Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Research Articles

Psychiatric outcomes among COVID-19 egyptian patients at ain shams university quarantine hospitals: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPsychological repercussions resulting from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been encountered, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aimed to assess the frequency and severity of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in a sample of Egyptian patients with COVID-19 infection and analyze potential risk factors. The current study is a descriptive cross-sectional, hospital-based study, conducted from August 2020 to June 2021. The sample was selected from patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection at Ain Shams University hospitals (outpatient clinics and inpatient units). Patients underwent a COVID severity criteria scoring system, structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), PTSD checklist–Civilian Version (PCLC), Beck depression inventory, and Taylor’s manifest anxiety scale.ResultsPTSD was observed in 79.29% of the study sample, 61.43% had depression, and 18.57% had anxiety. The severity of COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with PTSD severity mean scores (P value = 0.027). Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between the severity of depression and COVID-19 infection severity (P value = 0.028). The number of comorbid medical risk factors demonstrated significance to PTSD severity (P value = 0.014).ConclusionA significant portion of the study’s patients experienced psychiatric consequences following COVID-19 infection, with 79.29% developing PTSD, 61.43% suffering from depression, and 18.57% experiencing anxiety. Various factors, such as the presence of chronic medical illnesses and the number of co-morbid medical risk factors, were observed to contribute to these psychiatric outcomes. Therefore, comprehensive psychiatric assessment and management in COVID-19 patients especially with severe forms of the disease and hospitalized patients are mandatory.

Predictive Blood Biomarkers of Targeted Intervention for Chronic Mental Health Symptoms following Traumatic Brain Injury.

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of predictive blood biomarkers for responsiveness to targeted treatments for chronic psychological issues years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Targeted Evaluation Action and Monitoring of TBI was a prospective 6-month interventional trial of participants with chronic TBI sequelae (n = 95). Plasma biomarkers were analyzed pre-intervention: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tau, hyperphosphorylated tau Thr231 (p-Tau), von Willebrand factor (vWF), brain lipid-binding protein (BLBP), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), vascular endothelial growth factor-a (VEGFa), and claudin-5 (CLDN5). Clinical outcomes included the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Regression models were built for change in PCL5/BSI-18. Biomarkers and covariates were included. Two models were built to identify responders (improved beyond the minimum clinically important difference). The model to predict change in PCL5 (R2=0.64; p < 0.001) included vWF (p = 0.032), BLBP (p = 0.001), tau (p = 0.002), VEGFa (p = 0.015), female sex (p = 0.06), and military status (p = 0.014). The model to predict change in BSI-18 (R2=0.42; p = 0.003) included vWF (p = 0.042), VEGFa (p = 0.09), BLBP (p = 0.01), CLDN5 (p < 0.001), female sex (p = 0.012), and military status (p = 0.004) as predictors. The model to differentiate participants who improved for PCL5 (R2=0.68; p < 0.001; AUC = 0.93) included vWF (p = 0.02), VEGFa (p = 0.008), and BLBP (p = 0.006). The model to differentiate participants who improved for BSI-18 (R2=0.25; p = 0.04; AUC = 0.75) included UCH-L1 (p = 0.03), GFAP (p = 0.06), and vWF (p = 0.03). Combinations of pre-intervention blood biomarkers were able to differentiate responders from nonresponders in both post-traumatic stress and overall psychological health domains.

Effect of Obstructive Sleep Disorder Treatment on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: A Literature Review.

To explore whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence among adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the PTSD Checklist (PCL), a validated tool that measures severity of PTSD symptoms. Studies focusing on PTSD and OSA were searched in PubMed and CINAHL databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, decreasing the article yield to nine. All articles chosen focused on the adult population and were conducted in North America. The literature review yielded eight observational cohort studies and one descriptive study. Seven studies were conducted with Veterans and all studies used the PCL tool. Three themes were identified: (a) Trauma and OSA, (b) OSA and PTSD Symptoms, and (c) CPAP Therapy and PTSD Symptoms. An area of further study is assessing how CPAP adherence might affect improvement in PTSD symptoms and how adherence can be improved. OSA is correlated with more severe PTSD symptoms, but CPAP use is associated with improvement in PTSD symptoms. The literature reviewed found PCL scores improved up to 10 points within 3 months of CPAP use. These findings highlight the importance of collaboration between mental health and sleep medicine professionals and opportunity for further study in this area. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Understanding nightmares after traumatic events in Detroit (UNiTED): prospective associations with interpersonal violence and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

