The Phenomenology and Correlates of Flashbacks in Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L. Malaktaris ◽  
Steven Jay Lynn
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Emotional Intensity ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Considerable Controversy ◽  
And Control

Reexperiencing symptoms are a hallmark of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Relatively little research has examined flashbacks in individuals with PTSD, and theoretical attempts to define and conceptualize flashbacks continue to be marked by considerable controversy. We compared individuals with PTSD or subthreshold PTSD symptoms (PTSS) with ( n = 45) and without flashbacks ( n = 32) to trauma-exposed controls ( n = 33) and control participants without trauma exposure ( n = 33). We compared the qualities of flashbacks of individuals with PTSS to those simulated by individuals without flashbacks. As predicted, individuals with PTSS reported significantly greater sleep disturbances, experiential avoidance, and lower trait mindfulness than those without PTSS. Individuals without PTSS underestimated the vividness, emotional intensity, distress, and functional impact associated with flashbacks. Consistent with basic-mechanisms theory, we did not find evidence of fragmentation of flashbacks in individuals with PTSS. Additional implications and future directions are discussed.

Family Models of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candice M. Monson ◽  
Steffany J. Fredman ◽  
Rachel Dekel ◽  
Naomi Ennis ◽  
Alexandra Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Bidirectional Association ◽  
Family Models

This chapter reviews the extant literature on the interpersonal aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a focus on couple and family models of PTSD. Topics include the association of PTSD with a variety of family relationship problems in a range of traumatized populations. The role of relevant interpersonal constructs in the onset and maintenance of PTSD (e.g., social support, communication patterns) and the psychological effects of PTSD symptoms on family members and their interactions are discussed. In addition, models that take into account a range of relationship variables and the likely bidirectional association between individual and family functioning in PTSD are presented. Future directions for theory and research, as well as the clinical implications of this work, are outlined.

scholarly journals A longitudinal study of several potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad E. Shenk ◽  
Frank W. Putnam ◽  
Joseph R. Rausch ◽  
James L. Peugh ◽  
Jennie G. Noll
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Private Events ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Sinus Arrhythmia ◽  
Maltreated Children ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractChild maltreatment is a reliable predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, not all maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms, suggesting that additional mediating variables explain how certain maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms and others do not. The current study tested three potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms: (a) respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity, (b) cortisol reactivity, and (c) experiential avoidance, or the unwillingness to experience painful private events, such as thoughts and memories. Maltreated (n = 51) and nonmaltreated groups (n = 59) completed a stressor paradigm, a measure of experiential avoidance, and a semistructured interview of PTSD symptoms. One year later, participants were readministered the PTSD symptoms interview. Results of a multiple mediator model showed the set of potential mediators mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms. However, experiential avoidance was the only significant, specific indirect effect, demonstrating that maltreated children avoiding painful private events after the abuse were more likely to develop a range of PTSD symptoms 1 year later. These results highlight the importance of experiential avoidance in the development of PTSD symptoms for maltreated children, and implications for secondary prevention and clinical intervention models are discussed.

scholarly journals The Effects of Inattentiveness and Hyperactivity on Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: Does a Diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Matter?

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1246-1254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Adams ◽  
Thomas Adams ◽  
Kirstin Stauffacher ◽  
Howard Mandel ◽  
Zhewu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Lability ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Stress Symptoms

Objective: To address the nature of associations between ADHD symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychopathology in adult military veterans. Method: Ninety-five combat veterans, with PTSD ( n = 63) and without PTSD ( n = 32), were recruited for this study. PTSD was assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and ADHD was assessed with Connors’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale−Self-Report: Short Version (CAARS-S:S). Results: PTSD participants endorsed greater hyperactivity or restlessness, inattention or memory problems, and impulsivity or emotional lability scores than participants without PTSD. Among PTSD participants, inattention or memory problems and impulsivity or emotional lability were significant predictors of total PTSD symptoms, but only inattention or memory problems significantly predicted PTSD symptoms when other ADHD symptom clusters were considered simultaneously. Conclusion: Our data suggest that inattention may serve as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress symptoms following combat exposure.

Family Models of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2012 ◽  
pp. 218-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Candice M. Monson ◽  
Steffany J. Fredman ◽  
Rachel Dekel ◽  
Alexandra Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Family Relationship ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Family Models

This chapter reviews the extant literature on the interpersonal aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a focus on couple and family models of PTSD. Topics include the association of PTSD with a variety of family relationship problems in a range of traumatized populations. The role of relevant interpersonal constructs in the development and maintenance of PTSD (e.g., social support, attachment) and the psychological effects of PTSD symptoms on family members and their relations are discussed. In addition, models that take into account a range of relationship variables and the likely bi-directional association between individual and family functioning in PTSD are presented. Future directions for theory and research, as well as the clinical implications of this work are outlined.

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 999-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamia P. Barakat ◽  
Ericka L. Wodka
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Threat Appraisals

To examine posttraumatic stress symptoms in college students with a chronic illness, volunteers who endorsed having a chronic illness (N = 61) were administered the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PTDS: Foa, Cashman, Jaycox, & Perry, 1997). Over 50% met criteria for reexperiencing symptoms and interference with functioning; however, few participants met criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Higher threat appraisals (endorsement of A criteria, general appraisal/level of pessimism) explained a significant portion of the variance in total PTSD symptoms beyond the significant contributions of anxiety, life events, and illness interference with daily functioning. Findings document the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms among college students with chronic illness and highlight the role of anxiety and perceived threat in the development of symptoms. College students face a number of demands from chronic illness and stressors not related to their health indicating the need for services targeted at responses to stress.

Learning and Consolidation of Verbal Declarative Memory in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 218 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slawomira J. Diener ◽  
Herta Flor ◽  
Michèle Wessa
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Declarative Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms

Impairments in declarative memory have been reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fragmentation of explicit trauma-related memory has been assumed to impede the formation of a coherent memorization of the traumatic event and the integration into autobiographic memory. Together with a strong non-declarative memory that connects trauma reminders with a fear response the impairment in declarative memory is thought to be involved in the maintenance of PTSD symptoms. Fourteen PTSD patients, 14 traumatized subjects without PTSD, and 13 non-traumatized healthy controls (HC) were tested with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) to assess verbal declarative memory. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale and depression with the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Several indices of the CVLT pointed to an impairment in declarative memory performance in PTSD, but not in traumatized persons without PTSD or HC. No group differences were observed if recall of memory after a time delay was set in relation to initial learning performance. In the PTSD group verbal memory performance correlated significantly with hyperarousal symptoms, after concentration difficulties were accounted for. The present study confirmed previous reports of declarative verbal memory deficits in PTSD. Extending previous results, we propose that learning rather than memory consolidation is impaired in PTSD patients. Furthermore, arousal symptoms may interfere with successful memory formation in PTSD.

Social Support, Emotional Intelligence, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Hofman ◽  
Austin M. Hahn ◽  
Christine K. Tirabassi ◽  
Raluca M. Gaher
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Exposure to traumatic events and the associated risk of developing Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is a significant and overlooked concern in the college population. It is important for current research to identify potential protective factors associated with the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms unique to this population. Emotional intelligence and perceived social support are two identified protective factors that influence the association between exposure to traumatic events and PTSD symptomology. The current study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms. Participants included 443 trauma-exposed university students who completed online questionnaires. The results of this study indicated that social support mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence and reported PTSD symptoms. Thus, emotional intelligence is significantly associated with PTSD symptoms and social support may play an integral role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD. The current study is the first to investigate the role of social support in the relationship between emotional intelligence and PTSD symptoms. These findings have important treatment and prevention implications with regard to PTSD.

Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology Among Women Who Have Experienced Sexual Assault in Canada

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051986008
Author(s):  
Janice Du Mont ◽  
Holly Johnson ◽  
Cassandra Hill
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Dating Violence ◽  
Sexual Victimization ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Sexually Assaulted

There is a dearth of information about the association of victim-related and assailant-related characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexually assaulted women. Recently, Statistics Canada included items measuring the possible presence of PTSD symptoms in their 2014 nationally representative General Social Survey on Victimization (GSS-V), for the purpose of improving the understanding of mental health impacts associated with sexual victimization. The present study used the GSS-V to examine the association of sociodemographic, health, and assailant characteristics and prior traumatic experiences in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, physical assault, stalking, childhood abuse, and witnessing of violence between parents with PTSD symptomology among sexually assaulted women. Among 319 women who reported experiencing at least one incident of sexual assault in the 12 months prior to the survey, 68.6% had experienced at least one negative emotional impact as a result, among whom, 43.6% reported past-month PTSD symptoms. Logistic regression modeling revealed that prior traumatic events in the form of physical or sexual dating violence, stalking, and having witnessed violence between parents were associated with higher odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms, as was having been sexually assaulted by a known assailant. In contrast, the odds of experiencing PTSD symptoms was lower for Aboriginal or visible minority women. The results suggest that PTSD symptoms in the near aftermath of sexual victimization are common, and there are a range of factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing these symptoms. Implications for future research are discussed.

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