Levels Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Using Social Support Matter in the Association of Post-Traumatic Cognitions and Perceived Social Support? Comparison of Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence With and Without a History of Child Abuse.

The association between high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and low levels of perceived social support is well-documented in the trauma literature; research on processes that may underlie this association is less common. The current study examined negative attitudes about using social support as a potential link between negative post-traumatic cognitions about the world and self, one aspect of PTSD, and perceived social support in two groups of female survivors of intimate partner violence: those who had a history of child abuse (n = 153; IPV/CA+) and those who did not (n = 96; IPV/CA-). Negative attitudes about using social support were found to be an important link between negative post-traumatic cognitions and social support for both groups. IPV survivors with a history of child abuse had higher levels of negative post-traumatic cognitions about the world (d = .32) and self (d = .33), greater negative attitudes about using social support (d = .35), and lower perceived social support from family (d = .48), compared with IPV survivors without a history of child abuse. These results support the relevance of negative attitudes about using social support as one important factor in the relationship between PTSD symptoms and social support in interpersonal trauma survivors and highlight the impact that negative attitudes about using social support can have on the trauma survivor's functioning.

The burden of mental disorders and access to mental health and psychosocial support services in Syria and among Syrian refugees in neighboring countries: a systematic review.

Exposure to conflict, violence and forced displacement can increase poor mental health among affected populations. Our aim was to examine evidence on the burden of mental disorders and access to and effectiveness of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in Syria and among Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. A systematic review was done following systematic review criteria. Twelve bibliographic databases and additional gray literature sources were searched for quantitative and qualitative studies. Descriptive analysis and quality assessment were conducted. Twenty-eight eligible studies were identified, of which two were with conflict-affected populations within Syria. Levels of post-traumatic stress disorder ranged from 16 to 84%, depression from 11 to 49%, and anxiety disorder from 49 to 55%. Common risk factors were exposures to trauma and having a personal or family history of mental disorder. Financial and socio-cultural barriers were identified as the main obstacles to accessing MHPSS care. Evaluations of MHPSS services, albeit from predominantly nonrandomised designs, reported positive treatment outcomes. The MHPSS burden was high, but with considerable variation between studies. There are key evidence gaps on: MHPSS burden and interventions-particularly for those living within Syria; access and barriers to care; and implementation and evaluation of MHPSS interventions.

Illusory Reports of Posttraumatic Growth in Response to a Nontraumatic Event

The current study examined individuals’ (N = 255) self-reports of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in response to a clearly nontraumatic event such as the worst movie or television show, using a series of online questionnaires. Seven percent of participants reported elevated levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, 23% of participants reported moderate levels of PTG, and 12% reported great levels of PTG in response to the nontraumatic event. The reports of PTG were positively associated with distress levels, PTSD symptoms, avoidance coping strategies, and functioning impairments. Our findings support the Janus-Face model of PTG and suggest the importance of refining current measures of PTG.

Psychopathology and Hypersexuality among Veterans with and without Histories of Alcohol-use Disorders.

Little research has examined the clinical characteristics of U.S. post-9/11 military veterans coping with alcohol problems. Specifically, we examined psychopathology and hypersexuality among male and female post-9/11 veterans with and without a lifetime history of alcohol-use disorders (AUDs). Using data from a baseline telephone interview and follow-up web-based survey, we examined frequencies of AUDs, mental health and addictive disorders, sexual behaviors, hypersexuality, and problematic use of pornography in a national convenience sample of 283 U.S. veterans. Many (39.1%) veterans met lifetime criteria for AUDs. Bivariate associations revealed that veterans with lifetime AUDs met clinically significant levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and criteria for drug-use disorders (lifetime). Veterans with lifetime AUDs also attended religious services less often, engaged in more solitary masturbation in the past month, and reported more issues with problematic use of pornography and hypersexuality compared with veterans without AUDs. Results from a logistic regression found that lifetime drug-use disorders (odds ratio [OR] = 4.22) and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (OR = 1.98) were significant predictors of veterans with lifetime AUD status. We found differences among veterans with lifetime AUDs compared with those without on select measures of psychopathology, sexual behavior, and hypersexuality. Further screening for substance-use disorders and hypersexuality in Veterans Affairs is strongly encouraged while veterans are transitioning back into civilian life. (Am J Addict 2019;28:398-404).

