Effectiveness and cost of the inpatient treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: comparison of three models of treatment.

Objective: This study compared the outcomes and costs of three models of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): 1) long-stay specialized inpatient PTSD units, 2) short-stay specialized evaluation and brief-treatment PTSD units, and 3) nonspecialized general psychiatric units.

Method: Data were drawn from 785 Vietnam veterans undergoing treatment at 10 programs across the country. The veterans were followed up at 4-month intervals for 1 year after discharge.

Utilization of mental health services by minority veterans of the Vietnam era.

This study sought to identify differences in utilization of mental health services among members of five minority groups who served in the military during the Vietnam era. Data on utilization of mental health services from five different types of provider (Veterans Affairs [VA] and non-VA mental health providers, nonpsychiatrist physicians, clergy, and self-help groups) were obtained from a national survey of Vietnam era veterans (the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study) along with information on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, income, and health insurance coverage. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare use of various services among whites, blacks, Puerto Rican Hispanics, Mexican Hispanics, and others.