Characteristics and Treatment Preferences of People with PTSD: An Internet Survey
Author Information
Author(s): Spence Jay, Titov Nickolai, Solley Karen, Dear Blake F., Johnston Luke, Wootton Bethany, Kemp Alice, Andrews Gavin, Zou Judy, Lorian Carolyn, Choi Isabella
Primary Institution: Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD), St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Hypothesis
The Internet sample would have more severe symptoms than those identified in the national sample.
Conclusion
Internet therapy is an acceptable option for the treatment of PTSD in an internet sample.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of PTSD symptoms were reported by survey respondents.
- Half of the sample reported not having received treatment for PTSD.
- 88% of those who reported receiving treatment stated they received an evidence-based treatment.
- Primary barriers to treatment included cost and poor awareness of service availability.
- Most survey respondents indicated they were willing to try Internet treatment for PTSD.
Takeaway
This study looked at people with PTSD who used the internet to find help. Many were willing to try online therapy, even though they faced challenges in getting treatment.
Methodology
An online survey was used to collect demographic and symptom characteristics of individuals with elevated PTSD symptoms.
Potential Biases
Participants were visitors to a website involved in conducting online clinical trials, likely indicating a pre-existing favorable bias towards Internet treatment.
Limitations
The absence of a clinical diagnosis of PTSD in the Internet sample and the use of non-validated measures.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Australian adults aged 18 to 64, with a higher level of education than the national sample.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website