From a 'Culture of Unwellness' to Sustainable Advocacy: Organizational Responses to Mental Health Risks in the Human Rights Field

Human rights advocates are exposed to significant stressors and harms of myriad forms, and suffer elevated levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and burnout. Yet research into mental health and human rights is nascent. This global study, the first of its kind, and based on interviews with advocates at 70 organizations from 35 countries and dozens of experts, mapped how human rights organizations are responding to the mental health and well-being needs of advocates. The study found that, generally, organizations have responded poorly and much more needs to be done at all levels—individual, organizational, and field-wide. The study addressed: (1) sources of stress and the harms advocates see as resulting from poor mental health and stress exposure; (2) the challenges to improving well-being; and (3) positive organizational practices for supporting well-being and building more resilient advocates and organizations. The study concludes with recommended next steps, including further research, knowledge-sharing, and tailored education and trainings.

Determination of psychosocial conditions of refugee children living in society.

This study aims to determine the psychosocial conditions of refugee children living in society. This descriptive cross-sectional research which used the Socio-demographic Information Form for Children, Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI), and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) included 738 children. Social factors like the educational levels and professions of their parents, as well as economic status could affect the children's level of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The regression analysis revealed that depression and anxiety explained 72% of posttraumatic stress disorder in the children studied. Nurses should be aware that the effects of trauma on children who were exposed to war and migration can continue even after much time has passed since the war started.

Occupational stress in Remotely Piloted Aircraft System operators.

Although there is currently little research data to support the contention, concerns have been raised about possible traumatic stressors inherent to Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operator roles. Factors such as exposure to visually traumatic events compounded by long working hours and blurred boundaries between military and civilian life have been cited as potential stressors. Robust research into the well-being of RPAS operators is scarce and mostly samples US personnel. To provide mental health and well-being data relating to UK RPAS operators. UK RPAS operators completed mental health questionnaires to assess levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms, alcohol use and occupational functioning. Respondents were also asked about work patterns. Forty-one per cent of the sample reported potentially hazardous alcohol use. Ten per cent met psychiatric symptom criteria for moderate or severe anxiety, and 20% for moderate depressive symptoms. While there were no cases of probable PTSD, 30% of the sample reported sub-clinical PTSD symptoms likely to impair occupational functioning. Overall, 70% of the sample reported that psychological symptoms significantly impaired their functioning. Compared to UK military sub-groups, RPAS operators were not at increased risk of mental health problems. However, a high proportion of the sample reported significant functional impairment, which has not been explored in other comparable studies. The most frequently highlighted work-related stressors were timing of RPAS work and operator shift patterns.

Dispositional mindfulness mediates the relations between neuroticism and posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in Chinese adolescents after a tornado.

Previous studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This study investigated dispositional mindfulness as one pathway in which neuroticism is related to PTSD and depression symptoms among Chinese adolescents who have experienced trauma by considering the role of dispositional mindfulness. Participants were 443 Chinese adolescents who had experienced a severe tornado a year prior to this study. The results showed that our model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 2.113, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.981, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.969, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) (90% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.061 [0.047, 0.080]) and revealed that dispositional mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and PTSD and depression symptoms. The clinical implications and limitations of our research and recommendations for future research are discussed in this article.

اضطراب الضغوط التالية للصدمة لدى المعلمين المتضررين من أحداث الحرب في مدينة بنغازي

The aim of this study was to identify the level of post-traumatic stress disorder and its relation to some variables, among teachers in Benghazi City. Sample consisted of (176) teachers from primary and secondary schools. The tool of the study was the PTSD scale by Davidson (1987). The study used statistical method, and data was analyzed by the SPSS program, the statistical analysis revealed the following results: There were statistically significant differences between the sample average and the satisfaction (the comparable) average in favor of the sample average, indicating a decrease in PTSD in the study sample. There were no statistically significant differences between males and females on the PTSD scale in the total score. The findings are discussed and also some recommendations and suggestions were pointed out.

