Trauma Exposure in Posttraumatic Stress and Acute Stress Disorders

Author(s):  
Annette M. La Greca ◽  
BreAnne A. Danzi ◽  
Ashley N. Marchante-Hoffman ◽  
Naomi Tarlow

This chapter reviews the literature on the association between traumatic stress exposure and rates of both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD) among children and adults. It begins by reviewing current definitions of PTSD and ASD, which vary substantially across diagnostic systems. The chapter highlights research linking large-scale events, such as natural disasters and acts of terrorism, with the emergence of PTSD and ASD, as well as the literature on the impact of individual traumatic events, such as sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and medical trauma. The chapter concludes by noting several important directions for future research in the area of trauma exposure and traumatic stress.

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-486 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Dalgleish ◽  
Richard Meiser-Stedman ◽  
Patrick Smith

This paper reviews empirical research on cognitive factors associated with the experience of trauma and with the development of posttraumatic stress, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. The review covers three main areas: cognitive experimental and neuropsychological studies; large scale studies on representative samples; and, randomized clinical trial data examining cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) interventions. Overall, the conclusions are that progress in all three areas lags far behind that in adult work and that, perhaps, the studies to date raise more questions than they provide answers provided by the studies to date. The paper concludes with detailed empirical recommendations for future research in the three chosen domains.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Mi Su ◽  
Yongyan Song

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Genetic factors were suggested to have influence on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The possible association between catechol-O-methyltransferase (<i>COMT</i>) Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD has been evaluated in several studies. But the results were still controversial. Therefore, we conduct this meta-analysis to address these issues. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to estimate the association between <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Five articles including 6 studies with 893 cases and 968 controls were finally included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled analyses did not demonstrate a significant association between the <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD in any of the selected genetic models: allele model (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.97–1.31), dominant model (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.93–1.46), recessive model (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.78–2.66), and additive model (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 0.85–2.80). Subgroup analyses suggested that the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium status of genotype distributions could influence the relationship of <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism and PTSD. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The present meta-analysis suggested that the <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism may not be associated with the PTSD risk. Further large-scale and population-representative studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of the <i>COMT</i> Val158Met polymorphism on the risk of PTSD.


SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402095703
Author(s):  
Marie-Jeanne Léonard ◽  
Daniel Saumier ◽  
Alain Brunet

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 811-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda J. Liddell ◽  
Jessica Cheung ◽  
Tim Outhred ◽  
Pritha Das ◽  
Gin S. Malhi ◽  
...  

Refugees are exposed to multiple traumatic events and postmigration stressors, elevating risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is limited research into how these factors affect emotional neural systems. Here, resettled refugees in Australia ( N = 85) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan while viewing fear and neutral faces. We examined the influence of PTSD symptoms, cumulative trauma, and recent postmigration stress on neural reactivity and regional coupling within the refugee sample. Cumulative trauma and postmigration stress but not PTSD symptoms correlated with fear-related brain activity and connectivity. Trauma exposure correlated with stronger activity but overall decreased connectivity in the bilateral posterior insula/rolandic operculum, postcentral gyrus, ventral anterior cingulate cortex, and posterior cingulate gyrus. Postmigration stress correlated with fusiform gyrus hyperactivity and increased connectivity in face-processing networks. Findings highlight the impact of past trauma and recent postmigration stress on fear-related neural responses within refugees over and above PTSD symptoms.


HUMANITARIUM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 168-178
Author(s):  
Yulianna Yasenchuk

The article outlines the main aspects of provision of rehabilitation services for servicemen and participants in the antiterrorist operation. The concept of psychological rehabilitation in the context of a systematic approach is considered in details and its main features are formed. Special attention is paid to the study of previous work, to the mechanism of providing rehabilitation services to all servicemen. In the context of the current tasks, the legal base on this issue, the approved and priority initiatives was investigated. The most frequent distribution among the demobilized soldiers of antiterrorist operation is occupied by people with the main characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder. The percentage correlation with such features in 2015-2017 was investigated and the main aspects of the mechanism of ensuring the full maintenance of social support were formed.Military actions and the conduct of the antiterrorist operation led to increase in the number of psychological stress disorders among the military. In the course of work we managed to find out that since the beginning of the antiterrorist operation and to date, the system of psychological rehabilitation of the military is gradually improving, but the question remains its effective functioning and compliance with world standards.After returning to a peaceful life, soldiers should be involved in rehabilitation activities and receive comprehensive complex rehabilitation in accordance with individual programs.The question was also raised on the issue of soldiers with post-traumatic stress, who had undergone rehabilitation and rehabilitation and required long-term social support. The most effective in reducing the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder is the integration of the soldiers’ negative experience in order to use it for personal growth, self-development, self-realization.


Author(s):  
Naomi Breslau

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was established in 1980, when it was incorporated in the DSM-III. The PTSD definition brackets a distinct set of stressors—traumatic events—from other stressful experiences and links it causally with a specific response, the PTSD syndrome. Explicit diagnostic criteria in DSM-III made it feasible to conduct large-scale epidemiological surveys on PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, using structured diagnostic interviews administered by nonclinicians. Epidemiologic research has been expanded from Vietnam veterans, who were the center of DSM-III PTSD study, to civilian populations and postwar regions worldwide. This chapter summarizes information on the prevalence estimates of PTSD in U.S. veterans of the Vietnam War, soldiers returning from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan, and civilian populations. It outlines research findings on the course of PTSD, risk factors, comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, and the risk for other posttrauma disoders. It concludes with recommendations for future research.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marissa Elizabeth Maheu ◽  
Joseph Hunter Howie ◽  
Kerry James Ressler

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder are precipitated by exposure to one or more traumatic events, and result in debilitating fear-related symptoms. Advances made over the past several years have greatly improved our understanding of these disorders, as well as the neurobiological and genetic factors that contribute to their emergence and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of this research, with a particular focus on recent developments in understanding the neurocircuitry underlying relevant aspects of fear learning, including acquisition, generalization, and the extinction of fear. Molecular regulators of stress response and candidate genes implicated in PTSD are also discussed. Although there remains a great deal to learn about these disorders, novel approaches, large-scale genomic studies, and new molecular techniques promise to help untangle the neurobiology of trauma- and stressor-related illness over the coming years. This review contains 3 figures, 3 tables and 56 references Key words: Posttraumatic stress disorder, fear, genetics, GWAS, HPA stress response, neurocircuitry models of trauma, generalization, extinction learning.


Author(s):  
Annette M. La Greca ◽  
Cortney Taylor Zimmerman ◽  
Whitney M. Herge ◽  
BreAnne A. Danzi

Youth’s exposure to natural disasters, acts of violence, motor vehicle accidents, and other injuries, interpersonal violence, and life-threatening medical illnesses often leads to significant psychological distress. Although most youth are resilient, a significant minority experience symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological difficulties that interfere with their adjustment and functioning. This chapter provides a framework for understanding ASD and PTSD in children and adolescents. The chapter first reviews the most well-studied types of traumatic events and describes key components of trauma exposure. This is followed by a review of ASD and PTSD, with particular attention to diagnostic issues and major changes in the conceptualization of these diagnoses. Then, after reviewing the prevalence and course of PTSD across different types of traumatic events, the chapter addresses important developmental issues, issues of comorbidity, and key risk factors that play a role in the development or maintenance of trauma-focused diagnoses in youth. The chapter concludes with key issues for future research that will enhance our understanding of ASD and PTSD in youth.


Author(s):  
Navneet Kaur ◽  
Cecilia Hinojosa ◽  
Julia Russell ◽  
Michael B. VanElzakker ◽  
Lisa M. Shin

Great advances have been made in understanding the neurocircuitry of stress disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, to a lesser extent, acute stress disorder (ASD). Studies using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI and fMRI, respectively) and positron emission tomography (PET) have revealed brain abnormalities consistent with a fear conditioning model. These abnormalities include hyperactivation in brain regions that are associated with the learning and expression of fear, as well as hypoactivation in structures that are associated with safety learning and fear inhibition. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of the neurocircuitry of PTSD, many questions remain unanswered. Future research will be needed to clarify the factors that affect neurocircuitry abnormalities, the origin of such abnormalities, and the role of neuroimaging in assessing and predicting treatment response.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110577
Author(s):  
Monika Kvedaraite ◽  
Odeta Gelezelyte ◽  
Agniete Kairyte ◽  
Neil P Roberts ◽  
Evaldas Kazlauskas

Background: After the inclusion of a novel diagnosis of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), there is a growing need for research focused on not only studying the underlying risk factors of this disorder but also differentiating the risk factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and CPTSD to understand better the factors leading to CPTSD onset and symptom maintenance. Aims: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of traumatic experiences, trauma-related disorders and risk factors associated with ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in a population-based Lithuanian sample using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Methods: The study sample included 885 participants (age M[ SD] = 37.96 [14.67], 63.4% female). The Life Events Checklist was used to measure trauma exposure, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms were measured by the Lithuanian ITQ version. The Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire (DTQ) was used to measure the urge or reluctance to talk about trauma. Results: The prevalence of at least one traumatic experience in the study sample was 81.4%. The prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD among the general population in Lithuania was 5.8% and 1.8%, respectively. Accumulative lifetime trauma exposure, sexual assault and assault with a weapon were significant predictors for both PTSD and CPTSD. Participants from the CPTSD group reported greater reluctance to disclose trauma and stronger emotional reactions than no diagnosis and PTSD groups. Results also indicate that the Lithuanian ITQ version is a valid measure for screening PTSD and CPTSD in the general population. Conclusion: Previous history of trauma and interpersonal trauma were associated with posttraumatic stress disorders but did not differentiate between PTSD and CPTSD in our study. However, social trauma-related factors, such as trauma disclosure, were associated with stronger CPTSD symptoms.


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