Predictors Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

The predictive effect of ASD on PTSD and the factors influencing ASD and PTSD

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma patients, and to explore the predictive effect of ASD on PTSD. MethodsA prospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized due to injuries. The first survey used the ASD scale to assess the occurrence of ASD. In one month and three months of follow-up after injury, patients were assessed for the occurrence of PTSD by using the PTSD checklist-civilian version. ResultsThe prevalence rates of ASD, one-month PTSD, and three-month PTSD in trauma inpatients were 20.7%, 19.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. ASD is a strong predictor of PTSD, and combining it with severe injury and critical illness can improve the sensitivity and positive predictive ability of predicting the occurrence of PTSD (AUCMax: 0.827). The important predictive factor for the diagnosis of PTSD is the high alert symptom group of ASD. Moreover, the analysis results showed that the season of trauma happened, comatose state, fear state, psychological burden, and pain intensity were the influencing factors for ASD (P<0.05), while critical illness during hospitalization, psychological burden, and pain intensity were the influencing factors for PTSD (P<0.05). LimitationsSome patients with minor and extremely serious injuries were overlooked or missed, resulting in selection bias and information bias that could not be completely avoided. ConclusionBoth trauma conditions and clinical features may affect the occurrence of ASD and PTSD in trauma patients. If ASD in trauma patients is identified early and targeted interventions, it may reduce the occurrence and development of PTSD.

Factors Predicting Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety in Parents Who Experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line Earthquakes: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

To identify levels and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and anxiety in parents who experienced the Great Eastern Anatolian Fault Line earthquakes. A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted from May to September 2023, with 200 parents who experienced earthquakes along the East Anatolian Fault Line. A descriptive information form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used for data collection. Independent samples t test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. The earthquakes caused significant distress among parents: 53% experienced unemployment, 85% had damaged homes, 31.1% lost a relative, 82% lacked an emergency kit, and 90% were concerned for their children's safety. Significant predictors of PTSD included loss of a loved one or relative, not having an emergency kit, having a severely damaged or uninhabitable home, having a chronic illness, and being anxious about the earthquake's impact on their child. High anxiety and PTSD levels were prevalent, with a positive correlation between STAI and IES-R scores. Parents were found to have high levels of PTSD symptoms and anxiety. Findings highlight the complex needs of parents in the post-earthquake context, underscoring the critical need for health professionals, including nurses, to provide comprehensive support to individuals who experienced natural disasters. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder among survivors of the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye: The case of a temporary camp

This study aimed to evaluate the potential prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors of the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes and determine the factors linked to the severity of PTSD. The cross-sectional study was conducted in a temporary camp in Hatay between January 27 and February 2, 2024, approximately one year after the earthquakes. Two researchers visited the camp and offered participation to all the adults who met the study criteria. A total of 412 adults agreed to participate in the study and completed the questionnaire. A survey was used to gather information on various variables related to the context before, during, and after an earthquake. In addition, the Post-Traumatic Diagnostic Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale were used to measure PTSD and resilience, respectively. The screening scale indicated that 17.5 % of participants met the criteria for probable “severe” and 36.2 % met the criteria for probable “moderate to severe” PTSD, approximately 12 months post-earthquake. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that PTSD was predicted by various factors in the within-, pre-, and post-earthquake periods. Among pre-earthquake variables, sex (β = 0.100, p < 0.05) and history of psychiatric illness (β = 0.098, p < 0.01) predict PTSD. Among within-earthquake variables, severity of earthquake exposure (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) predicted PTSD. Among post-earthquake variables, resilience (β = −0.378, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with severity of PTSD. These findings underscore the significance of considering multiple factors when comprehending and addressing PTSD in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Predicting PTSD among labour ward staff: The role of burnout, intent to leave, and emotional support

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals in delivery rooms frequently encounter stressful situations. Following an examination of how midwives coped and functioned during the unfamiliar and chaotic period of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial to understand their challenges and the support they receive to enhance well-being and patient care. This study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout, intentions to leave, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms among healthcare professionals, and to identify predictors of PTSD. Methods We employed a mixed-methods design, consisting of a survey of 196 midwives and gynecologists assessing burnout, intentions to leave, exposure to negative work experiences, and PTSD. Additionally, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews and 13 interviews with labour ward head nurses. Results Most participants experienced difficult events in the delivery room or multiple such events, reporting insufficient emotional support. The main themes identified were stress, fear, anxiety, and frustration. Burnout and a lack of emotional support were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, with participants highlighting the need for more support to manage complex situations. Discussion Addressing burnout through prevention and intervention programs is essential. Emotional support plays a crucial role in mitigating PTSD symptoms, enhancing resilience and well-being among midwives and gynecologists. Implications for Nursing Management: Understanding the psychological impact of stressful situations on healthcare professionals is crucial for guiding policies and interventions aimed at maintaining staff psychological well-being. Midwives’ managers can leverage this research to identify actions that improve staff resilience and cohesion during crises. Strengthening the resilience of health teams is pivotal in providing optimal health services. Key messages • Burnout and insufficient emotional support are key predictors of PTSD among healthcare workers in labour wards. • Enhancing support and resilience for midwives and gynecologists is crucial for their well-being and patient care.

Social support and (complex) posttraumatic stress symptom severity: does gender matter?

ABSTRACT Background: Perceived social support is an established predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to a traumatic event. Gender is an important factor that could differentiate responses to social support, yet this has been little explored. Symptoms of complex PTSD are also common following trauma but have been under-researched in this context. Large scale studies with culturally diverse samples are particularly lacking. Objectives: In a multi-country sample, we examined: (a) gender differences in perceived social support and both posttraumatic stress symptom severity (PTSS) and complex posttraumatic stress symptom severity (CPTSS); (b) associations between social support and PTSS/CPTSS; and (c) the potential moderating role of gender in the relationship between perceived social support and trauma-related distress. Method: A total of 2483 adults (Mage = 30yrs, 69.9% females) from 39 countries, who had been exposed to mixed trauma types, completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the International Trauma Questionnaire (which captures PTSS/CPTSS). Regression analyses examined associations between gender, perceived social support, and PTSS/CPTSS; and tested for gender by social support interactions in predicting PTSS/CPTSS scores. Models were adjusted for age and socioeconomic status. Results: In our cross-country sample, females had greater PTSS/CPTSS than males (B = .23 [95% CI 0.16, 0.30], p < .001; B = .20 [0.12, 0.27], p < .001; respectively), but there was no evidence of gender differences in perceived social support (B = .05 [−0.05, 0.16], p = .33). For both genders, low perceived social support was associated with higher PTSS/CPTSS (females: B = −.16 [−0.20, −0.12], p < .001; B = −.27 [−0.30, −0.24], p < .001; respectively; males: B = −.22 [−0.29, −0.15], p < .001; B = −.31 [−0.36, −0.26], p < .001; respectively), and for PTSS only we found weak evidence that this association was stronger for males vs. females (B = .07 [0.04, 0.14, p = .04). Conclusion: Individuals who feel more socially supported have lower trauma-related distress, and this association is similar in males and females. PTSD/CPTSD interventions may benefit from augmenting perceived social support, regardless of gender.

The contribution of maladaptive personality traits to PTSD and depression symptoms among Israeli female veterans.

Exposure to potentially traumatic events during military service is associated with mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms. However, knowledge regarding the implications of maladaptive personality traits in psychopathology among female veterans is sparse. The present study aims to use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition-an alternative model of personality disorder, to examine associations between maladaptive personality traits, PTSD and depression symptoms, among female Israeli veterans. A volunteer sample of female Israeli combat veterans (n = 616) and noncombat veterans (n = 484) responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. Combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure and PTSD symptoms, but not depressive symptoms, than noncombat veterans. Combat veterans also reported lower levels of negative affectivity but higher levels of disinhibition than noncombat veterans. All five traits were positive predictors of PTSD and depression symptoms, with psychoticism constituting the strongest predictor. A moderated-mediation analysis indicated four traits (negative affectivity, detachment, disinhibition, and psychoticism) that had a moderating effect on the relationship between combat exposure and PTSD symptoms, and two of the traits (antagonism and disinhibition) that had a moderate effect on the relationship between combat exposure and depressive symptoms. Maladaptive personality traits play an important role in psychological distress following female veterans' combat service. Future prospective research is necessary to determine the temporal associations between preenlistment maladaptive personality traits and postdeployment mental health of veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigating the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder in Black Americans and the moderating effects of racial discrimination

Altered functioning of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) may play a critical role in the etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Chronic stressors such as racial discrimination and lifetime trauma are associated with an increased risk for PTSD, but it is unknown whether they influence the relationship between BNST functioning and PTSD. We investigated acute post-trauma BNST resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) as a predictor of future PTSD symptoms in Black trauma survivors. We also examined whether racial discrimination and lifetime trauma moderated the relationship between BNST rsFC and PTSD symptoms. Black adults (N = 95; 54.7% female; mean age = 34.04) were recruited from an emergency department after experiencing a traumatic injury (72.6% were motor vehicle accidents). Two-weeks post-injury, participants underwent a resting-state fMRI scan and completed questionnaires evaluating their PTSD symptoms as well as lifetime exposure to racial discrimination and trauma. Six-months post-injury, PTSD symptoms were reassessed. Whole brain seed-to-voxel analyses were conducted to examine BNST rsFC patterns. Greater rsFC between the BNST and the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, left angular gyrus, and hippocampus prospectively predicted six-month PTSD symptoms after adjusting for sex, age, education, and baseline PTSD symptoms. Acute BNST rsFC was a stronger predictor of PTSD symptoms in individuals who experienced more racial discrimination and lifetime trauma. Thus, in the acute aftermath of a traumatic event, the BNST could be a key biomarker of risk for PTSD in Black Americans, particularly for individuals with a greater history of racial discrimination or previous trauma exposure.

Risk and Protective Factors in Dancers Exposed to Trauma.

This study examined risk and protective factors in dancers with/without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and with/without trauma exposure. Exposure to traumatic events and developing PTSD can compromise daily functioning and performance ability. Despite exposure many dancers adapt, whereas others suffer psychopathology such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties regulating emotions. Two hundred ninety two pre-professional/professional dancers provided informed consent (IRB approved) and completed 8 self-report measures. A subsample (66%) exposed to a significant traumatic event was evaluated for PTSD. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) were conducted to compare dancers with/without PTSD and with/without trauma exposure. A logistic regression analysis determined predictors of PTSD. The MANCOVAs indicated that dancers exposed to trauma (66%) and who had PTSD (32%) had significantly more difficulty regulating emotions, engaged more emotion-oriented coping under stress, and had increased depression, trait anxiety, and cumulative trauma. In these group comparison analyses there were non-significant differences regarding flow experiences and task- and avoidance-oriented coping strategies. In the logistic regression analysis childhood physical and sexual abuse, childhood emotional neglect, mental illness within the family, and difficulty disclosing abuse experiences were predictors of PTSD. In the total sample 21% had PTSD. This study identified types of abuse/trauma, emotion regulation/coping, and psychopathology associated with PTSD in dancers exposed to trauma (66%) and with PTSD (32%). In the total sample 21% had PTSD. Regardless of exposure to trauma or PTSD, the non-significant findings indicated similarities for dancers for global and autotelic flow experiences and task- and avoidance-oriented coping strategies. These positive factors may mitigate trauma-related symptoms. It is recommended that dancers, educators, and clinicians understand the effects of trauma exposure and promote the development of effective coping strategies, emotion regulation, and flow states which may diminish the negative effects of PTSD.

Peritraumatic Dissociation Partially Mediates the Influence of Lifetime Trauma Exposure on Prospective PTSD Symptoms

ABSTRACT Higher lifetime trauma exposure and increased peritraumatic dissociation (PD) are well-known predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms following new trauma (prospective PTSD symptoms). The interplay between those factors, however, is not well established. In this study, we aimed to assess whether PD mediates the influence of lifetime trauma exposure on prospective PTSD symptoms. A total of 387 adults visiting five emergency departments who had experienced a traumatic event within 72 hours completed baseline assessments on lifetime trauma exposure count and PD. PTSD symptoms were assessed 1 month later. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediation effect of PD in the relationship between lifetime trauma exposure count and 1-month PTSD symptoms. We found that PD mediated the association between lifetime trauma exposure count and 1-month PTSD symptoms, even after accounting for some confounders. However, the mediation was partial, accounting for 17.9% of the lifetime trauma exposure count’s total effect. While this finding is significant, it also suggests that additional mechanisms beyond PD play a role in explaining the influence of higher lifetime trauma exposure on prospective PTSD symptoms. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of PTSD development and call for further research to explore complementary factors and preventive strategies.

Prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder and its predictors among road traffic accident survivors

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among road traffic accident (RTA) survivors, gets received little attention as medical experts prioritize treating physical injuries. In Pakistan, PTSD remains understudied. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of PTSD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 128 survivors of RTA at Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi. Data were collected via a pre-tested PTSD checklist-specific version (PCL-S) tool to screen for PTSD and a self-designed proforma. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25. The p&lt;0.05 was used set a significant. Results: The 34 (26.56%) participants of study population had PTSD. Following adjustment for potential confounding variables, the following factors were found to be significant predictors of PTSD: time since RTA (1-3 months) (AOR=0.38; 95% CI (0.18, 0.76), history of prior RTA (AOR=2.56; 95% CI (1.22, 5.47), presence of close one in the same RTA, (AOR=2.23, 95% CI (1.14, 4.46), witnessing of death of close one in the same RTA, (AOR=7.49, 95% CI (3.16, 14.68) and previous history of psychiatric illness (AOR=12.35, 95% CI (5.32, 28.29). Conclusions: Our study population had significant prevalence of PTSD (26.56%). Significant predictors of PTSD included the amount of time after the accident, the history of prior traffic accidents, presence of close one in same accident, witnessing the death of close one in same accident, and history of psychiatry disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of the Turkey earthquake: exploring the role of demographics, level of exposure, and personality traits

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an important mental disorder that can develop after mass traumas such as earthquakes. In our study, we aimed to investigate the development of PTSD after the Turkey earthquake (6 February 2023) and its association with some demographic variables, personality traits, and psychological vulnerability. Method 547 participants completed assessments of personality, disaster exposure, and PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of PTSD symptoms. Results PTSD scores were higher in women, single people, those with low educational level, those who witnessed someone else's injury or death, those who were injured, and those whose homes were destroyed. Physical injury, conscientiousness, marital status, income, and agreeableness predicted PTSD. Among these variables, physical injury was the strongest predictor of PTSD. Conclusions Psychological vulnerability, conscientiousness, physical injury, employment, witnessing someone else's injury, gender, and emotional stability predicted PTSD score in a significant way. Physical injury, conscientiousness, marital status, income, agreeableness predicted PTSD in a significant way.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among long-term resettled Syrian refugees in Turkey: a comprehensive analysis of pre- and post-migratory factors.

After the war in Syria, many people were forcibly displaced, and many others migrated to foreign countries. Many Syrians have been exposed to traumatic negative lifeexperiences during this process. In this context, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of pre- and post-migration traumatic experiences and living difficulties on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Syrian refugees who have been residing in Turkey for more than five years. The sample size of this cross-sectional study consisted of 200 Syrian refugees. Research data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Refugees' depression and anxiety levels were assessed with The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) (PCL-5). Logistic regression models were created to assess the effects of pre- and post-migration traumas, adverse events, and other sociodemographic variables, including age and gender, on PTSD. The study unveiled a high prevalence of PTSD (55.5%), depression (33.5%), and anxiety(4.5%) among participants. Notably, male refugees and those exposed to armed conflict exhibited a significantly higher frequency of PTSD. In contrast, depression was more prevalent among female participants. Pre-migration traumatic experiences, especially near-death situations, were identified as significant predictors of PTSD. Interestingly, while pre-migration traumatic experiences were higher, post-migration living difficulties also emerged as a concern, with factorslike "inability to return home in emergencies" and "worries about losing ethnic identity" beinghighlighted. Path analysis further revealed that pre-migration traumatic experiences indirectly contributed to PTSD by exacerbating post-migration living difficulties. Syrian refugees in Turkey, even after long-term residence, exhibit high rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. While pre-migration traumas play a pivotal role, post-migration challenges further compound their mental health issues. These findings underscore the need for holistic, long-term mental health interventions that address both past traumas and current living difficulties.

Trauma Exposure and Hopelessness as Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression among War Veterans in SouthEast Nigeria

Trauma Exposure and Hopelessness as Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression among War Veterans in SouthEast Nigeria

Nathaniel G. Harnett: Identifying the neurobiological mechanisms of susceptibility to trauma and stress-related disorders

Dr. Nathaniel Harnett is Director of the Neurobiology of Affective and Traumatic Experiences Laboratory at McLean Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. His research investigates the neural substrates that mediate individual variability in susceptibility to trauma and stress-related disorders using a multidimensional approach that incorporates human brain imaging, psychophysiology, psychometrics, and behavior. Further, his laboratory examines how pre-, peri-, and posttraumatic environmental factors may modulate the efficacy of neural signatures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ultimately, the goal of his research is to advance our understanding of how we identify useful, effective, and generalizable neural predictors of PTSD to facilitate precision medicine approaches that might mitigate the social and emotional burdens of trauma and stress-related disorders. We are delighted that Dr. Harnett engaged in the Genomic Press Interview, enriching our readership with perspectives on his life journey and professional trajectory.

Salivary inflammatory biomarkers as a predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptom severity in trauma patients: A prospective study

BackgroundAlthough post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression screening are recommended for traumatic injury patients, routine screening is still uncommon. Salivary inflammatory biomarkers have biological plausibility and potential feasibility and acceptability for screening. This study tested prospective associations between several salivary inflammatory biomarkers (proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α; and C-reactive protein), collected during hospitalization and PTSD and depressive symptoms at 5-month follow-up. MethodsAdult traumatic injury patients (N = 696) at a major urban Level 1 trauma center provided salivary samples and completed PTSD and depressive symptom measures during days 0–13 of inpatient hospitalization. At 5-month follow-up, 368 patients (77 % male, 23 % female) completed the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV and the Self-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. Analyses focused on a latent inflammatory cytokine factor and C-reactive protein at baseline predicting 5-month PTSD and depression symptom outcomes and included baseline symptom levels as covariates. ResultsA latent factor representing proinflammatory cytokines was not related to 5-month PTSD or depressive symptom severity. Higher salivary CRP was related to greater PTSD symptom severity (β = .10, p = .03) at 5-month follow-up and more severity in the following depressive symptoms: changes in weight and appetite, bodily complaints, and constipation/diarrhea (β’s from .14 to .16, p’s from .004 −.03). ConclusionIn a primarily Latine and Black trauma patient sample, salivary CRP measured after traumatic injury was related to greater PTSD symptom severity and severity in several depressive symptom clusters. Our preliminary findings suggest that salivary or systemic CRP may be useful to include in models predicting post-trauma psychopathology.

Lifetime prevalence, comorbidities, and Sociodemographic predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): the National Epidemiology of Iranian Children and adolescents Psychiatric disorders (IRCAP).

The aims of this study were to (a) evaluate the lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to sociodemographic characteristics, (b) determine sociodemographic factors associated with PTSD, (c) estimate the lifetime prevalence rates of comorbidities by age and gender, and (d) assess the proportion of traumatic events in the non-PTSD sample and the PTSD sample, according to gender. The data used for the present study were obtained from the IRCAP study which was a cross-sectional, community-based study on 29,250 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years from all provinces of Iran, which was done using multistage cluster sampling. Trained psychologists conducted diagnostic interviews with parents, children, and adolescents using the Persian version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). In this study, the prevalence of PTSD across the sample population was 0.6% (95% CI, 0.5-0.7%). Higher rates of PTSD were observed among girls (0.7%, CI 0.5-0.8%), adolescents aged 15-18 years (0.8%, CI 0.6-1.0%), and participants who had unemployed (1.5%, CI 0.8-2.8%), or farmer fathers (1.1%, CI 0.5-2.5%). Of the participants with PTSD, 65.1% met the criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder. PTSD had a high rate of comorbidity with oppositional defiant disorder (22.9%, CI 17.5-29.4%), generalized anxiety disorder (20.8%, CI 15.7-27.1%), separation anxiety disorder (20.3%, CI 15.2-26.6%), and major depressive disorder (19.8%, CI 14.8-26.0%). We found 9.5% of non-PTSD sample experienced at least one traumatic event. Witness to domestic violence was the most common traumatic event experienced by 32.8% of PTSD sample. Our results in the prevalence, comorbidities, and sociodemographic factors associated with PTSD supported findings of previous studies that used a structured diagnostic interview. It is recommended to use purposive sampling and to investigate comorbidities of PTSD and type of traumatic events in a large clinical population.

A prospective study on EEG default mode network associated with subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder following sexual assault

This study aimed to explore the predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women who have recently experienced sexual assault, by examining psychological and neurophysiological factors using a prospective design with resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) functional connectivity. The study enrolled 33 women who had been recently traumatized by sexual assault and conducted assessments within a month of the trauma. These survivors were evaluated for PTSD three months later and were classified into two groups: PTSD positive (n = 12) and PTSD negative (n = 21). They were compared to two control groups comprising women who had not experienced any extremely traumatic events: 25 with depression and 25 healthy controls. The evaluation focused on resting-state EEG functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN) using small-worldness (SW), based on graph theory. We also assessed self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, anger, and executive functions. The findings indicated that survivors who developed PTSD three months post-trauma exhibited higher anxiety levels and reduced DMN SW in the beta 3 frequency, compared to those who did not develop PTSD. Contrary to expectations, survivors without PTSD showed decreased executive functioning and lower prefrontal centrality compared to those with PTSD. This study underscores the importance of early assessment and intervention for sexual assault survivors at risk of developing PTSD.

Stress and Post-traumatic Growth of people with cancer: identification of associated factors

Objectives: Evaluate indicators and identify associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in individuals undergoing oncological treatment. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical survey design with a non-probabilistic sample of 74 participants. Six instruments measuring PTSD, PTG, spiritual well-being, illness perception, and social support were employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: It was evidenced that 21.60% of patients presented clinical indices of PTSD, and 85.12% showed a high index for PTG. High satisfaction indices were also observed for social support (86.48%), spiritual well-being (95.94%), and in identifying cancer as a potential threat to life (71.57%). Females, unmarried individuals, those inactive or unemployed, and those receiving public health support exhibited higher PTG indices. Women exhibit higher PTSD indices than men. Negative correlations were found between PTSD and spiritual well-being, and positive correlations with illness perception. Illness perception emerged as the variable with the greatest predictive power for PTSD indices. Conclusions: It is concluded that the threatening perception of the illness is a predictor of PTSD, highlighting it as a risk factor that requires attention in health prevention plans.

Sex Differences in Response Inhibition–Related Neural Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Civilians With Recent Trauma

BackgroundFemales are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than males. Impaired inhibition has been identified as a mechanism for PTSD development, but studies on potential sex differences in this neurobiological mechanism and how it relates to PTSD severity and progression are relatively rare. Here, we examined sex differences in neural activation during response inhibition and PTSD following recent trauma. MethodsParticipants (n = 205, 138 female sex assigned at birth) were recruited from emergency departments within 72 hours of a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms were assessed 2 weeks and 6 months posttrauma. A Go/NoGo task was performed 2 weeks posttrauma in a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner to measure neural activity during response inhibition in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, right inferior frontal gyrus, and bilateral hippocampus. General linear models were used to examine the interaction effect of sex on the relationship between our regions of interest and the whole brain, PTSD symptoms at 6 months, and symptom progression between 2 weeks and 6 months. ResultsLower response inhibition–related ventromedial prefrontal cortex activation 2 weeks posttrauma predicted more PTSD symptoms at 6 months in females but not in males, while greater response inhibition–related right inferior frontal gyrus activation predicted lower PTSD symptom progression in males but not females. Whole-brain interaction effects were observed in the medial temporal gyrus and left precentral gyrus. ConclusionsThere are sex differences in the relationship between inhibition-related brain activation and PTSD symptom severity and progression. These findings suggest that sex differences should be assessed in future PTSD studies and reveal potential targets for sex-specific interventions.

Longitudinal Associations Between Pain, Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Pain Characteristics in Children After Unintentional Injury.

Approximately 20% of children demonstrate persistent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after unintentional injury, with more severe pain intensity predicting concurrent and later PTSS. Examining additional pain characteristics like pain behaviors, impairment related to pain, and subjective experiences of pain might provide additional insight into the mechanisms that reinforce relationships between risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), PTSS, and pain. During hospitalization for unintentional injury, the Screening Tool for Predictors of PTSD (STEPP) was administered and the highest pain score was collected. One month later, the Child PTSD Symptom Scale and PROMIS questionnaires assessed PTSS and pain characteristics respectively, including intensity, interference, behaviors, and quality. Correlations between PTSS and PROMIS questionnaires were significant. STEPP predicted future PTSS and all PROMIS questionnaires. The highest pain score predicted future PTSS, as well as pain interference and pain behavior, and did not predict pain intensity and pain quality. When STEPP and highest pain score were combined into a single regression, STEPP and highest pain score predicted future PTSS but only STEPP continued to predict all PROMIS questionnaires. PTSD risk significantly predicted PTSS and pain characteristics 1 month later. The highest pain score predicted future PTSS and several pain characteristics but no longer had predictive value for pain-related outcomes when combined with PTSD risk. These results indicate that risk factors for PTSD are stronger predictors than pain-related risk factors in predicting pain outcomes. Addressing PTSD risk, as well as pain intensity during hospitalization, may result in improved outcomes for children with unintentional injury.