High Rates of Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an Acute Psychiatric Women's Inpatient Unit: An Opportunity to Improve Diagnosis and Direct Critical Efforts.

Abstract

Purpose: Trauma disorders are prevalent and confer high rates of psychiatric comorbidity and functional impairment. Women are more likely to be affected by trauma disorders; however, rates and symptom burden in women's inpatient psychiatric units remains understudied. We hypothesized the prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be higher among women admitted to a women's inpatient unit compared to women in the general population and mixed gender units. We evaluated demographic and clinical characteristics associated with probable PTSD diagnosis.

Methods: Screening for probable PTSD diagnosis was performed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were completed to determine demographic and clinical characteristics associated with a probable PTSD diagnosis. Logistic regression was performed to assess the adjusted associations between covariates and probable PTSD.

Results: We identified 262 patients, including 192 (73.3%) with probable PTSD. Individuals with probable PTSD had higher rates of previous suicide attempt (69.8% versus 34.3%; p < .001), previous psychiatric hospitalization (73.4% vs 60.0%; p = .04), and comorbid mood disorder (76.6% versus 54.3%; p < .001). Formally diagnosed PTSD by the time of hospital discharge was observed in 70 (36.5%) of the women with probable PTSD. Logistic regression demonstrated that a previous suicide attempt and mood disorder increased the odds of probable PTSD.

Conclusions: These findings illuminate the high prevalence of probable PTSD on a women's psychiatric unit, supporting the need for increased screening and tailored treatment. Focusing on trauma-related symptoms could help alleviate patient suffering and improve treatment effectiveness.