Examination of Some Important Posttraumatic Adaptation Predictors of War Veterans Who Were Seeking Treatment at Psychiatric Clinic, University Clinical Center in Sarajevo

BACKGROUND: Recent research studies aim at the examination of predictors of posttraumatic adaptation of war veterans. General aim of our research is an examination of predictors of posttraumatic adaptation of war veterans, who actively participated in combat situations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Research was conducted on 100 male participants, war veterans who were seeking treatment at the Psychiatric Clinic at the University Clinical Center in Sarajevo. All participants have experienced the combat related traumatic events during the war. Research was based on interviewing and test administration for each participant, using the following instruments: Sociodemographic Questionnaire, List of stresful events, Brief symptom inventory; Manchester Quality of Life and Impact of Events Scale. RESULTS: Results of study indicate a high presence of war traumatization in our sample and high subjective distress index among examinees. Our results, also indicate the moderate rate of symptoms of PTSD and the presence of general psychopathology was moderate. Average perceived quality of life was in the category of being “relatively unsatisfied”. Effects of factors, frequency of experienced traumatic events and general psychiatric treatment were statistically significant on all dependant factors. PTSD symptoms, presence of General Psychopathology and Quality of Life, in addition to the predictors of perceived personal support by others, were statistically significant on dependant factors . Quality of life and general psychopathology were not statistically significant on dependant variables regarding the presence of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Results of our research indicate a high level of traumatization in our sample, but relatively moderate presence of PTSD symptoms and general psychopathology. Participants reported relative dissatisfaction with different aspects of life. Statistically significant predictors in posttraumatic adaptation were: the level of traumatization and help with a general psychiatric treatment. Help of close persons regarding dependant factors, regarding PTSD symptoms, were not statistically significant, but were significant on Quality of life and presence of general psychopathology. Results of this research are relevant in understanding, as to which aspects of posttraumatic adaptation contribute to a better and more distinctive rehabilitation of war veterans, to estimate the need for clinical services and to make other policy recommendations for these populations.