Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis Research Articles

Massed treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and co-occurring conditions: the Home Base intensive outpatient program for military veterans and service members

The two-week Home Base Intensive Clinical Program (ICP) provides treatment to veterans and active duty service members suffering from primary diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, or depression. First launched in 2015, this paper provides a programmatic update, including new treatment components implemented since inception, and examines outcomes for all participants who entered the program from September 2015 to July 2024 (n = 2561). The Home Base ICP provides a massed care approach through daily individual Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Unified Protocol, or cognitive rehabilitation, along with groups targeting coping skills. Participants entering the program are provided with core group programming, as well as individualized therapy sessions tailored to their unique needs and symptom presentation. Supplemental dual recovery support is also available for all participants with co-occurring substance use or behavioral addiction concerns. Participants' support people receive education, support, and case management services. Participants have a multidisciplinary team comprising therapists, psychopharmacology providers, case managers, nurses, and wellness providers. Results demonstrate that program participants exhibited statistically significant reductions in PTSD symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.80), depression (d = 0.68), post-concussion symptoms (d = 0.71), and increased satisfaction in social roles (d = -0.65). Completion rate was 94.60% (n = 2422), suggesting that the Home Base ICP is a well-received and effective model of care for veterans and service members.

The impact of exercise interventions on sleep in adult populations with depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress: review of the current evidence and future directions.

Consistent evidence suggests that exercise leads to improvements in subjective sleep quality and also objective sleep metrics in non-psychiatric adult populations. However, the degree to which exercise provides sleep benefits for adults with psychiatric disorders is less known, despite the potential benefits given that sleep disturbance is prevalent in these populations. In this narrative review, we synthesize results of randomized controlled trials examining the influence of aerobic and/or resistance exercise interventions on sleep outcomes in adult psychiatric populations. We specifically focus on populations with elevated symptoms or diagnoses of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder. A systematic search through June 2024 yielded 26 relevant trials. Overall, most trials reported improvement of subjective sleep quality after aerobic and/or resistance exercise programs in samples with depression. Similar effects were observed for posttraumatic stress; however, larger trials are needed. Further research is needed to examine the impact of exercise on sleep in anxiety populations as only one trial with mixed results was identified. Results were more equivocal for the subpopulation of adult women with perinatal or postpartum depression, demonstrating the importance of understanding exercise effects on sleep in specific subpopulations. Few studies examined objective sleep outcomes, impact of acute exercise on next day sleep, or the interplay between exercise, sleep, and psychiatric symptom changes, all important areas of future research. Other implications and future directions are discussed, including potential moderators and mechanisms of action that warrant further study to better understand how exercise interventions may optimally target sleep in psychiatric populations.

Reliability and Validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability in Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities or Borderline Intellectual Functioning

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability – Adult version (DITS-ID-adults) in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF). Method The DITS-ID-adults, Brief Symptom Inventory–18 (BSI–18), and Impact of Event Scale-Intellectual Disability (IES – ID) were administered to 97 participants with MID-BIF who lived in supported housing. The Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADESS) and Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI) were administered to their relatives. Results The interrater reliability of the DITS-ID-adults was good to excellent. The construct validity of the DITS-ID-adults was good, based on positive correlations between the BSI–18, IES-ID, ADESS and DITS-ID-adults, and mainly positive correlations between the BPI and DITS-ID-adults (r = .21 to r = .75). Reporting potentially traumatic events listed under the A criterium for PTSD was associated with fulfilling PTSD symptom criteria. In this sample, 58% were classified with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to the DITS-ID-adults, while PTSD diagnosis on file was low (7%). Conclusion The present findings support the DITS-ID-adults as a reliable and valid basis for classifying PTSD in individuals with MID-BIF.

Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Mozambique: Validation of the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual fifth edition (PC-PTSD-5).