ABSTRACT Background: Research suggests trauma-related nightmares (TRNs) during the acute aftermath of trauma may contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unknown who is most vulnerable to TRNs, which is critical to identify at-risk patients toward whom early nightmare-focused treatments can be targeted to prevent PTSD. Objective: We tested trauma type (interpersonal violence [e.g. assault] vs non-interpersonal trauma [e.g. motor vehicle collision]) as a risk factor for TRNs in a predominantly low-income, Black, urban sample in Detroit, MI, USA. Method: We recruited patients from the intensive care unit following traumatic injury (N = 88; M age = 39.53 ± SD 14.31 years, 67.0% male, 67.0% Black, 47.7% annual income ≤ $20,000) and administered surveys at three post trauma timepoints: one week (T1), one month (T2; n = 61), and two months (T3; n = 59). Trauma type was assessed at T1 via electronic medical records. Participants reported the extent to which their dreams’ content was similar to the trauma for which they were hospitalized across T1-T3. Participants then completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 at T3. Results: TRNs were more prevalent over time among patients exposed to interpersonal violence (80%) vs non-interpersonal trauma (48.7%, p = .005). Patients hospitalized for interpersonal violence faced greater odds for TRNs across timepoints relative to non-interpersonal trauma patients (Odds Ratio = 4.95, p = .021). TRNs, in turn, prospectively predicted PTSD symptoms such that TRNs at T2 presaged more severe PTSD at T3 (p = .040, η p 2 = .31), above and beyond T1 PTSD status. Conclusions: This prospective study provides first evidence that interpersonal violence exposure is a robust risk factor for TRNs, which prospectively contribute to PTSD symptom development. Early intervention on TRNs after interpersonal violence exposure may decrease PTSD risk. Future studies are encouraged to use ambulatory methods to capture nightmares sooner after they occur.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome: A factor analysis of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)

The PCL-5 is a psychometrically sound measure of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although the scale is commonly applied to past external traumas (e.g., combat, assault), PTSD symptoms have also been assessed about potentially life-threatening cardiovascular events that represent ongoing internal threats. To date, there is a paucity of studies that have examined the updated scale factor structure for PTSD in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS). MethodsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA, CFA) were conducted using PCL-5 data completed by 830 patients enrolled in the REactions to Acute Care and Hospitalization (REACH) study, an observational cohort study of patients recruited from the emergency department during evaluation for ACS. Follow-up measurement invariance tests were conducted on pre-selected models and on the best-fitting model identified by EFA to evaluate invariance across diagnosis (confirmed v. rule-out ACS), sex, and language. ResultsThe EFA identified a two-factor model with “Memories of Trauma” (MT) and “Cognitive Behavioral Symptoms” (CBS) factors offering a balanced fit and interpretability. In CFAs, the Anhedonia CFA model performed the best overall. Measurement invariance tests supported strong invariance across confirmed and ruled-out ACS, male and female sex, and English and Spanish language for all models. LimitationsOnly 34 % of the sample was diagnosed with ACS at discharge, which limits generalizability. ConclusionOur study contributes to the understanding of PTSD in the context of internal traumatic reminders and may guide future research and clinical practice by informing intervention targets to improve health and well-being after suspected ACS.

Mood State in Patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder due to Lung Cancer: A Clinical Application Study of Intensive Cognitive Management.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to lung cancer seriously affects the mood state of patients. Intensive cognitive management is a structured management method based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which can correct cognitive distortions and regulate adverse emotions. This study mainly explored the effect of intensive cognitive management on the mood state of patients with PTSD due to lung cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 169 patients with PTSD due to lung cancer admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to June 2021. Based on different clinical management schemes, these patients were divided into the reference group (RG, n = 87, routine management) and the study group (SG, n = 82, routine management+intensive cognitive management). The sleep status and degree of depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Depression Scale (D), and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Check List (PCL). After 2 weeks (T1) and 4 weeks (T2) of nursing, the scores on the PSQI (p < 0.001), SAS (T0-T1: p < 0.001; T0-T2: p < 0.001) and D (T0-T1: p = 0.026, p < 0.001; T0-T2: p < 0.001), as well as three PCL factors (p < 0.001) of the two groups were significantly lower than those before nursing (T0). At the T1 and T2 stages, difference scores for the PSQI (difference score 1: p = 0.003; difference score 2: p = 0.006), SAS (difference score 1: p = 0.002; difference score 2: p = 0.007), and D (difference score 1: p < 0.001; difference score 2: p = 0.002) were higher in the SG compared with the RG. At the T1 stage, the difference score of the PCL high-alert factor (p = 0.008) was higher in the SG compared with the RG, with no significant difference in difference scores of other two factors (p > 0.05). At the T2 stage, the SG had higher difference scores for the three PCL factors compared with the RG (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001). Intensive cognitive management can effectively improve sleep quality and adverse emotions and has potential for clinical management of PTSD in patients with lung cancer.

Posttraumatic growth among burn patient family caregivers in China

BackgroundBurns carries a high risk of severe physical damage, prolonged recovery, and mental health implications for both patients and their caregivers. While distress among caregivers of burn patients has been studied, less attention has been given to potential positive psychological changes. This study focuses on the prevalence, temporal dynamics, and predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among caregivers. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 161 family caregivers from two Chinese burn units in 2016–2017. Participants completed a general information questionnaire and four measures: Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. ResultsThe PTG scores for caregivers, with an average of 59.8 (± 13.9), exhibited a curvilinear pattern over a period of 36 months, initially decreasing and then increasing. Multiple linear and quadratic regression analyses affirmed that heightened anxiety (p < 0.001), male gender (p < 0.05), college education (p < 0.05), and increased social support (p < 0.05) positively predicted family caregiver PTG. ConclusionsThis is the first study of burn injury caregiver PTG. The study indicates caregivers of burn patients may undergo positive psychological transformation. Variations in predictive factors necessitate validation through longitudinal research. The dynamic interplay of psychological outcomes between patients and caregivers requires further exploration.

Mental health and perceived consequences in a clinical sample of women featured in video-based pornography

ContextSeveral reports have shed light on the potentially traumatic filming conditions, and violence experienced by women featured in pornography (WP). However, there is a scarcity of research on the mental health of these women, as well as the perceived consequences of participation in Video-based Pornography (VbP). MethodsThirty-six women, recruited through collaboration with WP support groups, completed an online questionnaire covering socio-demographics, pre-VbP violence experiences, and perceived consequences of their participation in VbP. Additionally, participants completed the French versions of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II), and the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13). ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 31.2 years (SD = 7), and the median age at first participation in VbP was 21. A majority (77.8%) reported a lifetime experience of sexual violence before featuring in VbP. All participants reported at least one negative effect of participating in VbP, with three in four women citing cyberbullying following VbP dissemination. Additionally, participants reported a range of physical consequences such as vaginal lesions and sexually transmitted diseases. Thirty women (83%) had a PCL-5 score over 33, indicative of probable PTSD, and 28 women (78%) had a DES-II score of 30 or more, indicating high levels of dissociative symptoms. Furthermore, 19 women (53%) reported a BDI-13 score over 13, suggesting potential severe depression. ConclusionThis study underscores psychosocial vulnerabilities and the presence of severe psychopathology among WP. It also documents their perceptions of negative consequences of participation in VbP, such as cyberbullying, physical injuries, and emotional distress. Further, large-scale studies are needed to substantiate these results and better understand the scale of the problem, as well as to optimize care interventions.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of PTSD, Depression, and Grief Among Survivors of 2023 Türkiye Earthquake.

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and complicated grief among 529 adults residing in a container city, 4 months after the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. Participants were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, the Hamilton Depression Scale, and the Inventory of Complicated Grief. The prevalence rates of probable PTSD, depression, and complicated grief were 21.4%, 15.9%, and 64.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated that PTSD was significantly associated with the loss of a loved one, fear of future earthquakes, and decreased perceived life control. Similarly, depression was associated with being trapped under debris, experiencing fear during the earthquake, and reduced perceived life control. These findings suggest that individuals presenting these risk factors warrant closer follow-up for potential psychological issues. Additionally, the impact of fear related to the earthquake and the role of perceived life control emerge as crucial considerations for psychological interventions.

Discrepancies in perceptions of PTSD symptoms among veteran couples: Links to poorer relationship and individual functioning.

Veteran and intimate partner perceptions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may differ, and little is known about how agreement or disagreement on symptom severity is related to relationship satisfaction. Veterans and their partners (N = 199 couples) completed a baseline assessment for a clinical trial evaluating two couple-based PTSD interventions. Veterans completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Partners completed the collateral PCL-5 (PCL-5-C), which asked them to rate the severity of the veteran's PTSD symptoms. Both partner and veteran completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-32). Intraclass correlations (ICC) assessed agreement between PCL-5 and PCL-5-C total and subscale scores, which was low for total PCL and for all subscales (ICC = 0.15-0.46). Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs; actor-only pattern) tested associations between relationship satisfaction and PTSD symptom severity (total PCL and subscales), and the magnitude and direction of difference between PCL-5 and PCL-5-C (total and subscales). For veterans, more severetotal PTSD and negative cognition/mood scores were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, and the direction of discrepancy for negative cognition/mood (i.e., higher veteran-rated PTSD symptoms relative to partner's collateral report) was also associated with lower satisfaction. For partners, more severe collateral-reported symptoms for total PTSD and all four subscales were associated with lower relationship satisfaction; further, a larger discrepancy between veterans' and partners' reports of total PTSD, negative cognition/mood, and hyperarousal were associated with lower satisfaction. These results suggest that partners may have different perceptions of PTSD symptoms, and support the potential of fostering a shared understanding of PTSD symptom severity in couples.

Psychological effects of Manipur violence among the internally displaced persons residing in relief camps across Imphal valley of Manipur – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Conflict and violence lead to the displacement of millions of people. A significant number of those who are exposed to potentially traumatic events, such as conflict and violence, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health or behavioral conditions. This study plans to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among internally displaced persons residing in different relief camps during Manipur violence. Materials and Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps located in Imphal East District of Manipur using a pretested, semistructured, validated questionnaire consisting of PTSD checklist for DSM 5 (PCL-5) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders Assessment tool (GAD-7). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: More than half (65.8%) of the respondents were found to have PTSD. One-fourth of the respondents (24.8%) were found to have moderate anxiety, and 15.2% have severe anxiety. Female gender, age between 20 and 59 years, marital status, and employment status after conflict were found to be significantly associated with PTSD. Marital status and witnessed destruction of property were found to be significantly associated with GAD. Around 3/4th of the respondents (235, 75.8%) reported witnessing destruction and burning of property, and 29 (9.4%) reported witnessing death of family members or friends. Around 58 (18.7%) were currently separated from family, and 25 (8.1%) had experienced some kind of trauma at the time of displacement. Conclusion: A majority of the participants have PTSD, whereas 15.2% have severe anxiety. Efforts and interventions should be made to improve the psychological well-being through psychological support and counseling from mental health professionals and provision of vocational training for income generation for the IDPs.

Conversion practice recall and mental health symptoms in sexual and gender minority adults in the USA: a cross-sectional study

Conversion practices are associated with psychological morbidity, yet few studies have evaluated differences between efforts to change gender identity, sexual orientation, or both. We aimed to examine the individual and joint association of conversion practice recall targeted at gender identity or sexual orientation, or both, with current mental health symptoms among sexual and gender minority people. This cross-sectional study used data from The PRIDE Study, a US-based, online, prospective cohort study of sexual and gender minority adults who were recruited through social media, digital advertisements, and sexual and gender minority community-based events and organisations. For this analysis, we included participants who completed a lifetime questionnaire in 2019-20 and a subsequent annual questionnaire in 2020-21 without missing outcome data. All questionnaires were in English. The exposure was lifetime recall of conversion practice targeting gender identity alone, sexual orientation alone, or both (versus no conversion practice). Mental health outcomes were continuous measures: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (depression) scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 6-item scale, and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised scale. We used linear regression to analyse the associations of conversion practice recall and mental health symptoms, controlling for demographic and childhood factors and stratified between cisgender and transgender and gender diverse groups. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the potential impact of unmeasured confounding. Analyses were conducted in R. We included people with related lived experience in the design and implementation of this study. Of 6601 participants who completed the lifetime questionnaire in 2019-20, 4440 completed the subsequent annual questionnaire in 2020 or 2021, and 4426 did not have missing outcome data. Of the 4426 included participants, 4073 (92·0%) identified as White (either alone or in combination with other ethnoracial options), 460 (10·4%) identified with multiple ethnoracial identities, and 1923 (43·4%) were transgender and gender diverse. Participants' age ranged from 18 years to 84 years (median 31·7 years, IQR 25·5-44·1). 149 (3·4%) participants reported sexual orientation-related conversion practice alone, 43 (1·0%) reported gender identity-related conversion practice alone, and 42 (1·0%) reported both. Recalling both forms of conversion practice was most strongly associated with greater post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; β 2·84, 95% CI 0·94-4·74) and suicidality (2·14, 0·95-3·32) symptoms. Recall of only sexual orientation-related conversion practice was associated with greater symptoms of PTSD (1·10, 0·22-1·98). Recall of gender identity-related conversion practice alone was most strongly associated with greater depressive symptoms (3·24, 1·03-5·46). Only associations for suicidality differed between cisgender and transgender and gender diverse participants, although the latter showed higher mental health symptoms overall. Findings were moderately robust to potential sources of unmeasured confounding in sensitivity analysis. Recall of conversion practice exposure was associated with a range of mental health symptoms among sexual and gender minority people. These findings support calls to ban conversion practices because of their effects as a structural determinant of mental health. Gill Foundation, Dona Rockstand, and Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

Between mourning and hope: A mixed-methods study of ambiguous loss and posttraumatic stress symptoms among partners of Israel defence force veterans.

Spouses of military combatants often experience adverse outcomes, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the event of ambiguous loss (AL). AL refers to an uncertain situation regarding a person's status as alive or as cognitively present. The former ambiguity is categorized by the term physical AL (PAL), which refers to the continued psychological presence of a person, despite their physical absence. The latter ambiguity, categorized by the term psychological AL or ambiguous presence, refers to when a person is emotionally absent, despite their physical presence. Though AL has been widely researched, there are still gaps around the AL-posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) relationship, especially regarding dyadic variables that can moderate this relationship. Also, most of the AL military-related studies are qualitative, with only a few that combine qualitative and quantitative research methods. We address these gaps in an innovative mixed-methods study examining the emotional experience of Israeli veterans' spouses with a focus on the relationship between AL, PTSS, and dyadic adjustment (DA). The study included 63 participants, all spouses of Israeli veterans. We used self-report questionnaires (AL, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) and a semistructured narrative interview. Our results revealed positive correlations between AL-PTSS and PAL-PTSS. Also, an interaction effect was found in which the lower the DA level, the stronger the PAL-PTSS correlation. Conversely, the higher the DA level, the stronger the ambiguous presence-PTSS correlation. Qualitative findings identified themes in the experience of these situations, including uncertainty and ambivalence. Our qualitative and quantitative results combined suggest that the way military couples deal with AL may be an important emotional experience requiring specific attention from mental health professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Resilience as a protective factor in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients hospitalised for COVID-19

Introduction and objective: Both the illness itself and hospitalisation due to COVID-19 are potentially traumatic experiences, especially when the course of the disease is severe. Resilience has been identified as a crucial factor in the process of successfully coping with traumatic events and may protect against the development of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the role of resilience in the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19. Materials and methods: A total of 138 patients (59 women, 79 men; mean age: 52.34 years; standard deviation, SD = 12.46) hospitalised at the University Hospital in Krakow were included in the study, which was conducted 7–8 months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Resilience Measurement Scale (SPP-25) were administered, and stepwise multiple regression analysis was used in the predictive models. Results: A total of 31 participants (22.5%) met the criteria for probable post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The study participants were characterised by a moderate level of resilience (5th sten), with women exhibiting lower levels than men. Higher levels of resilience were associated with lower severity of PTSD symptoms. A significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms was “Tolerance for failure and treating life as a challenge”. Conclusions: Resilience has an impact on the severity of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, the dimension of “Tolerance” within resilience appears to be an important protective factor against post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after hospitalisation for COVID-19. Patients hospitalised with severe course of COVID-19 exhibit a moderate level of resilience, with men demonstrating higher resilience levels than women.

Childhood Maltreatment Associated with Anxiety and Depression and Complex PTSD Symptoms.

Childhood maltreatment has great impact on physical and mental health. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between childhood maltreatment experience, social support, Anxiety and Depression, and traumatic stress symptoms in adults. There were 113 subjects aged 20-35 recruited. They filled out self-reported questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), Chinese version of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), to measure symptom severity regarding childhood maltreatment, Anxiety and Depression, post-traumatic stress/complex post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD/CPTSD), and social support. The symptom severity was compared between maltreatment and non-maltreatment groups. Regression and mediator analyzes were done to investigate the relationship between maltreatment experience, mental impact severity, and the role of social support. There were 74.3% of participants who had been maltreated as children. Those who experienced maltreatment had more PTSD/CPTSD symptom severity than those who did not. Family support, but not friend support, mediated the relationship between maltreatment and PTSD/CPTSD symptom severity. Childhood maltreatment was associated with Anxiety and Depression and CPTSD symptom severity in young adults. Future prospective studies are warranted to investigate the role of family support in preventing consequences after maltreatment.

