Work-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research Articles

Maternity support workers’ experiences of workplace trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms

BackgroundMaternity support workers (MSWs) are now a key part of the maternity workforce. They work in environments with potential exposure to traumatic events, but little is known about their rates of exposure or psychological responses. ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the proportion of MSWs reporting exposure to a traumatic work event and consequential rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We also aimed to identify factors associated with PTSD and to describe levels of burnout, empathy, and functional impairment, and to explore their potential associations with PTSD symptoms. MethodsMSWs were recruited via the Royal College of Midwives newsletter, which is sent to all MSW members, and via social media on the College MSW Facebook page. Participants completed an online survey. They provided information on demographic details, job role, and exposure to traumatic events, and completed questionnaires covering PTSD symptoms related to work events, related functional impairment, burnout, and empathy. Data were analysed via correlations and multiple regression. FindingsOf 98 respondents, 88 had been exposed to a traumatic work event; 79 of these through being present and nine through hearing about traumatic events. Of those exposed, 14.8% (n = 13) participants had probable PTSD, while a further 5.7 % (n = 5) met the subclinical threshold. Over a third (35.2 %) of the sample showed high levels of emotional exhaustion, a key feature of burnout, and 27.3 % reported functional work impairment. PTSD symptoms were associated with younger age, higher empathic concern, and direct exposure to traumatic perinatal events. Conclusions and clinical implicationsMSWs are routinely exposed to traumatic events at work and are at risk of work-related PTSD. Younger and more empathic staff appear more at risk, although our methods could not distinguish cause and effect. It must also be noted that the survey took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and findings could be influenced by this context. MSWs need to be routinely included in programmes to support staff in relation to trauma exposure at work.

Continuing the conversation: a cross-sectional study about the effects of work-related adverse events on the mental health of Dutch (resident) obstetrician-gynaecologists (ObGyns)

BackgroundObstetrician-Gynaecologists (ObGyns) frequently face work-related adverse events such as severe obstetric complications and maternal or neonatal deaths. In 2014, the WATER-1 study showed that ObGyns are at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while many hospitals lacked a professional support system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the current prevalence of work-related traumatic events and mental health problems among Dutch ObGyns, as well as to examine the current and desired support.MethodsIn 2022, an online questionnaire was sent to all members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (NVOG), including resident and attending ObGyns. The survey included questions about experienced work-related events, current and desired coping strategies, and three validated screening questionnaires for anxiety, depression, and PTSD (HADS, TSQ, and PCL-5).ResultsThe response rate was 18.8% and 343 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of the respondents, 93.9% had experienced at least one work-related adverse event, 20.1% had faced a complaint from the national disciplinary board, and 49.4% had considered leaving the profession at any moment in their career. The prevalence rates of clinically relevant anxiety, depression, and psychological distress were 14.3, 4.4, and 15.7%, respectively. The prevalence of work-related PTSD was 0.9% according to DSM-IV and 1.2% according to DSM-5. More than half of the respondents (61.3%) reported the presence of a structured support protocol or approach in their department or hospital, and almost all respondents (92.6%) rated it as sufficient.ConclusionsThe percentages of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and PTSD are comparable to the similar study performed in 2014. Most Dutch ObGyns experience adverse events at work, which can be perceived as traumatic and, in certain cases, may lead to the development of PTSD. Structured support after adverse work-related events is now available in almost two-thirds of workplaces, and was mostly experienced as good. Despite substantial improvements in the availability and satisfaction of professional support after work-related adverse events, the prevalence rates of mental problems remain considerable, and it is imperative to sustain conversation about the mental well-being of ObGyns.

Exposure to Traumatic Events at Work, Post-Traumatic Symptoms, and Professional Quality of Life among Italian Midwives: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, following exposure to traumatic events, in Italian midwives and their consequent influence on the quality of midwives' professional lives. In addition, data were collected on the major traumatic events described by midwives. A cross-sectional study related the socio-demographic characteristics of 286 midwives with the scores obtained on two assessment scales, one for post-traumatic stress disorder (IES-R) and the other for quality of life (ProQOL V). The percentage of midwives who obtained a score higher than the predetermined threshold value in both questionnaires was noted, and the correlations that emerged were highlighted. Through this qualitative method, their significant work-related traumatic events were investigated to finally detect the prevalence percentage of each category. The proportion of midwives scoring higher than 33 on the IES-R scale, indicating a higher likelihood of PTSD, was 48.6%. Freelancers or outpatient clinic midwives had lower mean IES scores (p = 0.049). A significant inverse correlation was observed between age and IES-R score and between the compassion satisfaction subscale and time since completing education (p = 0.028). A comparison between the IES-R and ProQOL scales showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.001), in particular, between the burnout (BO) (p < 0.001) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) (p < 0.001) subscales. The thematic categorization of traumatic events included mother/child death, mother/child medical complications, relational problems with patients or team members, and organizational problems/medical staff's inexperience. The emerging data may confirm the data in the literature, namely those showing that midwives are prone to developing work-related PTSD, particularly due to their exposure to traumatic events such as maternal and neonatal death.

Traumatic stress in Canadian lawyers: A longitudinal study.

Numerous professions are considered at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as per DSM-5. This study sought to identify the prevalence of PTSD among lawyers and its associated work and non-work-related risk and moderating factors. A cross-national sample of Canadian lawyers (N = 169) completed two online surveys 8 months apart. Seven percent of lawyers working with trauma-related cases met the criteria for probable PTSD at study entry only, 7.0% met them at study endpoint only, and an additional 3.5% of the sample met the criteria at both time points, yielding a current (past-month) prevalence of 10.4% and an 8-month cumulative prevalence of 17.5%. Beyond a past diagnosis of PTSD, the most important risk factor was the number of years on the job. Parenthood represented a mitigating factor. Ultimately, the more time spent working on trauma-related cases, the more severe were the PTSD symptoms, although this relationship was moderated by perceived quality of life and work-family balance. Lawyers exposed to trauma-related cases represent an at-risk group for PTSD. The findings highlight the powerful impacts that interpersonal relationships and self-care may have in buffering this health hazard. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder in paramedics in comparison to data from the general population of working age. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Paramedics are at particularly high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Hitherto, evidence for higher prevalence rates in paramedics compared to the general population is vague. We aimed to determine and compare 12-month prevalence of PTSD in paramedics and general population from high-income countries. We conducted systematic review processes to identify relevant studies for inclusion. For paramedics, we searched relevant databases, reference lists, and did citation tracking. Inclusion criteria were applied according to PICO. Quality of the studies was assessed using a validated methodological rating tool. Twelve-month prevalence data from all studies were pooled using random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity. In total, we found 41 distinct samples with 17,045 paramedics, 55 samples with 311,547 individuals from non-exposed general population, 39 samples with 118,806 individuals from populations affected by natural disasters, and 22 samples with 99,222 individuals from populations affected by human-made disasters. Pooled 12-month prevalence estimates of PTSD were 20.0, 3.1, 15.6, and 12.0%, respectively. Prevalence estimates in paramedics varied with methodological quality and measurement instrument. Paramedics reporting distinct critical incidences had lower pooled prevalence than paramedics reporting indistinct types of exposure. Paramedics have a pooled prevalence of PTSD that is considerably higher than rates of unexposed general population and populations affected by human-made disasters. Chronic exposure to low-threshold traumatic events during daily routine work is a risk factor for developing PTSD. Strategies to ensure long working lifetime are strongly needed.

Interdisciplinary Trauma-focused Therapy and Return-to-work Support for A Police Officer with Work-related PTSD: A Case Study

Police officers carry a high risk of exposure to traumatic events in their everyday work duties and are at an increased risk for work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Practitioners lack clear guidance on how to support these individuals to facilitate both mental health recovery and return to work, particularly for those receiving treatment in the context of a claim with a workers’ compensation board. The following case study describes the treatment of a female police officer who had experienced numerous traumatic events over the course of her career, and subsequently filed a claim with the workers’ compensation board of British Columbia. She was referred to an interdisciplinary program that involved both psychology and occupational therapy interventions, including a trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy intervention followed by a gradual return to work. The outcome suggests that intensive, interdisciplinary trauma-focused treatment is a promising approach for supporting police officers with their recovery and return to work.

The Impact of Psychological Capital and Workplace Social Support on Pediatric Oncology Nurses' Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptomology.

Introduction: Work-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in nurses. Pediatric oncology nursing is a potentially high-risk subspecialty for PTSD secondary to the nature of the work. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of PTSD symptomology and explore relationships between nurse psychological capital, workplace social supports, and PTSD symptomology in pediatric oncology nurses. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional correlational survey design. Pediatric oncology nurses working in direct patient care in the United States completed a demographics questionnaire, Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Coworker Support Scale, Supervisor Support Scale, and the Post traumatic Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (PCL-5). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression models, were used to analyze data. A cutoff score of ≥31 on the PCL-5 was used to determine the prevalence of PTSD symptomology. Results: The sample included 424 nurses. The prevalence of PTSD symptomology was 13.4%. Work setting (inpatient), decreased coworker and leadership social support, and psychological capital were independently associated with PTSD symptomology. After controlling for covariates, only psychological capital was associated with PTSD symptomology. For a 1 unit decrease in PCQ score, pediatric oncology nurses were 4.25 times more likely to have PTSD symptomology. Discussion: PTSD prevalence rates in pediatric oncology nurses are aligned with rates found in other nursing specialties. Nurse psychological capital may play a protective role against PTSD symptomology. Implications for Future Research: Findings support PTSD as a serious workplace concern for nurses. Workplace programs that foster nurses' psychological capabilities should be considered to protect against the development of PTSD symptomology.

Longitudinal associations between hair cortisol, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances in a sample of firefighters with duty-related trauma exposure

Several studies have found evidence of altered cortisol levels in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on these findings, it is assumed that these patients may show signs of cortisol dysregulation after trauma. Posttrauma cortisol levels are thus considered a potential biomarker of PTSD. However, longitudinal studies using indicators of long-term cortisol secretion such as hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) are scarce. The current study investigated prospective associations between HCC and PTSD symptoms in a sample of Dutch firefighters taking into account varying levels of work-related trauma severity. In addition, we assessed posttraumatic sleep disturbances as a secondary outcome measure to investigate whether effects generalize to this frequent comorbidity of PTSD. Three hundred seventy-one Dutch firefighters with a mean of 14.01 years of work experience were included in the analyses. Baseline assessment included the collection of hair samples and the measurement of work-related trauma severity, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances. PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbance were re-assessed after six and twelve months. Multilevel analyses indicate a significant positive correlation between HCC and baseline PTSD symptoms in those with average or above-average work-related trauma severity. A similar pattern was evident for posttraumatic sleep disturbances at baseline. Moreover, higher HCC predicted more posttraumatic sleep disturbances after 6 months in participants with above-average work-related trauma severity. No other associations emerged for PTSD symptoms or posttraumatic sleep disturbances at six or twelve months. As such, our study supports the existence of a cross-sectional association between HCC and trauma symptoms, which may vary for different levels of subjective trauma severity. The longitudinal stability of this association should be reinvestigated by future research.

Workplace interventions to prevent or reduce post-traumatic stress disorder and symptoms among hospital nurses: A scoping review.

The aim of this study was to identify literature on evaluated workplace interventions to prevent or reduce the prevalence or impact of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD symptoms among hospital nurses. A second objective was to summarise and compare the characteristics and effectiveness of these interventions. A substantial proportion of nurses report PTSD symptoms. Previous reviews have synthesised interventions to address PTSD in military and other high-risk populations, but similar work focusing on nurses has yet to be conducted. We conducted a scoping review with the question: What interventions have been studied to prevent or treat PTSD symptoms or PTSD among nurses working in hospitals? We followed the PRISMA Scoping Review Checklist using an unregistered protocol. We searched in twelve academic and grey literature databases (e.g. MedLine, CINAHL) with no language restrictions. We included publications reporting on interventions which were evaluated for measurable impacts on PTSD and PTSD symptoms among nursing staff working in inpatient settings from 1980 to 2019, and charted study characteristics in a spreadsheet. From 7746 results, 63studies moved to full-text screening, and six studies met inclusion criteria. Methodologies included three randomised controlled studies, one quasi-experimental study, one pre-post feasibility study and one descriptive correlational study. Four studies reported a significant reduction in PTSD scores in intervention groups compared with baseline or comparison, when using debriefing, guided imagery or mindfulness-based exercises. This review identified six studies evaluating hospital-based interventions to reduce PTSD and PTSD symptoms among hospital nurses, with some positive effects reported, contributing to a preliminary evidence base on reducing workplace trauma. Larger studies can compare nurse subpopulations, and system-level interventions should expand the focus from individuals to organisations. This review can inform nursing and hospital leaders developing evidence-based interventions for PTSD among nurses.

What work-related exposures are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder? A systematic review with meta-analysis

ObjectivesAlthough there is evidence that work-related exposures cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are few quantitative studies assessing the degree to which these factors contribute to PTSD. This systematic review...

Exposure to Workplace Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Intern Physicians

Physicians are exposed to traumatic events during their work, but the impact and outcomes of these exposures are understudied. To determine the prevalence and associations of work-related trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a cohort of resident physicians in their internship year of training. This cohort study involved physicians entering internship at US residency programs nationwide in 2018. Participants completed a baseline survey 1 to 2 months before commencing internship, as well as follow-up surveys at 4 time points during internship. Statistical analysis was performed from April 2020 to January 2021. Twelve months of internship. Prevalence of work-related trauma and prevalence of PTSD among those who experienced work-related trauma. Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Primary Care PTSD Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (PC-PTSD-5). Risk factors assessed included depression, anxiety, early family environment, stressful life experiences, medical specialty, hours worked, and concern about medical errors. Among 1134 interns who completed the PC-PTSD-5 at month 12 of internship, 665 (58.6%) were female and 695 (61.6%) were non-Hispanic White; the mean (SD) age was 27.52 (2.50) years. There were 640 interns (56.4%) who reported work-related trauma exposure; among these interns with trauma exposure, 123 (19.0%) screened positive for PTSD. Overall, 123 of 1134 training physicians (10.8%) screened positive for PTSD by the end of internship year, as compared with a 12-month PTSD prevalence rate of 3.6% in the general population. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, adjusting for demographic characteristics, indicated that risk factors associated with trauma exposure included non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 1.51 [95% CI, 1.14-2.01]; P = .004), more hours worked (OR, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.00-1.03]; P = .03), early family environment (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01-1.05]; P < .001), and stressful life experiences at baseline (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.06-2.01]; P = .02). Risk factors associated with PTSD were being unmarried (OR, 2.00 [95% CI, 1.07-3.73]; P = .03) and non-Hispanic White (OR, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.01-3.11]; P = .05), concern about medical errors (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.00-1.46]; P = .05), stressful life experiences during internship (OR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.14-1.81]; P = .002), depression at month 12 of internship (OR, 2.52 [95% CI = 1.36-4.65], P = .003), and anxiety at month 12 of internship (OR, 2.14, [95% CI, 1.13-4.04]; P = .02). This study found that work-related PTSD was 3 times more prevalent among intern physicians than the general population. These findings suggest that effective interventions to reduce trauma exposure and mitigate the effects of trauma are needed.

Remote exposure to traumatic events and PTSD symptoms among U.S. Air Force intelligence personnel: Moderating effects of morally injurious experiences.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) personnel continuously view high-resolution, real-time imagery and video feeds that include intermittent exposure to graphic events. This brief report examined whether cumulative exposure (still imagery, video, and audio) to graphic events was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among USAF ISR personnel. We also examined whether morally injurious experiences (MIEs)-as well as three MIE subtypes: (a) personal moral transgressions, (b) transgressions by others, and (c) feelings of betrayal by others-moderated the association between ISR work-related traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms. Participants were 277 USAF ISR personnel assigned to intelligence units. We found two significant moderation effects. First, we found that the association between ISR remote graphic media exposure and PTSD symptoms was strongest for participants with higher levels of MIE exposure. Second, we found that the ISR remote graphic media exposure-PTSD symptoms association was strongest among participants who reported higher levels of MIEs that were self-directed; that is, they reported being troubled with believing they had violated their own morals, values, or principles. Findings emphasize the importance of moral injury in understanding PTSD symptoms in ISR personnel. Specifically, because MIEs and PTSD are possible in remote combat agents, prevention and intervention efforts for ISR actors should directly target this special population with recognition that (a) remote combat exposure can be traumatic and (b) perceived violations of moral beliefs or values may be central to any posttraumatic psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Work-related Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: Findings From INDIGO, a Mixed-methods Study With a Cross-sectional Survey and In-depth Interviews

(BJOG. 2020;127:600–608) The impact of adverse mental health has been recognized as a major contributing factor in decreasing an individual’s productivity and career satisfaction across both working class and professional individuals. Physicians are not exempt from this phenomenon and, in fact, are often at high risk of experiencing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the not uncommon situation of exposure to trauma as a consequence of death or serious injury in their patients. To date, there has only been one study specific to obstetricians looking at the prevalence of PTSD that came out of the Netherlands. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of PTSD in physicians as well as the impact such has on both professional and personal functions.

When the Lawyer Becomes Traumatized: A Scoping Review

Lawyers can be exposed to cases involving traumatic elements of crimes. Such exposure may result in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have adverse effects on the lawyers’ capacities to work. A scoping review was conducted to summarize original investigations of work-related PTSD among lawyers in terms of (a) trauma exposure conceptualization and operationalization, (b) symptom severity, (c) prevalence, and (d) risk factors. The scoping review also aimed to highlight potential directions for future studies and clinical implications. Literature searches were conducted in PsycINFO, Embase, Pubmed, MEDLINE, PILOTS, and Google Scholar. Of 341 initial publications, 9 were included. A majority conceptualized the impact of work-related trauma exposure as secondary traumatic stress and operationalized work-related trauma exposure as the number of cases or clients involving traumatic material. Levels of PTSD symptoms reported by lawyers were positively related to levels of work-related trauma exposure.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in nurses: An integrative review.

To synthesise literature regarding PTSD among nurses. Two objectives guided this review: (a) describe the prevalence of PTSD in registered nurses and (b) identify factors associated with nursing work-related PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur from direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events. Nurses are at risk of developing PTSD due to their indirect and/or direct exposure to traumatic situations while providing care to vulnerable patient populations. An integrative review. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. Data analysis procedures consisted of four concurrent activities: data reduction, data display, data comparison and conclusion drawing and verification. Conclusions were narratively synthesised and thematically presented by review objective using PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-four articles met criteria for review. One theme emerged from the synthesis of literature describing the prevalence of PTSD in nurses: All Over the Board. Authors reported vastly different PTSD prevalence rates across studies likely due to variability in measurement. Four themes emerged from the synthesis of factors that influence PTSD among nurses: The Workplace Matters, Relationships Matter, It Hurts to Care and Interpersonal Strengths. These overarching themes captured a multitude of factors that occur across three levels of influence: organisational, interpersonal and intrapersonal. This integrative review highlights PTSD as a growing concern in the nursing profession. The thematic analysis and associated subthemes provide a framework for the design of interventions to reduce the risk of PTSD symptom development among nurses working in inpatient settings. Multitargeted efforts directed at the organisational, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors identified in this review may help mitigate the harmful impact of PTSD and promote nurse well-being.

Work-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in obstetricians and gynaecologists: findings from INDIGO, a mixed-methods study with a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews.

To explore obstetricians' and gynaecologists' experiences of work-related traumatic events, to measure the prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), any impacts on personal and professional lives, and any support needs. Mixed methods: cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews. Fellows, members and trainees of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). A survey was sent to 6300 fellows, members and trainees of RCOG. 1095 people responded. Then 43 in-depth interviews with trauma-exposed participants were completed and analysed by template analysis. Exposure to traumatic work-related events and PTSD, personal and professional impacts, and whether there was any need for support. Interviews explored the impact of trauma, what helped or hindered psychological recovery, and any assistance wanted. Two-thirds reported exposure to traumatic work-related events. Of these, 18% of both consultants and trainees reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Staff of black or minority ethnicity were at increased risk of PTSD. Clinically significant PTSD symptoms were associated with lower job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Organisational impacts included sick leave, and 'seriously considering leaving the profession'. 91% wanted a system of care. The culture in obstetrics and gynaecology was identified as a barrier to trauma support. A strategy to manage the impact of work-place trauma is proposed. Exposure to work-related trauma is a feature of the experience of obstetricians and gynaecologists. Some will suffer PTSD with high personal, professional and organisational impacts. A system of care is needed. 18% of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors experience post-traumatic stress disorder after traumatic events at work.

Occupational Violence and PTSD-Symptoms: A Prospective Study on the Indirect Effects of Violence Through Time Pressure and Nontraumatic Strains in the Occupational Context.

The aim of this study was to assess whether frequency of occupational violence (OV) affects posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms through nontraumatic strains in the occupational context. Twelve-month prospective survey data on 1763 Social educators were used. Path-analysis measured direct and indirect pathways of frequency of OV on PTSD through change in time pressure, change in burnout, change in sense of safety at work, and change in coping with regret in patient work. Forty-two pct. of the variance in PTSD symptoms was predicted; F (20, 1541) = 36.8, P < 0.001, R = 0.42. Frequency of OV indirectly affected level of PTSD through all the mediators; estimated indirect effects = 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.22. PTSD resulting from OV is not only a result of the violent acts themselves but is also caused by nontraumatic strains. It is essential to include the broader context of work environment factors in prevention of work-related PTSD.

Randomized Controlled Trial: Provision of EMDR Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress to First Responders

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-PRECI) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptoms related to the work of first responders on active duty. Participants were randomly assigned to two 60-minute individual treatment sessions (N = 30) or to a no-treatment control condition (N = 30). They completed pre-, post-, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed clear effects of the EMDR-PRECI in reducing PTSD work-related symptoms in the treatment group with symptom reduction maintained at 90-day follow-up with a large effect size (d = 3.99), while participants continued to experience direct exposure to potentially traumatic work-related events during the follow-up period. Data analysis by repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and group, F (2,116) = 153.83, p &lt; .001, ηP2 = .726 for PTSD, and for anxiety F (1,58) = 37.40, p &lt; .005, ηP2 = .090, but not for depression. A t-test showed a clear decrease for depression symptoms for the treatment group with statistically significant results. The study results suggest that the EMDR-PRECI could be an efficient and effective way to address first responders' work-related PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Future research is recommended to replicate these results and to investigate if symptom improvement also results in the reduction of physical health symptoms and early retirement for PTSD-related reasons among first responders.

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout in Iranian Psychiatric Nurses.

Research is limited regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and professional quality of life (ProQOL) in Iranian nurses, especially nurses working in psychiatric units. The current study was conducted to determine the relationship between PTSD and ProQOL among psychiatric nurses in Kerman, Iran. This cross-sectional correlational study comprised 160 nurses working in three clinical settings supervised by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Data were gathered using two questionnaires: PTSD Checklist and ProQOL Scale. Mean total PTSD score was 35.18 (SD = 10.92, range = 17 to 85), indicating nurses experienced moderate PTSD. Among ProQOL domains, burnout had the highest mean score and compassion fatigue had the lowest mean score. According to the Pearson correlation coefficient, PTSD score had a relationship with compassion satisfaction (r = -0.29; p < 0.001), compassion fatigue (r = 0.61; p < 0.001), and burnout (r = 0.36; p = 0.001). The current study results suggest that examining work-related PTSD, burnout, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue in mental health nurses can help identify strategies to improve working conditions and quality of nursing care. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(3), 39-47.].

Work Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Medicine Residents.

This study sought to screen for the burden of work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in internal medicine residents. A cross-sectional survey of internal medicine residents from three academic institutions was conducted using the PCL-5 screening tool. Off all residents surveyed, 5.2% screened positive for PTSD symptoms (N = 194). 86.1% of all trainees identified stressors during training. Positive PTSD screens were significantly higher in PGY3 residents (X2 = 15.24, p = 0.0005). Of all PGY3 residents, 9.8% (N = 4) and 14.6% (N = 6) of residents screened positive for PTSD symptoms based on absolute and cluster score criteria, respectively. Verbal/physical assault by patients/families/colleagues were triggers for the most cases of positive screens. Self-reported stressors are highly prevalent in internal medicine trainees. Verbal/physical assault by patients and families appear to be the triggering event for most positive screens. These observations will help with future study designs to quantify the burden of work related PTSD in internal medicine trainee physicians so that appropriate supportive measures can be provided.