Unexpected effects of expressive writing on post-disaster distress in the Hurricane Harvey Study: a randomized controlled trial in perinatal women

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Vincent Paquin ◽  
Johanna Bick ◽  
Rebecca Lipschutz ◽  
Guillaume Elgbeili ◽  
David P. Laplante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perinatal Women

Abstract Background Expressive writing requires journaling stressor-related thoughts and feelings over four daily sessions of 15 min. Thirty years of research have popularized expressive writing as a brief intervention for fostering trauma-related resilience; however, its ability to surpass placebo remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of expressive writing for improving post-traumatic stress symptoms in perinatal women who were living in the Houston area during major flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. Methods A total of 1090 women were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to expressive writing, neutral writing or no writing. Interventions were internet-based. Online questionnaires were completed before randomization and at 2 months post-intervention. The primary outcome was post-traumatic stress symptoms, measured with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised; secondary outcomes were affective symptoms, measured with the 40-item Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Scales. Feelings throughout the intervention were reported daily using tailored questionnaires. Results In intention-to-treat analyses, no post-treatment between-group differences were found on the primary and secondary outcomes. Per-protocol analyses yielded similar results. A number of putative moderators were tested, but none interacted with expressive writing. Expressive writing produced greater feelings of anxiety and sadness during the intervention compared to neutral writing; further, overall experiences from the intervention mediated associations between expressive writing and greater post-traumatic stress at 2 months post-intervention. Conclusions Among disaster-stricken perinatal women, expressive writing was ineffective in reducing levels of post-traumatic stress, and may have exacerbated these symptoms in some.

scholarly journals Maternal Mental Health after a Wildfire: Effects of Social Support in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372097085
Author(s):  
Barbara S. E. Verstraeten ◽  
Guillaume Elgbeili ◽  
Ashley Hyde ◽  
Suzanne King ◽  
David M. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Fort Mcmurray ◽  
Dissociative Experiences ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Peritraumatic Distress ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perinatal Women

Objective: Following disasters, perinatal women are vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms. Little is known about protective factors. We hypothesized that peritraumatic stress would predict PTSD-like symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women and would be moderated by social support and resilience. Method: Women ( n = 200) who experienced the 2016 Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo wildfire during or shortly before pregnancy completed the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised for current PTSD-like symptoms. They also completed scales of social support (Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale). Results: Greater peritraumatic distress ( r = 0.56) and dissociative experiences ( r = 0.56) correlated with more severe PTSD-like symptoms. Greater social support satisfaction was associated with less severe post-traumatic stress symptoms but only when peritraumatic distress was below average; at more severe levels of PDI, this psychosocial variable was not protective. Conclusions: Maternal PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire depend on peritraumatic distress and dissociation. Higher social support satisfaction buffers the association with peritraumatic distress, although not when peritraumatic reactions are severe. Early psychosocial interventions may protect perinatal women from PTSD-like symptoms after a wildfire.

Daily Stress and Concept of Self in Swedish Ambulance Personnel

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Jonsson ◽  
Kerstin Segesten
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Ambulance Personnel ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroduction:This study investigated the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among professional ambulance personnel in Sweden and investigated the question: “Does self-knowledge have influence on how well one copes with the effects of daily work exposure from such events?” Little is known about the variables that might be associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms in highrisk occupational groups such as ambulance service groups.Methods:Data were gathered from ambulance personnel by means of an anonymous questionnaire. Survey responses of 362 ambulance personnel from the county of Västra Götaland were analyzed. A correlation was established between post-traumatic symptoms using the impact of event scale (IES-15) and the Professional Self-Description Form (PSDF).Results:Of those who reported a traumatic situation, 21.5% scored ≥ 26 on the IES-15 subscale. Scores >26 indicate “PTSD caseness”. There were significant differences on PSDF subscales between those presenting with or without posttraumatic symptoms.Conclusions:The mental health and emotional well-being of ambulance personnel appear to be compromised by accident and emergency work. The high prevalence of PTSD symptoms in ambulance personnel indicates an inability to cope with post-traumatic stress caused by daily work experiences.

Abstract 22: Experienced Impact and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms of Dispatched Local Lay Rescuers Performing Basic Life Support

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolande Zijlstra ◽  
Stefanie Beesems ◽  
Rob de Haan ◽  
Rudolph Koster
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Alert System ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Aim: A text message (TM) alert system for OHCA has been implemented in part of the Netherlands. This system uses TM from EMS dispatch to alert local lay rescuers (TM-responders [TMRs]) living <1000m radius of the OHCA victim, to either go directly to the victim and perform CPR, or to a nearby AED first. Over 14 000 TMRs and >1500 AEDs were registered in a database residing with the dispatch center. We studied the level of experienced impact shortly after performing BLS and compared it with the Impact of Event Scale (IES) score 4-6 wks afterwards. Methods: With each TM-alert an email was sent to the TMRs with a link to an online questionnaire. We analyzed all questionnaires from 15-02-2013 to 21-04-2014 which were filled out median 5h after EMS call. We counted the experienced impact level (no, little, bearable, much, unbearable). All firstly arrived TMRs who provided BLS±AED use prior to EMS arrival, participated in a semi-structured interview by telephone median 4 days after resuscitation. To assess if TMRs had post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), the IES was sent to all interviewees 4-6 wks after the resuscitation. Scores 0-8 indicated subclinical, 9-25 mild, 26-43 moderate, and ≥44 severe stress. A score >25 indicated PTSS. Results: The dispatcher activated the TM-alert system 697 times, alerting 18 742 TMRs. 4799 completed the questionnaire. Of these, 1639 responded to the call and 353 arrived on scene, participating in the resuscitation. We interviewed 148 first arriving TMRs of whom 137 also completed the IES. Comparison between level of experienced impact and IES score is shown in the figure. None showed PTSS (median: 1, 25th-75th percentile: 0-8, max. 25). Of all TMRs experiencing no/little impact, 13% was grouped as mild. Of all TMRs experiencing bearable impact, 22% scored mild and of all TMRs experiencing much impact, 44% scored mild. Conclusion: TMRs do not show PTSS 4-6 wks after performing BLS, even if their experienced level of impact is considerable shortly after the event.

scholarly journals Post-traumatic stress symptoms among an Egyptian sample of post-remission COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abdelghani ◽  
Mervat S. Hassan ◽  
Maha E. Alsadik ◽  
Ahmed A. Abdelmoaty ◽  
Amira Said ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Axis I ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Given its global spread, the COVID-19 virus infection itself may be experienced as a traumatic and stressful event among survivors. The post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among those surviving the disease were under evaluated. This study aimed to identify and compare PTSS and associated correlates among COVID-19 survivors and control subjects. A cross-sectional design with a convenience sampling included a total of 85 adults who survived COVID-19 virus infection and 85 control subjects (matched for age, sex, education, and socioeconomic level) who were recruited from Zagazig University Hospitals, Sharkia Province, Egypt. The participants were interviewed using a semistructured demographic and clinical checklist, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I Disorders (SCID-5), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Results Approximately, 72% of COVID-19 survivors experienced moderate-to-severe PTSS (compared to 53% of control subjects). Individuals who survived the COVID-19 virus infection were more likely to have intensified hyperarousal symptoms (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.7–4.4), with higher total IES-R scoring (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05). Among COVID-19 survivors, those who reported moderate-to-severe PTSS were likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms during their illness (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.4–11.9). Conclusions PTSS was prevalent among COVID-19 survivors in Egypt. The hyperarousal symptoms were the most experienced ones. The symptom severity of COVID-19 virus infection predicted PTSS in COVID-19 survivors.

Adult separation anxiety in patients with complicated grief: relationship with post traumatic stress versus mood spectrum symptomatology

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 142-142
Author(s):  
C. Carmassi ◽  
C. Socci ◽  
M. Corsi ◽  
I. Pergentini ◽  
E. Massimetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Separation Anxiety ◽  
Complicated Grief ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionAround 9–20% of bereaved individuals experience symptoms of complicated grief (CG) associated with significant distress and impairment. Increasing research has been focused on identifying the distinctive set of psychiatric symptoms that characterize this condition with respect to major depression, corroborating the need to include this syndrome in the forthcoming DSM-V as a distinctive diagnosis. Vulnerability to CG has been rooted in attachment disturbances and authors reported that symptoms of separation anxiety in childhood should be considered as predictors of CG onset in adulthood.ObjectivesTo date no study explored symptoms of adult separation anxiety among patients with CG with respect to healthy control subjects (HC).AimsTo explore adult separation anxiety and mood spectrum symptoms in patients with CG with respect to HC.Methods53 patients with CG and 50 control subjects were recruited, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Assessments: SCID-I/P, the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), the Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA-27), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the Mood Spectrum-Self Report (MOODS-SR) lifetime version.ResultsPatients with CG reported significantly higher scores on the MOODS-SR, ASA_27, IES and WSAS with respect to controls. The scores on the ASA_27 were more strongly associated with IES scores with respect to other scales.ConclusionsOur results suggest a correlation between adult separation anxiety and CG onset after the loss of a loved one in adulthood, with a possible correlation to a post-traumatic stress symptomatology. Further studies are needed.

Effects of Support Groups on Post Traumatic Stress Responses in Women Experiencing Stillbirth

2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Cacciatore
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

This research study explores the effects of support groups on traumatic stress responses of women experiencing stillbirth. Women ( N = 47) responded to a mixed method questionnaire. Quantitative results utilizing the Impact of Event Scale Revised demonstrate that women who attend support group, when controlling for time, had fewer post traumatic stress symptoms than did the women who did not attend support group. Qualitative results elucidate the role of support groups in managing grief, suggesting that connectivity with other like women may be a useful strategy in reducing problematic psychological outcomes.

scholarly journals Perceived Workplace Interpersonal Support Among Workers of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants Following the 2011 Accident: The Fukushima Nuclear Energy Workers’ Support (NEWS) Project Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sho Takahashi ◽  
Jun Shigemura ◽  
Yoshitomo Takahashi ◽  
Soichiro Nomura ◽  
Aihide Yoshino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Interpersonal Support ◽  
Disaster Workers ◽  
Nuclear Disaster ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Fukushima Daiichi ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

AbstractObjectiveThe 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident was the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. The Daiichi workers faced multiple stressors (workplace trauma, victim experiences, and public criticism deriving from their company’s post-disaster management). Literatures suggest the importance of workplace interpersonal support (WIS) in enhancing psychological health among disaster workers. We sought to elucidate the role of their demographics, disaster-related experiences, and post-traumatic stress symptoms on perceived WIS.MethodsWe analyzed self-report questionnaires of 885 workers 2-3 months post-disaster. We used sociodemographic and disaster exposure-related variables and post-traumatic stress symptoms (measured by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised) as independent variables. We asked whether WIS from colleagues, supervisors, or subordinates was perceived as helpful, and used yes or no responses as a dependent variable. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess correlates of WIS.ResultsOf the participants, one-third (34.7%) reported WIS. WIS was associated with younger age (20-28 years [vs 49-], adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.99-5.32), supervisory work status (aOR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.35-3.92), and discrimination or slur experience (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.08-2.53).ConclusionsEducational programs focusing on WIS might be beneficial to promote psychological well-being among nuclear disaster workers, especially younger workers, supervisors, and workers with discrimination experiences. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:460–463)

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