The confluence of conflict-, climate-, and public health-related emergencies in Mozambique increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few brief screening tools for PTSD have been validated in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to validate the five-item Primary Care PTSD Screen for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5), the PC-PTSD-5 in Mozambique. This study recruited 957 participants who completed the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (MINI-Plus) and PC-PTSD-5, a convenience sample from primary and tertiary care settings in Maputo, Mozambique. Participants were administered a diagnostic interview for psychiatric disorders and the PC-PTSD-5 screening tool. We evaluated the criterion validity of the PC-PTSD-5 concerning the MINI-Plus diagnosis of PTSD, the internal construct validity and reliability using confirmatory factor analysis and Kuder-Richardson 20 (KR-20), discriminant validity of the PC-PTSD-5 in comparison to other common mental disorder and suicide risk screening tools, and measurement invariance of selected cutoffs by age, sex, and comorbidity. Internal consistency of the PC-PTSD-5 was high (KR-20 = 0.837), and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a single PTSD factor fits the data well. PC-PTSD-5 items were moderately correlated with other psychiatric symptoms. Criterion validity analyses revealed that a cutoff score of 3 provided high specificity (0.833) and moderate sensitivity (0.673). This cutoff score performed optimally across age and gender; however, a cutoff score of 2 was preferred if the participant had no psychiatric comorbidities. Screening with the PC-PTSD-5 may facilitate case detection and linkages to appropriate treatment for individuals affected by potentially traumatic events in Mozambique. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Use of renin-angiotensin system blockers and posttraumatic stress disorder risk in the UK Biobank: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that the use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers is linked to a lower prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but longitudinal studies are scarce. We aimed to estimate the association between the use of RAS blockers and the risk of PTSD among individuals taking antihypertensive medications.MethodsThis longitudinal study included participants aged 40–69 from the UK Biobank. Exposure data were obtained from the initial assessment (2006–10), while outcome data were obtained from the online mental health questionnaire administered 6–11 years later (2016–17). We included participants who were under antihypertensive treatment and did not have a prior diagnosis of PTSD before the initial assessment. Use of RAS blockers was defined as self-reported regular use, at the initial assessment, of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Among participants who experienced adverse life experiences, cases of probable PTSD were defined with the six-item PTSD Checklist-Civilian version score ≥ 14. Logistic regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between RAS blocker use and the risk of probable PTSD.ResultsOf the 15,954 participants (mean age = 59.9 years; 42.6% women) under antihypertensive treatment with no prior history of PTSD at the initial assessment, 64.5% were taking RAS blockers. After a mean follow-up of 7.5 years, 1,249 (7.8%) were newly identified with probable PTSD. RAS blocker users had a lower risk of probable PTSD than RAS blocker non-users (OR = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.75–0.94]), whereas the use of other antihypertensive medications showed no such association (users vs. non-users; calcium channel blockers, OR = 0.99 [95% CI: 0.88–1.11]; beta-blockers, 1.20 [1.08–1.34]; and thiazide-related diuretics, 1.15 [1.03–1.29]). The association between probable PTSD risk and the use of ACEi vs. ARB showed no significant difference (p = 0.96).ConclusionsAmong individuals under antihypertensive treatment, the use of RAS blockers was associated with a decreased risk of probable PTSD. This added benefit of RAS blockers should be considered in the selection of antihypertensive medications.

(Why?) Evidence-Based Treatments for War-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Any war increases at least twice the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in its victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects about 10% of car accident victims, half of the people who have experienced rape or war, and victims of violence. PTSD negatively affects the quality of life. It is associated with direct and indirect health costs. Any effort to treat and prevent PTSD with evidence-based methods is our obligation toward trauma victims and to professionals at an increased risk of job-related traumatization. In the paper, we will focus on three aspects. First – a rationale of decision making – the role of evidence in elaborating the intervention guidelines will be described. Second, an overview of evidence-based guidelines for the psychological help and for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD will be presented, according to current NICE (National Institute of Care Excellence) and APA (American Psychological Association) and meta-analyses focusing on war-related trauma. The third part of the paper will be devoted to the prevention of PTSD in people who are exposed to professional, duty-related trauma – the data on the efficacy of preventive interventions together with a short description of the programs (on the example of “Effective performance under stress” program designed to prevent PTSD in firefighters and other professions).

