Pandemic-related PTSD symptoms and substance use among community-based adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L. Currie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Adjusted Logistic Regression

Abstract Objectives: To examine: (1) the role of gender and socioeconomic status in pandemic-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and substance use; (2) associations between probable PTSD and substance use, and (3) the supports needed to address these problems. Methods: Data were collected in June 2020 from 933 community-based adults in Alberta without a previous diagnosis of PTSD. The Primary Care PTSD Screen was adapted to assess pandemic-related PTSD symptoms. Participants were asked if alcohol or cannabis use had increased in the past month. Adjusted logistic regression models examined associations between probable PTSD and substance use. Results: Significantly more women (19%) than men (13%) met criteria for probable pandemic–related PTSD, while a similar percentage (13.5% of women, 13.0% of men) reported increased substance use during the pandemic. Adults with lower income, education, or pandemic-related job loss were more vulnerable to PTSD and substance use increases. Probable pandemic-related PTSD was associated with increased substance use for both women (OR = 2.2) and men (OR = 2.3) in adjusted models. Many adults (50% of women, 40% of men) indicated they needed support to address mental health or substance use during the pandemic, particularly from friends, a physician, and/or a counsellor. Conclusions: This study examined adults who had just experienced two months of increasing COVID-19 cases and containment measures. Findings suggest women and socioeconomically vulnerable adults may be in greater need of mental health supports, and that pandemic-related PTSD is an important consideration for interventions to reduce substance use among both women and men.

Associations of pre-trauma attributes and trauma exposure with screening positive for PTSD: analysis of a community-based study of 2085 young adults

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUTH A. PARSLOW ◽  
ANTHONY F. JORM ◽  
HELEN CHRISTENSEN
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Exposure To Trauma

Background. While pre-trauma personality and mental health measures are risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such information is usually obtained following the trauma and can be influenced by post-trauma distress. We used data collected from a community-based survey of young adults before and after a major natural disaster to examine the extent to which participants' traumatic experiences, demographic and pre-trauma risk factors were associated with their screening positive for PTSD when re-interviewed.Method. A representative selection of 2085 young adults from the Australian Capital Territory and environs, interviewed in 1999 as part of a longitudinal community-based survey, were re-interviewed 3–18 months after a major bushfire had occurred in the region. When re-interviewed, they were asked about their experiences of trauma threat, uncontrollable and controllable traumatic experiences and their reaction to the fire. They were also screened for symptoms of fire-related PTSD experienced in the week prior to interview.Results. Four-fifths of participants were exposed to the trauma with around 50% reporting having experienced uncontrollable traumatic events. Reporting PTSD symptoms was associated with being female, having less education, poorer mental health and higher levels of neuroticism prior to the trauma. Particular fire experiences, including being evacuated and feeling very distressed during the disaster, were more strongly associated with PTSD symptoms compared with pre-trauma measures.Conclusions. While demographic and pre-trauma mental health increased the likelihood of reporting PTSD symptoms, exposure to trauma threat and reaction to the trauma made greater contributions in explaining such symptoms as a result of this disaster.

Association Between Intimate Partner Violence Subtypes and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Hazardous Substance Use

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110219
Author(s):  
Matthew M. Yalch ◽  
Sloane R. M. Rickman
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cumulative Effects ◽  
Hazardous Substance ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common problem for women in the United States and is associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as hazardous use of substances like alcohol and drugs. However, not all subtypes of IPV (i.e., physical, sexual, and psychological) are equally predictive of PTSD and hazardous substance use. Although previous research suggests that psychological IPV has the strongest relative effect on PTSD symptoms and substance use, there is less research on IPV subtypes’ cumulative effects. In this study, we examined the relative and cumulative effects of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV on PTSD symptoms and hazardous substance use in a sample of women in the United States recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk ( N = 793) using bootstrapped multiple regression and configural frequency analyses. Results suggest that physical IPV had the most pronounced influence (medium-large effect sizes) on substance use across women, but that the cumulative effects of all three IPV subtypes were most closely associated with diagnostic levels of both PTSD and substance use at the level of groups of women. These findings clarify and extend previous research on the differential effects of IPV subtypes and provide directions for future research and clinical intervention.

