ABSTRACT

Low treatment utilization in Soldiers with combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an ongoing issue. The critical concern is to better understand factors which prohibit a Soldier with PTSD who wants help from seeking treatment (an “inclined abstainer”). A total of 537 Active Duty Soldiers on a US Army post completed a brief survey comprising psychometrically validated measures of stigma, behavioral health treatment beliefs, resilience, PTSD symptoms, and treatment intentions. Health-care records were prospectively tracked for 12 months to determine the relation between survey answers and treatment utilization. Sixty-three percent of those who acknowledged having a mental health-related problem did not seek help within a one-year period. Greater severity of PTSD symptoms was associated with an increased likelihood of behavioral health engagement. Soldiers that were classified as “inclined abstainers” were also more likely to endorse negative beliefs about psychotherapy and report higher levels of resilience as compared to “inclined actors.” These results suggest that a treatment model of PTSD emphasizing self-efficacy and self-reliance, while addressing negative beliefs about psychotherapy, may help promote engagement of behavioral health services among Active Duty Soldiers.

 抽象的

患有与战斗相关的创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）的士兵的治疗利用率低是一个持续存在的问题。关键问题是更好地了解阻碍患有创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）的士兵寻求治疗（“倾向弃权者”）的因素。美国陆军哨所的 537 名现役士兵完成了一项简短的调查，其中包括经过心理测量验证的耻辱感、行为健康治疗信念、复原力、创伤后应激障碍 (PTSD) 症状和治疗意图。前瞻性地跟踪医疗记录 12 个月，以确定调查答案与治疗利用之间的关系。百分之六十三的承认有心理健康相关问题的人在一年内没有寻求帮助。创伤后应激障碍症状的严重程度与行为健康参与的可能性增加相关。与“有倾向的行为者”相比，被归类为“倾向戒酒者”的士兵也更有可能支持对心理治疗的负面信念，并报告出更高水平的复原力。这些结果表明，强调自我效能和自力更生的创伤后应激障碍治疗模式，同时解决对心理治疗的消极信念，可能有助于促进现役士兵参与行为健康服务。