Prevalence Of PTSD Research Articles

Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

BackgroundMental health outcomes in healthcare workers (HCWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been poorly explored during COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to carry out a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of mental health symptoms in HCWs in Colombia. MethodsA cross-sectional web-survey study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic mid-2021 including HCWs in two hospitals in Colombia. The PCL-5, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales were used to assess the prevalence of symptoms and severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Colombia. ResultsFrom 257 surveyed respondents, 44.36% were nurses, 36.58% physicians and 19.07% other health professionals. The prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 18.68%, 43.19%, and 26.85%, amongst HCWs. The regression model evidence a strong risk of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in HCWs in Colombia during the second wave of COVID-19 in the middle of 2021. ConclusionsThe prevalence for several mental health symptoms in HCWs in Colombia were higher compared with the general population. HCWs are at-risk population to develop chronic symptoms and mental disorders during and after outbreaks. These results will be helpful to tailor strategies to support the physical and mental health of the HCWs in LMICs.

Physical, Mental, and Socioeconomic Health Issues of Sex and Labor Trafficking Survivors Engaged in Primary Care Services

ABSTRACT This study describes physical, mental, and socioeconomic health issues of people who have experienced human trafficking. Data was utilized from the electronic medical records of the PurpLE Clinic, which provided primary care for survivors of human trafficking from 2015 to 2019. One hundred and twenty-four patients experienced any sex trafficking (85.5% cisgender women, 13.7% transgender women) and 14 patients experienced labor trafficking only (85.7% cisgender women, 14.3% cisgender men.) Common healthcare issues addressed included blood pressure management (20.2% sex trafficking, 35.7% labor trafficking), musculoskeletal pain (32.3% sex trafficking, 42.9% labor trafficking), and unprotected intercourse (43.5% sex trafficking). Preventative health services survivors engaged in family planning, tobacco cessation, vaccinations, and chronic disease screening. A majority of survivors had moderate-to-severe depression (65.2%) and anxiety (71.2%), and screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (93.9%). Socioeconomic issues included experiencing housing insecurity (50.0%), being undocumented (50.0%), and uninsured (39.9%). Sex and labor trafficking survivors have a range of acute and chronic health issues, including a high prevalence of PTSD, and co- existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities. These findings provide a framework for understanding post-identification care needs of human trafficking survivors in the United States, and highlight opportunities to address long-term health needs of this population.

Long-term effects of Coronavirus 2 infection after intensive care: a prospective study.

While the multi-organ manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are now well-documented, the potential long-term implications of these manifestations remain to be uncovered. The aim of the study was to study the level and predictors of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, quality of life and functional disability in COVID-19 survivors during the first year post Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge. A prospective longitudinal study, reported following the STROBE guidance, was conducted in adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to an Italian ICU from March 2020 to March 2021 who were followed until March 2022. A total of 207 patients were included in the study, of which 145 (70.1%) were male. One hundred and six (51.2%) patients between six and 12 months after ICU discharge reported at least one physical or cognitive impairment. The concurrent prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD is present in 25/106 patients (23.6% of cases) at six months and increases in 29/106 patients (27.3% of cases) at 12 months. However, the prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD was observed in 86 patients (41.5%) at six months and it gets smaller in 78 patients (37.7%) at 12 months (P=0.049). The EqVAS score (58.8 vs. 72.3, P=0.017) and the Barthel Index (61.5 vs. 74.8, P<0.001) increased significantly between six and 12 months after ICU. Our results show that functional and cognitive recovery improves between six and 12 months after ICU discharge with a high perception of the patients' quality of life. These results will help to inform health system planning and the development of multidisciplinary strategies to reduce chronic health loss among individuals with COVID-19.

Mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundThis systematic review aims to 1) summarize the prevalence of anxiety, depression, distress, insomnia, and PTSD in the adult population during the first year of the COVID pandemic in developing countries and 2) uncover and highlight the uneven distribution of research on mental health in all developing countries across regions.MethodsSeveral literature databases were systemically searched for meta-analyses published by September 22, 2021, on the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms in developing countries worldwide. We meta-analysed the raw data of the individual empirical results from the previous meta-analysis papers in developing countries in different regions.ResultsThe prevalence rates of mental health symptoms were summarized based on 341 empirical studies with a total of 1 704 072 participants from 40 out of 167 developing countries in Africa, Asia (East, Southeast, South, and West), Europe, and Latin America. Comparatively, Africa (39%) and West Asia (35%) had the worse overall mental health symptoms, followed by Latin America (32%). The prevalence rates of overall mental health symptoms of medical students (38%), general adult students (30%), and frontline health care workers (HCWs) (27%) were higher than those of general HCWs (25%) and general populations (23%). Among five mental health symptoms, distress (29%) and depression (27%) were the most prevalent. Interestingly, people in the least developing countries suffered less than those in emergent and other developing countries. The various instruments employed lead to result heterogeneity, demonstrating the importance of using the well-established instruments with the standard cut-off points (eg, GAD-7, GAD-2, and DASS-21 for anxiety, PHQ-9 and DASS-21 for depression, and ISI for insomnia).ConclusionsThe research effort on mental health in developing countries during COVID-19 has been highly uneven in the scope of countries and mental health outcomes. This meta-analysis, the largest on this topic to date, shows that the mental health symptoms are highly prevalent yet differ across regions. The accumulated systematic evidence from this study can help enable the prioritization of mental health assistance efforts to allocate attention and resources across countries and regions.

Estimating the total prevalence of PTSD among the UK police force: Formal comment on Brewin, Miller and Burchell (2022).

Estimating the total prevalence of PTSD among the UK police force: Formal comment on Brewin, Miller and Burchell (2022).

Potentially traumatic events and health among lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual Vietnam veterans: Results from the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational study.

Objectives: To examine differences in potentially traumatic events (PTEs), probable PTSD, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and heterosexual Vietnam Era veterans. Method: Data are from the 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational study survey (n = 18,866; 45% response rate). PTEs were defined using the 10-item Brief Trauma Questionnaire and a dichotomous item about whether respondents witnessed sexual assault during military service. Current probable PTSD was measured with the Primary Care PTSD Screen, and mental and physical HRQoL was assessed with the SF-8™. Multivariable regression analyses were first adjusted for sociodemographic and military-related characteristics, and then with PTEs as a count variable ranging from 0-11. Survey weights accounted for the complex sampling design and nonresponse. Results: Approximately 1.5% of veterans were LGB. Compared to heterosexual veterans, LGB veterans were more likely to report exposure to natural disasters, childhood physical abuse, adulthood physical assault, and sexual assault, and they were less likely to report combat exposure, witnessing someone being seriously injured or killed, or witnessing sexual assault while in the military. Compared to heterosexual veterans, LGB veterans had greater odds of current probable PTSD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.50, 95% CI [1.04, 2.16]) and poorer mental HRQoL (B = -1.70, SE = .72, p = .018). PTEs attenuated sexual orientation differences in probable PTSD (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI [.82, 1.97]) and poorer mental HRQoL (B = -1.22, SE = .67, p = .067). Conclusions: Among Vietnam Era veterans, PTEs differ based on sexual orientation, and contribute to LGB veterans' greater prevalence of current probable PTSD and poorer mental HRQoL relative to heterosexual veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

PTSD is not the emblematic disorder of the COVID-19 pandemic; adjustment disorder is