What works for whom and why: A narrative systematic review of interventions for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and problematic substance use among women with experiences of interpersonal violence

Background and aimsWomen with histories of interpersonal violence (IPV) experience high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), problematic substance use, and repeat victimization. Previous systematic reviews considering the effectiveness of integrated trauma-specific treatments to address PTSD and substance use have lacked sub-group analysis by gender or trauma type. Furthermore, mindfulness-based interventions for treating both issues together are under-researched. It is unclear what treatment components and contextual factors impacting implementation work best for women with IPV experiences. This narrative review examines a range of quantitative and qualitative data to explore: for which groups of women do integrated interventions work (subgroups)? How (mechanisms of action), and/or under what contexts (factors external to the intervention)? MethodologyA two-staged search strategy identified eligible studies. This process identified 20 controlled trials reporting on the effectiveness of psychological or mindfulness-based interventions for PTSD and substance use and 39 relevant supplementary information related to the trials. Narrative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted on manuscripts identified in both stages. FindingsSafe social support and ongoing risks of violence were identified as contextual factors which may affect treatment outcomes, requiring attention by researchers and treatment providers. Whilst there was some evidence that reduced PTSD correlates with substance use decrease, there may be more than one pathway to substance use reduction among women with PTSD, requiring a focus on emotional regulation. Other ‘active mechanisms’ included different modalities of coping skills and support to rebuild connection with self and others. Lack of supplementary studies for trials involving past-focused treatment precluded detailed discussion of these models. ConclusionsIntegrated PTSD and substance use treatment which teaches extensive coping skills to promote external safety, symptom stabilisation, and emotional regulation, combined with access to safe social support and external advocacy, may be particularly useful for women with more severe PTSD, or for those experiencing ongoing victimization for whom past-focused treatments are contraindicated. Long-term support and organisational trauma-informed practice in substance use treatment services should also be promoted.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Idiopathic URTICARIA: the Role of Coping and Personality.

This study compared the severity of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and psychiatric symptoms between patients with different levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and investigated a model depicting the interrelationship between PTSD from past trauma, personality traits, coping strategies, CIU severity and psychiatric symptom severity. One hundred CIU and 60 allergy patients participated in the study, completing measures on PTSD, psychiatric symptoms, personality traits and coping strategies. The results showed that for CIU patients, 7%, 40 and 34% met the diagnostic criteria for no-PTSD, partial-PTSD and full-PTSD respectively whereas for allergy patients, 15%, 45 and 18% met the same criteria. Apart from CIU, psychiatric symptom severity differed significantly between diagnostic groups. PTSD was associated with coping strategies which were in turn associated with CIU severity and psychiatric symptom severity. PTSD was not significantly associated with personality. Emotion-focused coping mediated PTSD and CIU severity, PTSD and psychiatric symptom severity and neuroticism and CIU severity. To conclude, psychiatric symptom severity varies depending on the level of PTSD among CIU patients. Neurotic patients with a high level of PTSD from past trauma show raised CIU and psychiatric symptom severity when using emotion-focused coping strategies.

Quality of life and level of post-traumatic stress disorder among trauma patients: A comparative study between a regional and a university hospital

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess outcome in long-term quality of life (QoL) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adult survivors of trauma. Secondary aim was to compare levels of the outcome with injury severity and specialization level of two trauma centres.MethodsA retrospective study included patients received by the trauma response teams at two hospitals in 2013 aged 18 or more at follow-up. We assessed QoL and PTSD with one mailed questionnaire to each patient at either 12 or 24 months of follow-up. Health status was measured by EuroQol EQ-5D and the Glasgow Outcome Scale. PTSD symptoms were classified according to the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV).ResultsA questionnaire was mailed to 774 patients at end of 2014 or early 2015, 455 were included for analysis; median age 44 (IQR 25–57; 68% male); median NISS 9 (IQR 2–17); At follow-up 24% (95% CI 20–28) reported a EQ index score value equivalent to the lowest 2.3% in the Danish population norm. Probable PTSD was present in 19% (95% CI 13–27) of patients with severe injuries (NISS> 15), and 23% (95% CI 19–28) of those with NISS < 15.ConclusionSevere trauma has substantial impact on QoL and PTSD assessed at 12–24 months after the trauma. The QoL was well below the Danish population norm. The presence of PTSD was independent of injury severity. Trauma Centres should consider to include this as part of the treatment principles.

Characteristics of veterans and military service members who endorse causing harm, injury, or death to others in the military.

