Preexisting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Abstract WP35: Elevated Risk of 1-month Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Stroke Mimics Relative to Patients With Stroke

Introduction: A life-threatening medical event such as stroke can trigger symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Less is known about the risk of PTSD among individuals who present with stroke-like symptoms but are ultimately diagnosed with a stroke mimic. Aim: To examine the association between final diagnosis of stroke mimic, stroke, or TIA and risk of developing PTSD 1 month after the index event. Methods: We enrolled patients with suspected stroke or TIA from an urban academic medical center. The PTSD Checklist 5 for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered at enrollment to assess pre-existing PTSD, and at 1-month after discharge to assess PTSD related to the index event. The index event was adjudicated via chart review as a stroke, TIA, stroke mimic, or equivocal by a neurologist blinded to PTSD status. Logistic regression was used to determine odds of developing clinically significant PTSD (PCL-5 &ge 33) for stroke mimics compared to stroke or TIA at 1 month after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, initial NIH Stroke Scale, discharge modified Rankin Score, and prior PTSD. Multiple imputation was used to account for missingness in data. Equivocal cases were excluded. Results: In our sample of suspected stroke ( n = 1,000, 51% female, age = 62 ± 15 y), 596 (59.6%) had a stroke, 79 (7.9%) had a TIA, 274 (27.4%) had a stroke mimic, and 51 (5.1%) were equivocal or missing. PTSD prevalence numbers (rates) at 1 month for stroke mimic, stroke, and TIA, respectively, were 30 (15.1%), 27 (6.3%), and 3 (5.5%). In the fully adjusted model, the odds of 1-month PTSD were higher for stroke mimics vs. patients with stroke, OR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.45, 6.18], p < .01, but not for stroke mimics vs. TIA, OR = 1.67, p = .45. Pre-existing PTSD was associated with increased odds of 1-month PTSD, OR = 10.32, 95% CI [5.30, 20.10], p < .01. No other covariates were associated with PTSD. Conclusion: Experiencing a stroke mimic compared to a stroke was associated with increased risk of having PTSD 1 month after the event. Clinicians should consider the risk of psychological distress particularly among individuals presenting with sudden stroke-like symptoms diagnosed as stroke mimics.

The role of prior trauma exposure and subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder in reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

A growing body of literature suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is a traumatic stressor capable of causing posttraumatic stress symptoms. People with a history of trauma, particularly those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be particularly vulnerable to the negative mental health impacts of the pandemic. However, qualitative research exploring potential differences in the lived experiences of and reactions to COVID-19 between people with and without PTSD is lacking. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 31 women (n = 15 women with probable PTSD, n = 16 women without probable PTSD) recruited from an ongoing U.S.-based cohort study. Themes were identified using inductive thematic analysis. The majority of women with PTSD described their level of fear or perceived safety related to COVID-19 as a major factor influencing their mental health during the pandemic. In contrast, women without PTSD indicated that their level of distress was largely driven by pandemic-related restrictions on normal activities and family events. Many women with PTSD also described feeling anger or frustration toward people they perceived as not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. Only one participant without PTSD expressed similar feelings. This study found notable differences in reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic between people with and without PTSD, with findings that are likely relevant to future disasters. These findings can inform the development of preparedness policies for future disasters, pandemics, or other collective traumas to prevent distress and improve mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals with preexisting PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

COVID-19-related media consumption and posttraumatic stress symptoms in U.S. military veterans: A nationally representative, longitudinal study

PurposeTo examine the association between COVID-19 media consumption and pandemic-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in U.S. veterans. MethodsA population-based sample of 3,074 U.S. veterans was surveyed prior to the pandemic (fall 2019) and a year later during the height of the pandemic (fall 2020). ResultsGreater COVID-19 media consumption was associated with pandemic-related PTSS, particularly in veterans with pre-existing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who were 79% more likely to report pandemic-related PTSS relative to veterans with PTSD who consumed less COVID-19 media. ConclusionCOVID-19 media consumption is independently linked to a greater likelihood of pandemic-related PTSS in U.S. veterans.

