Peritraumatic Distress Research Articles

Validation of the Italian version of the peritraumatic distress inventory: validity, reliability and factor analysis in a sample of healthcare workers

ABSTRACT Background: Peritraumatic distress as assessed by the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), has been consistently shown to predict the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after the exposure to a potentially traumatizing event. Objective: The present study aims to validate the Italian version of the PDI in a sample of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) exposed to COVID-19 related potentially traumatizing events. Method: N = 265 HCWs who repeatedly experienced the deaths of patients during COVID-19 emergency in Italy, were enrolled from the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (Pisa, Italy). They completed the PDI, Impact Event Scale – revised (IES-R) and the reactions to losses or upsetting events Trauma and Loss Spectrum – Self Report (TALS-SR) domain. Results: Internal consistency was good with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .874. The PDI correlated strongly with measures that was conceptually close (TALS-SR reactions to losses or upsetting events domain; r = .723, p < .001). Participants who scored above the cut-off for PTSD reported significantly higher PDI scores than those who did not (6.47 ± 5.25 vs. 19.11 ± 8.291, p < 0.001). The one-month test–retest reliability (n = 21) was excellent (ICC = .997). Finally, factor analyses revealed that the PDI exhibited a single-factor structure. Conclusions: the Italian version of the PDI showed good psychometric proprieties and may be used to detect those at risk for developing PTSD.

Validation and Assessment of COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index among Indian Dental Professionals

Objective: To establish the validity of COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) questionnaire and assess the stress with its associated factors during COVID-19 among dental professionals in Bhubaneswar, India. Material and Methods: An online survey through Google Forms was steered among 234 dentists. CPDI questionnaire was used for data collection post its validation assessment. Content validity was judged satisfactory by two psychiatrists, and excellent internal consistency was found (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92). For statistical analysis, chi-square and binomial logistic regression tests were used with a significance level of p=0.05. Results: 70 (29.9%) were males and 164 (70.1%) were females with a mean age of 30.58 ± 6.70 years. Around 50% had an MDS degree and were attached to an institution and nearly 80% were having experience of less than 10 years. The mean CPDI score was found to be 29.09 ± 15.47. A statistically significant association was observed between CPDI scores with age (p<0.003), gender (p<0.03), practice (p<0.06) and education (p<0.006). Binomial logistic regression revealed that odds of stress were 2 times higher among males than females (OR=2.01, p<0.04), which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Acceptable validation scores confirmed CPDI as an effective instrument for detecting stress. Importance of early interventions to combat the issue of stress among dental professionals as it is allied with negative consequences on health and furthermore affects daily activities is highlighted.

Reliability and Validity of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI)

Objective: ·To explore the reliability and validity of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) in evaluating pandemic-related acute stress reaction. Methods: ·From 31 January 2020 to 29 February 2020, CPDI, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Self-reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) were measured in 253 outpatients, their family members and medical staff of our hospital. At the same time, leveraging the Siuvo Intelligent Psychological Assessment Platform, we presented QR codes of the CPDI questionnaire online openly, accessible to the participants nationwide, and received a total of 75 867 valid responses. Cronbach's α coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency. The correlation between CPDI and PHQ-9, GAD-7 and SRQ-20 was used to test the criterion validity. Exploratory factor analysis was used to detect the structural validity and the cut-off score of the questionnaire to screen the psychological symptoms associated with COVID-19 was also detected. Results: ·The Cronbach's α of the 15-item questionnaire was 0.932. The correlation coefficients between the 15-item CPDI and PHQ-9, GAD-7 and SRQ-20 were 0. 670, 0.699 and 0.711 respectively (all P=0.000). The exploratory factor analysis results contained 15 items and 4 factors, the factor load was 0.491-0.681, and the cumulative variance interpretation rate was 72.006%. In terms of cut-off score, it was identified as suspicious symptom by cut-off score of 10/11 points. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.822 and 0.811, respectively. The cut-off score to confirm the presence of symptoms was 14/15 points. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.815 and 0.824, respectively. Conclusion: ·The study indicates that CPDI is with good internal consistency reliability, criterion validity and structural validity.

