scholarly journals Research on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Methods and Implications in General Population Samples

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 247054702110513
Author(s):  
Mathilde M. Husky ◽  
Robert H. Pietrzak ◽  
Brian P. Marx ◽  
Carolyn M. Mazure
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional

Increasing concern about the mental health sequelae to the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a surge in research and publications on the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in general population samples in relation to the pandemic. We examined how posttraumatic stress disorder in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic has been studied to date and found three general themes: (1) assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms relied on self-report measures and often did not determine direct trauma exposure as required by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Criterion A to diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder; (2) inadequate assessment of pre-existing mental disorders and co-occurring stress; and (3) the use of cross-sectional designs in most studies, often relying on snowball sampling strategies to conduct online surveys. Notwithstanding these methodological limitations, these studies have reported moderate to severe posttraumatic symptoms in 25.8% of the general population on average in relation to the pandemic (ranging from 4.6% to 55.3%). Opportunities for advancing future research that will inform public health planning are discussed.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic stress disorder correlates among internally displaced Yazidi population following Islamic state of Iraq and Syria attacks in Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Perjan Hashim Taha ◽  
Nezar Ismet Taib ◽  
Hushyar Musa Sulaiman
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Health Planning ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Northern Iraq

Abstract Background In 2014, the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) took over one-third of Iraq. This study measured the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Iraqi Yazidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) and examined associated demographic and traumatic risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in April–June 2015 at the Khanke camp, northern Iraq. Trauma exposure and PTSD were measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (Iraqi version). Results Of 814 adult Yazidi IDPs, 34% screened positive for PTSD. Avoidance and intrusion symptoms had the highest means (M = 3.16, SD = 0.86 and M = 2.63, SD = 0.59 respectively). Associated factors of PTSD included exposure to a high number of traumatic events, unmet basic needs and having witnessed the destruction of residential or religious areas (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02–1.9 and OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53 respectively). Being a widow was the only linked demographic factor (OR = 15.39, 95% CI: 3.02–78.39). Conclusions High traumatic exposure, specifically unmet basic needs and having witnessed destruction, was an important predictor of PTSD among Yazidi IDPs. These findings are important for mental health planning for IDPs in camps.

scholarly journals Update on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Therapeutic Effects

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a maladaptive, pathological response to a traumatic event which is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated. This results in part from a lack of awareness regarding the prevalence of the disorder. It has been estimated that at least one third of the general population will be exposed to severe trauma throughout their lifetime, out of which approximately 10 % to 20 % develop PTSD. A prevalence of 3 % to 6 % of PTSD in the general population, found in several studies, corresponds well with these figures. Both the type of trauma and the personal characteristics of the individual involved are associated with the probability of developing PTSD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) gives four diagnostic criteria: (i) exposure and emotional response to a traumatic event; (ii) reexperiencing; (iii) avoidance; and (iv) increased physiological arousal, along with severe impairment in occupational, social, and interpersonal functioning. The rate of comorbidity with other mental disorders is high, particularly for major depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Different types of psychological intervention, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and a host of pharmacological interventions, have been tried. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most widely researched agents with consistent, though modest, therapeutic effects. Other compounds, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have also been found to be effective, although their use is limited due to side effects. PTSD is a psychobiological phenomenon in response to psychological trauma, which represents maladaptive neurobiological deregulation and psychological dysfunction, and awaits further recognition and research.

scholarly journals Bidirectional associations between insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depressive symptoms among adolescent earthquake survivors: a longitudinal multiwave cohort study

SLEEP ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fulei Geng ◽  
Yingxin Liang ◽  
Yuanyuan Li ◽  
Yi Fang ◽  
Tien Sy Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
2008 Wenchuan Earthquake ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Study Objectives To assess insomnia symptoms in adolescents with probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to determine whether there are longitudinal and reciprocal associations between insomnia, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. Methods Participants were 1,492 adolescent survivors who had been exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Insomnia, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were measured at 12 months (T1, n = 1407), 18 months (T2, n = 1335), and 24 months (T3, n = 1361) postearthquake by self-report questionnaires. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of insomnia with PTSD and depression. Results Insomnia, PTSD, and depressive symptoms were common among adolescent survivors. Among participants with probable PTSD, approximately 47% (48.5%, T1; 48.1%, T2; and 44.2%, T3) reported difficulty falling asleep or difficulty maintaining sleep. Cross-sectional analyses showed that insomnia co-occurred with PTSD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04) and depressive symptoms (OR = 2.10). Longitudinal analyses revealed that probable PTSD (OR = 1.50) and depression (OR = 1.42) predicted the incidence of insomnia; in turn, insomnia predicted the incidence of depression (OR = 1.65) over time. Furthermore, PTSD predicted (OR = 3.11) and was predicted (OR = 3.25) by depressive symptoms. Conclusions There is a bidirectional relationship between insomnia, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. This suggests that insomnia, PTSD, and depression are intertwined over time.

The Clenching-Grinding Spectrum and Fear Circuitry Disorders: Clinical Insights from the Neuroscience/Paleoanthropology Interface

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Stefan Bracha ◽  
Tyler C. Ralston ◽  
Andrew E. Williams ◽  
Jennifer M. Yamashita ◽  
Adam S. Bracha
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

AbstractThis review discusses the clenching-grinding spectrum from the neuropsychiatric/neuroevolutionary perspective. In neuropsychiatry, signs of jaw clenching may be a useful objective marker for detecting or substantiating a self-report of current subjective emotional distress. Similarly, accelerated tooth wear may be an objective clinical sign for detecting, or substantiating, long-lasting anxiety. Clenching-grinding behaviors affect at least 8% of the population. We argue that during the early paleolithic environment of evolutionary adaptedness, jaw clenching was an adaptive trait because it rapidly strengthened the masseter and temporalis muscles, enabling a stronger, deeper and therefore more lethal bite in expectation of conflict(warfare)with conspecifics. Similarly, sharper incisors produced by teeth grinding may have served as weaponry during early human combat. We posit that alleles predisposing to fear-induced clenching-grinding were evolutionarily conserved in the human clade (lineage) since they remained adaptive for anatomically and mitochondrially modern humans (Homo sapiens) well into the mid-paleolithic. Clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, and the fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. A 2003 Cochrane meta-analysis concluded that dental procedures for the above spectrum disorders are not evidence based. There is a need for early detection of clenching-grinding in anxiety disorder clinics and for research into science-based interventions. Finally, research needs to examine the possible utility of incorporating physical signs intoDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Editionposttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic criteria. One of the diagnostic criterion that may need to undergo a revision inDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Editionis Criterion D (persistent fear-circuitry activation not present before the trauma). Grinding-induced incisor wear, and clenching-induced palpable masseter tenderness may be examples of such objective physical signs of persistent fear-circuitry activation (posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion D).

Posttraumatic Anger, Recalled Peritraumatic Emotions, and PTSD in Victims of Violent Crime

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (17) ◽  
pp. 3561-3579 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. J. Kunst ◽  
F. W. Winkel ◽  
S. Bogaerts
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Threat Perceptions

A mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal design was employed to explore the association between posttraumatic anger and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; symptoms) in victims of civilian violence. It was speculated that this relationship is mainly due to concurrent recalled peritraumatic emotions. Such emotions may be interpreted to result from anger-rooted threat perceptions and to share similarities with posttraumatic intrusion symptoms. In addition, predictors of PTSD maintenance were investigated. Cross-sectional data indicated that posttraumatic anger and several indices of PTSD were highly interconnected. Recalled peritraumatic emotions partly accounted for the relation between posttraumatic anger and posttraumatic intrusions ( n = 177). Only posttraumatic intrusions were associated with PTSD symptom persistence at follow-up ( n = 56). Findings were discussed in light of study limitations and directions for future research.

scholarly journals Utility of the Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report version in screening for posttraumatic stress disorder among persons seeking HIV testing

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Kagee ◽  
Jason Bantjes ◽  
Wylene Saal ◽  
Mpho Sefatsa
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Clinical Interview ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual

The literature on the utility of self-report instruments in determining caseness for posttraumatic stress disorder in South Africa is sparse. We administered the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Research Version and the Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report version to a sample of 500 South African community members seeking HIV testing. Of our original sample of 500, 306 (61.2%) reported an index event for posttraumatic stress disorder and 25 (5.0%) met the criteria for this diagnosis. The Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report displayed internal consistency of .95 as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. Using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a gold standard, we conducted receiver operating curve analysis among the 306 participants who reported an index traumatic event to determine the extent to which the Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report as a screening instrument successfully discriminated between participants who did and did not meet the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder. The Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report yielded sensitivity of .76 and specificity of .78, with an area under the curve of .837. Positive and negative predictive values were .24 and .97, respectively. Our findings suggest that the Posttraumatic Stress Scale–Self-report may be effectively used to screen for posttraumatic stress disorder among community samples, including persons seeking HIV testing.

scholarly journals Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the General Population After Mass Terrorist Incidents: Considerations About the Nature of Exposure

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro Galea ◽  
Heidi Resnick
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
General Population ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
September 11Th ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Us ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACTEpidemiologically, disasters represent multiple forms of possible exposures, including exposure type (eg, natural versus human-made), intensity, and duration. It has been suggested that the consequences of human-made disasters (eg, terrorist incidents) may be more severe than those of natural disasters; recent evidence suggests that there may be a high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among both direct survivors of such attacks and in the general population. Several studies after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks found that the prevalence of PTSD was higher in New York City than it was in the rest of the US and that there was a substantial burden of PTSD among persons who were not directly affected by the attacks. This raises important questions about the meaning of “exposure” to a disaster. Using data from an assessment of PTSD in the first 6 months after September 11th we considered the nature of the PTSD experienced by persons who were not directly affected by the September 11th attacks. These data suggest that persons in the general population may have clinically important posttraumatic stress symptomatology after a mass terrorist incident. Future research should consider mechanisms through which persons in the general population may be at risk for PTSD after such incidents.

scholarly journals Assessing dysfunctional expectations in posttraumatic stress disorder – Development and validation of the Posttraumatic Expectations Scale (PTES)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Herzog ◽  
Tim Kaiser ◽  
Winfried Rief ◽  
Eva-Lotta Brakemeier ◽  
Tobias Kube
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Ptsd Symptom ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Excellent Internal Consistency ◽  
Ptsd Symptom Severity

Dysfunctional expectations are a particularly important subset of cognitions that influence the development and maintenance of various mental disorders. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale to assess dysfunctional expectations in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the “Posttraumatic Expectations Scale” (PTES). In a cross-sectional study, 70 PTSD patients completed the PTES, the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI), as well as measures of the severity of symptoms of PTSD and depression. The results show that the PTES has excellent internal consistency and correlates significantly with the PTCI and PTSD symptom severity. A regression analysis revealed that the PTES explained variance of PTSD symptom severity above the PTCI, supporting the incremental validity of the PTES. While the original version of the PTES comprises 81 items, short scales were constructed using the BISCUIT method. The current findings suggest that the PTES is a reliable and valid novel self-report measure in patients with 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.

scholarly journals Different Patterns of Mental Health Outcomes among Road Traffic Crash Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1564
Author(s):  
Jelena Kovacevic ◽  
Ivica Fotez ◽  
Ivan Miskulin ◽  
Davor Lesic ◽  
Maja Miskulin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Road Traffic Crash ◽  
Traffic Crash ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Before And After

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the symptoms of mental disorders following a road traffic crash (RTC). A prospective cohort of 200 people was followed for 6 months after experiencing an RTC. The cohort was comprised of uninjured survivors and injured victims with all levels of road traffic injury (RTI) severity. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between the symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety one and six months after the RTC, along with sociodemographic factors, health status before and after the RTC, factors related to the RTI and factors related to the RTC. The results showed associations of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with sociodemographic factors, factors related to the health status before and after the RTC and factors related to the RTC. Factors related to the RTI showed associations only with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Identifying factors associated with mental disorders following an RTC is essential for establishing screening of vulnerable individuals at risk of poor mental health outcomes after an RTC. All RTC survivors, regardless of their RTI status, should be screened for factors associated with mental disorders in order to successfully prevent them.

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