What you believe is what you want: modeling PTSD-related treatment preferences for sertraline or prolonged exposure.

Despite the known efficacy of various psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we know little about what factors predict treatment preference. In the present study, we first developed exploratory path models of treatment preference for a psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy (n=273) and then conducted confirmatory analyses of these models in a second sample (n=324) and in a third generalization sample of trauma-exposed women (n=105). We examined demographic and psychopathology factors and treatment-related beliefs (i.e., credibility and personal reactions). Across all samples, treatment-related beliefs were the strongest predictors of treatment preference. Further, severity of depression directly reduced the likelihood of choosing psychotherapy, and severity of PTSD directly increased the likelihood of choosing pharmacotherapy. These results underscore the importance of better understanding individual's beliefs regarding treatments. With a clearer understanding of these factors, we may be able to reduce barriers to treatment and increase access to effective treatments for those with trauma-related symptoms.