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been hailed by some as the emblematic mental disorder of the COVID-19 pandemic, assuming that PTSD’s life-threat criterion was met de facto. More plausible outcomes like adjustment disorder (AD) have been overlooked.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was launched in the initial stage of the pandemic using a convenience sample of 5 913 adults to compare the prevalence of COVID-related probable PTSD versus probable AD. The abridged Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-6) assessed the severity of trauma- and stressor-related symptoms over the previous week. Demographic and pandemic-related data (e.g., receiving a formal diagnosis of COVID-19, job loss, loss of loved one, confinement, material hardship) were collected. A Classification and Regression Tree analysis was conducted to uncover the pandemic experiences leading to clinical ‘caseness’. Caseness was defined by a score > 9 on the IES-6 symptom measure and further characterized as PTSD or AD depending on whether the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory’s life-threat item was endorsed or not.ResultsThe participants were predominantly Caucasian (72.8%), women (79.2%), with a university degree (85%), and a mean age of 42.22 (SD = 15.24) years; 3 647 participants (61.7%; 95%CI [60.4, 63.0]) met the threshold for caseness. However, when perceived life-threat was accounted for, only 6.7% (95%CI [6.1, 7.4]) were classified as PTSD cases, and 55% (95%CI [53.7, 56.2]) as AD cases. Among the AD cases, three distinct profiles emerged marked by the following: (i) a worst personal pandemic experience eliciting intense fear, helplessness or horror (in the absence, however, of any life-threat), (ii) a pandemic experience eliciting sadness/grief, and (iii) worrying intensely about the safety of significant others.ConclusionsStudies considering the life-threat criterion as met de facto during the pandemic are confusing PTSD for AD on most counts. This misconception is obscuring the various AD-related idioms of distress that have emerged during the pandemic and the actual treatment needs.

P635. Post-Traumatic Stress in Older Adults with Hypertension During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence, Correlates, and Pro-Inflammatory Biomarkers

BackgroundPost-traumatic stress symptoms include intrusion phenomena, hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative alterations in mood and cognition and are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, especially in older adults. As higher proinflammatory marker levels are shown in PTSD, immune dysregulation may underlie these associations. Cytokine dysregulation could underlie onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors.MethodsAdults aged 60-90 years with hypertension completed hemodynamic testing, plasma biomarker measurements, and psychological and cognitive assessments. Prevalence of PTSS was determined based on a PC-PTSD cut-off score of 3. Group comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank sum or Chi-squared tests. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test whether pre-pandemic measures predicted PTSS group status and PC-PTSD scores.ResultsNinety-five subjects completed the study. Pre-COVID-19, the two PTSS groups did not differ by age, anti-hypertensive medication usage, Framingham Risk Score, or inflammatory biomarker levels. Framingham risk scores were marginally correlated with inflammatory biomarkers and MoCA scores. Prevalence of PTSS in this cohort of older adults with hypertension during the pandemic was 7.4%, greater than the pre-pandemic prevalence of PTSD in the general population of 4.7% but lower than 15-23% reported in other adult samples during the pandemic. Female sex and baseline anxiety levels predicted PTSS during the pandemic. The inflammation index odds ratios were 1.21 and 1.17.ConclusionsUnderstanding pandemic PTSS in aging adults with chronic conditions that increase risk for COVID severity will aid in developing targeted prevention and mitigation strategies to decrease the psychological and physiological burden for vulnerable aging populations.Supported ByR01HL126056, R03AG063328KeywordsInflammatory Biomarkers, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Hypertension BackgroundPost-traumatic stress symptoms include intrusion phenomena, hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative alterations in mood and cognition and are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, especially in older adults. As higher proinflammatory marker levels are shown in PTSD, immune dysregulation may underlie these associations. Cytokine dysregulation could underlie onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Post-traumatic stress symptoms include intrusion phenomena, hypervigilance, avoidance, and negative alterations in mood and cognition and are associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, especially in older adults. As higher proinflammatory marker levels are shown in PTSD, immune dysregulation may underlie these associations. Cytokine dysregulation could underlie onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. MethodsAdults aged 60-90 years with hypertension completed hemodynamic testing, plasma biomarker measurements, and psychological and cognitive assessments. Prevalence of PTSS was determined based on a PC-PTSD cut-off score of 3. Group comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank sum or Chi-squared tests. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test whether pre-pandemic measures predicted PTSS group status and PC-PTSD scores. Adults aged 60-90 years with hypertension completed hemodynamic testing, plasma biomarker measurements, and psychological and cognitive assessments. Prevalence of PTSS was determined based on a PC-PTSD cut-off score of 3. Group comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank sum or Chi-squared tests. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to test whether pre-pandemic measures predicted PTSS group status and PC-PTSD scores. ResultsNinety-five subjects completed the study. Pre-COVID-19, the two PTSS groups did not differ by age, anti-hypertensive medication usage, Framingham Risk Score, or inflammatory biomarker levels. Framingham risk scores were marginally correlated with inflammatory biomarkers and MoCA scores. Prevalence of PTSS in this cohort of older adults with hypertension during the pandemic was 7.4%, greater than the pre-pandemic prevalence of PTSD in the general population of 4.7% but lower than 15-23% reported in other adult samples during the pandemic. Female sex and baseline anxiety levels predicted PTSS during the pandemic. The inflammation index odds ratios were 1.21 and 1.17. Ninety-five subjects completed the study. Pre-COVID-19, the two PTSS groups did not differ by age, anti-hypertensive medication usage, Framingham Risk Score, or inflammatory biomarker levels. Framingham risk scores were marginally correlated with inflammatory biomarkers and MoCA scores. Prevalence of PTSS in this cohort of older adults with hypertension during the pandemic was 7.4%, greater than the pre-pandemic prevalence of PTSD in the general population of 4.7% but lower than 15-23% reported in other adult samples during the pandemic. Female sex and baseline anxiety levels predicted PTSS during the pandemic. The inflammation index odds ratios were 1.21 and 1.17. ConclusionsUnderstanding pandemic PTSS in aging adults with chronic conditions that increase risk for COVID severity will aid in developing targeted prevention and mitigation strategies to decrease the psychological and physiological burden for vulnerable aging populations. Understanding pandemic PTSS in aging adults with chronic conditions that increase risk for COVID severity will aid in developing targeted prevention and mitigation strategies to decrease the psychological and physiological burden for vulnerable aging populations.

Polish Version of the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Related to COVID-19 Questionnaire COVID-19-PTSD.

ObjectiveTranslate and investigate psychometric properties of the Polish version of COVID-19-PTSD in a sample of healthcare workers.MethodsThe PTSD symptoms were investigated among 184 participants (physicians, nurses, and paramedics). The respondents completed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Related to COVID-19 Questionnaire (COVID-19-PTSD) via online survey. The psychometric properties (i.e., internal consistency, validity, and reliability) of the Polish version of COVID-19-PTSD were analyzed.ResultsThe findings showed that the Polish version of COVID-19-PTSD is a reliable instrument. The total and subscale scores demonstrated good internal consistency. We also found that the prevalence of PTSD was reported at around 32% of healthcare workers.DiscussionThe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Related to COVID-19 Questionnaire (COVID-19-PTSD) is a first tool designed to assess the severity of PTSD symptoms related to the pandemic. The findings of our study confirmed good validity and reliability of the Polish version of COVID-19-PTSD which can be recommended to be used as a reliable screening tool to conduct psychological screening among Polish healthcare workers.

A multi-institutional study of post-traumatic stress disorder and its risk factors in Ethiopian pediatric patients with physical trauma

IntroductionPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was more common in children who had suffered physical trauma than in adults. Despite its prevalence, the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD in pediatric patients with physical trauma are unknown in Ethiopia. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PTSD and associated factors among pediatric patients with physical trauma who attended Northwest Amhara referral hospitals.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used in 422 pediatric patients with physical trauma aged 8–18 years from March 15 to May 15/2021. Using a systematic random sampling technique, data were collected from a sample of selected trauma patients via interviews and chart review. A standardized, pre-tested Child PTSD Symptom Scale was used to assess the severity of PTSD. Epidata 4.6 was used to enter the data, and Stata 14.0 was used to analyze it. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify PTSD determinants.ResultThe study included 422 paediatric patients who had suffered physical trauma, with a response rate of 97.87 percent. PTSD was found in 22.03 percent of paediatric patients with physical trauma in Northwest Amhara referral hospitals. The study discovered that female gender (AOR = 3.04, 95 percent CI: 1.58–5.84), age of 8 to 10 years old (AOR = 3.70, 95 percent CI: 1.39–9.87), having a chronic medical illness (AOR = 5.99, 95 percent CI: 2.60–13.77), having severe pain (AOR = 3.17, 95 percent CI: 1.12–8.99), low social support (AOR = 8.97, 95 percent CI: 4.04–19 were associated with PTSD.Conclusion and recommendationThe prevalence of PTSD was found to be high among pediatric patients who had experienced physical trauma. Special attention should be given to female patients, aged 8 to 10 years old, who have a chronic illness, for those who complain of severe pain and engaging others to provide good social support systems, are strongly recommended to alleviate PTSD in this segment of population.

PTSD Prevalence Rates of US Funeral Directors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created physical and mental health concerns for funeral directors. Past literature notes that high job demands, occupational death exposure, and heightened numbers of funerals have negative impacts on the mental health of funeral workers. Additionally, previous studies have found prevalence rates of PTSD to be more than three times higher in funeral directors than the general population. The present study sought to evaluate PTSD rates of funeral directors in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic given the increased job demands, high rates of burnout, and heightened death exposure they have faced. A convenience sample was used, and 10 participants completed an online survey containing the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and questions regarding awareness of mental health resources. Findings indicate that 50% of participants met criteria for a provisional PTSD diagnosis (n = 5), and 30% of participants had little to no awareness of mental health resources for funeral directors (n = 3). The results highlight the need for increased research and awareness regarding the mental health of funeral directors, particularly during times of increased stress, and the need for mental health services for funeral workers.

Gender differences in post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among Iranian population with substance use disorder

ABSTRACT Background In a review of Iranian studies, no studies have yet to explore a relationship between substance use disorders (SUDs), depression and/or PTSD. In this paper, we report whether the Iranian women and men with SUDs exhibit differences in PTSD and depression. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed on 600 SUDs patients in treatment. Assessments included socio demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory II, and the PTSD Checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive, chi-square (χ2) and logistic regression analysis. Results PTSD was 61.5% in the study population. The mean PTSD score was 47.92 ± 12.07 for all men and women. The participants revealed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms 19.7%, 24.3%, and 32.3%, respectively. Women were more likely than men to be diagnosed with PTSD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.82, 95%CI: 1.19, 2.80) and depression (AOR =1.65, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.77). In addition, marital status and job status were significantly associated with depression and PTSD. Conclusions This study shows remarkably higher prevalence of PTSD and depression in drug using women than their male counterparts. The results illustrate a number of gender differences that may shed light on etiologic models of co-morbid SUDs, PTSD, and depression.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms in Chinese children with ongoing cancer treatment and their parents: Are they elevated relative to healthy comparisons?

The objective of this work is to compare posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) between families of children on cancer treatment and families of healthy children in China and to analyse the association among child PTSS, parent PTSS, and depression in the cancer group. Participants were children on cancer treatment (n = 91) and their parents (n = 91), and healthy children (n = 114) and their parents (n = 96). The children were asked to self-report PTSS, and the parents completed self-reported measures of PTSS and depression. Although the prevalence of probable PTSD in children on cancer treatment was higher than that in comparisons (8.79% vs. 0.88%, P < 0.01), no statistic differences in PTSS levels were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in PTSS levels and the prevalence of severe PTSS (21.98% vs. 1.04%) between parents of children with cancer and comparisons were observed (P < 0.001). Parent PTSS and depression were positively associated with child PTSS in the cancer group (P < 0.01). The prevalence of probable PTSD in Chinese children with cancer was low, but PTSS was remarkably prevalent in their parents. Greater parent PTSS and depression were related to greater child PTSS. Results underline the importance to provide supportive psychological care for Chinese parents of children undergoing cancer treatment.

Depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder six months following preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy: a P4 study

BackgroundMental health is an integral part of overall health. Mental health disorders following childbirth are common and poor maternal mental health has consequences for both the mother and her infant. Preeclampsia is also relatively common in pregnancy but there is little known about the intersection between these two important conditions. Gaining a better understanding of the psychological consequences following preeclampsia is important, especially the link with depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. If women who experience preeclampsia are recognised as being at increased risk of poor mental health, targeted screening in the postpartum period should be implemented.AimsTo describe the prevalence and symptom severity of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder at six months postpartum in women, who had a diagnosis of preeclampsia, compared to those who had normal blood pressure in pregnancy.MethodsThe mental health component of the prospective cohort study, the Postpartum, Physiology, Psychology and Paediatric follow-up study (P4 Study) was used. Women diagnosed with preeclampsia (n = 90) and those who were normotensive during pregnancy (n = 302) completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, General Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale or Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Sclae-5 at six months postpartum.ResultsAt six months postpartum, depressive scores were similar in both groups but a higher proportion of women from the preeclampsia group scored above the threshold for depression (2% v 7% p = 0.04). There were no differences between the groups in the prevalence or severity of anxiety or PTSD. However, more women in the preeclampsia group reported their birth experience as a traumatic event (1% vs 7%, p = 0.01). On correlation testing and modelling, booking Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score, any mental health history, experiencing birth as traumatic and the General Anxiety Disorder Scale score were independent predictors of postpartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores.ConclusionThe postpartum clinical care of women with preeclampsia often focusses on the immediate physical health issues, but these women may also benefit from mental health screening. Targeted screening of preeclamptic women in the postpartum period may lead to more timely referral and initiation of treatment.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered on 18/11/2013 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registration Number: ACTRN12613001260718.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 on police officers.

Police officers play an important role in protecting the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their role has posed a serious threat to their physical and psychological health and well-being. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, PTSD and compassion fatigue in police officers and to identify the factors that predict COVID-19-related physical and mental well-being. As part of a regular health surveillance programme, 3863 police officers recorded their physical exposure to COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 had affected their psychological well-being. The study provides suggestions on developing evidence-based well-being interventions for policing.

Bullying in clinical high risk for psychosis participants from the NAPLS-3 cohort.

Bullying is associated with a heightened risk for poor outcomes, including psychosis. This study aimed to replicate previous findings on bullying prevalence in clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals, to assess the longitudinal course of clinical and functional variables between bullied and non-bullied CHR and the association of bullying with premorbid functioning, clinical outcome, transition to psychosis and risk of violence. The sample consisted of 691 CHR participants and 96 healthy controls. Participants reported whether they had experienced bullying and how long it had lasted. Assessments included DSM-5 diagnoses, attenuated psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, social and role functioning, depression, stress, premorbid functioning, and risk of violence. The bullied and non-bullied CHR groups were compared at baseline and further longitudinally on clinical and functioning variables and transition to psychosis. Bullying was more prevalent among CHR individuals than healthy controls. Bullied CHR had a higher prevalence of PTSD and more severe depression and stress at baseline than non-bullied CHR. There was no impact of bullying on clinical and functional variables over time. Bullying was not related to final clinical status or transition to psychosis. However, bullied participants had poorer premorbid functioning and a greater risk of violence. While bullying may not impact the likelihood of CHR individuals to transition to psychosis, it may be a risk factor for development of the at-risk state and may be related to a greater risk of violence. Future studies should consider bullying perpetration among CHR individuals.

Clear and Present Dangers: The Multiple Health Hazards of Volcanic Eruptions.

Clear and Present Dangers: The Multiple Health Hazards of Volcanic Eruptions.

Children's Resilience to Ongoing Border Attacks: The Role of Father, Mother, and Child Resources.

To understand children's resilience to ongoing violent border attacks (low PTSD symptoms and internalizing/externalizing behavior problems, and high sense of coherence-SOC), this study examined a multidimensional model of protective resources. This model comprised factors at the family level (fathers'/mothers' coping strategies and SOC) and at the individual level (children's coping strategies and attachments with father/mother). Participants were 251 Israeli father-mother-child triads living near the border with Gaza (children ages 9-12years). Preliminary analyses indicated children's prevalence of clinical PTSD was 6%. SEM analyses revealed the theoretical model's high fit with empirical data, χ2(1) = .00, p = .99, CFI = 1, TLI = 1, SRMR = .00, RMSEA = .00 [90% CI (.00, .00)]. More significant paths emerged between fathers' coping resources and children's resilience measures than for mothers' coping resources. Results also pinpointed the significant role of children's parental attachments and coping strategies. Discussion focused on the unique value of father, mother, and child risk/protective factors for explaining well-adjusted functioning among children living in conflict areas.

A cross-sectional study of mental health-, posttraumatic stress symptoms and post exposure changes in Norwegian ambulance personnel

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be elevated among first responders (Emergency Medical Services, fire service, police force) compared to the general population. Examining the prevalence of mental health issues in a work force with an elevated occupational risk is fundamental towards ensuring their wellbeing and implementing safeguard measures. The goal of this study is therefore to report the prevalence of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic development, and PTSD in Norwegian ambulance personnel.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey (Questback®), performed among operative personnel employed in the Emergency Medical Services in the Regional Health Trust of Central Norway between 18. February and 9. April 2021. The study was sent to 1052 eligible participants. Questions reported demographic data, a traumatic events exposure index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Depression), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, Posttraumatic symptom scale (PTSD) and Posttraumatic change scale.ResultsThe response rate in this study was 45.5% (n = 479/1052). The mean age of respondents was 37.1 years (std. 11.1) and 52.8% (n = 253) were male. Of the respondents, 80.6% (n = 386) were married or had a partner, and 91.6% (n = 439) reported having access to a peer support programme, with 34.9% (n = 167) reporting that they had utilized peer support. In this study, 5% (n = 24) showed a prevalence of manifest posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, while 8.6% (n = 41) reported moderate to severe depression and 2.9% (n = 14) presented moderate to severe symptoms of general anxiety. Of the respondents, 77.2% (n = 370) reported personal growth because of their work experiences.ConclusionsThis study indicates that Norwegian ambulance personnel report a prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, which is slightly higher for men, and lower for the female proportion in this study, when compared to an adult Norwegian population. The vast majority of respondents reported personal growth because of their work experience, and both the degree of peer support and having a partner seem to influence levels of posttraumatic stress and -development.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and the associated factors among children and adolescents with a history of maltreatment in Uganda

ABSTRACT Worldwide, children who grow up under adverse conditions risk the development of mental health problems. However, reliable data on the estimated magnitude of mental disorders of PTSD, depression and their associated factors among maltreated children and adolescents in low- and middle-income-countries (LMICs) is still lacking. This study estimated the magnitude of PTSD, depression and the associated factors among the children and adolescents with ahistory of maltreatment in Southwestern Uganda. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 232 children and adolescents on the prevalence of PTSD using Child PTSD Symptoms Scale for DSM-5 – Self-Report (CPSS-VSR) and Depression using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). Predictor variables were taken from the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure- Paediatric Version (Pedi MACE). Logistic regressions analyses were selected for statistical modelling while odds-ratios were calculated to assess the strength of associations between the predictor and outcome variables. Results In total, 140 (60%) participants fulfiled diagnostic criteria for PTSD and 91 (39%) for depression respectively. Predictor variables of PTSD were witnessing intimate partner violence (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.19–1.83, p = <0.001), having lived in more than two homes (OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.34–5.41, p = .005), and being cared for by non-relatives (OR = 2.25; 95%CI: 2.26–223.9, p = .008). Variables predicting depression were witnessing intimate partner violence (OR = 1.30; 95%CI: 108–1.57, p = .006); being cared for by non-relatives (OR = 5.62, 95%CI: 1.36–23.1, p = .001) and being female (OR = .054, 95% CI: 0.30–1.00, p = .005). Conclusion Children living under adverse conditions are at a higher risk of developing PTSD and depression. We recommend interventions that aim at reducing adverse psychosocial stressors so as to improve or restore the children’s mental health.Abbreviations: PTSD: Post traumatic stress disorder; LMICs: Low- and middle-income countries; IPV: Intimate partner violence; OVC: Orphans and vulnerable children