The purpose of the present research was to examine the demographic and mental health characteristics of veterans and service members who endorsed having caused harm, injury, or death to another person on deployment, while taking these individuals' total number of other lifetime traumas into account. Data for the present study were collected as part of the standard clinical evaluation for 228 treatment-seeking veterans and service members. Those who reported having caused harm, injury, or death to another person on deployment (22.4%) were more likely to be male, to have served in the Marines, to have served post 9/11, and to endorse other traumas commonly reported on deployment than those who did not endorse causing harm, injury, or death. Those who endorsed causing harm on deployment were less likely to have served in the Air Force, and to have experienced sexual assault than those who did not cause harm. Causing harm, injury, or death was associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug use, and expressive anger at the bivariate level, but was no longer associated with mental health problems after accounting for the number of other lifetime traumas. Examining the role of causing harm in isolation may lead to false conclusions. Clinicians and researchers should assess for veterans' and service members' entire trauma histories. (PsycINFO Database Record

Show cause analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to detect and examine any trends in the self-reported causation of misconduct among officers being considered for dismissal. Design/methodology/approach The data utilised in this study consisted of show cause notice (SCN) responses. In the process of being considered for dismissal, officers’ may offer the causes of or mitigating factors to their misconduct as a means of avoiding dismissal. This study utilised these responses as a data source. Data collection occurred between January 2013 and October 2016, resulting in a cohort of n=100 responses comprised of between 1 and ~1,000 pages of free text. Qualitative methods were preferred, a conventional content analysis was performed with coding categories derived from SCN response text. Findings The results of this study indicate noteworthy levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health issues amongst this cohort, as well as pervasive financial and workplace stressors, which officers frequently link to the causation of their misconduct. Of particular note is the consistent co-occurrence of work-related stressors and health issues, most commonly through formally diagnosed PTSD. Research limitations/implications This study indicates an opportunity for support services to impact positively on mental health and stress, and subsequently misconduct among police officers. Originality/value There is still very little understanding of the causation of misconduct among police officers. This is the first time that this data have been utilised in any form of the research, it provides valuable insight into a potential alternative method of addressing misconduct to reactionary investigative action.

Web-based alcohol intervention for veterans: PTSD, combat exposure, and alcohol outcomes.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat exposure, and alcohol outcomes in a sample of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans using a web-based self-management intervention (VetChange) for problem drinking. The current study focuses on 523 veterans who participated in a larger randomized clinical trial. Analyses in the current study include (a) multivariable linear regression models to assess the relationship between PTSD, combat exposure, and alcohol variables at baseline, and (b) general linear models accounting for correlated data within subjects to analyze change over time for alcohol outcomes as a function of baseline PTSD symptoms, combat exposure, and covariates. There was a positive association between PTSD symptom severity and alcohol use and alcohol problem severity at baseline. However, participants with higher baseline PTSD symptoms demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in alcohol use during the intervention and a greater reduction in alcohol problems from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Combat exposure severity was positively associated with alcohol problems at baseline. However, veterans with higher exposure demonstrated a greater reduction in average weekly drinking between end of intervention and follow-up, and otherwise showed changes similar to participants with lower exposure. Higher levels of baseline PTSD symptoms and combat exposure severity did not prevent OEF/OIF veterans from achieving positive alcohol outcomes through participation in a self-management web intervention for problem drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record

Autobiographical memory functions and posttraumatic stress symptoms across adulthood

ABSTRACTPrevious research has documented robust individual differences in the functions served by autobiographical memories, and shown that different autobiographical memory functions are related to both positive and negative indicators of psychological well-being, and that their frequency varies with age. In this study, we examined the unique relationship between autobiographical memory functions and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and whether such relationships varied with age across adulthood. A representative sample of 1040 adult Danes (20–70 years old) reported the frequency with which they recall autobiographical memories for different purposes as well as their level of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Higher reflective and ruminative functions, as well as lower social function, predicted higher levels of PTSS. There were no moderating effects of age. The results suggest that although the frequency of various autobiographical functions varies throughout the adult years, their association with PTSS is similar across adulthood.