The effect of service dogs on veterans’ romantic partners and relationships: A preliminary mixed-methods study

Abstract Romantic partners are often key supports for veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a PTSD diagnosis among veterans is often associated with lower relationship satisfaction and quality. To help reduce their PTSD symptomology, some veterans are more regularly relying on the help of service dogs (SDs). Relatively little is known about how SDs affect romantic relationships and veterans’ romantic partners. The current mixed-methods preliminary study explored the psycho-social effects of SDs on veterans’ romantic relationships and their partners from the romantic partners’ perspective. Romantic partners of veterans ( N = 27) completed the Partnership Questionnaire and seven partners completed interviews. Scale results indicated overall low relationship quality, with relatively lower scores for couples’ tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication, and higher scores for their quarreling. Interview results indicated there were perceived relationship problems due to the veterans’ PTSD, but there were some relationship improvements since the SD had been supporting the veteran, including decreased quarreling and increased tenderness/intimacy and togetherness/communication. Romantic partners reported experiencing less resentment and stress, and increased relaxation, calmness, patience, happiness, and hope for the future because of the SDs. This study suggests that SDs can influence other aspects of veterans’ lives beyond their disability, such as helping veterans reconnect with their romantic partners.

Longitudinal associations between early post-injury serum BDNF levels and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder over two years

BackgroundThis study investigated the longitudinal associations between serum BDNF (sBDNF) levels measured early after injury and the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across two years. MethodsPatients with moderate to severe physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center. At baseline, sBDNF levels were measured and a comprehensive socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. The range of time from physical injuries to blood collection was 1–28 days, with a median (IQR) of 8.0 (6.0) days. PTSD diagnoses were determined at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the CAPS-5. Linear regression analyses assessed the relationship between sBDNF levels and PTSD diagnoses. ResultsOut of 923 patients, 112 (12.1 %) developed PTSD during the study. Prevalence rates were 8.8 % at 3 months, 7.6 % at 6 months, 4.8 % at 12 months, and 3.7 % at 24 months. Significantly, lower sBDNF levels were associated with PTSD at 12 and 24 months, after adjusting for covariates and applying Bonferroni corrections, but not at earlier assessments. LimitationsFocusing on patients with moderate to severe injuries from a single center may limit the findings' generalizability. ConclusionEarly post-injury sBDNF levels are predictive biomarkers for PTSD, especially significant at 12 and 24 months post-injury.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Trauma Patients.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was first introduced as a diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association in 1980. This diagnosis, included in the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-III), was to be considered after someone was exposed to a traumatic event "outside the range of usual human experience and would be markedly distressing to almost anyone." Since then, trauma survivors have been identified as being at risk for the development of post-traumatic stress symptom (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the recognition of this fact, the screening, recognition, and diagnosis of PTSD in these at-risk populations are inconsistent. In the following review, which is designed for the clinician who is unfamiliar with PTSD and its recognition, diagnosis, and treatment, we introduce the problem in the trauma patient and define its scope. In addition, we discuss the diagnosis of PTSD in trauma patients, special considerations relating to these patient populations, treatment options, and explore future directions for how best to define, study, recognize, and treat this challenging and potentially devastating condition.

When the attention control condition works: A systematic review of attention control training for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Attentional bias and deficits in attentional control are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Attention control training (ACT) may address these factors. We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ACT for PTSD to address unanswered questions about ACT's effectiveness, tolerability, and implementation. Studies were included if they were an RCT that used an adult sample, recruited participants with a PTSD diagnosis, and had ACT as at least one treatment arm. The PTSD Trials Standardized Data Repository (PTSD-Repository) and additional databases were searched to identify PTSD RCTs published through May 2024. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (N = 407). The effect size for ACT versus a comparison condition on PTSD symptoms was large, but the confidence interval (CI) overlapped with 0, g = 0.75, 95% CI [-0.63, 2.12]. The same pattern was observed for attention bias variability, g = 1.04, 95% CI [-0.90, 2.98]. There was a significant within-group effect of ACT on self-reported PTSD symptoms, g = -1.43, 95% CI [-2.83, -0.03]. Risk of bias varied, with high risk of bias being primarily due to bias in the measurement of the outcome. These effects should be interpreted cautiously given the significant heterogeneity and wide confidence intervals observed. It remains unclear for whom and under what conditions ACT may be most effective. Future studies should move beyond response time measures, employ an inactive comparator, and examine the mechanism of action to determine whether ACT could be a viable intervention for PTSD.

Exploring the impact of biological sex on intrinsic connectivity networks in PTSD: A data-driven approach

IntroductionSex as a biological variable (SABV) may help to account for the differential development and expression of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among trauma-exposed males and females. Here, we investigate the impact of SABV on PTSD-related neural alterations in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within three core intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs): the salience network (SN), central executive network (CEN), and default mode network (DMN). MethodsUsing an independent component analysis (ICA), we compared rsFC of the SN, CEN, and DMN between males and females, with and without PTSD (n = 47 females with PTSD, n = 34 males with PTSD, n = 36 healthy control females, n = 20 healthy control males) via full factorial ANCOVAs. Additionally, linear regression analyses were conducted with clinical variables (i.e., PTSD and depression symptoms, childhood trauma scores) in order to determine intrinsic network connectivity characteristics specific to SABV. Furthermore, we utilized machine learning classification models to predict the biological sex and PTSD diagnosis of individual participants based on intrinsic network activity patterns. ResultsOur findings revealed differential network connectivity patterns based on SABV and PTSD diagnosis. Males with PTSD exhibited increased intra-SN (i.e., SN-anterior insula) rsFC and increased DMN-right superior parietal lobule/precuneus/superior occipital gyrus rsFC as compared to females with PTSD. There were also differential network connectivity patterns for comparisons between the PTSD and healthy control groups for males and females, separately. We did not observe significant correlations between clinical measures of interest and brain region clusters which displayed significant between group differences as a function of biological sex, thus further reinforcing that SABV analyses are likely not confounded by these variables. Furthermore, machine learning classification models accurately predicted biological sex and PTSD diagnosis among novel/unseen participants based on ICN activation patterns. ConclusionThis study reveals groundbreaking insights surrounding the impact of SABV on PTSD-related ICN alterations using data-driven methods. Our discoveries contribute to further defining neurobiological markers of PTSD among females and males and may offer guidance for differential sex-related treatment needs.

Underdiagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Outpatients With Personality Disorders in Clinical Practice Despite the Use of a Diagnostic Instrument.

While existing literature suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently undetected in routine clinical practice, the detection rate of PTSD in patients with a personality disorder (PD) has not been investigated. This study examined the point prevalence of PTSD and frequency of trauma-focused treatment in 204 outpatients with a PD. Data were derived from electronic patient files. Compared to the mean weighted prevalence of PTSD in the literature, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI-Plus) found lower rates of PTSD for the entire sample (29.2%), but not separately for patients with borderline PD (BPD; 33.3%) and patients with other PDs (26.9%). In addition, PTSD diagnoses following intake were less prevalent for PD patients overall (18.6%), BPD patients (27%), and patients with other PDs (13.8%). The present study provides preliminary evidence that PTSD might be underdiagnosed and consequently unmanaged in PD patients in clinical practice, suggesting that the recognition of PTSD among patients with PD needs improvement.

Risk and protective factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder among layperson responders to opioid overdose incidents.

Fatal and nonfatal overdoses involving opioids have increased to crisis levels in recent years. Laypersons have been increasingly tasked with responding to these events by administering naloxone, performing rescue breaths/cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and calling for medical assistance. However, little is known about the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to opioid overdose responding among laypersons. To this end, we sought to determine the factors associated with PTSD stemming from responding to an opioid overdose event. From April 2021 to October 2021, structured interviews were conducted with layperson responders who had responded to an opioid overdose. Participants were administered structured diagnostic interviews, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and completed validated self-report measures. In total, 101 layperson adults who responded to an opioid overdose were recruited for the present study (Mage: 34, 65% identified as women, 79% as White, and 11% as Hispanic/Latino). Of the 80 participants who completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, 100% met Criteria A for PTSD related to overdose responding, and over one quarter (27.5%) met current PTSD diagnosis criteria related to overdose responding. Current PTSD related to overdose responding was associated with depression symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, and presence of law enforcement or professional first responders during the most distressing overdose responding event. Responding to opioid overdoses is traumatizing for many and results in a considerable burden of PTSD among layperson responders. As such, we call for trauma-informed interventions that cater to the unique experiences of layperson opioid overdose responders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Metabolic syndrome is associated with reduced default mode network functional connectivity in young post-9/11 Veterans.