Peritraumatic reactions, PTSD symptoms, and pain : A study of train disasters in Japan.

Objective : The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between peritraumatic reactions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and pain in people injured in train disasters. Methods : The participants were injured in a train crash in Japan that left more than 100 dead. There were 218 participants in the analysis, with a mean age of 37.50 ± 14.67 years. Peritraumatic reactions were assessed using the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised Japanese-language version. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale. Results : Peritraumatic reactions did not directly affect PTSD symptoms but were found to be associated via latent variables. Regarding pain and PTSD symptoms, intrusive memories were more associated with pain than other symptoms were. There was an associative path from intrusion to pain, but no such path from pain to intrusion. Conclusions : Our results suggest that a therapeutic approach to intrusion may be effective in ameliorating the pain caused by injury. Future research should examine integrated treatment approaches for both PTSD and pain, rather than just for aspects of PTSD. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 85-89, February, 2021.

Correlation between Occurrence of Psychosomatic Disorders and Age during COVID-19 Lockdown

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has caused a serious threat to people’s mental health causing psychosomatic disorders such as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. Aim: To find out the correlation between the occurrence of psychosomatic disorders and age during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in Department of Physiotherapy at RK University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India. Males and females of age ≥21 years, with an ability to understand and fill Google form were recruited for the study. The subjects were divided into four groups according to age 21-34 years, 35-54 years, 55-64 years, and 65 years and older. There were 250 participants in each group. The subjects were asked to fill the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). Data were analysed by using software Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The normality of data was checked by the Shapiro Wilk test. Data followed parametric type so; Pearson correlation test was applied to find out the correlation between age and CPDI score. Results: The mean age of the population was 49.24±18.14 years. The mean CPDI scale scores were 27.572, 31.948, 31.364, and 35.328, respectively from groups 1 to 4. There was a significant positive correlation (p-value=0.031) in group 4, while no significance was found in group 1 (p-value=0.074), group 2 (p-value=0.067), and group 3 (p-value=0.062) Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation between age and psychosomatic disorder occurrence in the geriatric age group (65 years and older) in the Rajkot city.

High psychological burden of young family physicians early in the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from an exploratory survey

Background Previous pandemics such as SARS in 2002 revealed an especially high psychological burden of frontline healthcare professionals in hospitals directly involved in the treatment of confirmed cases. As family physicians are among the first exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, assessing their psychological burden and needs for support is important. Methods A web-based survey was distributed among family physicians of a German university teaching practice network. The questionnaire consisted of validated instruments to evaluate symptoms of psychological distress, i.e., the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7), peritraumatic distress inventory (PDI), and insomnia severity index (ISI). Additional self-developed items addressed sociodemographic and professional characteristics including professional duties and protective equipment available. Effects between the symptoms were examined using bivariate Pearson correlation. Results The participation rate was 31 % (36 of 116) with 33 valid cases. About 47 % (n = 17) of the respondents were 56 years old or more. 66.7 % (n = 22) physicians reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 51.5 % (n = 17) moderate to severe signs of anxiety (GAD-7 _ 10). Physicians with depressive symptoms showed more signs of anxiety (p <.001) and insomnia (p <.001). There is a negative correlation between age and severity of depressive symptoms (p =.041) and insomnia (p =.002). The regression analysis showed that younger participants were more likely to show depressive symptoms (β = –.358, p =.046), even after correcting for gender (R2 =.402). Conclusions Depressive symptoms were frequent among family physicians, especially in younger physicians who were also more likely to report symptoms of insomnia. The symptoms of psychological distress are unlikely to be explained by a lack of protective equipment, because the majority had sufficient supplies. © 2021, Deutscher Arzte-Verlag GmbH. All rights reserved.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Brazilian Population: Occupational Analysis

