Comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder in low- and middle-income countries: A narrative review

Much of the research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been conducted in high-income countries (HICs). However, PTSD and AUD commonly co-occur (PTSD + AUD) are both associated with high global burden of disease, and disproportionately impact those in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This narrative review attempts to synthesize the research on prevalence, impact, etiological models, and treatment of PTSD + AUD drawing from research conducted in HICs and discussing the research that has been conducted to date in LMICs. The review also discusses overall limitations in the field, including a lack of research on PTSD + AUD outside of HICs, issues with measurement of key constructs, and limitations in sampling strategies across comorbidity studies. Future directions are discussed, including a need for rigorous research studies conducted in LMICs that focus on both etiological mechanisms and on treatment approaches.

Automated summary

A significant amount of research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been conducted in high-income countries (HICs). However, the prevalence and impact of PTSD + AUD are higher in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to synthesize the existing research on the prevalence, impact, etiological models, and treatment of PTSD + AUD, focusing on studies conducted in HICs and discussing the limited research conducted in LMICs. The review also highlights the overall limitations in the field and suggests the need for rigorous research studies in LMICs to understand the etiological mechanisms and develop effective treatments.