PTSD Scores Research Articles

Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Lockdown.

Background: Lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19 have affected many people's lifestyles and ability to earn a living. They add further distress to the lives of people in Syria, who have already endured 9 years of war. This study evaluates distress and the major causes of concerns related to COVID-19 during the full lockdown.Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS which were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form.Results: Our sample included 5,588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one case of COVID-19 was confirmed. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in female participants and with most of war variables (P < 0.05). Relationships with the partner being negatively affected and distress from a decline in ability to work and provide food were the most prominent.Conclusions: The indirect effects of COVID-19 are far more than that of the pathogen itself. A reduced ability to earn and to provide food were the main concerns indicated in this study. Relationships deteriorated in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also had more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last four weeks. Smoking patterns were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but when relationships were affected, lower support was observed.

Student reactions to traumatic material in literature: Implications for trigger warnings.

While trigger warnings have garnered significant debate, few studies have investigated how students typically respond to potentially triggering material. In this study, three hundred and fifty-five undergraduate students from four universities read a passage describing incidences of both physical and sexual assault. Longitudinal measures of subjective distress, PTSD symptoms, and emotional reactivity were taken. Greater than 96% of participants read the triggering passage even when given a non-triggering alternative to read. Of those who read the triggering passage, those with triggering traumas did not report more distress although those with higher PTSD scores did. Two weeks later, those with trigger traumas and/or PTSD did not report an increase in trauma symptoms as a result of reading the triggering passage. Students with relevant traumas do not avoid triggering material and the effects appear to be brief. Students with PTSD do not report an exacerbation of symptoms two weeks later as a function of reading the passage.

Influence of media engagement on the post traumatic stress disorder in context of the COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical reflection from India

ABSTRACT The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 induced a variety of psychological disorders for the entire community in each country in one way or the other. PTSD is also an important psychological concern in the context of the COVID-19. As observed during previous epidemics, people are growing increasingly dependent on the media for the sake of information, while the media has exhibited a tendency to amplify the public risk in perception of the disease. Hence, the present study investigated that how the media use pattern of the people influenced on the PTSD syndrome in the backdrop of the sever outbreak of the Covid-19. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during lockdown to collect data from the Indian adults (age≥ 18) on the media use pattern and the PTSD through snowball sampling. Out of the 672 respondent, only 658 samples were selected for the final analysis. Apart from the percentage analysis of demographic data, simple regression analysis model was used to measure the relationship between the media use and the PTSD. To predict the probable associations between socio-demographic characteristics with the PTSD score and pattern of the media use one-way ANOVA and the LSD post hoc was done as inferential statistics. The length of engagement with media of people in quarantine was quiet high and the higher exposure of the media has led to a higher posttraumatic stress among them. As demographic variables, young people, lower income group and the PG qualified respondents have shown higher PTSD than their counterpart.

Dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene in combat veterans with PTSD: A case-control study

The dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene has been postulated to be involved in PTSD; however, existing studies have shown inconsistencies when examining genotypic and allelic associations. The primary objective of this study was to examine whether DAT1–40bp-VNTR (DAT1) 9R polymorphism might increase the risk of PTSD development in combat veterans, utilizing a case-control gene association study with both control and PTSD cases having previous exposure to combat traumas. Participants with PTSD (N = 365) and combat-exposed controls without PTSD (N = 298) were included in analysis. After controlling for race, sex and age, when dichotomized, absence of DAT1 10R/10R genotypes was associated with PTSD diagnosis compared to no PTSD diagnosis; these results were not statistically significant when trichotomized 10R/10R, 10R/X, 9R/9R. Similarly, odds ratio for absence of 10R/10R genotype showed a statistically significant increase in the risk of developing PTSD. DAT1 genotype was also associated with statistically significant mean total CAPS scores, both when dichotomized and trichotomized. In conclusion, our results indicate that the absence of 10R/10R is associated with an increased risk of PTSD and higher CAPS total scores.

