Abstract

People who serve in the military might face stressful situations that increase their vulnerability to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Telepsychiatry is a realistic way to increase veterans' access to mental health care. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of telepsychiatry versus alternative therapies for treating PTSD in veterans. A complete literature search was undertaken from conception until October 27, 2024, to locate English studies with veterans with PTSD who received telepsychiatry or other treatments. A pooled analysis was conducted to determine the impact of telepsychiatry on treatment adherence, symptom reduction, and patient satisfaction. The meta-analysis includes six trials and a total of 859 participants. Telepsychiatry showed promise in improving patient satisfaction; nonetheless, it was associated with lower treatment adherence when compared to in-person therapy. In terms of symptom relief, there was no significant difference between the two approaches. Telepsychiatry can be an effective approach to providing mental health care to veterans with PTSD, especially in terms of boosting access and patient satisfaction. However, methods to improve treatment adherence, including targeted treatments and regular follow-up, are critical for maximizing the effectiveness of telepsychiatry. Further research is needed to better understand the factors that influence treatment outcomes and improve telepsychiatry procedures for veterans' mental health.

Key words: Telepsychiatry, veterans, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health care, systemic review