Mental Health Outcomes of Peer-led Therapeutic Adventure for Military Veterans

2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110495
Author(s):  
Joanna Ellen Bettmann ◽  
Ileana Anderson ◽  
Joe Makouske ◽  
Adam Hanley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Adventure Program

Background: Skepticism of therapy and stigma are significant barriers for veterans with mental health issues. Therapeutic adventure shows promise in addressing veterans’ mental health needs while circumventing the stigma many veterans face in initiating treatment. Purpose: Given the small group model of therapeutic adventure programs, such programs may be ideal to provide social support for veterans and reduce mental health symptomology. The present study investigated: can a brief peer-led therapeutic adventure program modify veterans’ mental health symptoms? Methodology/Approach: The study's sample included 56 participants attending one Sierra Club Military Outdoors trip lasting at least three days and two nights and involving camping. Participants completed study measurements assessing depression, anxiety, stress, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, substance misuse symptoms, and suicidality at pre-trip, post-trip, one-month post trip, six-months post trip, and 12-months post trip. Six-month and 12-month post-trip data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings/Conclusions: Results indicated significant reduction in mental health symptomology from pre-trip to post-trip, but showed few longer-term changes in mental health symptomology. Implications: The present study's findings are consistent with research suggesting improvements in overall psychological well-being immediately following a nature-based intervention and suggest the need for on-going, community-based interventions to support optimally military veterans’ mental health.

scholarly journals Perceived stress and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among intensive care unit staff caring for severely ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients during the pandemic: a national study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Kader ◽  
Bushra Elhusein ◽  
Nirvana Swamy Kudlur Chandrappa ◽  
Abdulqadir J. Nashwan ◽  
Prem Chandra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract Background Intensive care unit (ICU) staff have faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which could significantly affect their mental health and well-being. The present study aimed to investigate perceived stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms reported by ICU staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. Methods The Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess perceived stress, the PTSD Diagnostic Scale for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) was used to determine PTSD symptoms, and a sociodemographic questionnaire was used to record different sociodemographic variables. Results Altogether, 124 participants (57.2% of whom were men) were included in the analysis. The majority of participants perceived working in the ICU with COVID-19 patients as moderately to severely stressful. Moreover, 71.4% of doctors and 74.4% of nurses experienced moderate-to-severe perceived stress. The staff with previous ICU experience were less likely to have a probable diagnosis of PTSD than those without previous ICU experience. Conclusions Assessing perceived stress levels and PTSD among ICU staff may enhance our understanding of COVID-19-induced mental health challenges. Specific strategies to enhance ICU staff’s mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic should be employed and monitored regularly. Interventions aimed at alleviating sources of anxiety in a high-stress environment may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD.

scholarly journals The Impact of Co-occurring Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders on Craving: A Systematic Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabien Renaud ◽  
Louise Jakubiec ◽  
Joel Swendsen ◽  
Melina Fatseas
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Dual Disorder ◽  
The Impact

The frequent co-occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) leads to manifestations of both conditions that are more severe and more resistance to treatment than single disorders. One hypothesis to explain this synergy is the impact of intrusive memories on craving which, in turn, increases the risk of relapse among patients with substance use disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to examine this possibility by assessing the impact of PTSD and its symptoms on craving among dual disorder patients. Using PRISMA criteria, four databases were comprehensively searched up to June, 2021, in order to identify all candidate studies based on broad key words. Resulting studies were then selected if they examined the impact of PTSD or PTSD symptoms on craving, and if they used standardized assessments of PTSD, SUD, and craving. Twenty-seven articles matched the selection criteria and were included in this review. PTSD was found to be significantly associated with increased craving levels among patients with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco, and other substance use disorders. Exposition to traumatic cues among dual disorder patients was also shown to trigger craving, with an additive effect on craving intensity when exposure to substance-related cues occurred. In addition, certain studies observed a correlation between PTSD symptom severity and craving intensity. Concerning mechanisms underlying these associations, some findings suggest that negative emotional states or emotion dysregulation may play a role in eliciting craving after traumatic exposure. Moreover, these studies suggest that PTSD symptoms may, independently of emotions, act as powerful cues that trigger craving. These findings argue for the need of dual disorder treatment programs that integrate PTSD-focused approaches and emotion regulation strategies, in addition to more traditional interventions for craving management.