Stress induced by the COVID-19 health situation in a cohort of 111 subjects present in the Bataclan concert hall during the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris

ABSTRACT Background: The management of the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is all the more difficult when subjects suffer from a prior psychiatric illness. BV13 is a 54-month prospective longitudinal cohort study of 111 subjects who were present in the Bataclan concert hall during the November 2015 terrorist attack in Paris. Objectives: Our first objective was to investigate the association between stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and PTSD symptoms, notably with respect to two positive risk factors: trait mindfulness and social support. The second was to explore how PTSD severity mediated the relationship between trait mindfulness and COVID-19-induced stress. Method: The primary endpoint was evaluated using the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Check List Scale (PCL-5) during the sanitary crisis and two years before. Social support was assessed with a Likert scale that measured perceived support from family, friends and the workplace. Trait mindfulness was measured with the 14-item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Results: 54 months after the attack, a univariate analysis identified a significant positive correlation between COVID-19 stress (CPDI) and PCL-5 (r=0.77, p<0.01) scores, on the one hand, and significant negative correlations with FMI (r=–0.59, p<0.01), and social support (r=–0.28, p<0.01) scores, on the other hand. In the multivariate model, CPDI scores were closely associated with PCL-5 scores (p<0.01) after adjustment for FMI and social support scores. CPDI and FMI scores were significantly associated (p=0.05), but not CPDI and social support scores (p=0.89). The PTSD score was a strong mediator of the relationship between trait mindfulness (FMI) and COVID-19 stress (CPDI) scores. Conclusion: PTSD symptoms diminished the beneficial impact of trait mindfulness on stress related to COVID-19. Our finding highlights that subjects with previous experience of trauma need specific treatment for PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 crisis.

Identifying a Need for Mental Health Services Posthospitalization in Adolescent Trauma Patients

Background: Nearly 150,000 children were hospitalized due to an injury in 2018. Hospitalized patients are often prescribed opioids and as a result, one in eight adolescents will continue using opioids twelve months after hospitalization. Predictors of sustained opioid use and future misuse posthospitalization have yet to be studied in adolescents. One of these predictors may be mental health disorders following hospitalization. It is known mental health disorders can lead to substance use disorders if not addressed properly. In this study we examined the associations between injury severity, mental health, and substance use among adolescents. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: Patients between 12 to 18 years old admitted for trauma were surveyed upon enrollment, and subsequently at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posthospitalization. These surveys measured anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, prescription and non-prescription drug use, pain severity and pain interference. &#x0D; Results: At enrollment and one-month posthospitalization, higher pain interference was associated with anxiety (p=.003), depression (p&lt;.001), and PTSD (p=.004). Increased pain severity was also associated with higher PTSD (p=.003) However, at three months, pain severity and interference were only associated with PTSD (p=.005, p=.009). Frequent alcohol use and higher PTSD were found to be statistically significant at six and twelve months (p=.02). Regular prescription opioid use was related to higher anxiety (p=.048) and depression (p=.048) only at enrollment and higher PTSD only at one month (p=.034). Prescription opioid use was not associated with pain severity and interference at enrollment but was found significant at one month (p=.016, p=.36). &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Adolescents who reported higher pain severity and interference also more commonly had mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Higher PTSD scores and frequent alcohol use were also related post-injury. Screening for mental health after hospitalization should be further investigated in identifying adolescents who may be at risk for future opioid use disorders.

The Development of a Sleep Intervention for Firefighters: The FIT-IN (Firefighter's Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares) Study.

Background: Firefighters are vulnerable to irregular sleep patterns and sleep disturbance due to work characteristics such as shift work and frequent dispatch. However, there are few studies investigating intervention targeting sleep for firefighters. This preliminary study aimed to develop and test a sleep intervention, namely FIT-IN (Firefighter’s Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares), which was based on existing evidence-based treatment tailored to firefighters in consideration of their occupational characteristics. Methods: This study implemented a single-group pre-post study design, utilizing an intervention developed based on brief behavior therapy for insomnia with imagery rehearsal therapy components. FIT-IN consisted of a total of three sessions (two face-to-face group sessions and one telephone session). Participants were recruited from Korean fire stations, and a total of 39 firefighters participated. Participants completed a sleep diary for two weeks, as well as the following questionnaires to assess their sleep and psychological factors: insomnia severity index (ISI), disturbing dream and nightmare severity index (DDNSI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), depressive symptom inventory-suicidality subscale (DSI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). These questionnaires were administered before the first session and at the end of the second session. Results: The FIT-IN program produced improvements in sleep indices. There was a significant increase in sleep efficiency (p < 0.01), and a decrease in sleep onset latency, number of awakenings, and time in bed (p < 0.05), as derived from weekly sleep diaries. In addition, significant decreases were shown for insomnia (p < 0.001) and nightmare severity (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There were significant improvements in sleep and other clinical indices (depression, PTSD scores) when comparing pre-and post-intervention scores. FIT-IN may be a feasible and practical option in alleviating sleep disturbance in this population. Further studies will be needed to ascertain FIT-IN’s effectiveness.

