DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Are There Differences Among Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Treating Different DSM-5 PTSD Symptom Clusters? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous disease defined by four Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) symptom clusters: reexperiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and hyperarousal. There are effective evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for PTSD. However, given the variety of PTSD clinical presentations, we conducted the first meta-analysis investigating whether DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters show different responses to EBPs. We systematically reviewed the literature for controlled clinical trials in five databases, performed a meta-analysis, and evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. We screened 633 studies and included seven. Three showed high risk, two showed some concerns, and one showed a low risk of bias. The symptom clusters do not seem to respond differently to EBPs (SMD cluster B: -0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.87 to 0.08; cluster C: -0.49; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.08; cluster D: -0.44; 95% CI, -0.94 to 0.05; cluster E: -0.54; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.0), even when analyzed by the therapeutic focuses. The findings dovetail nicely with the network theory of PTSD symptom, as although it is a heterogeneous disorder, the EBPs seem to promote a kind of cascade of symptom improvement.

Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for Chinese adults with PTSD symptoms: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionEmerging evidence supports mindfulness as a potential psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with subthreshold PTSD experience significant impairment in their daily life and functioning due to PTSD symptoms, despite not meeting the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD in DSM-5. Mindfulness skills, including non-judgmental acceptance, attentional control and openness to experiences may help alleviate PTSD symptoms by targeting characteristics such as intensified memory processing, dysregulated hyperarousal, avoidance, and thought suppression. This trial aims to test the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) when compared to an active control.Method and analysisThis 1:1 randomised controlled trial will enroll 160 participants with PTSD symptoms in 2 arms (MBCT vs. Seeking Safety), with both interventions consisting of 8 weekly sessions lasting 2 h each week and led by certified instructors. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3 months post-intervention (T2), with the primary outcome being PTSD symptoms measured by the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) at T1. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, attention, experimental avoidance, rumination, mindfulness, and coping skills. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed. Mediation analysis will investigate whether attention, experimental avoidance, and rumination mediate the effect of mindfulness on PTSD symptoms.DiscussionThe proposed study will assess the effectiveness of MBCT in improving PTSD symptoms. The findings are anticipated to have implications for various areas of healthcare and contribute to the enhancement of existing intervention guidelines for PTSD.Trial registration numberChiCTR2200061863.

Assessing complex PTSD and PTSD: validation of the German version of the International Trauma Interview (ITI)

ABSTRACT Background: With the introduction of the ICD-11 into clinical practice, the reliable distinction between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) becomes paramount. The semi-structured clinician-administered International Trauma Interview (ITI) aims to close this gap in clinical and research settings. Objective: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the German version of the ITI among trauma-exposed clinical samples from Switzerland and Germany. Method: Participants were 143 civilian and 100 military participants, aged M = 40.3 years, of whom 53.5% were male. Indicators of reliability and validity (latent structure, internal reliability, inter-rater agreement, convergent and discriminant validity) were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and partial correlation analysis were conducted separately for civilian and military participants. Results: Prevalence of PTSD was 30% (civilian) and 33% (military) and prevalence of CPTSD was 53% (civilians) and 21% (military). Satisfactory internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were found. In the military sample, a parsimonious first-order six-factor model was preferred over a second-order two-factor CFA model of ITI PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO). Model fit was excellent among military participants but no solution was supported among civilian participants. Overall, convergent validity was supported by positive correlations of ITI PTSD and DSO with DSM-5 PTSD. Discriminant validity for PTSD symptoms was confirmed among civilians but low in the military sample. Conclusions: The German ITI has shown potential as a clinician-administered diagnostic tool for assessing ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in primary care. However, further exploration of its latent structure and discriminant validity are indicated.

Comparing diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder in a diverse sample of trauma-exposed youth.