Interpersonal Support Domains Associated With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Among Older Black and White Adults.

Objective: Older adults experience numerous changes in their social networks and social environment that may worsen preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study tested whether tangible support, appraisal support, belonging support, and self-esteem were associated with trauma symptom burden among community-dwelling older Black and White adults at baseline and over 12 months of follow-up.Methods: This study used data collected from a randomized controlled trial for depression prevention in adults 50 years of age or older who had subsyndromal depression (2006-2011). Two hundred forty-four participants (including 90 older Black adults) were randomly assigned to a problem-solving therapy arm or an active control arm. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was administered at baseline and 12 months later. Linear regression analysis was used to examine associations of each of the ISEL dimensions with DSM-IV-defined PTSD symptoms at baseline and over time, with control for well-established correlates of PTSD including depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.Results: Participants were a mean (SD) of 65.6 (11.0) years of age, and 71% percent were female. Belongingness support was the only dimension of interpersonal support significantly associated with PTSD symptoms at baseline (β = -0.192, t = -3.582, P < .001) and 12 months later (β = -0.183, t = -2.735, P < .01). Regression models accounted for a large proportion of variance in PTSD symptoms. The association between belongingness support and PTSD symptoms did not vary by participant race.Conclusions: A strong perception of belongingness to family and/or friends was associated with fewer PTSD symptoms at baseline and over 12 months. This observation generates the hypothesis that behavioral interventions which directly target and modify interpersonal support may benefit both older Black and older White adults who have experienced trauma.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00326677.

Trauma Informed Care in the Obstetric Setting and Role of the Perinatal Psychiatrist: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

Trauma is highly prevalent, and women are twice as likely as men to develop posttraumatic stress disorder following a traumatic exposure. Consequently, many women entering the perinatal period have trauma histories. In the perinatal period, a trauma history can negatively impact treatment engagement and adversely affect the experience of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. A trauma-informed care approach can mitigate these effects. This review aims to summarize literature that can aid psychiatrists in (1) identifying signs and symptoms of trauma in perinatal women, (2) integrating elements of trauma-informed care into perinatal mental health care, and (3) offering interventions that can minimize adverse outcomes for perinatal women and their children. A PubMed search was conducted with keywords including trauma, pregnancy, perinatal, posttraumatic stress disorder, postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder, and trauma informed care. Perinatal care, given its somewhat invasive nature, has the potential to traumatize or cause retraumatization. Trauma-related disorders are common and can present or worsen in the perinatal period. Trauma can manifest in multiple forms in this population, including exacerbation of preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder, new onset acute stress disorder in the perinatal period, or postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder secondary to traumatic childbirth. Unaddressed trauma can adversely affect the experience of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. Psychiatrists caring for women in the perinatal period are in an ideal position to screen for trauma and offer appropriate intervention. A trauma-informed approach to obstetric care can help clinical teams respond to the unique trauma-related challenges that can arise during obstetric care. Trauma-informed care, with its emphasis on establishing a culture of safety, transparency, trustworthiness, collaboration, and mutuality, can empower health care providers and systems with powerful tools to respond to trauma and its myriad effects in a strengths-based manner. By applying a trauma-informed lens, psychiatrists can help their obstetric colleagues provide patient-centered compassionate care and treatment. Applying a trauma-informed approach to evaluation and treatment of perinatal populations could decrease the toll trauma has on affected women and their children.

