Subthreshold Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Research Articles

Does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Carry a Higher Risk of Sexual Dysfunctions?

Previous studies have shown that patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction. However, such studies have not examined the influence of traumatic experience on sexual dysfunction. This study was conducted to compare various components of sexual functioning among five groups of males: (i) untreated patients with PTSD; (ii) patients with PTSD treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); (iii) untreated patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms; (iv) patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms treated with SSRIs; and (v) subjects who had suffered a traumatic experience but presented no mental disorder. All participants were evaluated using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Structured Clinical Interview, and the International Index of Erectile Function. Results on individual subscales of the International Index of Erectile Function in men with PTSD symptoms and subthreshold PTSD symptoms, treated and untreated. Patients with PTSD did not differ from patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms in any of the domains of sexual functioning. Differences were found between this group and subjects with no mental disorder only in the domain of sexual desire. Patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms treated with SSRIs showed better results in all domains of sexual functioning in comparison with those treated with PTSD. The results show that patients who suffered a traumatic experience have the same level of sexual functioning (or the same incidence of sexual dysfunction) regardless of the severity of PTSD. Treatment with SSRIs helps reduce sexual problems in patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms.

Posttraumatic stress and quality of life in kidney transplantation recipients.

Previous research has shown that kidney transplantation is a stressful life event; traumatic stress or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may hinder posttransplant quality of life (QOL). This study explored whether PTSD symptoms predicted posttransplant QOL among a sample of 63 kidney transplant recipients from a large inner-city hospital. Data were collected 3 to 6 months after transplant, with psychometrically sound self-report measures. PTSD symptoms were common in this sample; 21% reported symptoms consistent with a PTSD diagnosis, and an additional 19% reported significant subthreshold PTSD symptoms. PTSD severity was independently associated with overall QOL and with the emotional reaction and social isolation subscales of the QOL measure. Results suggest that PTSD may affect posttransplant QOL for kidney transplant recipients.

Managing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Active-Duty Military Personnel in Primary Care Settings

Active-duty military personnel face deterrents to seeking outpatient mental health treatment despite the high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. The Behavioral Health Consultation (BHC) model may be the answer for those presenting subthreshold PTSD symptoms, at high risk for PTSD due to their occupation, not interested in outpatient mental health treatment, or unable to seek such treatment due to occupational limitations. Three empirically based interventions that have been effective in managing symptoms of PTSD are summarized and then integrated into the established BHC model as suggested treatments for managing PTSD symptoms in an integrated primary care setting. Pilot data and recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

Rates and symptoms of PTSD among cocaine-dependent patients.

This study evaluated lifetime traumatic events and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a substance abuse sample. Participants in the study consisted of 558 (75.1% male) cocaine-dependent individuals who completed self-report measures of trauma and PTSD symptoms prior to entry into treatment. Results showed a high number of lifetime traumatic events, even among those without PTSD. General disaster was the most prevalent. Current PTSD was found in 10.9% of the participants, with a significantly higher rate among women (21.6%) than among men (7.2%). For those with PTSD, the most prominent PTSD symptom cluster was arousal, and the most common symptoms were restricted affect, detachment and irritability. Participants with PTSD endorsed a large number of symptoms, almost double that needed to meet diagnostic criteria; however, neither number of traumas nor type of trauma was associated with their level of PTSD symptoms. Even among those not meeting PTSD criteria, subthreshold symptoms were found, with avoidance the most prominent cluster. Sociodemographic and recent cocaine use variables did not differentiate the PTSD from non-PTSD groups. PTSD is present in a sizeable percentage of cocaine-dependent treatment-seeking patients, particularly women. Clinicians might address arousal symptoms in particular, which were the most prominent symptom cluster, and which may be exacerbated by cocaine use. Even among those without PTSD, lifetime trauma is substantial and subthreshold PTSD symptoms are common. Vulnerability to PTSD needs further study, as sociodemographic and cocaine use variables did not distinguish between PTSD and non-PTSD groups.