Divergent conceptualization of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (11th ed..; ICD-11) significantly confounds both research and practice. Using a diverse sample of trauma-exposed youth (N = 1,542, age range: 8-20 years), we compared these two diagnostic approaches along with an expanded version of the ICD-11 PTSD criteria that included three additional reexperiencing symptoms (ICD-11+). Within the sample, PTSD was more prevalent using the DSM-5 criteria (25.7%) compared to the ICD-11 criteria (16.0%), with moderate agreement between these diagnostic systems, κ =.57. The inclusion of additional reexperiencing symptoms (i.e., ICD-11+) reduced this discrepancy in prevalence (24.7%) and increased concordance with DSM-5 criteria, κ =.73. All three PTSD classification systems exhibited similar comorbidity rates with major depressive episode (MDE) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; 78.0%-83.6%). Most youths who met the DSM-5 PTSD criteria also met the criteria for ICD-11 PTSD, MDE, or GAD (88.4%), and this proportion increased when applying the ICD-11+ criteria (95.5%). Symptom-level analyses identified reexperiencing/intrusions and negative alterations in cognition and mood symptoms as primary sources of discrepancy between the DSM-5 and ICD-11 PTSD diagnostic systems. Overall, these results challenge assertions that nonspecific distress and diagnostically overlapping symptoms within DSM-5 PTSD inflate comorbidity with depressive and anxiety disorders. Further, they support the argument that the DSM-5 PTSD criteria can be refined and simplified without reducing the overall prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in youth.

Predicting DSM-5 PTSD symptomatology 6 months to 2 years after burn: The role of early psychological risk factors

BackgroundMajor burn injuries may have long-term mental health consequences, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study extended prior work to investigate DSM-5 PTSD symptoms at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-burn as well as the contribution of two sets of early psychological risk factors to DSM-5 PTSD symptoms: Established PTSD risk factors (prior adjustment problems, past trauma, perception of life threat, peritraumatic emotions and dissociation) and theory-derived cognitive factors (negative appraisals of the trauma and its sequelae, memory disorganization, trauma-related rumination, and thought suppression). MethodThe current study recruited a sample of 118 adult burn patients (75.4% men, mean age 41.8, mean TBSA 18.3%) consecutively admitted to a large regional burn center in Northern Taiwan, who were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months following their burn injury. ResultsA total of 11.0%, 5.9%, and 7.6% met probable DSM-5 PTSD at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-burn, respectively. The rates rose to 15.3%, 10.2%, and 11.0% using the cutoff method. After controlling for covariates, the regression model with theory-derived cognitive factors explained an additional significant 15.9%, 17.2%, and 17.7% of the variance in DSM-5 PTSD symptoms at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-burn, respectively. In contrast, the regression model with established PTSD risk factors explained an additional significant 7.2%, 14.4%, and 10.5% of the variance in DSM-5 PTSD symptoms at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-burn, respectively. Of all predictors, negative appraisals of intrusions was consistently and strongly predictive of DSM-5 PTSD symptomatology post-burn across time, followed by prior depression. ConclusionsThe results underscore the role of early cognitive risk factors in the development and persistence of DSM-5 PTSD symptomatology following burn injury.

Prevalence and concordance of International Classification of Diseases-11th Revision and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fifth Edition posttraumatic stress diagnostics among Northern Irish military veterans.

There are two primary competing diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). These systems differ in terms of the number and nature of PTSD symptoms, the implied latent structure of the disorder, and associated posttraumatic diagnostic classifications. To investigate the prevalence and concordance of ICD-11th Revision (ICD-11) and DSM-Fifth Edition (DSM-5) PTSD, complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), and dissociative subtype of PTSD (D-PTSD) criteria in a sample of Northern Irish military veterans. Data were collected from a community sample of military veterans living in Northern Ireland (NI). Prevalence rates of ICD-11 PTSD and C-PTSD and DSM-5 PTSD and D-PTSD were estimated using validated self-report measures for each system. Concordance of caseness determined by diagnostic criteria was compared using Cohen's kappa. The DSM-5 algorithm criteria produced significantly higher prevalence estimates of PTSD (39.26%) relative to the ICD-11 algorithm criteria (32.09%). Both C-PTSD and D-PTSD were identified for subgroups within the sample (24.66% and 27.96%, respectively). There was moderate agreement between the diagnostic systems regarding PTSD caseness, and between C-PTSD and D-PTSD caseness. These findings have implications regarding the measurement of PTSD and associated diagnostic groupings for the wider literature, suggesting that the choice of diagnostic screening framework may influence classification. Both C-PTSD and D-PTSD may be relevant diagnostic considerations for the NI military veteran group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress symptoms in a treatment-seeking sample of Ukrainian children during the war

BackgroundThe Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a dramatic increase of children and adolescents being confronted with war and other traumatic experiences, which could result in an increase of trauma-related mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an entire generation. This study aims at reporting the prevalence of traumatic events, PTSD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in children and adolescents seeking for mental health treatment since the Russian invasion. Additionally, the consistency of child and caregiver reported trauma, PTSD and CPTSD will be examined.MethodsThis study is part of the “TF-CBT Ukraine” project in which Ukrainian therapists were trained in assessing their patients via the “Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen” (CATS-2) before initiating trauma-focused treatment, if indicated. Altogether N = 200 Ukrainian children and adolescents (Mage = 12.01, range 4–21; 62.0% female) were included in the study between October 2022 and August 2023. Data were analysed descriptively, via t-tests and bivariate correlations.ResultsThe children and adolescents reported on average four different traumatic events, most frequently war (n = 123; 68.7%), bullying threats (n = 71; 39.7%) and domestic violence (n = 68; 38.0%). Almost 70% (n = 123) of the participants fulfilled the DSM-5 PTSD criteria, 31% (n = 56) fulfilled the ICD-11 PTSD criteria and 21% (n = 38) the ICD-11 CPTSD criteria. Rates of PTSD were even higher in preschool children (95%). The comparisons of self-and caregiver reports on traumatic events and PTSD/CPTSD severity scores indicated moderate to high correlations between the patients and their caregivers (r = 0.710–0.767).ConclusionsThis study shows that Ukrainian children and adolescents starting treatment report a high number of traumatic events and trauma-related symptoms, which could have a long-lasting negative impact on their social-emotional development and quality of life. The implementation of evidence-based trauma-focused interventions for these children is therefore crucial.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom profiles among people who have experienced abuse: Findings from the NESARC-III study.

We sought to identify unique PTSD symptom profiles associated with the experience of physical and sexual abuse and to determine whether exposure in childhood, type of abuse, frequency of abuse and familial support were associated with profiles indicating increased symptom complexity. We analyzed data from 6,769 American adults (M = 43.93 years, SD = 15.35, 70.9% female) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III who reported histories of physical or sexual abuse. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of the twenty PTSD symptoms outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Abuse in childhood, type of abuse, frequency of childhood abuse, emotional support in childhood and a range of demographic variables were compared across classes. Five classes were educed: High All (19.6%), Threat (14.4%), Dysphoric (13.7%), Moderate Threat (29.4%) and Low Symptom (22.9%). Contrary to our hypotheses, trauma exposure in childhood did not predict class membership while type of abuse did. The High All and Dysphoric classes had greater frequency of childhood abuse, lower support in childhood, and a history of sexual abuse when compared to their less complex, predominantly fear-based counterparts (Threat and Moderate Threat classes, respectively). These constellations of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms may be a proxy for increased "complexity" and may indicate a need for alternative or additional therapeutic interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Pathways Linking Cumulative Maltreatment and Revictimization: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Anger, and Substance Use Among Women

ABSTRACT Maltreatment survivors are at a heightened risk for revictimization during adulthood. Yet, existing work has specifically focused on sexual revictimization, and it is unclear what factors increase one’s risk for revictimization more broadly. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), anger, and substance use have been identified as factors associated with sexual revictimization; the function of these variables is ambiguous in the broader revictimization framework. There is also a lack of understanding regarding the roles of the DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and revictimization. This study aimed to 1) examine the links between maltreatment and revictimization and three factors (i.e., PTSS, anger, and substance use), 2) determine whether there are indirect effects between maltreatment and revictimization through each factor, and 3) investigate whether PTSD clusters have indirect effects on the relationship between maltreatment and revictimization. The sample included 350 maltreated college women (M age = 21.96, SD = 5.31; 54.2% White) from two universities. Findings indicated that maltreatment and revictimization were linked with PTSS (B = 4.65, B = 0.03, respectively). Only maltreatment was related to anger, B = 1.70, and revictimization was tied to substance use, B = 0.08. Only PTSS had an indirect effect on the link between maltreatment and revictimization (B = 0.13). Maltreatment was related to each of the four PTSD symptom clusters, but the clusters had no indirect effects on the association between maltreatment and revictimization. These findings indicate that PTSS may be uniquely important in increasing the risk for revictimization among women.

A diagnostic questionnaire for childbirth related posttraumatic stress disorder: a validation study

Labor and delivery can entail complications and severe maternal morbidities that threaten a woman's life or cause her to believe that her life is in danger. Women with these experiences are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder. Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, or childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder, can become an enduring and debilitating condition. At present, validated tools for a rapid and efficient screen for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder are lacking. We examined the diagnostic validity of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, for detecting posttraumatic stress disorder among women who have had a traumatic childbirth. This Checklist assesses the 20 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and is a commonly used patient-administrated screening instrument. Its diagnostic accuracy for detecting childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder is unknown. The sample included 59 patients who reported a traumatic childbirth experience determined in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, posttraumatic stress disorder criterion A for exposure involving a threat or potential threat to the life of the mother or infant, experienced or perceived, or physical injury. The majority (66%) of the participants were less than 1 year postpartum (for full sample: median, 4.67 months; mean, 1.5 years) and were recruited via the Mass General Brigham's online platform, during the postpartum unit hospitalization or after discharge. Patients were instructed to complete the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, concerning posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms related to childbirth. Other comorbid conditions (ie, depression and anxiety) were also assessed. They also underwent a clinician interview for posttraumatic stress disorder using the gold-standard Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. A second administration of the Checklist was performed in a subgroup (n=43), altogether allowing an assessment of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and diagnostic validity of the Checklist. The diagnostic accuracy of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, in reference to the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve; an optimal cutoff score was identified using the Youden's J index. One-third of the sample (35.59%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, criteria for a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis stemming from childbirth. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, symptom severity score was strongly correlated with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, total score (ρ=0.82; P<.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99), indicating excellent diagnostic performance of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. A cutoff value of 28 optimized the sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.90) and correctly diagnosed 86% of women. A higher value (32) identified individuals with more severe posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (specificity, 0.95), but with lower sensitivity (0.62). Checklist scores were also stable over time (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.73), indicating good test-retest reliability. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, scores were moderately correlated with the depression and anxiety symptom scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: ρ=0.58; P<.001 and the Brief Symptom Inventory, anxiety subscale: ρ=0.51; P<.001). This study demonstrates the validity of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as a screening tool for posttraumatic stress disorder among women who had a traumatic childbirth experience. The instrument may facilitate screening for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder on a large scale and help identify women who might benefit from further diagnostics and services. Replication of the findings in larger, postpartum samples is needed.

Psychological Experiences and Risk Factors in Earthquakes

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in people affected by the 6 February 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The study also aimed to examine the prevalence of PTS, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems in earthquake survivors in the context of some variables (psychological help, residence in the earthquake zone, moving to a different settlement after the earthquake, gender, marital status, perceived economic status).&#x0D; A quantitative research method, namely relational survey design, was used in the study. 310 participants above the age of 18 (F=72.6%, M=27.4%; mean age=26.65; SD= ±7.97) were included in the study by using a suitable sampling method. 60.65% (F=78.7%, M=21.3; mean age=27.34; SD= ±8.87) of the participants were people who experienced the earthquake. Data were collected by using a personal information form, DSM-5 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and DSM-5 Sleep Disorder Scale. Analyses were performed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.&#x0D; The study results showed that 46.8% of the earthquake victims experienced post-traumatic stress, 42.2% anxiety, 22.4% sleep problems and 12% depression symptoms. Anxiety attitudes (β = .54), sleep behaviors (β = .27) and gender (β = -.10) predict the post-traumatic stress experienced by earthquake victims (F (3,184) = 81.75, p

Accuracy of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) for Screening on Comorbid Internalizing Disorders among Youth in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Introduction: Major depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the most prevalent comorbid mental disorders in youth addiction treatment. Hence, screening for these internalizing disorders should be part of the standard routine at intake in substance use disorder treatment. We investigated the usefulness of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) as a screener for this purpose. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 421 treatment-seeking youths aged 16–22 years with a primary cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, or amphetamine use disorder participated in the study. At intake, we administered the DASS-21 and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; Sheehan et al., 1998) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), as “gold standard,” as part of a broader baseline assessment of the Youth in transition study [Moska et al. BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):1–11]. Results: At comparable sensitivity (0.80–0.84), based on the optimal cut-off value, specificity was higher for the DASS-21 total score detecting any DSM-5 internalizing disorder (0.62) than for the DASS subscales specifically detecting depression, anxiety, or PTSD (0.44, 0.49, and 0.51, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.80 for the DASS total score to detect any internalizing disorder (“good discrimination”), compared with AUC values of 0.70–0.75 of the DASS depression and anxiety subscales to detect DSM-5 depression, anxiety, and PTSD (“fair discrimination”). The optimal DASS total score cut-off value of ≥44 for detecting any internalizing disorder resulted in 0.81 sensitivity, 0.62 specificity, 0.80 positive predictive value, and 0.64 negative predictive value. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of comorbid internalizing disorders in youth addiction care, the need to address these comorbid disorders in treatment, and the favorable accuracy of the DASS to detect these disorders, we recommend to implement the DASS-21 as routine screener in youth addiction treatment in the Netherlands.

Using network models to explore the associations between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and subjective cognitive functioning

Several studies have identified relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive functioning. Here, we aimed to elucidate the nature of this relationship by investigating cross-sectional associations between subjective cognitive functioning (SCF) and 1) the PTSD sum score, 2) symptom domains, and 3) individual symptoms. We also investigated temporal stability by testing whether results replicated over a 3-year period. We estimated partial correlation networks of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms (at baseline) and SCF (at baseline and follow-up, respectively), using data from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS; N = 1484; Mdn = 65 years). The PTSD sum score was negatively associated with SCF. SCF was consistently negatively associated with the PTSD symptom domains ‘marked alterations in arousal and reactivity’ and ‘negative alterations in cognitions and mood’, and showed robust relations with the specific symptoms ‘having difficulty concentrating’ and ‘trouble experiencing positive feelings’. Results largely replicated at the 3-year follow-up, suggesting that some PTSD symptoms both temporally precede and are statistically associated with the development or maintenance of reduced SCF. We discuss the importance of examining links between specific PTSD domains and symptoms with SCF—relations obfuscated by focusing on PTSD diagnoses or sum scores—as well as investigating mechanisms underlying these relations.Registration Number: 37069 (https://aspredicted.org/n5sw7.pdf)

Anhedonia and Delay Discounting: Differing Patterns of Brain-Behavior Relationships in Healthy Control Participants Versus Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

BackgroundAnhedonia may contribute to individual differences in delay discounting (DD). In prior work, we found that higher anhedonia was associated with shallower DD in healthy control (HC) participants but steeper DD in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we aimed to directly compare the relationship between anhedonia and DD across groups and to identify functional brain correlates of this interaction. MethodsParticipants (HC group: n = 23, DSM-5 PTSD group: n = 23) completed a questionnaire assessing anhedonia (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale [SHAPS]), task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging of decision making including DD, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Task-based activity and resting-state functional connectivity were evaluated in reward-related regions that have also been implicated in PTSD (nucleus accumbens [NAcc], right anterior insula). ResultsHigher SHAPS scores were associated with steeper DD in PTSD, but there was no relationship between DD and SHAPS in the HC group. There was a significant group-by-SHAPS interaction for NAcc activity, t31 = 2.92, p = .007: Greater NAcc activity when immediate rewards were chosen was associated with higher SHAPS in the PTSD group but lower SHAPS in the HC group. In resting-state functional connectivity, there was a group-by-SHAPS interaction between the NAcc seed and right parietal and frontal pole clusters. ConclusionsThese results extend prior findings that anhedonia is associated with steeper DD in PTSD and demonstrate that this behavioral finding occurs in the context of NAcc hyperactivity to immediate rewards and hyperconnectivity in anhedonic individuals with PTSD.

Associations between DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion E2 endorsement and selected self-destructive behaviors in recent-era veterans: A focus on disordered eating.

Revisions to the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria in the DSM-5 included a new criterion in the alterations in arousal and reactivity cluster (i.e., engagement in reckless and self-destructive behaviors; Criterion E2). Despite its clinical significance, little is known about how this symptom corresponds to engagement in specific direct and indirect self-harm behaviors. We examined associations between E2 and self-reported recent engagement in direct and indirect self-harm behaviors, including disordered eating, which is not included in the prototypical E2 symptom scope, in a trauma-exposed sample of 1,010 recent-era veterans (61.5% self-identified women, 38.5% self-identified men). We also tested whether gender moderated these associations. We repeated analyses in a subsample of participants with clinically elevated PTSD symptoms. Participants self-reported past-month PTSD symptoms (PCL-5) as well as past-month nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, fasting, purging, binge eating, compulsive exercise, and problematic alcohol and drug use. We found no evidence for moderation by gender for any of the behaviors examined in the main sample. However, after controlling for gender and demographic covariates, weighted logistic regressions showed small, significant associations between E2 score and direct self-harm behaviors, substance use, purging, and binge eating, aORs = 1.30-1.91. Criterion E2 was linked to behaviors included in the typical symptom scope (self-directed violence, substance use) and those that are not (disordered eating behaviors). Comprehensive screening for self-destructive behaviors, including disordered eating, among veteran men and women who endorse Criterion E2 is indicated.

Exploring the factor structure of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 in psychotic disorders.

The PTSD Checklist for DSM (PCL) is the most widely used screener to assess posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in those with psychotic disorders (psychosis), though previous research has questioned its validity in psychosis. Considerable symptom overlap between the 2 disorders (e.g., concentration difficulties, avoidance, etc.) along with the general underdiagnosing of PTSD in psychosis speaks to the need for consensus regarding brief screeners. This hypothesis-generating study is the first to explore the PCL-5 (its most recent iteration) factor structure in psychosis to assess if a more valid underlying structure may exist. Sixty-5 individuals who met the DSM-5 PTSD criterion A traumatic event following an interview subsequently completed the PCL-5. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to explore the latent structure of the PCL-5 in psychotic disorders. A 4-factor solution differing from the DSM-5 4-factor model emerged as the best fitting model. Resulting PCL-5 dimensions in psychosis were identified as (1) Reexperiencing/Negative Affect; (2) Depressive; (3) Externalizing Anxious Behaviors; and (4) Avoidance/Physiological Reactivity. Results guide the hypothesis that the latent structure of the PCL-5 may be unique in psychosis, which will have important clinical implications. Research is now needed to confirm the proposed model in larger samples of individuals with psychosis. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigating the DSM-5 and the ICD-11 PTSD symptoms using network analysis across two distinct samples.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has long been debated with a recent focus on the consequences of having two different diagnostic descriptions of PTSD (i.e., the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition [DSM-5] and the International Classification of Diseases-11th Edition [ICD-11]). Research has modeled PTSD as a network of interacting symptoms according to both diagnostic systems, but the relations between the two systems remain unclear regarding which symptoms are more central or interconnected. To answer this question, the present study is the first study to investigate the combined network structure of PTSD symptoms according to both systems using validated measurements (i.e., the International Trauma Questionnaire [ITQ] and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5 [PCL-5] across two distinct trauma samples [a community sample, N = 2,367], and a military sample, N = 657). We estimated two Gaussian Graphical Models of the combined ICD-11 and DSM-5 PTSD symptoms across the two samples. Five of the six most central symptoms were the same across both samples. The results underline that a combination of five symptoms representing both diagnostic systems may hold central positions and potentially be important for treatment. However, the implications depend on if the different diagnostic descriptions can be reconciled in an indexical rather than constitutive perspective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Low-Cost Virtual Reality to Support Imaginal Exposure Within PTSD Treatment: A Case Report Study Within a Community Mental Healthcare Setting

