Chronicity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and predictors of course of comorbid PTSD in patients with anxiety disorders

J Trauma Stress. 1999 Jan;12(1):89-100. doi: 10.1023/A:1024746316245.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the course of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 54 patients with another anxiety disorder. Using a prospective longitudinal design, the present study found that during the first 5 years of follow-up the probability of full remission from a chronic episode of PTSD was .18. Findings from this and other research confirm clinical impressions that a substantial number of people never fully remit from their PTSD even after many years. Variables associated with a longer time to remit from an episode of chronic PTSD were a history of alcohol abuse and a history of childhood trauma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology