Abstract
Dropout from first-line posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments is a significant problem. We reported rates and predictors of attendance and dropout in three clinical trials of evidence-based PTSD treatments in military service members (N = 557). Service members attended 81.0% of treatment sessions and 30.7% dropped out. Individually delivered treatment was associated with greater attendance rates (β = 0.23, p <.001) than group therapy; trauma-focused treatments were associated with higher dropout (β = 0.19, p <.001) than Present-Centered Therapy. Age was a significant predictor of session attendance (β = 0.17, p <.001) and drop out (β = −0.23, p <.001). History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) predicted lower attendance rates (β = −0.26, p <.001) and greater dropout (β = 0.19, p <.001). Regardless of treatment type or format, patients who did not drop out were more likely to experience clinically significant gains (d = 0.49, p <.001). Results demonstrate that dropout from PTSD treatments in these trials was significantly associated with treatment outcome and suggest that strategies are needed to mitigate dropout, particularly in group and trauma-focused therapies, and among younger service members and those with TBI.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 7-17 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Behaviour Research and Therapy |
Volume | 118 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2019 |
Keywords
- Active duty service members
- Attendance
- Clinical trial
- Dropout
- PTSD
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health