Context and objectives :The unexpected pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affected several activities and exposed workers, students and the large mass of unemployed people to an economic and psychological pressure that could lead to various problems, such as anxiety, fear, depression and insomnia, consequently causing impairment of quality of life. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the COVID-19 Peri-Traumatic Distress Index (CPDI) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to measure peri-traumatic stress and fear, such as psychological reactions during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. An online spreadsheet was used as a data collection tool to send the questionnaire and scales to a sample of 1,844 participants. Data were analyzed in groups of health professionals, students and teachers, and an analysis was performed between unemployed and employed people in order to evaluate the impact of employment on the population’s mental health. Results: All groups presented from moderate to high CPDI and FCV-19S scores, and students and unemployed people had higher levels of stress and fear. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Brazilian population, with students and the unemployed showing the highest rates of stress and fear.

Alarming rates of psychological problems among caregivers of pediatric kidney patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Introduction:Caregivers of children with comorbidities suffer from various psychological problems. We envisage more such complications during this COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology:A cross-sectional study to assess psychological issues in caregivers of children with kidney diseases, admitted during lockdown period in India was done. Psychological tools including Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), Insomnia Severity Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS II), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and a new “COVID Stress Survey Questionnaire” were used. Standard statistical analysis using SPSS Statistic 23 (IBM SPSS Statistics, New York, United States) was done.Results:Forty-seven caregivers (33 mothers; 14 fathers) were included. Of these, 33 (70.2%) experienced psychological distress. On PANAS, 45 (95.7%) scored below cut off on a positive affect and 42 (89.4%) scored above cut off on a negative effect. The DASS II score revealed that 38 (80.9%) reported mild stress, 23 (48.9%) severe anxiety, and 37 (78.7%) had moderate depression. Upper middle socioeconomic status caregivers reported more insomnia. Further, parents of children with acute kidney injury (AKI) or prolonged hospital stay scored higher on subjective distress and aversive feelings.Conclusion:We observed an alarming level of distress, insomnia, and anxiety among caregivers, more so in upper middle socioeconomic status, children with AKI and prolonged hospital stay. We suggest due counseling should be done.

Stress induced by the COVID-19 health situation in a cohort of 111 subjects present in the Bataclan concert hall during the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris

ABSTRACT Background: The management of the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is all the more difficult when subjects suffer from a prior psychiatric illness. BV13 is a 54-month prospective longitudinal cohort study of 111 subjects who were present in the Bataclan concert hall during the November 2015 terrorist attack in Paris. Objectives: Our first objective was to investigate the association between stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and PTSD symptoms, notably with respect to two positive risk factors: trait mindfulness and social support. The second was to explore how PTSD severity mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and COVID-19-induced stress. Method: The primary endpoint was evaluated using the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Check List Scale (PCL-5) during the sanitary crisis and two years before. Social support was assessed with a Likert scale that measured perceived support from family, friends and the workplace. Trait mindfulness was measured with the 14-item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Results: 54 months after the attack, a univariate analysis identified a significant positive correlation between COVID-19 stress (CPDI) and PCL-5 (r=0.77, p<0.01) scores, on the one hand, and significant negative correlations with FMI (r=–0.59, p<0.01), and social support (r=–0.28, p<0.01) scores, on the other hand. In the multivariate model, CPDI scores were closely associated with PCL-5 scores (p<0.01) after adjustment for FMI and social support scores. CPDI and FMI scores were significantly associated (p=0.05), but not CPDI and social support scores (p=0.89). The PTSD score was a strong mediator of the relationship between trait mindfulness (FMI) and COVID-19 stress (CPDI) scores. Conclusion: PTSD symptoms diminished the beneficial impact of trait mindfulness on stress related to COVID-19. Our finding highlights that subjects with previous experience of trauma need specific treatment for PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 crisis.

Parental peritraumatic distress and feelings of parental competence in relation to COVID-19 lockdown measures: What is the impact on children’s peritraumatic distress?

The objective of this study was to measure, via an online survey, the peritraumatic impact of COVID-19-related lockdown measures on parents and their sense of parental competence, as well as the link with their children’s peritraumatic distress. We investigated the links between the distress felt by the parent and the distress felt by the child in the lockdown from March to May 2020. Participants were 287 parents and 161 children. The results of our study indicated that there is a significant association between the parents’ and the children’s peritraumatic stress. We also found a significant relationship between the sense of parental competence and the trauma suffered as a result of the lockdown. We also showed that people who usually felt more stressed have lower peritraumatic distress. In addition, the data indicated that mothers were more affected than fathers by the lockdown, whereas there was no difference between girls and boys in the sample of children. The peritraumatic feelings appeared to be more related to the difficulty of combining teleworking with the daily management of children than to the fear of the virus itself. All these results bear witness to the differences in the experience of lockdown between mothers and fathers, and the impact on their children’s well-being.

COVID-19 is associated with traumatic childbirth and subsequent mother-infant bonding problems

BackgroundKnowledge of women's experience of childbirth in the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and associated maternal health outcomes is scarce. MethodsA sample of primarily American women who gave birth around the height of COVID-19 (n = 1,611) and matched controls, i.e., women who gave birth before COVID-19 (n = 640), completed an anonymous Internet survey about recent childbirth, birth-related traumatic stress (peritraumatic distress inventory; PTSD-checklist), maternal bonding (maternal attachment inventory; mother-to-infant bonding scale) and breastfeeding status. Groups (n = 637 in each) were matched on demographics, prior mental health/trauma and childbirth factors to determine the unique contribution of COVID-19 to the psychological experience of childbirth. ResultsMothers in COVID-19-exposed communities endorsed more clinically acute stress response to childbirth than matched controls (Z = 2.65, p = .008, OR= 1.38). A path mediation model revealed that acute stress mediated the relationship between study group and postpartum outcomes. Specifically, higher acute stress response in birth was associated with more childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (β = .42, p < .001) and less bonding with the infant (β = .26, p < .001), including breastfeeding problems (β = .10, p < .01). LimitationsUse of a convenient internet sample introduces bias towards more educated women and reliance on retrospective self-report assessments may entail recall bias. ConclusionsCOVID-19 is a major stressor for delivering women. It can heighten traumatic childbirth experiences and interfere with successful postpartum adjustment. Clinical attention to traumatic stress in childbirth and problems with caring for the young during this pandemic is important.

Psychological distress in adults with and without cystic fibrosis during the COVID-19 lockdown

BackgroundHundreds of papers have been published on the COVID-19 pandemic, and several of them on psychological themes connected with it, but very little is so far known on how adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCFs) are coping with this dramatic event. MethodsAn online questionnaire was developed according to the Italian validated COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) and addressed to the general population (GP). A similar questionnaire, augmented with CF specific questions, targeted pwCFs. The two web-based surveys were accessible for some weeks during the lockdown mandated by the Italian government. ResultsThe CF questionnaire was completed by 712 adult pwCFs (422 females), matched for sex and age with a 1/5 ratio to GP questionnaire respondents. Mild or medium distress affected 40.2% of pwCFs and 43.9% of GP controls, severe distress 5.3% of pwCFs and 6.2% of GP controls. The level of psychological distress was not correlated with the degree of pulmonary function impairment. When symptoms of anxiety and depression, and physical manifestations were independently analyzed, the control group featured a 55% higher level of mild-moderate anxiety symptoms. Signs of psychological distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and physical manifestations were significantly more frequent in female pwCFs compared to males, similarly to GP. ConclusionAdult pwCFs seem to have equal, and in some domains, lower levels of psychological distress than GP controls. This might be sustained by lifelong experiences in coping with the demands of their chronic disease. These results may orient future psychological interventions.

Factors associated with Peritraumatic Distress among Community Dwelling Older adults during COVID-19

Factors associated with Peritraumatic Distress among Community Dwelling Older adults during COVID-19

Effect of standardized post-coercion review session on symptoms of PTSD: results from a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivePost-coercion review is increasingly regarded as a mean to reduce the negative consequences of coercive interventions, including the development of posttraumatic symptoms. However, the efficacy of this intervention in preventing posttraumatic symptoms or PTSD has not been sufficiently studied. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of a single, standardized post-coercion review session on the development or exacerbation of PTSD symptoms in patients with psychotic disorders.MethodsIn a multi-center, two-armed, randomized controlled trial, patients who experienced coercive interventions during current hospitalization were either randomized to standard treatment or an intervention group receiving a guideline-based, standardized reflecting review session. Factorial MANCOVA and subsequent ANCOVAs investigated the effects of the post-coercion reflecting review session on post-traumatic symptoms as measured by the subscales of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R). Similarly, the effect of the intervention on the intensity of the peritraumatic reactions measured by the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) was analyzed by conducting a factorial ANCOVA.ResultsN = 82 patients were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. MANCOVA and post hoc ANCOVAs revealed a significant main effect of the intervention for the IES-R subscales intrusion and hyperarousal, when controlling for levels of peritraumatic distress, whereby intervention group participants presented lower respective mean scores. There was no significant difference regarding the intensity of the peritraumatic reaction.ConclusionStandardized post-coercion review contributes to a reduction of the burden of PTSD symptoms in patients with psychotic disorders experiencing coercive interventions in acute settings and shall be recommended as a measure of trauma-informed care.The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT03512925) on 01/30/2018 (retrospectively registered).

Psychological Distress in Patients with Autoimmune Arthritis during the COVID-19 Induced Lockdown in Italy.

Lockdowns imposed by governments worldwide as a way to limit the spread of severe atypical respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) have had heavy psychological and economic consequences. Arthritis patients are a vulnerable population at an increased risk of peritraumatic stress. This could be due to several reasons, including the fear of shortage of medicine and difficulty receiving periodical medical checks. In the present case-control study, psychological distress in patients with autoimmune arthritis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were investigated. An electronic survey was conducted to gather information on the perceived change in the emotional state, general health (GH), fatigue, joint pain, and disease activity during the lockdown, in 100 patients with autoimmune arthritis and 100 controls. Mental health status was measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) was used to assess the frequency of peritraumatic stress disorders related to COVID-19. Patients reported a significant worsening of perceived GH (36% vs. 7%; p < 0.001), a significantly higher mean CPDI score (p < 0.001) than controls. Using multivariate analysis, arthritis patients had significantly higher CPDI scores (+3.67 points; p = 0.019), independent of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, comorbidities, and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of reporting worsened GH was 9-fold higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001). Patients with autoimmune arthritis are at higher risk of psychological distress related to COVID-19 pandemic; thus targeted intervention should be designed to strengthen coping capacity in this vulnerable population.

Validation de l’échelle d’évaluation du vécu de l’accouchement (QEVA) auprès d’une population française

BackgroundA woman's negative perception of her subjective childbirth experience can have consequences on the mother's psychological state and on early mother–baby relationships. To date, there is no validated tool in France allowing to evaluate childbirth experience in a multidimensional way. The aim of this study is to validate the Questionnaire Assessing the Childbirth Experience (QEVA) in a French sample of mothers. This tool was developed in a previous study where the authors combined 25 items into 6 dimensions: representations and expectations, sensory perceptions, feeling of control, perceived social support (medical staff and partner), emotions (positive and negative) and first moments with the baby. MethodsThe sample included 256 women recruited in a maternity ward. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of our sample were compared to those of the French national perinatal survey. The structure of the QEVA with 17 items was explored by an exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). An analysis of the internal consistency was conducted on the sub-scores of the identified factors, and the concurrent validity was assessed with the Peri-traumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) through a correlation and its associated t-test. ResultsThe characteristics of our sample and those of the national perinatal survey do not differ on age, marital status, parity, cannabis use, infertility treatment, epidural and baby weight, in favour of the good representativeness of our sample. The study of the QEVA structure revealed a 4-dimensional structure. Analysis of the psychometric qualities showed a good internal consistency, with an observed alpha value ranging from 0.69 to 0.86. The QEVA also shows a good concurrent validity with the peri-traumatic distress scores (r=0.51). ConclusionTo date, the QEVA is the first standardized tool allowing a multidimensional evaluation of the subjective experience of childbirth. It has been validated on a French population using an exploratory structural equation modeling. This tool, which is simple to use and well accepted by mothers, enables health professionals not only to screen mothers experiencing difficult childbirth and in need of support, but also to adapt health care according to the dimensions of the birth experience and its associated difficulties (emotions during the birth, interactions with health professionals, first moments with the baby, or post-partum emotions).

Maternal Mental Health after a Wildfire: Effects of Social Support in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Study.

Objective:Following disasters, perinatal women are vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms. Little is known about protective factors. We hypothesized that peritraumatic stress would predict PTSD-like symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women and would be moderated by social support and resilience.Method:Women (n = 200) who experienced the 2016 Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo wildfire during or shortly before pregnancy completed the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised for current PTSD-like symptoms. They also completed scales of social support (Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale).Results:Greater peritraumatic distress (r = 0.56) and dissociative experiences (r = 0.56) correlated with more severe PTSD-like symptoms. Greater social support satisfaction was associated with less severe post-traumatic stress symptoms but only when peritraumatic distress was below average; at more severe levels of PDI, this psychosocial variable was not protective.Conclusions:Maternal PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire depend on peritraumatic distress and dissociation. Higher social support satisfaction buffers the association with peritraumatic distress, although not when peritraumatic reactions are severe. Early psychosocial interventions may protect perinatal women from PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire.

The associations between media use, peritraumatic distress, anxiety and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the relationship between media use, experiences of media use as having a negative and/or positive impact on coping, peritraumatic distress, anxiety symptoms and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.A convenience sample of 902 Israeli adults (mean age = 46.21) completed measures of peritraumatic distress, anxiety symptoms and resilience, and reported on their media use experiences one month following the initial outbreak of the disease in Israel (April 2020).After controlling for COVID-19 related events and demographic covariates, experiencing media use as having a negative impact on coping was related to higher levels of peritraumatic distress and anxiety symptoms and lower levels of resilience. In contrast, experiencing media as having a positive impact was not related to peritraumatic distress, anxiety symptoms or resilience.The findings suggest that those reporting that media use had a negative impact on coping are at greater risk of experiencing higher levels of peritraumatic distress and anxiety symptoms as well as lower resilience. In addition, traditional media use was related to higher resiliency. Developing understanding of how media could be used to optimally support emergency responses is crucial in order to minimize psychopathology. Unified, clear, trustworthy and informative messaging has a special importance during a mass public health crisis. Further research will contribute to guidance of potential risk and resilience aspects of media use during emergencies.

Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in France: a national assessment of at-risk populations

BackgroundLockdowns were implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19. Peritraumatic distress (PD) and post-traumatic stress disorder have been reported after traumatic events, but the specific effect of the pandemic is...

Socio-demographic and trauma-related predictors of depression within eight weeks of motor vehicle collision in the AURORA study.

This is the first report on the association between trauma exposure and depression from the Advancing Understanding of RecOvery afteR traumA(AURORA) multisite longitudinal study of adverse post-traumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS) among participants seeking emergency department (ED) treatment in the aftermath of a traumatic life experience. We focus on participants presenting at EDs after a motor vehicle collision (MVC), which characterizes most AURORA participants, and examine associations of participant socio-demographics and MVC characteristics with 8-week depression as mediated through peritraumatic symptoms and 2-week depression. Eight-week depression prevalence was relatively high (27.8%) and associated with several MVC characteristics (being passenger v. driver; injuries to other people). Peritraumatic distress was associated with 2-week but not 8-week depression. Most of these associations held when controlling for peritraumatic symptoms and, to a lesser degree, depressive symptoms at 2-weeks post-trauma. These observations, coupled with substantial variation in the relative strength of the mediating pathways across predictors, raises the possibility of diverse and potentially complex underlying biological and psychological processes that remain to be elucidated in more in-depth analyses of the rich and evolving AURORA database to find new targets for intervention and new tools for risk-based stratification following trauma exposure.