Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Research Articles

Polyvictimization Profiles and Variations in Youth Mental Health Symptoms: A Person-Centered Approach.

Polyvictimization, exposure to multiple potentially traumatic events (PTEs), is prevalent and has profound mental health implications. Investigating the patterns and impact of co-occurring PTEs during childhood is essential to design and deliver tailored clinical services. This study included a diverse community sample of 326 youth (ages 7-16). Latent class analysis (LCA) of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criterion A events was conducted to identify PTE classes. Classes were further characterized using race-related, peer, and dating victimization, and psychopathology symptoms (PTSD, anxiety, depression). Three classes emerged: (1) low trauma, (2) interpersonal and community violence (IPV/CV), and (3) emotional abuse, neglect, and interpersonal violence in familial relationships (EA/N/IPVFam). Demographics, total PTEs, age at first exposure, race-related events, PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms varied across classes, indicating functional significance of identified profiles. Results underscore the importance of considering PTE profiles and person-centered approaches to understand and address trauma-related sequelae in youth.

A Pilot Study of the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention

ABSTRACT Background Many children are exposed to a variety of traumatic events during their childhood. Children who are exposed to abuse and trauma are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and can later develop psychiatric, somatic, or behavioral health problems. There is therefore a need for evidence-based early interventions. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the within-group effect size, acceptability, and feasibility of the Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention in a new context. Methods The study was an uncontrolled trial with assessments at baseline and post-treatment. Inclusion criteria were exposure to a potentially traumatic event within the last 45 days, being 7–18 years old, having at least one symptom on the Child PTSD Symptom Scale 5, and living with a parent/caregiver. This pilot study enrolled and treated 14 participants and their caregivers (N = 12). Results The intervention showed significant symptom reduction according to the primary outcome measure with a large within-group effect size for the children (d = 1,7) and their caregivers (d = 1,3). The prolonged recruiting period for this study, 22 months indicates feasibility difficulties. However, the acceptability and level of parent treatment satisfaction were high for caregivers in the study. Conclusions CFTSI resulted in symptom reduction and was associated with high levels of acceptability and parent satisfaction. Feasibility challenges, related to inclusion criteria for the treatment, need to be addressed.

Psychotherapies for adults with complex presentations of PTSD: a clinical guideline and five systematic reviews with meta-analyses

ObjectiveTo develop a clinician-guided, research-based guideline for adult outpatient psychotherapy for complex presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).MethodsWe used state-of-the-art methods to develop clinical guideline recommendations and conduct systematic reviews...

Dynamics of PTSD and autonomic symptoms in a longitudinal U.S. population-based sample.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can co-occur with somatic symptoms, associations which may be partly due to threat-responsive changes in the autonomic nervous system. Prior studies support between-person associations of elevated autonomic symptoms with higher PTSD severity. However, there is a need to distinguish between- and within-person variation in symptoms over time. This study used a latent growth model with structured residuals to examine the dynamics of PTSD and autonomic symptoms in a U.S. population-based sample. Participants were 475 adults with an exposure to a potentially traumatic stressor (Mage = 47.89 ± 17.46; 62.9% female; 64.0% Caucasian, 14.3% Black or African American, 13.5% Hispanic, 2.3% Asian, 5.9% mixed race or ethnicity). Data were collected over four time points spaced approximately 1.5 months apart between July 2020 and January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. PTSD and autonomic symptoms were measured using the Abbreviated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and the supradiaphragmatic symptoms subscale of the Body Perception Questionnaire-Short Form. Latent PTSD and autonomic symptoms were positively associated (β = .499, SE = .048). At each wave, within-individual elevations in PTSD symptoms co-occurred with elevations in autonomic symptoms (β range: .221-.317). At several time points, elevated PTSD symptoms also predicted future elevations in autonomic symptoms (β range: .215-.304, p < .05). A history of childhood maltreatment was associated with higher PTSD (β = .309, p < .001) and autonomic symptom intercepts (β = .335; p < .001). Results support the linkage between PTSD and autonomic symptoms over time and suggest that elevations in PTSD symptoms may precede future autonomic symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Mechanisms through which exercise reduces symptom severity and/or functional impairment in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Protocol for a living systematic review of human and non-human studies

