Managing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Active-Duty Military Personnel in Primary Care Settings

Abstract

Active-duty military personnel face deterrents to seeking outpatient mental health treatment despite the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. The Behavioral Health Consultation (BHC) model may be the answer for those presenting subthreshold PTSD symptoms, at high risk for PTSD due to their occupation, not interested in outpatient mental health treatment, or unable to seek such treatment due to occupational limitations. Three empirically based interventions that have been effective in managing symptoms of PTSD are summarized and then integrated into the established BHC model as suggested treatments for managing PTSD symptoms in an integrated primary care setting. Pilot data and recommendations for future research and practice are provided.