Factors Associated With Distress Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the End of Life Among U.S. Veterans.

Pless Kaiser A, Moye J, Baird L, Sager Z, Wachterman M. Factors Associated With Distress Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder at the End of Life Among U.S. Veterans. Journal of pain and symptom management. 2023 Aug 1; 66(2):102-115.

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Abstract:

CONTEXT: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge or re-emerge at end of life (EOL), increasing patient suffering. Understanding factors associated with PTSD at EOL may assist clinicians in identifying high risk veterans. OBJECTIVES: To determine rates of and variables associated with PTSD-related distress at EOL. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study including veterans who died within a Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient setting between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2018 whose next-of-kin completed the Bereaved Family Survey (BFS; N  =  42,474). Our primary outcome was PTSD-related distress at EOL, as reported by veteran decedents'' next-of-kin on the BFS. Predictors of interest included combat exposure, demographic variables, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, primary serious illness, and palliative care support. RESULTS: Veteran decedents were majority male (97.7%), non-Hispanic white (77.2%), 65 years or older (80.5%), without combat exposure (80.1%). Almost one in ten (8.9%) veteran decedents experienced PTSD-related distress at EOL. In adjusted analyses, combat exposure, younger age, male sex, and non-white race were associated with PTSD-related distress at EOL. High overall medical comorbidity, dementia, and psychiatric comorbidities including both substance use disorder and depression, were also associated with PTSD-related distress at EOL. Palliative care consultation and emotional support were associated with decreased odds of PTSD-related distress, while pain was associated with increased odds of PTSD-related distress at EOL. CONCLUSION: Trauma and PTSD screening, pain management, and providing palliative care and emotional support at EOL, particularly in at-risk groups such as veterans from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds and those with dementia, are critical to decreasing PTSD-related distress at EOL.