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of health factors that increases risk for cardiovascular disease. A condition of aging, metabolic syndrome is associated with reduced brain network integrity, including functional connectivity alterations among the default mode, regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is elevated in younger populations including post-9/11 Veterans and individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, but it is unclear whether metabolic syndrome affects brain function in earlier adulthood. Identifying early effects of metabolic syndrome on brain network integrity is critical, as these impacts could contribute to increased risk for cognitive disorders later in life for Veterans. The current study examined whether metabolic syndrome and its individual components were associated with default mode functional connectivity. We also explored the contribution of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury on these metabolic syndrome-brain relationships. Post-9/11 Veterans with combat deployment history (95 with and 325 without metabolic syndrome) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging to capture seed-based resting-state functional connectivity within the default mode. The metabolic syndrome group demonstrated reduced positive functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex seed and the bilateral superior frontal gyrus. Data-driven analyses demonstrated that metabolic syndrome components, particularly cholesterol and central adiposity, were associated with widespread reductions in default mode network connectivity. Functional connectivity was also reduced in participants with metabolic syndrome but without current posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis and with traumatic brain injury history. These results suggest that metabolic syndrome disrupts resting-state functional connectivity decades earlier than prior work has shown.

PTSD Among Body Handlers: The Role of Task-Related Characteristics, Coping, and Well-Being

In this study, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined among 161 Israeli military reservists who were recruited to gather and identify the bodies and body parts of civilians and soldiers killed in the October 7th, 2023 Hamas terror attack on Israel. The aims were to examine PTSD levels as well as the associations between demographic variables, task-related characteristics, coping strategies, well-being, and odds of being diagnosed with PTSD. Using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), 20% of the participants were found to have PTSD. Logistic regression indicated that a one-point increase in emotion-focused coping via distancing increased the odds of a PTSD diagnosis by 3.76 times; a one-point increase in perceived task difficulty increased the odds by 1.81; and a one-point decrease in well-being increased the odds by 1.06. A significant interaction showed that problem-focused coping was associated with a higher risk of PTSD among younger participants but a lower risk among older ones. Additionally, well-being served as a protective factor for those who perceived the task as mentally difficult. The study points to the high traumatic potential of handling bodies. It also indicates that the use of distancing oneself from one’s emotions is highly non-adaptive.

Identificación de Indicadores de TEPT y su Relación con el Sexo y las Estrategias de Afrontamiento en Estudiantes de Psicología

Abstract Coping strategies play a role in protecting well-being, which is why the presence of indicators of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the use of coping strategies were identified in psychology students. The study follows a non-experimental cross-sectional observational design with intentional, non-probabilistic quota sampling, involving 60 psychology students. 40% of the evaluated population presents PTSD, and the coping styles employed most frequently are religion, emotional avoidance, aggressive reaction, and social support. No significant relationship is found between PTSD diagnosis and the variables of gender and coping style. It is concluded that student gender and coping style do not exhibit an association with PTSD diagnosis.

Understanding experiences of non-physical maltreatment in childhood in Canada: What is the relationship with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders?