Mode of birth and development of maternal postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects approximately 3% of women in the postnatal period, but less is known about risk factors for PTSD than other postnatal mental illnesses. This review aimed to analyze the literature on the impact of mode of birth on postnatal PTSD. Searches were undertaken of CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies investigating the link between mode of birth and postnatal PTSD in high-resource countries from January 1990 to February 2021. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and synthesized. Meta-analysis was performed with four of the studies, and the rest were analyzed narratively. Twelve quantitative studies, presenting data on 5567 women, and two qualitative studies, with 92 women, were included in the review. Most studies found a significant relationship between mode of birth and maternal PTSD symptoms. Meta-analysis found cesarean birth was more closely associated with PTSD than vaginal delivery (VD) (P= 0.005), emergency cesarean birth (EmCB) more than elective cesarean birth (ElCB) (P&lt; 0.001), instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) more than spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) (P&lt; 0.001), and EmCB more than SVD (P&lt; 0.001). Women who developed PTSD after EmCB felt less in control and less supported than those who did not develop it after the same procedure. Request for repeat ElCB appeared more common among women with pre-existing postnatal PTSD, but this may subsequently leave them feeling dissatisfied and their fears of childbirth unresolved. Modes of birth involving emergency intervention may be risk factors for the development of postnatal PTSD. Ensuring that women feel supported and in control during emergency obstetric interventions may mediate against this risk.

PTSD Symptoms and Coping with COVID-19 Pandemic among Treatment-Seeking Veterans: Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom levels and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic among treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD. Method: A cohort of 176 male treatment-seeking veterans with pre-existing PTSD during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (T1) and 132 participants from the same cohort one year after the onset of the pandemic (T2) participated in a longitudinal study. All participants responded to a COVID-19-related questionnaire and the following measures: the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Brief COPE. Results: The intensity of overall PTSD symptoms, avoidance symptoms and negative alterations in cognitions and mood was lower at T2. PTSD symptoms were not significantly correlated with SARS-CoV-2 potentially traumatic events (PTE) at T2. Veterans scored higher on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping than on dysfunctional coping. Conclusions: Veterans with pre-existing PTSD who were receiving long-term treatment coped with COVID-19 stressors without the effects of retraumatization and a consequent worsening of PTSD symptoms.

Change in 9/11-related post-traumatic stress symptoms following cancer diagnosis.

Cancer can be a life-threatening stressor that may evoke pre-existing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We assessed change in 9/11-related PTSD symptoms following cancer diagnosis in a 9/11-exposed cohort, the World Trade Center Health Registry. We examined enrollees who had a first-time post-9/11 invasive cancer diagnosis and at least one pre- and two post-diagnosis 9/11-related PTSD assessments from enrolment through 2015. PTSD symptoms were measured using 17-item PTSD Checklist (PCL, range 17-85). Cancer was identified from New York State Cancer Registry and categorized as localized or advanced stage. We used piecewise spline linear mixed-effects models to examine rate of change in PCL scores from pre- to post-diagnosis periods, and whether the change differed by gender or stage, with time as fixed and random effects, adjusting for baseline age, race, and education. 9/11-related PTSD symptoms were slightly increasing in the pre-diagnosis period, while this trend reversed in the post-diagnosis period (β: -0.38; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.15). This trend was driven by male rescue/recovery workers (RRW), among whom significant decrease in rate of change in PCL scores was observed for those with advanced stage (slope change difference [95% CI]: -1.81 [-2.73, -0.90]). No significant difference in rate of change was observed among non-RRW. Among females, PCL scores tended to decrease slightly, with no significant difference in rate of change between pre- and post-diagnosis periods. We observed significant reduction in the rate of change in 9/11-related PTSD symptoms among male RRW. The underlying mechanism is unknown, necessitating future research.

