PTSD Subclusters and Functional Impairment in Kosovo Peacekeepers

Abstract

Peacekeepers deployed to Kosovo (N = 203) were evaluated prospectively, before the mission (August 2000) and at postdeployment, on a number of mental health and functional impairment variables. We examined the association between PTSD symptom subclusters and three indicators of functional impairment using hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for PTSD symptoms before the mission, and history of prior trauma. In the first model, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms uniquely predicted a conglomerate of functional impact outcomes (e.g., employment, family relationships, social functioning). In the second model, emotional numbing was the only significant predictor of violent behaviors. In the third model, re-experiencing symptoms were the only significant predictor of alcohol abuse problems. Overall, the four PTSD subclusters are differentially associated with varying functional impairment outcomes, which is important to note for evaluation and treatment purposes for veterans returning from overseas deployments.