The lasting mental health effects of Hurricane Sandy on residents of the Rockaways

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Schwartz, PhD ◽  
Patricia Rothenberg, BA ◽  
Samantha M. Kerath, MS ◽  
Bian Liu, PhD ◽  
Emanuela Taioli, MD, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Illicit Substance ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hurricane Exposure

 Objective: To examine the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the mental health and substance use of residents of the Rockaways, which is a lower income, ethnically diverse region of NYC that was devastated by the hurricane. Design: Prospective, cross sectional. Setting: Rockaways, Queens, NYC community residents. Participants: From October 2013 to April 2015, 407 adult residents of the Rockaways completed self-report, validated measures of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as indicators of substance use (alcohol, illicit substance, and tobacco use) and exposure to Hurricane Sandy. Main Outcome Measures: Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, alcohol use, illicit substance use, and tobacco use. Results: Differences in exposure scores on outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon tests. Associations between hurricane exposure (categorized into “personal” and “property” exposure) and outcomes were investigated using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic covariates, mental health history, and time since hurricane. The study participants were predominately female (57.5 percent) and black (63.9 percent) and average age was 44.7 years. Multivariable results showed that property exposure scores were positively associated with increased risks of mental health difficulties across all three mental health symptom outcomes, but not substance use. Increased personal and total exposures were also significantly associated with increased Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Substance use variables were not significantly associated with any of the hurricane exposure indicators. Conclusions: The present study quantifies the lasting impact that Hurricane Sandy has had on the mental health of Rockaways residents indicating the need for continued recovery efforts and increased mental health service provision in this vulnerable region. 

Impact of coping styles on post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms among pregnant women exposed to Hurricane Katrina

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 199-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olurinde Oni, MD, MS ◽  
Emily W. Harville, PhD ◽  
Xu Xiong, MD, DrPH ◽  
Pierre Buekens, MD, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

Objective: Experiencing natural disasters such as hurricanes is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.We examined the role played by perceived stress and coping styles in explaining and modifying this association among pregnant women exposed to Hurricane Katrina.Design: The study comprised 192 women (133 from New Orleans and 59 from Baton Rouge) who were pregnant during Hurricane Katrina or became pregnant immediately after the hurricane. Women were interviewed regarding their hurricane experience, perceived stress, and mental health outcomes. Coping styles was assessed using the Brief COPE, PTSD symptoms using the Post-Traumatic Checklist, and depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Multivariable regression models were run to determine the effects of coping styles on mental health and the interactions among coping styles, hurricane experience, and perceived stress on mental health.Results: Apart from the positive reframing and humor coping styles, all coping styles correlated positively with PTSD or depression (p 0.05). The instrumental support, denial, venting, and behavioral disengagement coping styles were significantly associated with worsened PTSD symptoms among those who reported higher perceived stress (p 0.05). Use of a humor coping style seemed to reduce the effect of perceived stress on depressive symptoms (p = 0.02 for interaction) while use of instrumental support (p = 0.04) and behavioral disengagement (p 0.01) were both associated with more symptoms of depression among those who perceived more stress. There were no strong interactions between coping style and hurricane experience.Conclusion: Coping styles are potential moderators of the effects of stress on mental health of pregnant women.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A mental health concern in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 841-844
Author(s):  
Mohammad Asim ◽  
Edwin Van Teijlingen ◽  
Brijesh Sathian
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Concern ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
National Mental Health

The sudden outbreak of Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) is transforming the psychology and interpersonal relationships of millions across the globe. In Nepal, there is a need for national mental health surveys post COVID-19. This pandemic can cause traumatic experiences to the patients, caregivers, those quarantined and frontline healthcare providers which may lead to PTSD. Special attention should be focused on high-risk individuals, including policies to implement regular screening of PTSD symptoms. 

Risk and Protective Factors for Mental Health and Community Cohesion After the 2013 Calgary Flood

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Hetherington ◽  
Sheila McDonald ◽  
Muci Wu ◽  
Suzanne Tough
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Community Cohesion ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractObjectiveTo examine mental health and community cohesion in women living in Calgary after a natural disaster considering previously collected mental health data.MethodsData from an ongoing longitudinal cohort, the All Our Families study, were used to examine mental health and community cohesion 5 months after a major flood in Calgary, Canada. Participants who had completed a baseline questionnaire before the flood were eligible for inclusion in this study (N=923). Four multivariable logistic regression models were built to examine predictors of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and community cohesion.ResultsElevated anxiety before the flood was associated with 2.49 (95% CI: 1.17, 5.26) increased odds of experiencing high levels of post-traumatic stress, regardless of whether respondents lived in a flood-risk community or not. Women who experienced damage to property, or who provided help to others, were more likely to perceive an increased sense of community cohesion (adjusted ods ratio (AOR): 1.67; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.54 and AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.52, respectively).ConclusionsWomen with underlying mental health conditions may be more vulnerable to the psychological impacts of a natural disaster regardless of their level of exposure. Natural disasters may bring communities together, especially those who were more tangibly impacted. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:470–477)

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