Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric condition associated with long-term mental health impairment, high healthcare utilization, and substantial societal costs. Despite growing recognition of its burden, few reviews integrate economic and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on the economic and HRQoL consequences of PTSD to inform policy decision-making. Methods A systematic search of six databases (Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and EconLit) was conducted in April 2024 and updated in April 2025. Studies reporting real-world costs or HRQoL outcomes in PTSD populations were included. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study design, populations, and outcome measures. Results Twenty studies met inclusion criteria, spanning 2000–2024 and representing diverse settings including the US, Europe, South Korea, and Australia. However, most were from high-income countries, with limited representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). PTSD was associated with high direct healthcare costs (e. g. , 66. 0 billion in US civilians) and substantial indirect costs from lost productivity, disability, caregiving, and premature mortality. Veterans and conflict-affected populations bore particularly high economic burdens. HRQoL was markedly reduced across all populations studied, with EQ-5D, AQoL, and MANSA scores indicating significant functional and psychosocial impairment. Co-occurring conditions (e. g. , depression, anxiety), trauma severity, and sleep disturbances were key drivers of reduced HRQoL. Conclusions PTSD imposes a substantial economic and quality of life burden globally. Findings provide evidence supporting the need for comprehensive treatment approaches, long-term support systems, and policies that address both economic and psychosocial outcomes in PTSD care.
Tiên et al. (Tue,) studied this question.