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.

Lower Perceived Social Support During Hospitalization by Close Family Members may have Significant Associations with Psychological Distress 1 Month After Cardiac Arrest.

The perception of having poor social support is associated with worse symptoms of psychological distress in close family members of critically ill patients, yet this has never been tested after cardiac arrest. Close family members of consecutive patients with cardiac arrest hospitalized at an academic tertiary care center participated in a prospective study. The validated Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) cued to index hospitalization was administered before discharge. Multivariate linear regressions estimated the associations between the total MSPSS score and total scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2), and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), assessed 1month after cardiac arrest. In 102 participants (mean age 52 ± 15years, 70% female, 21% Black, 33% Hispanic) with complete data, the prevalence of depression, generalized anxiety, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder at a median duration of 28.5days (interquartile range 10-63days) from cardiac arrest was 61%, 34%, and 13%, respectively. A lower MSPSS score was significantly associated with higher PHQ-8 scores (β = - 0.11 [95% confidence interval - 0.04 to - 0.18]; p < 0.01), even after adjusting for family members' age, sex, prior psychiatric condition, and witnessing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and patient's discharge disposition (β = - 0.11 [95% confidence interval - 0.02 to - 0.15]; p < 0.01). Similarly, significant inverse associations of total MSPSS scores were seen with 1-month GAD-2 and PCL-5 scores. Poor social support during hospitalization, as perceived by close family members of cardiac arrest survivors, is associated with worse depressive symptoms at 1month. Temporal changes in social networks and psychological distress warrant further investigation.

The impact of item order on the factor structure of the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5

The impact of item order on the factor structure of the PTSD Checklist for <i>DSM‐5</i>

Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) for psychological trauma: A mixed method single case study

Art therapy (AT) shows promise in treating clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those who don't respond well to traditional treatments (more than 30 %). This case study aimed to explore the effects of Trauma-Focused Art Therapy (TFAT) on PTSD symptoms and establish its viability as a non-verbal therapy for trauma-related issues. A 10-week intervention and a 3-week follow-up phase were explored using a mixed method single case experimental design (SCED) aimed at integrated results. Bringing the two types of data together adds value and enables to understand the findings better. Quantitative data was collected with weekly questionnaires focused on severity of depression, resilience, self-esteem, mental health and self-expression and emotion regulation in art therapy. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was completed in week 1 and 10. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, the patient dossier, and artwork. The combined findings indicate a decrease in PTSD symptoms, reduced depression symptoms, enhanced emotional articulation, increased mental resilience, self-esteem, and positive mental health. The qualitative data support these results, and also add improved emotional connection, increased emotional acknowledgment, and enhanced self-compassion. Based on the combined results of this mixed method design we understand that the TFAT protocol led to a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and improved mental health, demonstrating effectiveness of AT for trauma in this case. This is the first study that tested the TFAT protocol in posttraumatic distress.

A network analysis of eating disorder, PTSD, major depression, state-trait anxiety, and quality of life measures in eating disorder patients treated in residential care.

The network approach in the eating disorder (ED) field has confirmed important links between EDs and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, studies including comorbid symptoms are scarce, which limits our understanding of potentially important connections. We hypothesised that anxiety, depression and poor quality of life (QOL) would provide a more complete picture of central, maintaining factors. Network analysis using R was performed in 2178 adult ED patients (91% female) admitted to residential treatment. Assessments included the ED Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PTSD clusters (PCL-5)), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI), and the ED QOL Scale (EDQOL), which measure symptoms of EDs, PTSD, major depression, state-trait anxiety, and QOL, respectively. EDI-2 ineffectiveness showed the highest centrality (expected influence) followed by EDI-2 interoceptive awareness, STAI state anxiety, EDEQ shape concern, EDQOL psychological subscale, and PTSD cluster D (hyperarousal) symptoms. Eating Disorder Quality of Life psychological and physical-cognitive subscales and PHQ-9 major depressive, STAI state anxiety and PCL-5 PTSD cluster E (negative alterations in mood and cognition) symptoms showed the highest bridge expected influence, suggesting their interactive role in maintaining ED-PTSD comorbidity. This is the first network analysis of the interaction between ED and PTSD symptoms to include the comorbid measures of depression, anxiety, and QOL in a large clinical sample of ED patients. Our results indicate that several symptom clusters are likely to maintain ED-PTSD comorbidity and may be important targets of integrated treatment.