Revisiting what happened during (or after) a traumatic event is an important part of the treatment process in trauma-focused cognitive therapy (TF-CT). However, clinicians may have difficulty helping patients to intentionally retrieve these memories in order to engage with their content. As such, clinical tools to support the access and delivery of imaginal exposure content within treatment may prove to be particularly useful for therapists. This case report introduces work undertaken with Mr. A, a 38-year-old male, who 2 years prior had experienced a city centre assault. Initial assessment revealed a PCL-5 score of 64 and he met DSM-5 criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mr. A received 10 sessions of TF-CT wherein the traditional imaginal exposure components were implemented via a newly developed virtual reality (VR) development workflow called “VR Photoscan.” After 10 sessions, results showed PCL-5 scores decreased from 64 to 19 and Mr. A no longer met DSM-5 PTSD criteria. VR Photoscan was used during 4/10 sessions and included (1) reliving, (2) memory updating, and (3) stimulus discrimination activities. Mr. A also reported VR Photoscan as helpful regarding preparation for site visits. In conclusion, VR Photoscan technology provided a more visceral exposure experience which supported Mr. A to revisit the trauma memory. He reported high levels of satisfaction with the quality of the virtual environment and no issues using the VR technology. Produced with lower costs and shorter development times than typical computer-generated environments, VR Photoscan may be more easily implemented within routine care, although further research is required.

PTSD and depression in adult burn patients three months postburn: The contribution of psychosocial factors

ObjectiveBurn injuries can be traumatic and increase the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MDD). The current study examined the incremental contribution of established predictors of PTSD and theory-derived cognitive predictors to PTSD and depression early after burn. MethodsParticipants were 118 adult burn patients consecutively admitted to the largest burn center in Taiwan who completed a baseline assessment, of which 101 (85.6%) were reassessed 3-month post-burn. ResultsThree months after the burn, 17.8% and 17.8% of participants met probable DSM-5 PTSD and MDD, respectively. The rates rose to 24.8% and 31.7% using a cut-off of 28 on the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM–5 and 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the model with established predictors uniquely explained 26.0% and 16.5% of the variance of PTSD and depressive symptoms 3-month post-burn, respectively. The model with theory-derived cognitive predictors uniquely explained 17.4% and 14.4% of the variance, respectively. Posttrauma social support and thought suppression remained significant predictors of both outcomes. ConclusionA sizeable subset of burn patients suffer from PTSD and depression early after burn. Social and cognitive factors are implicated in the development and recovery of post-burn psychopathology.

The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5: A Systematic Review of Existing Psychometric Evidence.

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a widely used self-rated measure of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms. The goal of this systematic review was to synthesize research on the psychometric properties of the PCL-5 to guide clinical and research applications. We focused on reliability, validity, factor structure, optimal cutoff scores, and sensitivity to clinical change indices. A systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PTSDpubs with search terms capturing selected psychometric indices of the PCL-5. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed publication in English; primary focus on the PCL-5 psychometrics; empirical study; and study with adult samples. The search yielded 265 studies; 56 papers (amounting to 64 studies) met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Findings generally indicated evidence for: acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability; construct validity; a 7-factor Hybrid Model; recommended cutoff scores between 31-33; and ability to index sensitivity to clinical change. To further advance knowledge and applications of the PCL-5, we need more research on abbreviated versions of the PCL-5, bifactor modeling as applied to the PCL-5, as well as on PCL-5 item difficulty estimates, discrimination parameters, and clinical change score estimates.