Subjective quality of life and posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Subjective quality of life (SQOL) and its predictors were assessed in 117 patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a specialized clinic. Scores were compared with other samples. PTSD patients had lower SQOL than the comparison groups. Higher levels of depression and anxiety, fewer PTSD avoidance symptoms, being older, and being from an ethnic minority were all independent predictors of lower SQOL. The high dissatisfaction with several social domains of life should be considered in treatment, and depressive and anxiety symptoms might be targeted to improve SQOL.