Descriptive Findings of the VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers TBI Model Systems National Database

ObjectivesTo present initial descriptive findings from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRC) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems (MS) National Database. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingVA PRC TBIMS National Database. Participants712 service members and veterans with TBI who consented to participate between January 2010 and June 2015. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresDemographics, preinjury characteristics, injury characteristics, rehabilitation course, functional outcomes, and discharge disposition by TBI severity level. ResultsThe study cohort was predominantly male with moderate to severe TBI secondary to vehicular accident or blast injury. Sixty-five percent were active duty service members; one-third had been injured during deployment. One-third reported mental health treatment and/or alcohol use problems in the year predating the index TBI. The median number of days between injury and PRC admission was 42.5. Nearly 25% reported clinical levels of posttraumatic stress disorder; 75% reported mild to moderate neurobehavioral symptomatology. The median length of stay in the PRC was 36 days; those with severe TBI had the longest lengths of stay. Functional independence ratings improved from admission to discharge across all TBI severity levels. A majority were discharged to urban areas to reside with spouses or other residents in private residences or adult homes, with some variability by injury severity. ConclusionsThe VA PRC TBIMS national database is a rich source of information on a unique group of individuals with TBI and promises to complement existing knowledge on TBI in the civilian population.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASS AND THE LEVEL OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER RESULTING FROM THE 2007/2008 POST ELECTION VIOLENCE AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN KIBERA AND KAYOLE SETTLEMENTS, NAIROBI

This study sought to determine whether there was any relationship between socio-economic class and the level of posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from the post election violence among primary school children in Kenya. The target population included all the standard seven pupils in six primary schools in Kibera and Kayole settlements. A proportionate random sample of 164 pupils in each location was selected. Three instruments were used. They were: Personal Experiences During Post Election Violence, Psychological Stability Scale, and Post Traumatic Experience Psychological Scale. The results showed that there was no significant difference between pupils of different socioeconomic status in levels of PTSD. It is recommended that children from all levels of socioeconomic status require post-violence services appropriate to their age, the scope and nature of the disaster, and their immediate circumstances. They should be provided with enhanced parent-teacher communications and there be available school psychologists and counselors trained in family intervention within the school setting. These are basic requirements for successful intervention and treatment of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder. The establishment of school-based programs from early childhood onward that teach conflict resolution, emotional literacy, and anger management skills is also desirable.

Emotional distress and positive and negative memories from military deployment: the influence of PTSD symptoms and time

ABSTRACTDuring military deployment, soldiers are confronted with both negative and positive events. What is remembered and how it affects an individual is influenced by not only the perceived emotion of the event, but also the emotional state of the individual. Here we examined the most negative and most positive deployment memories from a company of 337 soldiers who were deployed together to Afghanistan. We examined how the level of emotional distress of the soldiers and the valence of the memory were related to the emotional intensity, experience of reliving, rehearsal and coherence of the memories, and how the perceived impact of these memories changed over time. We found that soldiers with higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more affected by both their negative and positive memories, compared with soldiers with lower levels of PTSD symptoms. Emotional intensity of the most negative memory increased over time in the group with highest levels of PTSD symptoms, but dropped in the other groups. The present study adds to the literature on emotion and autobiographical memory and how this relationship interacts with an individual’s present level of emotional distress and the passage of time.

Increased psychological distress among individuals with spinal cord injury is associated with central neuropathic pain rather than the injury characteristics

Cross-sectional study. Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is common after spinal cord injury (SCI). The psychological impact of CNP is not clear. Previous studies reported depression and pain catastrophizing among patients with SCI and CNP; however, the lack of control groups prevented discerning whether these were attributed to CNP or to the SCI itself. The aim was to examine the psychological distress among individuals with SCI with and without CNP and controls to evaluate its impact and possible source. Outpatient clinic of a large rehabilitation center. Individuals with SCI and CNP (n = 27) and without CNP (n = 23), and able-bodied controls (n = 20) participated. Data collection included sociodemographics, SCI characteristics, and level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, stress, depression, and pain catastrophizing. The sensory, affective, and cognitive dimensions of CNP were analyzed. Individuals with SCI and CNP exhibited elevated levels of PTSD, anxiety, stress, depression, and pain catastrophizing compared to the two control groups, which presented similar levels. The psychological variables among the CNP group correlated positively only with the affective dimension of CNP. Neither CNP nor the psychological variables correlated with SCI characteristics. Irrespective of CNP intensity, the affective dimension (suffering) is associated with increased psychological distress. Perhaps individual differences in the response to SCI and/or individual traits rather than the mere exposure to SCI may have a role in the emergence of CNP and psychological distress/mood dysfunction. Rehabilitation programs should prioritize stress management and prevention among individuals with SCI and CNP.