Premorbid traumatic stress and veteran responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects on lifestyle stability and physical and mental health. We examined the impact of preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and depression on biopsychosocial responses to the pandemic, including psychiatric symptoms, COVID‐19 exposure, and housing/financial stability, among 101 U.S. military veterans enrolled in a longitudinal study of PTSD, a population of particular interest given veterans’ trauma histories and defense‐readiness training. Participants (83.2% male, 79.2% White, M age = 59.28 years) completed prepandemic, clinician‐administered psychiatric diagnostic interviews and a phone‐based assessment between May and September 2020 using a new measure, the Rapid Assessment of COVID‐19–Related Experiences (RACE), which was used to assess pandemic responses and its effects on mental and physical health; COVID‐19 diagnosis and testing were also extracted from electronic medical records. Multivariate regressions showed that, controlling for demographic characteristics, prepandemic PTSD, β = .332; p = .003, and AUD symptoms, β = .228; p = .028, were associated with increased pandemic‐related PTSD symptoms. Prepandemic AUD was associated with increased substance use during the pandemic, β = .391; p < .001, and higher rates of self‐reported or medical record–based COVID‐19 diagnosis, β = .264; p = .019. Minority race was associated with pandemic‐related housing/financial instability, β = −.372; p < .001, raising concerns of population inequities. The results suggest that preexisting PTSD and AUD are markers for adverse pandemic‐related psychiatric outcomes and COVID‐19 illness. These findings carry implications for the importance of targeting prevention and treatment efforts for the highest‐risk individuals.

Impact of comorbid post traumatic stress disorder on multiple sclerosis in military veterans: A population-based cohort study

Background: Very little is known regarding the impact of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To explore the impact of pre-existing PTSD on MS relapses, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity, and disability in a large population-based cohort. Methods: Military Veterans with MS and PTSD prior to symptom onset (MSPTSD, n = 96) were identified using the Department of Veterans Affairs MS databases. MSPTSD cases were matched to MS controls without PTSD (n = 95). Number of relapses, number of new T2 lesions and new gadolinium lesions on brain MRI, and neurological disability were abstracted between 2015 and 2019. Results: The mean annualized relapse rate was greater in the MSPTSD group versus controls (0.23 vs 0.06, respectively; p < 0.05), as was the annualized mean number of new T2 and gadolinium-enhancing lesions on brain MRI (0.52 vs 0.16 and 0.29 vs 0.08, respectively; p < 0.05). Disability accrual (time to Disability Status Scale 6.0) was more rapid (23.7 vs 29.5 years, p < 0.05) in relapsing MS patients with PTSD. Conclusion: Patients with MSPTSD have higher disease activity and reach disability endpoints more rapidly than controls. This is the first study to show PTSD as a potentially modifiable risk factor for MS relapses, MRI activity, and disability.

Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable behavioral health implications globally. One subgroup that may be of particular concern is U.S. veterans, who are susceptible to mental health and substance use concerns. The current study aimed to investigate changes in alcohol use and binge drinking before and during the first year of the pandemic among U.S. veterans, and how pre-pandemic mental health disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and COVID-19-related factors like loneliness, negative reactions to COVID-19, and economic hardship influenced alcohol use trends. Methods1230 veterans were recruited in February 2020 as part of a larger survey study on veteran health behaviors. Veterans were asked to complete follow-up assessments throughout the pandemic at 6, 9, and 12- months. ResultsOverall, veterans reported a significant decrease in alcohol use (IRR = 0.98) and binge drinking (IRR = 0.11) However, women, racial/ethnic minority veterans, and those with pre-existing PTSD exhibited smaller decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking and overall higher rates of use compared to men, White veterans, and those without PTSD. Both economic hardship and negative reactions to COVID-19 were associated with greater alcohol and binge drinking whereas loneliness showed a negative association with alcohol use and binge drinking. ConclusionsVeterans reported decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking throughout the pandemic, with heterogeneity in these outcomes noted for higher risk groups. Special research and clinical attention should be given to the behavioral health care needs of veterans in the post-pandemic period.

Unique Pain Management Needs for Pregnant Women with Pre-existing PTSD and Other Mental Health Disorders

This review describes how the presence of maternal mental health disorders influences peripartum pain. It provides practical guidance for tailored anesthetic plans that address the unique needs of pregnant women with such disorders. The role of maternal mental health conditions in the peripartum experience and postpartum course for the mother-baby dyad is an evolving area of interest in the current psychiatric and obstetric literature. It is only recently, however, that providers are beginning to understand how pre-existing maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression influences how these patients perceive pain during labor or cesarean section. There is, unfortunately, a lack of understanding and consistency in the approach to pain management for these patients. Emphasis on recognition of these unique patient needs and tailoring of peripartum pain management strategies is crucial in helping to achieve a positive birth experience and minimize increased postpartum mental health symptom severity and/or chronic pain for these patients. Peripartum pain during labor and/or surgical delivery can be influenced by a pre-existing history of mental health conditions. Specialized pain assessment and management strategies should accommodate the unique needs of these patients.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide among veterans with prostate cancer.

To evaluate the effect of a preexisting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis on suicide and non-suicide mortalities among men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, and examine potential mediating factors for the relationship between PTSD and suicide. We used patient-level data from Veterans Health Administration electronic medical records to identify men (age ≥40 years) diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2014. We used Fine and Gray regression model to estimate the risk for competing mortality outcomes (suicide, non-suicide, and alive). We used structural equation models to evaluate the mediating factors. Our cohort comprised 214,649 men with prostate cancer, of whom 12,208 (5.7%) had a preexisting PTSD diagnosis. Patients with PTSD compared to those without utilized more healthcare services and had lower risk cancer at diagnosis. Additionally, they experienced more suicide deaths (N=26, 0.21% vs. N=269, 0.13%) and fewer non-suicide deaths (N=1399, 11.5% vs. N=45,625, 22.5%). On multivariable analysis, PTSD was an independent suicide risk factor (HR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.16, 4.78). Depression, substance use disorder, and any definitive prostate cancer treatment were partial mediators. However, PTSD was associated with lower non-suicide mortality risk (HR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.96). Patients with PTSD experienced greater suicide risk even after adjusting for important mediators. They may have experienced lower non-suicide mortality risk due to favorable physical health resulting from greater healthcare service use and early diagnosis of lower risk cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of considering psychiatric illnesses when treating patients with prostate cancer and the need for interventions to ameliorate suicide risk.

Diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented stress globally, and the associated medical and health-related traumatic experiences pose significant risks for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the exacerbation of pre-existing PTSD, among patients, general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare staff. The aim of this article is to provide guidance to GPs and healthcare staff working in Australia about the diagnosis and treatment of both newly developed and pre-existing PTSD in the COVID-19 context. Case studies are presented; the authors discuss whether pandemic-related PTSD is different to PTSD caused by different types of traumatic exposure, and the associated implications for treatment. The role of GPs in the management of PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic remains central, involving early detection, assessment and referral. Moreover, health professionals are not immune to the mental health effects of the pandemic and are encouraged to maintain their wellbeing and to seek professional treatment if needed.

Association of PTSD with COVID-19 testing and infection in the Veterans Health Administration

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk factors, such as hypertension and obesity. Associations between PTSD and COVID-19 outcomes may affect Veterans Health Administration (VA) services, as PTSD occurs at higher rates among veterans than the general population. While previous research has identified the potential for increased PTSD prevalence resulting from COVID-19 as a public health concern, no known research examines the effect of pre-existing PTSD on COVID-19 test-seeking behavior or infection. This study aimed to evaluate pre-existing PTSD as a predictor of COVID-19 testing and test positivity. The sample consisted of 6,721,407 veterans who sought VA care between March 1, 2018 and February 29, 2020. Veterans with a previous PTSD clinical diagnosis were more likely to receive COVID-19 testing than veterans without PTSD. However, among those with available COVID-19 test results (n = 168,032), veterans with a previous PTSD clinical diagnosis were less likely to test positive than veterans without PTSD. Elevated COVID-19 testing rates among veterans with PTSD may reflect increased COVID-19 health concerns and/or hypervigilance. Lower rates of COVID-19 test positivity among veterans with PTSD may reflect increased social isolation, or overrepresentation in the tested population due to higher overall use of VA services. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the identification of patient-level psychiatric predictors of testing and test positivity can facilitate the targeted provision of medical and mental health services to individuals in need.

Case Report: the Comorbidity of Pregabalin-Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Clinical and Pharmacological Issues

Owing to its anxiolytic effects, pregabalin is used to treat many distressing symptoms, with various clinical observations supporting its potential benefits in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a decade-long concern has been raised regarding the risk of patient misuse. A 27-year-old immigrant male self-treated with massive doses of pregabalin for at least 6 yr to alleviate his re-experiencing of the past war events he faced in his native country. PTSD and pregabalin-use disorder were diagnosed upon his arrival at our addiction care center. A controlled pregabalin withdrawal failed because the patient switched from this drug to alcohol and methadone available on the street. We therefore organized a hospitalization to provide a controlled methadone delivery and to begin pregabalin withdrawal, enabling thereafter the management of his care to focus on his PTSD. This case report invites clinicians to be cautious in prescribing pregabalin to patients suffering from PTSD, especially to at-risk populations such as migrants. Pregabalin has a positive effect on acute post-traumatic anxiety, but no long-term beneficial impact. As suggested by preclinical studies, pre-existing PTSD could potentiate the development of a pregabalin substance-use disorder.

4417 Association between Brain Volumes and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Intensive Care Unit Survivors

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To explore the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in association with hippocampal and amygdala volumes in ICU survivors. We hypothesize that the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms in ICU survivors is associated with lower volumes of both the hippocampus and amygdala. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Secondary analysis of the VISIONS study, a prospective sub-study of the BRAIN-ICU cohort, which included survivors of critical illness. Patients were screened for preexisting PTSD before discharge. The PTSD Checklist Specific (PCL-S) was used at 3 and 12 months to evaluate the ICU as a traumatic experience. A score of &gt;30, indicated significant symptoms of PTSD. A Philips Achieva 3T MRI scanner was used to scan patients at both discharge and 3-month follow-up. To compare median brain volumes at discharge and 3 months for those with and without significant PTSD symptomatology (PCL-S ≥30) at 3 and 12 months, we used a Kruskal-Wallis (KW) equality-of-populations rank test. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The median age for our sample was 58.5 (52.6, 63.7). One-third of the sample was female, and 90% were Caucasian. Fifty-seven percent of individuals (N = 12) had at least one prior mental health diagnosis, with two having a prior history of PTSD. One third of individuals experienced delirium during their critical illness. At 3-month follow up, there were three patients with PTSD symptomatology and one at 12-month follow up. Median brain volumes (hippocampus or amygdala) did not differ between individuals with or without PTSD symptomatology at either 3 or 12 months (p-values for all tests &gt;0.05). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Although our study did not reveal significant differences in brain volumes between PTSD patients and non-PTSD patients, sample size is a major limitation and larger scale studies should be undertaken to elucidate possible neurobiological markers of PTSD in ICU survivors. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: Dr. Wilson would like to acknowledge salary support from the Vanderbilt Faculty Research Scholars Program (1KL2TR002245), HL111111 and GM120484. Drs. Ely and Jackson as well as Mrs. Kiehl all receive funding for their time working on this investigation from AG035117 and HL111111. Dr. Ely would additionally like to acknowledge salary support from the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC). Dr. Ely will also disclose additional funding for his time from AG027472 and having received honoraria from Orion and Hospira for CME activity; he does not hold stock or consultant relationships with those companies. The authors would like to acknowledge the following: this work was conducted in part using the resources of the Center for Computational Imaging at Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science and the Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at Vanderbilt University.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in patients who rule out versus rule in for acute coronary syndrome.

Many patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the experience. Less is known about risk for PTSD in patients who rule out for ACS. Our objective was to compare the risk of developing PTSD among patients who rule out versus rule in for ACS. We enrolled a consecutive sample of 1000 patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with symptoms of a probable ACS. We assessed presenting ACS symptoms in the ED. We determined whether presenting symptoms were due to a confirmed ACS or another etiology by chart review. We assessed PTSD by telephone 1 month after discharge using the PTSD Checklist specific for the suspected ACS event (PCL-S). We used logistic regression to determine the association of ruling out versus ruling in for ACS with a positive PTSD screen (PCL-S ≥ 32), adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, depression, trauma history, and pre-existing PTSD. Approximately two-thirds of patients (68.2%) ruled out for ACS. Compared to confirmed ACS patients, patients who ruled out had similar presenting symptoms, and similar risk of screening positive for PTSD (18.9% versus 16.8%; p = 0.47; adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69-2.00; p = 0.55). ED presentation with ACS symptoms was sufficient to trigger a positive PTSD screen whether the etiology was due to a life-threatening ACS or another etiology. Patients who present with ACS symptoms should be considered for interventions to prevent PTSD after hospitalization, regardless of symptom etiology.

Re-experiencing 9/11-Related PTSD Symptoms Following Exposure to Hurricane Sandy.

Understanding Pre-Existing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and risk of PTSD following Hurricane Sandy (Sandy) has important implications for PTSD screening of persons exposed to multiple traumas. This study assessed the association between Sandy exposure and a subset of PTSD symptoms related to re-experiencing trauma from the events of the September 11, 2001 (9/11). We studied 4,220 respondents from a random 8,870 person sample of adult World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who completed a post-Sandy survey between March 28 and November 7, 2013. The symptom cluster of re-experiencing 9/11 was defined using 3 out of 5 questions in the intrusion domain of the PTSD Checklist. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for socio-demographics, social support and any post-9/11 life threatening events prior to Sandy, was performed separately in those symptomatic and non-symptomatic of re-experiencing 9/11 prior to Sandy. A total of 688 enrollees (16.3%) reported re-experiencing 9/11 symptoms after Sandy (58.8% in those symptomatic prior to Sandy, and 8.7% in those non-symptomatic). A significant association between Sandy exposure and re-experiencing 9/11 was observed only among those non symptomatic prior to Sandy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval=1.2-2.3 for moderate Sandy exposure; AOR=2.8, 2.0-4.0 for high Sandy exposure). Individuals with a history of trauma should be considered for early screening and counseling for mental health after a subsequent traumatic event, regardless of PTSD status, especially in 9/11 exposed populations.

Effect of Previous Posttraumatic Stress in the Perinatal Period

ObjectiveTo review the extant literature on the effect of traumatic experiences that pre-date conception, pregnancy, and the postpartum period (perinatal period) and present a thematic overview of current issues in this relatively new area of inquiry. Data SourcesElectronic databases Cochrane, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and PubMed were searched. Manual searches of reference lists supplemented the electronic search. Study SelectionPeer-reviewed articles written in English on the role of posttraumatic stress disorder during the perinatal period were included. Data ExtractionKey findings relevant to perinatal posttraumatic stress that were reported in primary sources and meta-analyses were organized according to themes, including The Role of Childbirth, Comorbidity With Depression and Anxiety, Risk Factors for Perinatal PTSD, High-Risk Health Behaviors, and Association With Adverse Health Outcomes. Data SynthesisAcross studies, antenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates were estimated between 2.3% and 24%, and observed prevalence rates during the postnatal period ranged from 1% to 20%; however, many researchers failed to assess PTSD that existed before or during pregnancy, and when preexisting PTSD is a controlled variable, postpartum rates drop to 2% to 4.7%. In addition to prenatal depression and anxiety and pre-pregnancy history of psychiatric disorders, history of sexual trauma, childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and psychosocial attributes are risk factors for development or exacerbation of perinatal PTSD. ConclusionWomen's health care providers should evaluate for PTSD in routine mental health assessments during and after pregnancy, especially with a reported history of trauma or the presence of a mood or anxiety disorder. Such screening will allow women to receive needed treatment and referrals and mitigate the potentially negative sequelae of PTSD. Future investigators must recognize the importance of subsyndromal posttraumatic stress symptoms and individual differences in responses to trauma.