Importance of Behavioral Therapy in Patients Hospitalized for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Opioid Use Disorder

Objective: To analyze differences in demographic pattern and hospitalization outcomes in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with opioid use disorder (OUD) patients managed with versus without behavioral therapy (BT). Methods: We conducted case-control study using Nationwide Inpatient Sample and identified PTSD and OUD using ICD–9–CM codes. Linear regression model was used to evaluate impact of BT on inpatient stay and cost. Results: We analyzed 1531 inpatient admissions and 786 patients received BT. Females had higher odds of receiving BT during inpatient management for PTSD with OUD (OR 1.210; 95% CI 1.020–1.436). About 63.1% patients receiving BT were benefited by Medicaid. Patients receiving BT had an increase in hospital stay by 1.27 days (P = 0.085) and hospitalization cost by $4734 (P = 0.018). There were no transfers to short term hospitals and lower transfers to skilled nursing facility (3.8% vs. 10.1%) in patients receiving BT. Conclusion: This study aims to reinforce combination management with psychotropic medications and BT in PTSD patients with comorbid OUD during hospitalization as it significantly decreases adverse disposition of the patient and thereby improves the quality of life post-treatment.