Comorbidity between PTSD and Anxiety and Depression: Implications for IAPT Services

Objective: The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative was introduced in the UK to increase access to psychological therapies for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Recent outcome fi gures suggest recovery rates of 42%. One potential reason for non-recovery is the experience of previous trauma and potential PTSD comorbidity, which has been found to negatively impact treatment for anxiety and depression. This study therefore aimed to investigate trauma levels in IAPT patients. Method: A total of 54 participants were recruited at the beginning of therapy within an IAPT service. Participants completed outcome measures for anxiety, depression and trauma. Results: Forty (76.9%) participants reported previous trauma. Of these, 15 (28.3%) met tentative diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with only 3 (14.2%) already having a diagnosis of PTSD. Signifi cant positive correlations were found between trauma and anxiety and depression. Conclusions: The fi ndings suggest comorbidity between trauma/PTSD and anxiety and depression in IAPT services. The fi ndings also show that PTSD is not always detected in patients referred for other reasons. It is proposed that careful screening for PTSD and an increased focus on trauma in supervision may increase recovery rates and reduce relapse. Research Article Comorbidity between PTSD and Anxiety and Depression: Implications for IAPT Services Rachel Thomlinson1, Steven Muncer2* and Helen Dent3 1Clinical Psychologist, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, NHS Foundation Trust, UK 2Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK 3High Intensity Therapist, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK Dates: Received: 06 March, 2017; Accepted: 29 May, 2017; Published: 30 May, 2017 *Corresponding author: Steven Muncer, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, 0, UK, E-mail: