Subtypes in PTSD for Veterans: Do Similar Profiles Exist in Polytrauma Patients?

Abstract

Previous research has suggested the presence of various subtypes in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patient populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the presence of various subtypes in PTSD in veterans referred for traumatic brain injury evaluation. As a focus of this analysis, comorbid symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and neurobehavioral) were used to divide a polytrauma sample of veterans with diagnosed PTSD into clusters. The presence of a three-cluster solution was identified and validated with two types of cluster analysis. Discussion of the nature of the three subtypes of PTSD and implications for treatment are presented.

Keywords:

• PTSD
• polytrauma
• subtypes
• cluster analysis

Acknowledgment

This manuscript is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. The contents of this manuscript do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.

Disclosure statement

None.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Glen A. Palmer

Glen A. Palmer is a clinical neuropsychologist and research program coordinator at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System, St. Cloud, MN. His research interests include PTSD, polytrauma, and neuropsychological assessment.

Daniel G. Palmer

Daniel G. Palmer is a mental health research trainee at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. He is also a graduate student majoring in applied statistics at North Dakota State University.