PTSD Relapse in Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review examines what studies published between 2003, the initial invasion of Iraq, and the present indicate about the long term treatment outcomes for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from combat-related PTSD. More specifically this thesis attempts to review the rate at which veterans experience the return of symptoms after completing treatment. The review was conducted by the author in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The literature search identified eight eligible studies, which met the predefined inclusion criteria. Of the included studies a majority were deemed to be at a high risk of attrition bias. In addition, few studies comprehensively reported relevant relapse or recurrence related outcome statistics. The implications of the results with regards to the currently available body of literature on the topic are discussed. Recommendations for future studies on relapse and recurrence of PTSD symptoms among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are also presented.