Mental health status in veterans residing in rural versus non-rural areas: results from the veterans\u2019 health study

BackgroundThe majority of Veterans Affair (VA) hospitals are in urban areas. We examined whether veterans residing in rural areas have lower mental health service use and poorer mental health status.MethodsVeterans with at least 1 warzone deployment in central and northeastern Pennsylvania were randomly selected for an interview. Mental health status, including PTSD, major depression, alcohol abuse and mental health global severity, were assessed using structured interviews. Psychiatric service use was based on self-reported utilization in the past 12 months. Results were compared between veterans residing in rural and non-rural areas. Data were also analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to minimize the influence by confounding factors.ResultsA total of 1730 subjects (55% of the eligible veterans) responded to the survey and 1692 of them had complete geocode information. Those that did not have this information (n = 38), were excluded from some analyses. Veterans residing in rural areas were older, more often of the white race, married, and experienced fewer stressful events. In comparison to those residing in non-rural areas, veterans residing in rural areas had lower global mental health severity scores; they also had fewer mental health visits. In multivariate logistic regression, rural residence was associated with lower service use, but not with PTSD, major depression, alcohol abuse, and global mental health severity score after adjusting confounding factors (e.g., age, gender, marital status and education).ConclusionsRural residence is associated with lower mental health service use, but not with poor mental health in veterans with former warzone deployment, suggesting rural residence is possibly protective.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among Ebola survivors in northern Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is limited data available on the long-term mental health impact of Ebola virus disease (EVD) on survivors despite the disease experience of survivors meeting the criteria of a traumatic event as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version IV (DSM IV). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictive factors of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder among EVD survivors, approximately 2 years after discharge from the Ebola treatment centre (ETC).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study between May and August 2017 among 197 adults Ebola survivors in Bombali district, Northern Sierra Leone. We collected information about demographics, mental health status and possible predictive factors. The HAD scale was used to measure anxiety and depression. PTSD was measured using the PTSD-checklist (PCL). Chi-square test or Fisher exact two-tailed tests were used to test for associations and the multiple logistic regressions model to determine factors that were independently associated with the outcome variables.ResultsThe mean anxiety, depression and PTSD scores were (5.0 ± 3.9), (7.1 ± 3.8) and (39.5 ± 6.4) respectively. Based on cut-off scores, the prevalence of anxiety (HADs score ≥ 8), depression (HADs score ≥ 8) and PTSD (PCL ≥ 45) among Ebola survivors were (n = 49, 24.9%), (n = 93, 47.2%) and (n = 43, 21.8%) respectively. Older Ebola survivors (≥30 years) were more likely to show symptoms of depression (AOR = 8.5, 95% CI: 2.68–27.01, p = 0.001) and anxiety (AOR = 3.04; 95%CI: 1.2–7.7, p = 0.019) compared to younger ones (< 30 years). In addition, Ebola survivors who experienced a decreased level of exercise post-ETC discharge were more likely to show symptoms of depression (AOR = 2.63; 95%CI: 1.25–5.54, p = 0.011) and anxiety (AOR = 3.60; 95%CI: 1.33–9.72, p = 0.012) compared to those whose exercise remained the same post-ETC discharge.ConclusionOur findings show that anxiety, depression and PTSD are common among the Ebola survivors in Bombali district, Northern Sierra Leone, and that underscores the need to diagnose and manage mental health morbidities among Ebola survivors long after their recovery from Ebola virus disease. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) need to be explored as part of overall mental healthcare package interventions.

Mental Distress and Psychological Disorders Related to COVID-19 Mandatory Quarantine

Abstract: Background: Restrictions that were enforced from COVID-19 have affected many people’s lifestyles and ability to earn. They caused a distress that even added to the war stress that the Syrian population has encountered for the last 10 years. This study aims to assess this distress and the major concerns of the people related to COVID-19. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed using SPTSS, K10, and MSPSS were used with other demographic, war- and COVID-19-related questions that were taken from The (CRISIS) V0.1 Adult Self-Report Baseline Form. Outcomes: Our sample included 5588 with the mean age of 26.84 ± 7.815 years. Of those, only one was a confirmed COVID-19 case. Over 42.7% had two or more positive PTSD symptoms, 42.6% had moderate or severe mental disorder, but only 14.9% had low social support. Higher PTSD and K10 scores overall were seen in females and with most of war variables (P<0.05). Relationship with partner were negatively affected in most and distress from the declined ability to work and provide food were the most prominent. Interpretation: The indirect effect of COVID-19 is far more than that of the pathogen itself. Reduced ability to earn and to provide food was the main concerns. Relationships deteriorated mainly in participants with high K10 and PTSD scores who also felt more symptoms and used more hypnotics in the last 4 weeks. Smoking changes were not related to K10 and PTSD. Social support played a role in reducing stress, but with the relationships being affected, lower support was seen. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol and ethical aspects were reviewed and approved by Damascus University deanship, Damascus, Syria. Online informed consent was taken before proceeding with the survey for participating in the research, and for using and publishing the data.

Psychological Well-Being Among Internally Displaced Adolescents and the Effect of Psychopathology on PTSD Scores Depends on Gender.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the post-traumatic symptoms and psychological well-being among internally displaced (ID) adolescents in the early phase of the conflict in the southeast part of Turkey and clarify the effect of psychopathology on PTSD scores depends on gender. With the help of the results of our study, we aimed to enhance our understanding of adolescent mental health. Our study was completed with 102 ID adolescents (42 boys, 60 girls). Our results showed that ID adolescents flee from conflict had significantly higher levels of mental disorders and PTSD. Girls show higher rates of PTSD symptoms than boys and there was no significant interactive effect of gender and emotional, behavioral and peer problems on PTSD. However, boys with ADHD seem to be more prone to develop PTSD than girls. We aimed to highlight the challenges facing adolescents forced to flee from conflict zones who were temporarily relocated. These results may help us to enlighten our understanding of ID adolescents and may suggest more studies to provide beneficial gender-specific intervention program.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and behavioral problems of parents and children after the 2015 Nepal earthquakes

This study examined the prolonged effects of parents’ PTSD and internalizing and externalizing problems on their children’s PTSD and internalizing and externalizing problems. The subjects were 200 pairs of Nepalese parents and children (aged 6–17 years) who had resided in refugee camps for 24 months following the 2015 Nepal earthquakes. PTSD among the parents was measured using the Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) while their behavioral problems were measured using the Adult Self-Report in Nepali (ASR). PTSD among the children was measured using the Parent Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (PROPS) and the Child Report of Post-traumatic Symptoms (CROPS) while their behavioral problems were measured using the Nepali version of the Child Behavior Checklist 6-18 (CBCL 6-18). The results showed that approximately half of the parents and children exhibited PTSD symptoms and over half of the parents and children exhibited internalizing problems requiring clinical intervention. Correlation analysis found a relatively strong connection between the parents’ PTSD and behavioral problems and their children’s PTSD and behavioral problems. Finally, the study found that the children’s reported PTSD score increased as the parents’ education level increased, and the parents’ internalizing score decreased. Parental PTSD was a significant variable in explaining children’s internalizing problems. Given the more serious the parents’ PTSD, the higher the children’s internalizing problems score, the results highlight the need for proper intervention for the parent and child survivors of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Identifying subgroups of refugees from Syria resettled in Sweden based on multiple trauma exposures: A latent class analysis of trauma history and mental health outcomes

ObjectiveMany refugees have been subjected to pre-migratory trauma. Evidence is needed to address the heterogeneity within refugee populations in regard to patterns of multiple trauma exposures. This study identified subgroups within a refugee population displaying different profiles of multiple trauma exposures and assessed sociodemographic predictors and differences in mental health symptom severity across these classes. MethodsStudy population consisted of 1215 refugees from Syria resettled in Sweden. Latent class analysis 3-step method for modelling predictors and outcomes and a class-specific weighted multigroup approach were used to identify classes of refugees using self-reported data on violent and non-violent trauma exposures, sociodemographic variables and symptom severity scores for depression, anxiety and PTSD. ResultsThree classes were identified: class 1 ‘multiple violent and non-violent trauma’ (39.3%, n = 546); class 2 ‘witnessing violence and multiple non-violent trauma’ (40.8%, n = 569); and class 3 ‘low multiple non-violent trauma’ (20.1%, n = 281). Trauma exposure and gender significantly predicted class membership. Male gender and highest severity of mental ill health defined class 1. Female gender predicted higher mental ill health within classes 1 and 2. Across all three classes living with a partner was associated with lower severity of mental ill health regardless of trauma exposure classes. ConclusionsThere are distinct patterns within refugee populations concerning exposure to multiple trauma. Violence is a primary marker for higher likelihood of multiple trauma exposures and severity of mental health. Gender predisposes individuals to trauma exposure and its outcomes differentially.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with altered modulation of prefrontal alpha band oscillations during working memory

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the severity of PTSD symptoms, modulation of alpha band oscillations, and behavioral performance in a working memory task. MethodsMagnetoencephalography data were recorded in 35 participants with combat exposure and various degrees of PTSD symptom severity while they performed a modified Sternberg working memory task: briefly presented sets of two or six letters had to be held in memory and participants indicated whether subsequent probe letters were present or absent from these sets. ResultsPTSD scores were positively correlated with the false positive rate in the high memory load condition. Higher rates of false recognition were associated with negative probes that were seen in recent previous trials (negative probe recency effect) or were physically similar with the list letters. The relative alpha band power in the left middle frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with both PTSD scores and false positive rates. ConclusionsReduced task specific modulation of alpha band oscillations in left middle frontal cortex may reflect alterations in the functions of pattern separation and suppression of memory traces for irrelevant or no longer relevant information in PTSD. SignificanceThe lower amplitude of prefrontal alpha band oscillations may represent an important physiological basis for core PTSD symptoms and can provide a target for interventions to augment response to treatment.

Sex Differences in Mental Health Outcomes of Suicide Exposure

Past research has robustly supported differences in prevalence and severity of mental health disorders between males and females in general. Less is known in regards to how suicide exposure and related factors may be associated with these mental health outcomes in men and women. This study seeks to explore similarities and differences between suicide exposure experiences of males and females in regards to number of exposures to suicide, relationships to the deceased, perceptions of closeness to the deceased, and related mental health correlates. Clinical applications are then discussed. A dual-frame, random digit dial survey was utilized to identify sex-differentiated demographic and suicide-related factors associated with these correlates in a statewide sample of 1,736 adults. t-tests revealed statistically higher depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief mean scores for suicide-exposed females; statistically higher suicide ideation levels in suicide-exposed males, and no statistical differences between sexes in PTSD scores. Logistic regression analyses provided an in-depth look at similarities and differences in risk and protective factors between male and female outcomes with perceptions of closeness and kinship levels as most salient risk factors. Cross-sectional design limits assertions of causality and retrospective nature of study may introduce recall bias. Males and females may differ in mental health impacts after suicide exposure. Implications for future research, prevention program planning, and bereavement counseling approaches are discussed.

Differences in quality of life and emotional health by diagnosis among women with early-stage gynecological cancers.

e23180 Background: Psychosocial outcomes have been described in women with gynecological cancers, but potential differences by diagnosis have received less attention. We sought to compare quality of life (QOL) and emotional health among early stage gynecological cancer survivors by disease location. Methods: We present baseline data from an ongoing cohort study of gynecological cancer patients treated at an academic cancer center. Measures include cancer-related QOL, emotional health and negative (post-traumatic stress disorder-PTSD) and positive (post-traumatic growth-PTG) reactions to cancer. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models (restricted to stage I or II; excluding vaginal/vulvar) explored differences in QOL and emotional health by diagnosis. Potential confounders considered for inclusion in the final models were age, stage, education, income, partner status, treatment status, and race. Results: 222 patients with early stage disease completed the survey: 56 (25.2%) ovarian, 122 (55.5) endometrial, 33 cervical (14.9%), and 11 (5%) vaginal/vulvar cancer. Cervical and vaginal/vulvar cancer patients reported greater cancer-related distress, anxiety and PTSD scores (Table). Endometrial cancer patients reported lowest PTG scores. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest early stage gynecological cancer patients face different psychosocial sequelae based on diagnosis, with worse outcomes generally being associated with younger age. Further research is needed to assess low PTG among endometrial cancer patients, since PTG is considered a potentially beneficial psychosocial outcome of cancer. [Table: see text]

PTSD Symptoms Experienced and Coping Tactics Used by Crime Scene Investigators in the United States.

Few investigations have assessed the prevalence of posttraumatic stress experiences among Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs). We recruited a nationwide sample of 225 CSIs to complete online questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms, use of specific coping tactics, perceived social support, trait resilience, and demographics. Seven symptoms had been experienced by at least 50% of participants during the previous month, and 9.3% had total checklist scores suggestive of PTSD. A significant regression analysis revealed that higher PTSD scores were associated with drinking alcohol more frequently to deal with stress, admitting more frequently one could not deal with stress and not trying to do so, lower social support, getting angry and letting emotions out more frequently, lower resilience, and finding comfort in one's religious beliefs. Given the proportions of CSIs that experience exposure-related stress, more should be done to mitigate the prevalence and severity of these symptoms.

One hertz versus ten hertz repetitive TMS treatment of PTSD: A randomized clinical trial

The purpose of this trial was to test whether right prefrontal cortex 1 Hz versus 10 Hz rTMS provides a significantly greater improvement in PTSD symptoms and/or function. Veterans 18 to 50 years of age suffering from PTSD were randomized to right prefrontal 1 Hz rTMS [2400 pulses/session] versus right prefrontal 10 Hz rTMS [2400 pulses/session]. The treatments were performed 5 days a week for 6 weeks with a 3-week taper using the NeuroStar system. There were one month and three months post treatment follow-up evaluations. Forty-four participants were enrolled with 17 being randomized to 1 Hz rTMS and 18 to 10 Hz rTMS. Both groups had significant improvement in PTSD and depression scores from baseline to the end of acute treatment. The 10 Hz group but not the 1 Hz group demonstrated significant improvement in function. Although both groups demonstrated significant improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms, a significant advantage for either the 1 Hz or 10 Hz frequency group on any of the scales acquired was not demonstrated. Further work is required with larger samples sizes to test whether low or high frequency is superior or if individual differences would indicate the more effective frequency.

Correlation Analysis of 5-&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;HTTLPR&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Polymorphism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Li and Han Nationalities of Hainan Province

Objective: To analyse the correlation of 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism and PTSD in Li and Han nationalities of Hainan Province. Methods: Essen trauma inventory (ETI), clinician administered post-traumatic stress disorders scale, (CAPS), tower of Hanoi (TOH), wsiconsin card sorting test (WCST), trail making test (TMT) and wechsler adult intelligence scale revised China (WAIS-RC) were used to investigate patients with PTSD and healthy volunteers (control group). PCR and PPGE were used to detect the polymorphism of 5-HTTLPR gene and analyze its correlation with PTSD. Results: The ETI score, total PTSD score and TMT time of Li nationality patients with PTSD were significantly higher than those of Han nationality patients with PTSD, and the IQ of comprehension and operation in WAIS-RC was significantly lower than that of Han nationality patients with PTSD (P HTTLPR genotype in Li nationality and Han nationality patients with PTSD were significantly higher than those of LL genotype, and the perception, calculation and block diagram in WAIS-RC were significantly lower than those of LL genotype patients (P Conclusions: The SS genotype can increase the risk of PTSD in Li nationality and Han nationality people in Hainan. LL genotype is associated with PTSD of Li and Han nationalities in Hainan, and is an important protective factor for PTSD of Li and Han nationalities in Hainan.

Exploring the relationships between sexual violence, mental health and perpetrator identity: a cross-sectional Australian primary care study

BackgroundResearch supports the association between adult sexual violence (SV) and poor mental health. However, most studies focus on rape and physical sexual assault. Little is known about how more subtle forms of SV affect women’s well-being. Furthermore, evidence for the impact of the perpetrator’s identity is mixed. There is also little data from clinical populations to help health practitioners identify SV. This paper addresses these gaps by exploring the associations between different types of adult SV, perpetrator identity, and women’s mental health in the Australian primary care setting.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study in general practice clinics. Adult women completed an anonymous survey while waiting for the doctor. Measures included PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety) and PCL-C (post-traumatic stress disorder). SV was measured using items from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey and categorised into three groups (rape/sexual assault; coercive behaviours and/or reproductive control; and unwanted sexual contact).ResultsWe found significant associations between rape/sexual assault and poor mental health, and between coercion and/or reproductive control and higher PTSD and anxiety scores, compared to women with no SV experiences. SV perpetrated by an intimate partner was associated with significantly higher mean PTSD scores than SV perpetrated by a stranger, and significantly higher depression scores than SV perpetrated by another known person.ConclusionFindings suggest that associations between SV and mental health are mediated by type of SV and perpetrator identity. Health practitioners should enquire about different types of SV beyond stranger rape as a cause of poor mental health, and about perpetrator identity to inform them about the likelihood of ongoing symptoms.