Physical and sexual childhood abuse are associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. However, less is known about non-physical types of maltreatment. This study examined associations between non-physical types of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, exposure to physical intimate partner violence, emotional and physical neglect) and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Data from the 2018 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces were used to estimate the proportion of individuals 15 years and older in Canada who experienced non-physical maltreatment during childhood. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations between five types of non-physical child maltreatment and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Overall, interpersonal aggression was the most common (45.7%), followed by emotional abuse (40.4%) and emotional neglect (20.0%). Individuals who experienced any type of non-physical maltreatment in childhood had a higher probability of lifetime suicidal ideation than those who never experienced the maltreatment examined. Mood disorder diagnoses were more likely among those who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, and emotional neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Compared with those who never experienced the maltreatment examined, individuals who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, emotional neglect, or physical neglect were more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely among those who experienced emotional and physical neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Non-physical child maltreatment is associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. The findings highlight the importance of including non-physical types of child maltreatment on population-based surveys to differentiate associations with mental health outcomes to better align interventions and policies.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among military personnel admitted at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2022: an institution-based cross-sectional study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health problems that military personnel encounter. It could be lifelong and affect every aspect of military personnel, including their mental and physical health, family and social interactions, and their work. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude and its associated factors have not been well investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors among military personnel, who were admitted at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital, Bahir Dar, Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 June to 21 July 2022, at the Northwest Command Level Three Military Hospital. A computer-generated simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 627 participants. The 17-item Military Version Checklist was utilized to measure PTSD. The Patient Health Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Coping, and Critical War Zone Experience scale were utilized to measure depression, resilience, and combat exposure, respectively. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and a 95% confidence interval were used. The level of significance of the association was determined at a p-value < 0.05. A total of 612 respondents participated, with a response rate of 97.6%. The prevalence of PTSD in this study was 21.9% (95% CI: 18.6, 25.2). In multivariable regression, female sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.3, 95% CI; 1.3, 3.87], combat personnel (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI; 1.44, 6.36), handling dead bodies (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI,1.24, 5.02), having 4-5 deployments (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI, 1.63, 5.32), having ≥6 deployments (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI, 1.95, 6.17), low resilience coping (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI; 1.16, 3.53), poor social support (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI, 1.39, 4.35), very high combat exposures (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI, 2.03, 11.93), and depression (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI, 1.68, 4.67) were significantly associated with PTSD. PTSD is markedly prevalent among the Ethiopian military population, with key risk factors identified as being female, poor social support, low resilience coping skills, handling dead bodies, multiple deployments (four or more), high combat experiences, and depression. Healthcare professionals must prioritize the early diagnosis and intervention of PTSD in vulnerable groups of military personnel.

Navigating the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder and its variants

SUMMARY In this issue of BJPsych Advances Siddaway explores the challenges of assessing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. In this commentary I reflect on those challenges, not least of which is the need for a thorough understanding of different approaches to diagnoses. The very concept of diagnostic classification systems can be problematic, but when used sensitively they can aid communication, assessment and treatment. The relatively new diagnosis of complex PTSD may serve as a more accurate and more useful description of some psychological difficulties, leading to better treatment decisions. Good assessment, leading to accurate diagnosis, useful formulation and effective treatment takes time, and adequate resources should be allocated. Professionals can help patients to make well-informed choices about treatment options and they should offer evidence-based treatments without unnecessary delay.

Trauma and adversity in forensic patients with an intellectual disability: a review of risk assessment reports

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk than the general population for experiencing a wide range of adverse and potentially traumatic events. This paper aims to explore the incidence of experiences of lifetime trauma across this population in one Forensic Intellectual Disability Service. Risk management recommendations and psychological risk formulations were also examined for their consideration of traumatic experiences. Design/methodology/approach Risk assessment reports (n = 39) were reviewed for evidence of traumatic experiences and the consideration of trauma in patient risk formulations and risk management treatment recommendations. Findings Trauma was rated as present or partially present in 84.6% (n = 33) of risk assessment reports reviewed. None of the patients had received a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Recommendations regarding trauma were identified in 39.4% (n = 13) of the risk assessment reports where trauma was rated either “present” or “partially present”. Practical implications Findings suggest a need for diagnostic tools to be used to measure trauma symptoms and potential cases of PTSD to best support needs of patients. Trauma-focused interventions should also be considered. Further investigation is needed to clarify the disparity between the consideration of trauma in formulations and treatment recommendations. Originality/value This study highlights the different traumatic experiences that forensic patients across three settings have been exposed to during their lifetimes.