including components of SF-12/SF-36 surveys, to measure their emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. Linear regression and correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the various unique socio-economic, medical, and demographic factors, and their quality of life. More than half of individuals surveyed (58%) reported utilizing only psychotherapy to address PTSD or PTSD-related symptoms; 29% of individuals reported being on a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, and 13% of individuals only on pharmacotherapy. Patients with more severe PTSD, history of multiple traumatic events, and lower mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing scores tended to receive combination therapy (p < 0.01). Patients perceived all treatment modalities as effective (over 95%). However, adverse effects due to pharmacotherapy, were associated with lower quality of life. While treatment modalities are viewed favorably by patients with PTSD, pharmacotherapy remains least utilized due to adverse events. Agents with improved tolerability may have an opportunity to improve quality of life, especially in more severe PTSD and history of multiple traumas.