Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent diagnosis among Veterans and is linked to psychosocial functioning impairment across various domains, including marriage, employment, parenting, family, and education. Veterans are more likely to be divorced, unemployed, and experience difficulties with parenting. Some research has suggested that improvement in PTSD–specific symptoms can also improve psychosocial functioning. An integrative review was conducted to explore the content and effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) interventions to improve psychosocial functions and investigate conditions for symptom change. The Socio-Interpersonal Framework Model of PTSD was used to synthesize and organize findings. MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched and seven articles met inclusion criteria. The main results indicate that EBP interventions can improve psychosocial functioning in Veterans with PTSD. Treating Veterans until they no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD may be beneficial to improve psychosocial functioning. The current integrative review revealed that this area is neglected in research. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57 (10), 24–33.]

The current study explored whether prolonged exposure (PE), delivered in person or via home-based telehealth, had a therapeutic effect on psychosocial functioning in combat Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of home-based telehealth on these metrics were also evaluated. In addition, we examined whether race, type of war conflict, and service-connected disability rating moderated the effect of PE on psychosocial functioning and whether PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression mediated the effect of PE on psychosocial functioning. We did not find moderating or mediating effects in our study. Improvements in PTSD, depression, and anxiety were associated with improvements in psychosocial functioning. We did not identify statistically significant differences in scores representing change in overall and each domain of psychosocial functioning between groups. Within-group analysis indicated psychosocial functioning improved in both groups but was mostly not statistically significant. However, some clinically relevant improvement may have occurred. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59 (2), 31–40.]

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Background Veterans returning from combat have a greater risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and greater severity of psychosocial functioning impairment. Previous research has demonstrated the strong association between PTSD and psychosocial functioning impairment. Psychosocial functioning is an ambiguous term often used in literature to discuss PTSD‐associated consequences, intervention response, and symptom progression. An evolutionary concept analysis was conducted to clarify understanding of psychological functioning in veterans with combat‐related PTSD. Rodgers' method for an evolutionary concept analysis was used to examine the concept of psychosocial functioning. A literature search using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and SCOPUS databases and subsequent screening yielded twenty articles meeting established criteria for analysis. The analysis highlights significant attributes, antecedents, consequences, and implications for future concept development. Psychosocial functioning environment/domain, social support, and engagement in treatment were distinguishing attributes identified. Combat exposure and various PTSD symptoms are related antecedents. Consequences such as decreased intimacy, decreased work function, low parenting satisfaction, and inadequate productivity in educational settings are all components of this concept. The concept of psychosocial functioning is meaningful in the everyday lives of US combat veterans with PTSD and requires special consideration in treatment planning by healthcare providers.