scholarly journals Acute White Matter Integrity Post-trauma and Prospective Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carissa N. Weis ◽  
Ashley A. Huggins ◽  
Tara A. Miskovich ◽  
Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald ◽  
Kenneth P. Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
White Matter Integrity ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
White Matter Tracts

Background: Little is known about what distinguishes those who are resilient after trauma from those at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous work indicates white matter integrity may be a useful biomarker in predicting PTSD. Research has shown changes in the integrity of three white matter tracts—the cingulum bundle, corpus callosum (CC), and uncinate fasciculus (UNC)—in the aftermath of trauma relate to PTSD symptoms. However, few have examined the predictive utility of white matter integrity in the acute aftermath of trauma to predict prospective PTSD symptom severity in a mixed traumatic injury sample.Method: Thus, the current study investigated acute brain structural integrity in 148 individuals being treated for traumatic injuries in the Emergency Department of a Level 1 trauma center. Participants underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging 2 weeks post-trauma and completed several self-report measures at 2-weeks (T1) and 6 months (T2), including the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-V (CAPS-5), post-injury.Results: Consistent with previous work, T1 lesser anterior cingulum fractional anisotropy (FA) was marginally related to greater T2 total PTSD symptoms. No other white matter tracts were related to PTSD symptoms.Conclusions: Results demonstrate that in a traumatically injured sample with predominantly subclinical PTSD symptoms at T2, acute white matter integrity after trauma is not robustly related to the development of chronic PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest the timing of evaluating white matter integrity and PTSD is important as white matter differences may not be apparent in the acute period after injury.

scholarly journals Disruption of white matter structural integrity and connectivity in posttraumatic stress disorder: A TBSS and tractography study

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 437-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Olson ◽  
Jiaolong Cui ◽  
Rena Fukunaga ◽  
Lisa D. Nickerson ◽  
Scott L. Rauch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Stress Disorder

Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Family Functioning of Vietnam Veterans and Their Partners

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 765-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette Evans ◽  
Tony Mchugh ◽  
Malcolm Hopwood ◽  
Carol Watt
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Abuse ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Vietnam Veterans ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Statistical Program

Objective: This study examines the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in terms of the three main symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance and arousal), and the self-report of family functioning of Vietnam veterans and the self-report of family functioning of their partners. A second objective was to determine if depression, anger and alcohol abuse mediated between PTSD symptoms and family functioning. Method: Vietnam veterans and their partners completed a series of questionnaires as part of their participation in the inpatient and outpatient PTSD treatment program, in the Veterans Psychiatry Unit, at the Austin and Repatriation Hospital. Results: Data from 270 veterans and partners were used in the final analyses. The PTSD subscales were initially correlated with family functioning for veterans and family functioning for partners. Then two path diagrams were constructed and analyzed using the statistical program AMOS to test for mediating effects between PTSD symptoms and family functioning. For veterans there were significant initial correlations with all three subscales of the PTSD measure. In the path analysis when the mediating variables were included only the avoidance subscale of the PTSD measure remained directly associated with family functioning. The arousal PTSD subscale was mediated by anger. The measures of depression and anger were significantly associated with poor family functioning and the anger and the avoidance subscales were significantly associated with depression. In the second set of analyses conducted on data from partners, the PTSD symptoms of avoidance and arousal were initially correlated with family functioning. When the test for mediation was conducted none of the PTSD subscales remained associated with partners' self-report of family functioning. Posttraumatic stress disorder arousal and alcohol abuse were mediated by anger for partners' self-report of family functioning. Conclusions: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms of avoidance for veterans, and comorbid symptoms of anger and depression for veterans, and anger on its own for partners appear to be important in the self-report of family functioning. These findings suggest that veterans and their partners have similar difficulties as couples with distressed relationships in the community.

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.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and incidence of thyroid dysfunction in women

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (15) ◽  
pp. 2551-2560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Jae Jung ◽  
Jae H. Kang ◽  
Andrea L. Roberts ◽  
Kristen Nishimi ◽  
Qixuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Civilian Women

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal thyroid function is prevalent among women and has been linked to increased risk of chronic disease. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to thyroid dysfunction in some studies; however, the results have been inconsistent. Thus, we evaluated trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms in relation to incident thyroid dysfunction in a large longitudinal cohort of civilian women.MethodsWe used data from 45 992 women from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study II, a longitudinal US cohort study that began in 1989. In 2008, history of trauma and PTSD were assessed with the Short Screening Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, PTSD, and incident thyroid dysfunction was determined by participants’ self-report in biennial questionnaires of physician-diagnosed hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism. The study period was from 1989 to 2013. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypothyroidism and Graves’ hyperthyroidism.ResultsIn multivariable-adjusted models, we found significant associations for PTSD only with hypothyroidism [p-trend <0.001; trauma with no PTSD symptoms, 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.15); 1–3 PTSD symptoms, 1.12 (95% CI 1.04–1.21); 4–5 PTSD symptoms, 1.23 (95% CI 1.13–1.34); and 6–7 PTSD symptoms, 1.26 (95% CI 1.14–1.40)]. PTSD was not associated with risk of Graves’ hyperthyroidism (p-trend = 0.34). Associations were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to outcomes with onset after 2008, when PTSD was assessed.ConclusionsPTSD was associated with higher risk of hypothyroidism in a dose-dependent fashion. Highlighted awareness for thyroid dysfunction may be especially important in women with PTSD.

scholarly journals An Examination of General Aggression and Intimate Partner Violence in Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 777-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela C. Kirby ◽  
Jean C. Beckham ◽  
Patrick S. Calhoun ◽  
Sushma T. Roberts ◽  
Casey T. Taft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Ipv Perpetration

Research has documented significant relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aggression, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Most of these studies have focused on men and measured violence by self-report. This study examined (a) the association between PTSD and general aggression among women, (b) the association between IPV and PTSD among married and/or cohabitating couples, and (c) the concordance between self and collateral reports of IPV. One hundred twenty participants provided information about PTSD symptoms and general aggression toward others, and 43 married and/or cohabitating couples provided information about PTSD and IPV. Women with PTSD reported more general aggression, IPV perpetration, and IPV victimization. Collateral informants of those with and without PTSD did not differ significantly in their report of IPV. Concordance between participants and spouses or partners was low to moderate. These results are discussed within the context of extant IPV literature.

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.

Individual differences in white and grey matter structure associated with verbal habits of thought

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin C. Hayes ◽  
Katherine L Alfred ◽  
Rachel Pizzie ◽  
Joshua S. Cetron ◽  
David J. M. Kraemer
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Self Report ◽  
White Matter Tracts

Modality specific encoding habits account for a significant portion of individual differences reflected in functional activation during cognitive processing. Yet, little is known about how these habits of thought influence long-term structural changes in the brain. Traditionally, habits of thought have been assessed using self-report questionnaires such as the visualizer-verbalizer questionnaire. Here, rather than relying on subjective reports, we measured habits of thought using a novel behavioral task assessing attentional biases toward picture and word stimuli. Hypothesizing that verbal habits of thought are reflected in the structural integrity of white matter tracts and cortical regions of interest, we used diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analyses to assess this prediction. Using a whole-brain approach, we show that word bias is associated with increased volume in several bilateral language regions, in both white and grey matter parcels. Additionally, connectivity within white matter tracts within an a priori speech production network increased as a function of word bias. These results demonstrate long-term structural and morphological differences associated with verbal habits of thought.

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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