Background Exercise can play an important role in reducing symptom severity and improving functional impairment in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the effect of exercise in PTSD management are not fully understood. This living systematic review aims to synthesize and triangulate the evidence from non-human and human studies to gain insight into the biopsychosocial mechanisms through which exercise reduces symptom severity and functional impairment. Methods Independent searches will be conducted in electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently conduct the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. We will extract outcome data and variables that can act as effect modifiers or as mediators of the effect of exercise. For the non-human studies, outcome data will include the non-human equivalents of PTSD symptom clusters. For human studies, the primary outcome will be PTSD symptom severity. The secondary outcomes will be avoidance symptom severity, reexperiencing symptom severity, hyperarousal symptom severity, negative cognitions and mood severity, functional impairment, loss of PTSD diagnosis, and dropout rates. To explain the biopsychosocial mechanisms through which exercise affects the outcome of interest, we will extract effects that relate to the impact of exercise on potential mediating variables and the effect of the later outcomes. Comparison of within-study direct and indirect effects obtained from mediation analysis, when reported, will provide insight into the importance of the examined mediator. If appropriate, we will synthesize study results using meta-analyses. We will examine potential effect modifiers of the total exercise effect to understand better the impact of exercise on PTSD symptoms and function impairment (when possible). The evidence about the potential mediators of the association between exercise and PTSD-related outcomes will be considered in a consensus meeting when sufficient evidence is available. Protocol registration PROSPERO-ID: 453615

A Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Grief Interventions for Parentally Bereaved Children: Comparing Individual, Group, and Family Approaches.

This scoping review examines and compares the effectiveness of different intervention formats for parentally bereaved children by focusing on three therapeutic formats: individual, group, and family-based approaches. Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we analyzed ten peer-reviewed quantitative studies published between 2010 and 2022. This study emphasizes formal interventions with measurable outcomes, excluding creative or symbolic approaches such as art and ritual-based therapies. This review highlights that individual interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioural techniques, significantly reduce critical deficits such as prolonged grief disorder and PTSD symptoms. Group approaches foster social connection and emotional regulation, while family interventions emphasize improved family communication and caregiver support. Notable limitations include small sample sizes, heterogeneity in program structure, and reliance on self-reported outcomes. Future research should explore diverse grief experiences, longer-term impacts, and cultural considerations. This review provides insights into tailoring interventions to the unique needs of bereaved children, aiding practitioners in selecting evidence-based approaches.

PTSD and Depression Symptoms Among Earthquake Survivors in Türkiye: A Network Analysis

Traumatic events, such as earthquakes, can lead to the onset of mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This study aimed to investigate the symptom-level associations between PTSD and depression symptoms in earthquake survivors using network analysis. Network analysis was conducted on a sample of 978 adults affected by the earthquake that occurred in southern Türkiye on February 6, 2023. The sample included 592 women (59.6%) and 401 men (40.4%), with an age range of 18 to 67 years and a mean age of 34.82 (SD = 14.19). Data collection took place between May 6 and May 28, 2023. Participants completed the International Trauma Questionnaire and International Depression Questionnaire to measure PTSD and depression symptoms and the associations were analyzed using network analysis. Results indicated that ‘psychomotor agitation’ and ‘exaggerated startle response’ symptoms emerged as central symptoms and in contrast, suicidal thoughts showed weak associations with other symptoms, suggesting limited connectivity within the overall network. Sleep problems showed high bridge centrality, suggesting that the symptom plays a crucial role in linking the two disorders, potentially explaining pathways of comorbidity. Moreover, depressive and PTSD symptoms represent distinct diagnostic categories, yet they are interconnected through significant links, indicating the presence of two interdependent systems. The findings give novel insights into the clarify mechanisms underlying comorbidity and refine targets for interventions.

Acute subjective effects of psychedelics in naturalistic group settings prospectively predict longitudinal improvements in trauma symptoms, trait shame, and connectedness among adults with childhood maltreatment histories.

Acute subjective effects of psychedelics in naturalistic group settings prospectively predict longitudinal improvements in trauma symptoms, trait shame, and connectedness among adults with childhood maltreatment histories.

Patterns of Adversity from Family, Peers, and Teachers in Chinese Adolescents: Predicting Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Through Positive Reappraisal and Rumination.

Family, peers, and teachers are the three pillars that significantly shape adolescents' lives. Traumatic events originating from these domains (i.e., family, peers, and teachers) can have profound implications on adolescents' mental health. Using a three-wave dataset with a 6-month interval, this study investigated 2,166 Chinese adolescents (51.9% girls, Mage = 13.44 ± 0.72), who completed questionnaires assessing family adversity, peer victimization, and teacher maltreatment at Time 1, cognitive emotion regulation strategies at Time 2, followed by assessments of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms at Time 3. The latent profile analysis and Bolck, Croons, and Hagenaars (BCH) method were used for data analyses. Four groups were identified: low risk (82.6%, n = 1,790), family adversity (6.5%, n = 140), peer adversity (7.8%, n = 170), and multiple adversities (3.0%, n = 66). The direct model showed that compared with the "low risk" group, adolescents in the "family adversity" and "peer adversity" groups showed a significantly higher risk of developing CPTSD symptoms. Additionally, compared with the "low risk" group, adolescents in the "family adversity," "peer adversity," and "multiple adversities" groups exhibited higher level of CPTSD symptoms only through increased rumination. These findings underscore the critical impact of adversity from family, peers, and teachers on the mental health of adolescents, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions on rumination to mitigate the risk of CPTSD in these vulnerable groups.

Comorbid Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans: Approaches to Care.

The aim is to elucidate approaches to care for comorbid chronic pain and PTSD (CP + PTSD) in the Veterans Administration (VA). These conditions are co-magnifying and highly comorbid but traditionally treated in separate clinical settings. This multimethod analysis examined care for CP + PTSD via administrative data analyses and qualitative interviews of VA-served veterans. All participants with diagnoses of CP + PTSD in 2021 were identified using VA administrative data (N = 456,544). Visits during the following year (2022) coded for chronic pain, PTSD, or both were analyzed. Qualitative interview participants (N = 22) were recruited, screened, consented, and enrolled in 2023. Administrative findings demonstrated that clinical settings differed where CP and PTSD were treated. For PTSD, 90.7% of visits occurred in the mental health service line, whereas for CP, visits occurred across a range of settings outside mental health (e.g., primary care, rehabilitative services, and surgical services). A small percentage of visits (4.8%) were coded for both CP + PTSD, indicating possible combined care. In qualitative interviews, participants acknowledged that CP and PTSD symptoms may impact one another but noted that the health care they received for these 2 conditions was typically siloed. Participants also identified barriers that would need to be addressed before a fully integrated coordinated care model could be implemented. Veterans reported interest in coordinated treatment for CP + PTSD; however, the provision of CP + PTSD care provided across different service lines may pose challenges to optimizing care coordination.

Trauma, experiences of sexual violence and mental health in LGBTIQ+ refugees seeking psychosocial support in Germany.

Only little empirical evidence exists on mental health in LGBTIQ+ refugees. In the present study, trauma exposure, experiences of sexual violence and current treatment needs for physical and mental health were investigated in association with symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatic symptom burden in LGBTIQ+ asylum-seekers resettled in Germany and seeking psychosocial support. Data was collected in cooperation with a counselling centre for LGBTIQ+ asylum-seekers between Mai 2018 and March 2024, with a total of 120 completed questionnaires of adult clients. The questionnaire (11 different languages) included sociodemographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for assessing PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), somatic symptom burden (SSS-8), and anxiety (HSCL-25). Prevalence rates were calculated according to the cut-off scores of each questionnaire. Four logistic regression analyses were conducted to test for potential associations between being screened positive for anxiety, depression, somatic symptom burden or PTSD and the number of traumatic events, experiences of sexual violence as well as current treatment needs for physical and mental health. The great majority, 74.2% (95% CI: 66-82) of the respondents, screened positive for at least one of the mental disorders investigated, with 45% (95% CI: 36-54) suffering from somatic symptom burden, 44.2% (95% CI: 35-53) from depression, 58.3% (95% CI: 50-67) from PTSD, and 62.5% (95% CI: 54-71) from anxiety; 69.5% participants reported having been exposed to sexual violence. Current treatment needs for physical health problems were reported by 47% and for mental health problems by 56.7%. Participants with experiences of sexual violence were more likely to be screened positive for depression (OR: 6.787, 95% CI: 1.45-31.65) and PTSD (OR: 6.121, 95% CI: 1.34-27.95). The study provides initial insights on mental health and associated factors in a highly burdened and hard-to-reach population. The findings are important for healthcare systems and political authorities in terms of assuring better protection and healthcare for LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers.

When the future escapes: study of the sense of control in predictions about the future over time after exposure to a traumatic event.

Traumatic experiences can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and influence one's future perspective, which can change over time with the sense of control. We measured changes in predictions about the future among individuals who experienced a traumatic event, with or without PTSD, according to their sense of control, and its relationship with post-traumatic change (post-traumatic stress symptom severity, well-being and coping strategies). Eighty-one exposed individuals (who experienced the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks), some with PTSD, and 71 non-exposed controls (who had not experienced the attacks) were asked to estimate the probable future occurrence of 20 controllable and 20 uncontrollable events, 7-18 and 31-43 months after the attacks. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and correlations were performed to measure inter-group differences in outcomes and relationships with post-traumatic change. Exposed participants with PTSD and without PTSD estimated uncontrollable future events to be more likely over time. Uncontrollable predictions were related to increases in post-traumatic stress symptom severity for individuals without PTSD. Uncontrollable predictions were not correlated with well-being or coping in exposed individuals. Over time, exposed individuals provide increasingly high probability ratings for the future occurrence of uncontrollable events, a tendency associated with an increase in post-traumatic stress symptom severity in exposed individuals without PTSD. This may reflect potential delayed PTSD symptoms over time in individuals who did not initially develop PTSD following the attacks. The range of the measurements and the use of a self-constructed questionnaire limit the internal validity of the results.

Preliminary efficacy of prolonged exposure therapy to reduce suicide risk in co-occurring bipolar disorder & trauma symptoms.

Preliminary efficacy of prolonged exposure therapy to reduce suicide risk in co-occurring bipolar disorder & trauma symptoms.

The dual nature of empathy: Exploring its role in PTSD symptoms among psychotherapists following a mass casualty event.

Psychotherapists face a risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to appalling details in therapy. Such risk is elevated during mass casualty events, which increase therapists' workload and ratio of trauma survivors. While therapists' empathic capacities are vital for therapy outcomes, empathy may increase their vulnerability to PTSD. We examined empathy's role in the relationship between therapy-related traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel. Seventy-three Israeli therapists (88% females) who were not directly exposed to the attacks were included. PTSD symptoms, empathy, and exposure to traumatic content in therapy were examined. Empathy was assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, which evaluates four components: perspective-taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress. Moderation analyses were performed to assess moderation by the components of empathy on the relationship between therapy-related traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms. Eighteen percent of participants scored above the threshold, indicating probable PTSD. Empathic concern and fantasy each moderated the relationship between exposure in therapy and PTSD symptoms. Specifically, higher levels of empathic concern and fantasy amplified the association between exposure and PTSD symptoms, with participants showing greater empathic concern or fantasy tendencies experiencing more pronounced PTSD symptoms when exposed to trauma in therapy. While providing care to victims of mass casualty events, therapist's tendency for empathic concern and fantasy, which may contribute to treatment success, may also increase the therapist's vulnerability to PTSD. The results highlight the importance of adequate training and supervisory support for therapists in disaster contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychological Treatment of Co-Occurring Trauma History, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes.

The association between eating disorders (EDs) and both trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well established. Existing evidence is inconclusive about the impact of trauma exposure and/or comorbid PTSD on ED treatment outcomes and if comorbid ED affects PTSD treatment outcomes. The objective of this systematic review is to consolidate the literature on treatment efficacy and effectiveness for individuals with EDs and trauma histories with and without PTSD, as well as to understand how ED and PTSD symptoms may impact improvement in each other, and how improvements in ED and PTSD symptoms might differ across treatment focus (ED-focused, PTSD-focused or both) and modality (e.g., cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, transdiagnostic, integrative). A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was conducted across three databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS). Results indicate that comorbid PTSD symptoms, but not trauma history alone, may negatively affect ED treatment outcomes. Likewise comorbid ED symptoms may negatively affect PTSD treatment outcomes, but data is lacking. ED and/or PTSD symptom improvement was observed across treatment modalities. Results suggest that individuals may respond to a variety of modalities. Integrated and concurrent treatments show promise as an effective strategy to achieve long-term recovery from this debilitating comorbid condition.

Sleep quality and associated factors among police officers in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPolice officers are particularly vulnerable to poor sleep quality, which can have a serious detrimental impact on their health because of the numerous stressors they deal with on a daily basis. Therefore, police officers who suffer from sleep problems and do not receive proper diagnosis and treatment may perform less well at work, which could endanger both their own safety and the protection of the community they serve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors among police officers in Bahirdar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among police officers in Bahirdar City. A total of 422 police officers were selected by a simple random sampling method. Sleep quality was assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The associated factors were measured using multivariable logistic regressions. Odds ratios, 95% CIs, and p-values less than 0.05 were used to characterize the relationships between the variables.ResultThe prevalence of poor sleep quality was 42.9% (95% CI; 38.2, 46.7). Odds of being female (AOR: 4.85, 95% CI; 2.46, 9.53), single (AOR:4.55, 95% CI; 2.36, 8.78), having poor social support (AOR: 5.28, 95% CI; 2.93, 9.51), having depressive symptoms (AOR:4.40, 95% CI; 2.30, 8.41), experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (AOR: 4.63, 95% CI; 1.88, 11.39), having moderate stress (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI; 1.42, 4.37), and severe stress (AOR: 5.32, 95% CI; 2.45, 9.13) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality.ConclusionsPoor sleep quality was found to be highly prevalent among police officers in Bahir Dar city. Approximately 43% of the police officers reported having trouble sleeping. These results suggest that the need for targeted intervention to cope with sleep disturbance is necessary; police officers require proper psychosocial intervention programs and sleep health promotion, focusing specifically on female officers, single officers, those with low social support networks, and those exhibiting symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Supplemental Material for Dynamics of PTSD and Autonomic Symptoms in a Longitudinal U.S. Population-Based Sample

Supplemental Material for Dynamics of PTSD and Autonomic Symptoms in a Longitudinal U.S. Population-Based Sample

Displacement-related stressors in a Sudanese war-affected community; identifying the impact of war exposure and ongoing stressors on trauma symptom severity: a national multi-center cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe ongoing armed conflict in Sudan that started April 2023 resulted in over 8 millions internally displaced persons (IDPs), in addition to the already previously displaced 3.8 millions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most documented mental health problems among IDPs. Additionally, factors such as personal safety concerns and financial losses have been identified as potential stressors contributing to the development of PTSD. Our study aimed to understand the relationship between displacement-related stressors and trauma symptom severity.MethodsThis was an observational, multi-center cross-sectional study conducted across seven conflict-free states in Sudan. A pre-tested questionnaire assessing the displacement stressors and the Harvard trauma questionnaire (HTQ) were used to collect the data through face-to-face interviews. The data analysis was conducted using R software. A structural equation model was generated to visualize the comprehensive relationship between the study variables.ResultsMost of the participants (N = 1470) were females (81.4%), married (63.9%), employed (42.5%), Muslims (93.0%) and previously displaced (54.1%), with a mean age of (35.25 ± 13.92) years old. The prevalence of PTSD was (34.5%) and it was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.003), religion (P < 0.001), level of education (P = 0.031), and number of displacements (P = 0.005). Personal safety concerns, financial loss and hardship, and personal hardships were positively correlated with PTSD symptoms severity. War exposure losses were negatively correlated with the severity of PTSD symptoms.ConclusionThe strong association between PTSD symptoms and personal safety concerns, financial loss and hardship, and personal hardships emphasizes the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions that could mitigate the impact of PTSD in Sudanese communities.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Posttraumatic Psychopathology: A Group-Based Telehealth Intervention.

Transdiagnostic treatments are needed to address the diverse manifestations and effects of trauma-related psychopathology. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising intervention, although little is known about its application among trauma-exposed civilians. A single-arm pilot study evaluated outcomes of a virtual, group-based ACT intervention for trauma delivered through a training clinic. Five female clients (mean age=42.6 years) with a history of criterion A trauma completed an 11-week skills group and repeated measures assessing posttraumatic and related psychopathology symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]), emotion regulation, quality of life, posttraumatic growth, and experiential avoidance. Paired-samples t tests were used to assess pre- to postintervention effects. All clients completed the intervention, suggesting high acceptability. Analyses of pre- to postintervention effects demonstrated significant reductions in depression (d=1.16, p=0.03) and anxiety (d=0.95, p=0.05) symptoms but not in PTSD symptoms; effect sizes for significant changes were large. Significant and large increases in effective use of emotion regulation strategies (d=1.02, p=0.04) and posttraumatic growth (d=1.18, p=0.03) were also observed. Experiential avoidance, a hypothesized treatment mechanism in ACT, decreased from pre- to postintervention (d=1.22, p=0.03). Findings provide initial evidence for acceptability and beneficial clinical outcomes of a virtual, group-based ACT intervention to address the transdiagnostic consequences of traumatic stress.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among Al-Quds University students during the 2023 Gaza war: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe 2023 Gaza War has had profound psychological impacts on Palestinian students, particularly those at Al-Quds University. Students at Al-Quds University face significant mental health challenges due to exposure to conflict-related trauma, which is exacerbated by direct and indirect stressors, including displacement and the influence of social media. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PTSD among Al-Quds University students and investigate its associations with demographic, psychological, and academic factors, specifically gender, living arrangements, academic specialization, and geographic origin.MethodologyThis descriptive cross-sectional study assessed PTSD prevalence among students at Al-Quds University using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), a validated tool for PTSD assessment in this context. A bilingual (Arabic and English) self-administered questionnaire was distributed online. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and ANOVA, were conducted using SPSS version 20.0 to examine associations between PTSD symptoms and demographic or psychological factors.ResultsHigh PTSD symptom severity was reported in 71.3% of participants, with 14.7% identified as probable cases and 10.7% with clinical concerns. Gender differences were evident, as males showed higher mean PTSD scores than females (49.39 vs. 43.22, p < 0.001). Students in student housing exhibited significantly higher PTSD scores than those living with family (49.37 vs. 42.16, p < 0.001). Psychological factors, such as perceived academic disruption and guilt during positive events, were significantly associated with PTSD severity (p = 0.037, p = 0.005).ConclusionThe findings emphasize the urgent need for trauma-informed mental health interventions tailored to students in conflict zones. Addressing systemic stressors and providing targeted support can mitigate the psychological burden in these vulnerable populations.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.