MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Traumatic Stress' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:32:14 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5631341&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20710 AbstractThis pilot study tested the validity of a 1‐item visual assessment method originally developed to evaluate suffering in chronic illness that has been adapted for use with patients who have been exposed to traumatic events. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) was administered 5 times during the course of a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment outcome study (N = 29). The PRISM scores declined significantly under trauma‐focused psychotherapy and differentiated between participants with and without PTSD diagnoses. Test‐retest reliability over a 6‐month period was high (r = .85). PRISM showed significant correlations with measures of PTSD, depression, and psychopathology symptom load (r = −.38 to r = −.81; convergent validity). At the s... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5631341 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5631341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479232&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20695 AbstractCaptivity stressors and coping strategies were assessed shortly after the repatriation of Vietnam‐era prisoners of war, and physical and mental health were assessed almost three decades later. Given research on coping goodness‐of‐fit, specifically the extent to which coping effects depend on situational controllability, we proposed that endorsement of the usefulness of avoidance‐based strategies in captivity would be predictive of better later‐life health. Findings indicated that approach‐based and avoidance‐based coping both moderated the link between physical torture and later physical health functional status, whereas approach‐based coping moderated the link between injuries at capture and later mental health. Specifically, greater endorsement of avoidance‐base... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479232 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479231&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20704 AbstractTherapists who work with traumatized individuals can experience psychological growth following this vicarious exposure to trauma. The purpose of the present study is to examine the variables that may moderate such vicarious posttraumatic growth. Therapists (N = 118) completed measures of vicarious exposure to trauma and growth, as well as empathy, sense of coherence, and perceived organizational support. Results showed that having a strong sense of coherence negatively predicted growth (β = −.28, p = .001), whereas empathy was a positive predictor (β = .37, p < .001). Empathy also moderated the exposure to growth relationship when growth involved relating to others (β = −.20; p = .018). Organizational support did not predict growth. The results have implications for the r... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479231 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479230&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20697 This study provides a summary of the results of an expert opinion survey initiated by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Complex Trauma Task Force regarding best practices for the treatment of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ratings from a mail‐in survey from 25 complex PTSD experts and 25 classic PTSD experts regarding the most appropriate treatment approaches and interventions for complex PTSD were examined for areas of consensus and disagreement. Experts agreed on several aspects of treatment, with 84% endorsing a phase‐based or sequenced therapy as the most appropriate treatment approach with interventions tailored to specific symptom sets. First‐line interventions matched to specific symptoms included emotion regulation strategies, narration of ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479230 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479229&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20696 We examined exposure to violence at ages 12–15 and 14–17, and depression, conduct disorder, and drug use at ages 14–17 and 17–20. Multivariate transition models revealed an association between prior conduct disorder and drug use, as well as a relationship between prior depression and conduct disorder. Adolescent exposure to violence was associated with higher odds of conduct disorder and drug use but not depression. Comorbid relations between conduct disorder and drug use were independent of prior exposure to violence. Although preventing adolescent exposure to violence may reduce the risk of conduct disorder and drug use by young adulthood, future research needs to investigate alternative determinants of sequential comorbidity among depression, conduct disorder, and drug use in ad... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479229 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479237&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20707 This study predicted that the quality of trauma narratives written before and following emotion‐focused therapy for child abuse trauma would be positively associated with psychological disturbance before and following therapy. Narratives for 37 clients were coded for emotion words, temporal orientation, incoherence, and depth of experiencing. At pretreatment, negative emotion words and experiencing were correlated with abuse resolution, r(35) = −.36, and r(35) = −.34, respectively. At posttreatment, narrative incoherence was correlated with trauma symptoms, r(35) = .33, whereas present–future orientation and experiencing were correlated with abuse resolution, r(35) = −.37, and r(35) = −.31, respectively. Pretreatment incoherence was associated with posttreatment trauma symptoms... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479237 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479236&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20705 AbstractExposure to traumatic events is common, particularly among economically disadvantaged, urban African Americans. There is, however, scant data on the psychological consequences of exposure to traumatic events in this group. We assessed experience with traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 1,306 randomly selected, African American residents of Detroit. Lifetime prevalence of exposure to at least 1 traumatic event was 87.2% (assault = 51.0%). African Americans from Detroit have a relatively high burden of PTSD; 17.1% of those who experienced a traumatic event met criteria for probable lifetime PTSD. Assaultive violence is pervasive and is more likely to be associated with subsequent PTSD than other types of events. Further efforts to prevent violence and incr... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479236 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479235&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20700 The objectives of this study were to investigate postcombat psychiatric and career outcomes among Marines with preexisting mental disorder diagnoses who deployed to combat in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Kuwait from 2002 to 2008. Marines with a preexisting diagnosis were 3.6 times (p < .001) more likely to have at least 1 postdeployment mental health disorder within 6 months postdeployment compared with Marines with no prior psychiatric diagnoses. Marines with a preexisting diagnosis were also 1.8 (p < .001) times more likely to receive a new‐onset psychiatric diagnosis within 6 months postdeployment, indicating that postdeployment mental health concerns in this cohort extend beyond continuation of earlier disorders. Additionally, demotions and separation were significantly associated wit... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479235 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479234&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20698 This study examined the types and context of trauma exposure experienced by immigrant women from Central America, South America, and Mexico living in the United States. Twenty‐eight women seeking care in primary care or social service settings completed life history interviews. The majority of the women reported some type of trauma exposure in their countries of origin, during immigration, and/or in the United States. In the interviews, we identified types of trauma important to the experience of these immigrants that are not queried by trauma assessments typically used in the United States. We also identified factors that are likely to amplify the impact of trauma exposure. The study highlights the importance of utilizing a contextualized approach when assessing trauma exposure among im... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479234 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479233&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20694 AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, exposure to traumatic stressors, and health care utilization were examined in 84 women attending a primary health care clinic in Mogadishu, Somalia. The Somalia‐Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale was used in this active warzone to measure symptoms. Nearly all women reported high levels of confrontations with violence; half described being exposed to a potentially traumatizing event. Nearly one third had significant PTSD symptoms. Compared to those who did not, women who reported exposure to a traumatic stressor reported more confrontations with violence (7.1 vs. 3.3; p < . 001), health complaints (3.8 vs. 2.9; p = .03), and nearly 3 times as much (p = .03) health service utilization. A potentially traumatizing event was found to be a ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479233 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5479233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5651820&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.21656 AbstractThis cross‐sectional study examined the factors associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms in 1,468 adolescents, 6 months after a wildfire. The rate of probable PTSD was 29.4% and 20% for probable depression. Findings on predisaster, disaster‐related, and postdisaster factors revealed that disaster‐related factors—specifically objective and perceived threat to self and others—were associated with symptoms of PTSD but not depression. Predisaster life events, postdisaster losses, and escape‐oriented coping strategies were associated with higher levels of both PTSD and depression symptoms, while control‐oriented coping and perceived social support were differentially associated with symptoms of and depression. Findings h... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5651820 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5651820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5631340&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.21659 This study did not allow us to determine whether this recollection bias for negative information was specific to the PTSD status or was triggered by the greater level of anxiety displayed in this group. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5631340 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5631340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5460984&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20689 This study examined disengagement coping as a partial mediator between trauma‐related guilt and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of veterans (N = 175) entering residential PTSD treatment with either PTSD or subthreshold PTSD. Disengagement coping partially mediated the relationship between guilt and self‐reported PTSD severity (b = .07; 95% CI = [−.003, .13]; p = .06), but did not mediate the relationship when PTSD severity was based on clinicians' ratings. These findings bolster Street, Gibson, and Holohan's (2005) contention that higher guilt‐related cognitions are related to increases in the use of disengagement coping strategies, which can interfere with PTSD recovery. The findings support the importance of PTSD treatments that target reductions in g... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5460984 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5460984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5460983&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20702 AbstractWe comment on a recently published article in the Journal of Traumatic Stress that reviewed school‐based interventions related to trauma. We point out the recent book published by Guilford Press on the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Practice Guildelines (2009), which also provides a thorough review of this literature, and discuss reasons why this review may have been missed. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5460983 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5460983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5443897&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20690 AbstractTo examine the connection between trauma memory integration in personal memory, memory organization, and posttraumatic symptom severity, 47 trauma‐exposed adults undertook an event‐cuing task for their trauma memory and for a memorable nontraumatic negative event. Measures of integration provided by self‐endorsement, rated by naïve judges, or calculated from the language of the memories, did not significantly predict posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity after adjusting for age, time since the event, anxiety when disclosing, familiarity of the memory, and integration of nontrauma memory. Less use of casual connectives in the trauma memory narrative was associated with higher trauma‐related avoidance (r = .33; p = .03), whereas self‐rating of the trauma memory as... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5443897 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5443897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5443896&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20699 AbstractDespite evidence supporting a connection between child maltreatment and self‐injury, there is disagreement regarding a particular connection to sexual abuse because types of trauma exposure often co‐occur. To examine these associations efficiently, we considered a sample of incarcerated juvenile females, where rates of both trauma exposure and self‐injury would be expected to be elevated. Adolescent females (N = 220) reported on history of self‐injurious behavior on the Voiced Index of Self‐injurious Actions, as well as psychiatric disorder. A common set of features was associated with cutting and with self‐injury in general. Both were more likely in those initiating delinquent activities when younger and in those currently meeting criteria for major depressive disorder... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5443896 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5443896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5433780&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20692 AbstractThe present study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among friends and family members of homicide victims (homicide survivors). Out of a national sample of 1,753 young adults who completed follow‐up interviews after participating in the National Survey of Adolescents, 268 homicide survivors and 653 victims of other interpersonal violence were selected for the study. Participants completed structured telephone interviews that covered the loss of a family member or close friend to homicide, violence exposure, and PTSD symptomatology. Findings indicated that 39% of homicide survivors met criteria for all 3 symptom clusters and 30% of homicide survivors met criteria for 2 PTSD clusters (functional impairment was not assessed). Multivariate logistic regression anal... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5433780 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5433780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5497174&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20708 This study underscores the importance and feasibility of examining exposure to terrorism and functional impairment as risk factors for suicidal ideation. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5497174 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5497174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5479228&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20706 AbstractThe primary objective of this study was to describe the development, reliability, and construct validity of scores on the Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2C‐Q), a 16‐item self‐report measure of postdeployment community reintegration difficulty. We surveyed a national, stratified sample of 1,226 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who used U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care; 745 completed the M2C‐Q and validated mental health screening measures. All analyses were based on weighted estimates. The internal consistency of the M2C‐Q was .95 in this sample. Factor analyses indicated a single total score was the best‐fitting model. Total scores were associated with measures theoretically related to reintegration difficulties including perception of overall di... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5479228 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5479228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5470769&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20703 AbstractThe psychological impact of military experience on healthcare providers has received little attention to date. The 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Personnel was used as a secondary data source, and deployed healthcare officers and healthcare specialists were identified and compared to deployed non‐healthcare officers and enlisted personnel: 6,116 respondents were surveyed. Findings revealed clinically significant psychological distress among deployed military healthcare provider respondents including posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and adverse psychosocial impact, more prominent in the deployed healthcare specialist group. Based upon findings, possible factors for resilience and increased risk, as well as potenti... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5470769 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5470769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5460982&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20701 AbstractThis is a response to Cohen, Jaycox, Amaya‐Jackson, and Stein's commentary on Rolfsnes and Idsoe's (2011) review and meta‐analysis of school‐based intervention programs for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The authors explain why a previous review of school‐based interventions (Jaycox, Stein & Amaya‐Jackson, 2009) was not identified through the search process and apologize that it was not credited. The authors also highlight the variation between the two publications. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5460982 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5460982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5443895&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20691 AbstractCrises in personal meaning may be a critical aspect of psychological maladjustment following combat. Using the newly developed Integration of Stressful Life Events Scale (ISLES), this study examined the role of meaning made of a salient stressor following a combat deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. In a sample of 169 returning service members, findings supported the distinctiveness of meaning made of a stressor (as assessed by the ISLES), factor analytically and as a correlate of several relevant clinical outcomes. In particular, when the model contained potential confounds and psychiatric symptoms, meaning made in the months and years following combat was uniquely associated with the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms, β = −.39, and referrals for mental health care, β =... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5443895 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5443895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5433779&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20693 AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most prevalent compensable mental disorder within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability system and the number of veterans with PTSD service‐connected disability has increased steadily over the past decade. An understanding of the reasons veterans apply for PTSD disability status may inform interpretation of this increase and policies and interventions to assist veterans with military‐related PTSD. The authors conducted an exploratory qualitative study to describe the reasons veterans seek PTSD disability benefits and explored differences between those who served in different military service eras. They gathered data through in‐depth interviews with 44 purposefully selected U.S. veterans, and conducted content analysis o... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5433779 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5433779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198857&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20684 We examined heterogeneity in a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom course in a sample of 178 active‐duty police officers following exposure to a life‐threatening event using latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM). This analysis revealed 3 discrete PTSD symptom trajectories: resilient (88%), distressed–improving (10%), and distressed–worsening (2%). We further examined whether trait and peritraumatic dissociation distinguished these symptom trajectories. Findings indicate that trait and peritraumatic dissociation differentiated the resilient from the distressed–improving trajectory (trait, p < .05; peritraumatic, p < .001), but only peritraumatic dissociation differentiated the resilient from the distressed–worsening trajectory (p < .001). It is essential to exp... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198857 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186924&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20685 AbstractThis preliminary randomized trial examined the effect of a resilience‐oriented intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus a waitlist control on anxiety and depressive symptoms, positive emotional health, and cognitive performance in 39 veterans with a variety of traumatic exposures. From pre‐ to posttreatment, the intervention but not the control group showed improvements that were large in magnitude for affective symptoms and positive emotional health (ds = 0.73–1.18), moderate in magnitude for memory (ds = 0.50–0.54), and small‐to‐moderate in magnitude for executive function (ds = 0.30–0.35). Findings suggest that treatment explicitly targeting resilience resources (e.g., positive emotional engagement, social connectedness) may provide broad benefi... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186924 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186926&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20683 This study examined 84 adolescents who experienced neglect only, physical and/or sexual maltreatment only, or neglect with physical and/or sexual maltreatment. Symptoms of PTSD, dissociation, and depression were measured. Adolescents who experienced physical and/or sexual maltreatment, whether neglected or not, reported significantly greater symptomatology than adolescents who experienced neglect only (η2 = .094). This difference applied to PTSD symptoms, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization and derealization, negative mood, and anhedonia. Adolescents exposed to neglect only displayed substantial psychopathology but less than that of other groups. The findings may reflect emerging cascade models of the etiology of symptoms of PTSD following extensive maltreatment history. (Source: Jour... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186926 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186925&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20679 AbstractThe current study tested the effectiveness of a brief expressive writing intervention on the marital adjustment of 102 military couples recently reunited following a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. Active duty soldiers and their spouses were randomly assigned to write about either their relationship or a nonemotional topic on 3 occasions on a single day. The resulting design included 4 couple‐level writing topic conditions: soldier‐expressive/spouse‐expressive, soldier‐expressive/spouse‐control, soldier‐control/spouse‐expressive, and soldier‐control/spouse‐control. Participants completed marital adjustment measures before writing, 1 month, and 6 months after writing. When soldiers, but not spouses, did expressive writing, couples increased in marital satisfacti... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186925 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186933&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20678 This study examined emotional information encoding in 31 healthy individuals whose stress response symptoms ranged from none to a moderate level shortly after the attacks as assessed by the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised. Participants viewed attack‐related, negative (but attack‐irrelevant), and neutral images while their event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Attack images elicited enhanced P300 relative to negative and neutral images, and emotional images prompted larger slow waves than neutral images did. Total symptoms were correlated with altered N2, P300, and slow wave responses during valence processing. Specifically, hyperarousal and intrusion symptoms were associated with diminished stimulus discrimination between neutral and unpleasant images; avoidance sympto... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186933 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186932&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20675 (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186932 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186931&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20670 This study examined the associations between different types of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicidal ideation among New York City adolescents 1 year after the World Trade Center attacks. A sample of 817 adolescents, aged 13–18, was drawn from 2 Jewish parochial high schools (97% participation rate). We assessed 3 types of trauma exposure, current (within the past month) and past (within the past year) suicidal ideation, and current PTSD symptoms. Findings indicated that probable PTSD was associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation. Exposure to attack‐related traumatic events increased risk for both suicidal ideation and PTSD. However, specific types of trauma exposure differentially predicted suicidal ideation and PTSD: knowing someone w... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186931 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186930&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20673 AbstractResearch suggests that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased alcohol use, but the findings have not been consistent. We assessed alcohol use, binge drinking, and psychotropic medication use longitudinally in 1,681 New York City adults, representative of the 2000 census, 2 years after the World Trade Center attacks. We found that, with the exception of a modified CAGE Questionnaire index for alcohol, alcohol use showed a modest increase over time and was related to PTSD symptoms, with an increase of about 1 more drink per month for those with PTSD, even though overall levels appeared to be within the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's safe range. Psychotropic medication use followed a similar trend; those with PTSD used psychotropics abo... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186930 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186929&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20676 This study examined the role of several hypothesized predictors of the impact of a potentially traumatic event, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), on a sample of women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). We found that IPV‐related PTSS mediated the relationship between IPV and 9/11‐related PTSS, confirming the hypothesis that severity of symptoms related to prior trauma plays a role in the development and severity of PTSS related to subsequent potentially traumatic events. Media exposure and threat appraisal were significantly positively associated with 9/11‐related PTSS, whereas social support was significantly negatively associated with 9/11‐related PTSS, with none of these variables serving as moderators ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186929 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186928&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20686 AbstractA sample of 481 social workers from Manhattan participated in a study of the impact of the September 11, 2001 (9/11) World Trade Center (WTC) attacks. A variety of risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress and secondary trauma were examined in relation to shared traumatic stress (STS), a supraordinate construct reflecting the dual nature of exposure to traumatic events. Risk factors included attachment style, exposure to potentially traumatic life events, and enduring distress attributed to the WTC attacks. It was expected that clinicians' resilience would mediate the relationship between these risk factors and STS. Using path analytic modeling, the findings support the study's hypotheses that insecure attachment, greater exposure to potentially traumatic life events in gen... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186928 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186927&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20687 AbstractSix months after the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11), a representative sample of New York City students (N = 8,236) in Grades 4 through 12 reported their use of TV, Web, and combined radio and print media regarding the WTC attack. Demographic factors, WTC exposure, other exposure to trauma, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were used to predict intensive use of the 3 types of media. Intensive use was associated with direct exposure to the WTC attack (with the exception of Web use) and to having reported symptoms of PTSD. Stratified analyses indicated that the association between probable PTSD and intensive media use was more consistently present among those who had no direct or familial exposure to the WTC attack. As well, media, partic... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186927 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5165310&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20681 AbstractExposure to potentially traumatic events often leads to a wide range of interpersonal difficulties, including the perpetration of intimate partner violence. Maladaptive, threat‐relevant thoughts and beliefs regarding the trauma or its sequelae can play an important role in a person's emotional and behavioral responses. Among 185 trauma‐exposed study participants who were currently in an intimate relationship, levels of maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions were associated with the perpetration of psychological aggression and physical violence in their current relationships. These links were mediated by misappraisal of anger in auditory emotion stimuli and emotion‐regulation deficits. Results support a cognitive model of posttraumatic pathology, with implications for clinical i... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5165310 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5165310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5149765&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20672 This study examined the long‐term mental health outcomes of 2,960 nonrescue disaster workers deployed to the World Trade Center site in New York City following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Semistructured interviews and standardized self‐report measures were used to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychopathology 4 and 6 years after the attacks. Clinician‐measured rates of PTSD and partial PTSD 4‐years posttrauma were 8.4% and 8.9%, respectively, in a subsample of 727 individuals. Rates decreased to 5.8% and 7.7% for full and partial PTSD 6 years posttrauma. For the larger sample, self‐report scores revealed probable PTSD and partial PTSD prevalence to be 4.8% and 3.6% at 4 years, and 2.4% and 1.8% at 6 years. Approximate... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5149765 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5149765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5149764&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20671 AbstractA repeat‐length polymorphism of the serotonin promoter gene (5‐HTTLPR) has been associated with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma‐exposed individuals reporting unsupportive social environments. We examine the contributions of the triallelic 5‐HTTLPR genotype and social constraints to posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in a national sample following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks. Saliva was collected by mail from 711 respondents (European American subsample n = 463) of a large national probability sample of 2,729 adults. Respondents completed web‐based assessments of pre‐9/11 mental and physical health, acute stress 9 to 23 days post‐9/11, PTS symptoms, and social constraints on disclosure regarding fears of future terrori... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5149764 Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5149764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5121786&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20669 AbstractQuestions exist regarding whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are unique sequelae of trauma or a manifestation of a single form of psychopathology. Using latent growth modeling, we examined the role of risk factors occurring within 48 hours of the time of trauma on the course of PTSD and MDD symptoms over an 8‐month period in 163 participants recruited from a level 1 surgical trauma center. Both PTSD and MDD symptoms showed peak prevalence by 1 month and significantly decreased over 7 months. Greater postinjury pain and PTSD symptoms (measured within 48 hours of trauma) predicted higher rates of both PTSD and MDD symptoms at 1 month. Other predictors were unique to each disorder. Results suggest that PTSD and MDD are related consequenc... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5121786 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5121786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099660&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20668 This study compared the impact on 345 participants who lost a close relative in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, but who were themselves not present, to 141 who not only lost a relative, but also were themselves exposed to the tsunami. The focus was on psychological distress assessed during the second year after the sudden bereavement. Findings were that exposure to the tsunami was associated with prolonged grief (B = 3.81) and posttraumatic stress reactions (B = 6.65), and doubled the risk for impaired mental health. Loss of children increased the risk for psychological distress (prolonged grief: B = 6.92; The Impact of Event Scale‐Revised: B = 6.10; General Health Questionnaire‐12: OR = 2.34). Women had a higher frequency of prolonged grief. For men, loss of children presented a higher... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099660 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099659&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20666 This study describes differences in symptoms in young people with psychosis, with and without a history of trauma. The files of 118 mental health inpatients, aged 8 to 18 years, all reporting hallucinations and/or delusions, were reviewed for a history of trauma. Symptoms reported by inpatients with and without a history of trauma were compared. Variables found to be significantly associated with trauma in the univariate analysis were entered into a logistic regression analysis. Variables were entered if they met a significance of p < .05 or an adjusted odds ratio of < 2. Young people with a history of trauma reported a highly significant increase in disturbed behavior, particularly those with a history of sexual assault. This study illustrates the importance of obtaining an adequate... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099659 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5090535&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20667 This study examined prospectively the role of parental psychopathology among other predictors in the development and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 57 hospitalized youths aged 7–18 years immediately after a road traffic accident and 1 and 6 months later. Self report questionnaires and semistructured diagnostic interviews were used in all 3 assessments. Neuroendocrine evaluation was performed at the initial assessment. Maternal PTSD symptomatology predicted the development of children's PTSD 1 month after the event, OR = 6.99, 95% CI [1.049, 45.725]; the persistence of PTSD 6 months later was predicted by the child's increased evening salivary cortisol concentrations within 24 hours of the accident, OR = 1.006, 95% CI [1.001, 1.011]. Evaluation of both biological a... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5090535 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5090535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5213109&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20688 AbstractOne hundred thirty‐eight Veterans Affairs mental health professionals completed a 128‐item Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Practice Inventory that asked about their practices and attitudes related to disability assessment of PTSD. Results indicate strikingly wide variation in the attitudes and practices of clinicians conducting disability assessments for PTSD. In a high percentage of cases, these attitudes and practices conflict with best‐practice guidelines. Specifically, 59% of clinicians reported rarely or never using testing, and only 17% indicated routinely using standardized clinical interviews. Less than 1% of respondents reported using functional assessment scales. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5213109 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5213109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5198856&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20677 This study was part of a school‐based collaborative research project with a Canadian Mi'kmaq community that examined the potential role of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptom clusters in mediating the relationship between childhood exposure to violence (EV) and alcohol misuse in a sample of Mi'kmaq adolescents (N = 166). The study employed a cross‐sectional design and used several well‐validated self‐report questionnaires. Path analytic results showed that when each PTS symptom cluster was independently investigated for mediating effects while controlling for depressive symptoms, age, and gender, only the PTS hyperarousal symptom cluster fully mediated the EV–alcohol misuse relationship. Results are discussed within the context of previous theory and research on the topic of PTS a... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5198856 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5198856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5186923&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20680 This study's objective was to evaluate the role of sleep disturbance and the developmentally influenced factor of fear of sleeping alone in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in youths. Deidentified data of 191 Hurricane Katrina survivors ages 8 to 15 were used in this study. We found cross‐sectional relationships of sleep disturbance and fear of sleeping alone with PTS symptom severity. Longitudinal analysis also indicated that general sleep disturbance at 24 months (T1) was predictive of PTS symptoms severity at 30 months (T2) even after adjusting for PTS symptom severity at T1, age, sex, and continued disrepair to the home. These results have implications for intervention strategies among youth exposed to traumatic events. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5186923 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5186923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5165309&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20674 AbstractPredictors of suicidal ideation (SI) were examined in a sample of veterans (N = 128) diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to military sexual trauma. Suicidal ideation was predicted by both depressive symptom severity and posttraumatic symptom severity in separate correlation analyses. When controlling for the effects of depressive and posttraumatic symptom severity on one another in the prediction of SI in a single multiple regression model, however, only depressive symptoms independently predicted SI. These analyses suggest that the contribution of PTSD symptom severity to the prediction of SI is reduced by adding depressive symptoms. Hyperarousal symptom severity, however, was found in a separate multiple regression model to contribute independently to the ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5165309 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5165309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5149763&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20682 AbstractSubjective and objective reactions to writing and reading a narrative of their experiences after having been recently exposed to a campus shooting were examined in 58 women. Posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety symptoms, and physical exposure to the shooting were considered in relation to laboratory indices. The latter used a multimethod approach to index distress; these included subjective (self‐report) and objective (heart rate, skin conductance, and cortisol) components. Consistent with prior research, reports of symptoms were significantly positively correlated with subjective distress (r ranged from .35 to .45), but only posttraumatic stress symptoms uniquely predicted subjective distress in regression analyses (partial r = .33). Objective distress, however, was not sig... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5149763 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5149763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5059089&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20656 AbstractTheorists have posited that regarding a trauma as central to one's identity leads to greater posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity. To test this hypothesis, we administered the Centrality of Events Scale (CES) to women reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse (N = 102). The CES scores were correlated with PTSD symptom severity, depression severity, and self‐esteem. In addition, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate factors underlying the CES. The PCA yielded 3 factors reflecting (a) the centrality and integration of the trauma, (b) whether the event is regarded as a turning point in one's life story, and (c) whether the event is a reference point for expectations about the future. Each factor was associated with PTSD symptom severity. ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5059089 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5059089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043683&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20659 AbstractWe evaluated the role of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) in the etiology of dissociation. Adult twin pairs (N = 184 pairs; mean age 33.0 years, SD = 10.8) completed measures for dissociation and trauma. The DNA samples were genotyped for 5‐HTTLPR adjusted for rs25531 alleles. Behavioral genetic analyses showed that genetic factors explained 45% of the variance in dissociative symptoms, while 55% of the variance was explained by unique environment and measurement error. Participants with the SS genotype of 5‐HTTLPR reported more dissociative symptoms compared to participants with the other genotypes (p = .02), and they showed more pathological dissociative symptoms than the other participants (p = .04) when they reported more depressive symptoms... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043683 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043682&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20657 AbstractDespite high levels of exposure to stress, questions remain regarding how social interactions and beliefs about emotion interact to influence posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in firefighters. United States urban firefighters (N = 225) completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, the Unsupportive Social Interactions Inventory, the Affective Control Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Each independent variable predicted PTSD beyond variance accounted for by demographic variables. Additionally, fear of emotion emerged as the strongest individual predictor of PTSD and a moderator of the relation between social interactions and PTSD symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of beliefs about emotion both in how these beliefs might influence the exp... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043682 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043681&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20658 The objective of this study was to examine the validity of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) subscale to screen for PTSD in children attending an inner‐city early childhood mental health center. Using various measures, we assessed 51 preschool‐age children with high exposure to trauma receiving outpatient child–parent psychotherapy for PTSD. We compared 15 items on the CBCL, a proposed subscale indicative of PTSD, to the UCLA‐PTSD Index and to clinical diagnosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (rev. ed.; DC:0‐3; Zero to Three, 2005). Using ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043681 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043680&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20662 AbstractThis pilot study aimed to refine a treatment approach for traumatic grief due to violent loss. Our Traumatic Grief Treatment Program, a modification of Shear's complicated grief treatment (Shear et al., 2005), comprises psychoeducation, in vivo exposure, imaginal exposure, discussion of memories about and imaginal conversation with the deceased. Thirteen of 15 Japanese women suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic grief completed 12 to 16 weekly individual sessions based on their therapists' recommendations. Assessment scales included the Inventory of Complicated Grief, the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. There was significant reduction in symptom severity at treatment end, and symptom levels r... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043680 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5023518&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20654 AbstractThe efficacy of a cognitive–behavioral treatment program for individuals with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MDD) was examined. In an uncontrolled pre‐ and posttreatment study, participants attended 12–16 weeks of manualized therapy incorporating behavioral activation for depression in early sessions and exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring for PTSD in later sessions. Fourteen participants (of 20) completed treatment. Results indicated a significant decrease in PTSD and depression severity between pre‐ and midtreatment assessments; PTSD decreased further from mid‐ to posttreatment. Treatment gains were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up; 60% of participants no longer met PTSD criteria at 3‐month follow‐up, and 70% no longe... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5023518 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5023518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5023516&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20651 AbstractSomali refugees are a growing population of displaced persons at risk for considerable traumatic exposure and its subsequent psychological symptomatology. Two hypotheses were proposed to evaluate the relationships between somatic complaints and posttraumatic psychological symptoms in a community‐based sample of 74 adult Somali participants. As hypothesized, traumatic exposure predicted increased symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; r = .64, p < .01), depression (r = .31, p < .01), and anxiety (r = .38, p < .01) in the basal model. In evaluation of the second hypothesis, somatic complaints were found to have a statistically significant indirect effect on the predictive relationship between traumatic life events and mood disturbance, accounting for 9% of the va... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5023516 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5023516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5121785&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20653 AbstractThe present study used factor mixture modeling to explore empirically defined subgroups of psychological trauma victims based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and latent class analysis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. We sampled 310 medical patients with a history of trauma exposure. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 4‐factor emotional numbing PTSD model yielded the best model fit. Using latent factor means derived from this model and the 4‐factor dysphoria PTSD model (indexing severity on PTSD factors), 3 latent classes of participants were identified using factor mixture modeling. The 3‐class model fit the data very well and was validated against external measures of anxiety and rumination. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5121785 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5121785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5099658&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20665 AbstractTransition home following a combat deployment involves a period of adjustment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of a new 16‐item transition scale were conducted with 2 samples and resulted in 4 factors (Benefit, Appreciation, Anger/Alienation, and Guilt/Remorse). In Study 1 (N = 1,651), the number of combat events was positively related to Anger/Alienation 4 months later even after controlling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, partial r = .18, p < .001. In Study 2 (N = 647), after controlling for PTSD symptoms, Anger/Alienation assessed at 4 months postdeployment predicted more risk‐taking behaviors 4 months later, partial r = .10, p = .01. Appreciation predicted fewer unhealthy habits, partial r = −.13, p = .001, whereas Anger/Alienation predi... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5099658 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5099658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5090534&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20663 AbstractCurrent longitudinal disaster studies usually focus only on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although some studies have shown that increased risks for other disorders and comorbidity is common. To obtain an insight into the course of postdisaster psychopathology, a community sample of survivors of the Enschede fireworks disaster was followed from 2–3 weeks to 4‐years postdisaster. Diagnostic interviews (Composite International Diagnostic Interview [CIDI]; World Health Organization, 1997) and childhood stressor interviews were administered at 2‐years postdisaster (n = 260); the CIDI was repeated at 4‐years postdisaster (n = 201, response rate 77.3%). At 2‐years postdisaster many survivors (40.6%) suffered from PTSD (21.8%), specific phobia (21.5%), and/or depression (... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5090534 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5090534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5072796&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20664 This study considers demographic, offense, and disorder contributors to exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a large (N = 9,611) dataset of standardized psychiatric assessments resulting from nationwide collaborations with justice agencies. Youths' antisocial history may elevate risk for traumatic exposure and PTSD; additionally, traumatic victimization increases risk for externalizing behavior. Rates of all types of traumatic exposure and PTSD were clearly elevated and expectably related to disorder and antisocial behavior. Males were significantly more likely than females to report assaultive violence, whereas females were significantly more likely than males to report forced sexual activity. Gender interactions with disorder and antisocial behavior were contributory only... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5072796 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5072796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5059088&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20661 AbstractThe authors report clinical findings from the pilot cohort of the first prospective, noninferiority‐designed randomized clinical trial evaluating the clinical outcomes of delivering a cognitive–behavioral group intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), via video teleconferencing (VT) compared to the in‐person modality. The treatment was delivered to 13 veterans with PTSD residing on the Hawaiian Islands. Results support the general feasibility and safety of using VT. Both groups showed clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms and no significant between‐group differences on clinical or process outcome variables. In keeping with treatment manual recommendations, a few changes were made to the CPT protocol to accommodat... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5059088 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5059088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5043679&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20660 AbstractThere is a high rate of co‐occurring alcohol dependence (AD) in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. CPT–Cognitive (CPT‐C) is a modified form of CPT. This case report describes a 12‐week course of CPT‐C treatment, enhanced to address heavy alcohol use, in a combat veteran with PTSD and co‐occurring AD. By treatment end, the veteran demonstrated clinically significant improvement in both PTSD symptoms and alcohol‐related problems and sustained these gains 12‐weeks posttreatment. The results indicate promise for the use of CPT‐C, enhanced for heavy alcohol use, for individuals diagnosed with PTSD and AD. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5043679 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5043679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5032597&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20652 This study suggests that the multigenerational impact of trauma may be partially attributed to increased levels of stress experienced by these offspring during childhood and adolescence. Diagnostic interviews were conducted with over 800 women and their offspring. Experiences of stress were assessed using multiple measures. Results indicate that offspring of mothers with PTSD or high levels of PTSD symptoms experienced higher levels of lifetime exposure to major stress, η2 = .02, current chronic stress due to family relations, η2 = .01, and a higher level of objectively rated recent episodic life stress, η2 = .01, compared to offspring of women without PTSD. These findings remained significant after controlling for maternal history of depression. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 00:1–1... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5032597 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5032597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5023515&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20655 This study explores the relationship between interpersonal traits and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of 617 middle and high school students 16 months after the Wenchuan earthquake in China using the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R) and the Interpersonal Self‐Supporting Scale (ISSS). Even when the effects of gender and grade level were controlled for, the results from regression analyses revealed that greater interpersonal independence, interpersonal initiative, interpersonal responsibility, and interpersonal openness are associated with lesser PTSD symptoms 16 months later. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5023515 Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5023515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4867400&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20648 This study examined associations between PTSD symptoms and gender, age, parent mental illness, parent substance abuse, and interpersonal trauma in African American children. Participants were 257 children and adolescents, ages 8–17 years (M = 11.7, SD = 2.5), who received outpatient mental health treatment. Being female and witnessing domestic violence was associated with more PTSD symptoms. Exposure to community violence and physical abuse increased the odds of clinically significant PTSD symptomatology by more than 2 times. The rate of PTSD (16%) was lower in the current study than in other same‐age study populations (25%–40%). Risk factors and identification strategies for PTSD are discussed. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4867400 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4867400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4867399&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20644 AbstractAs the numbers of military personnel participating in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to grow, the percentage of individuals who return with both a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also increases. Although there appears to be significant overlap in the symptoms resulting from PTSD and TBI, the best course of treatment remains an area of controversy. The authors present initial findings from a Veterans Administration residential program for comorbid PTSD and TBI. Forty‐two participants completed a program comprising psychoeducational groups and cognitive skill building that was augmented with a modification of standard cognitive processing therapy. The results suggest that residential programs that incorporate this form of cognitive t... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4867399 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4867399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4857363&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20649 AbstractSocial support, including support from spouses, may buffer against posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The current study assessed whether the frequency of spousal communication during a recent deployment, a potentially important source of support for soldiers, was related to postdeployment PTSD symptoms. Data came from 193 married male Army soldiers who returned from military deployment within the past year. For communication modalities conceptualized as delayed (i.e., letters, care packages, and e‐mails), greater spousal communication frequency during deployment was associated with lower postdeployment PTSD symptom scores, but only at higher levels of marital satisfaction (p = .009). At lower marital satisfaction, more delayed spousal communication during deployment w... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4857363 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4857363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4857362&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20641 AbstractPeritraumatic dissociation consistently predicts posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Avoidant coping may serve as a mechanism through which peritraumatic dissociation contributes to PTSD symptoms. Path analysis was used to examine whether avoidant coping assessed 6 weeks following a motor vehicle accident mediated the relationship between in‐hospital peritraumatic dissociation and 6‐month (n = 193) and 12‐month (n = 167) chronic PTSD symptoms. Results revealed that, after controlling for age, gender, depression, and 6‐week PTSD symptoms, avoidant coping remained a partial mediator between peritraumatic dissociation and chronic PTSD symptoms 6‐ and 12‐months postaccident. Post‐hoc multigroup analyses suggested that at 6‐months posttrauma, the mediation was signific... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4857362 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4857362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4857364&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20645 This study examined the estimated prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and associated risk factors among Chinese adult survivors 7 to 8 months after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The sample was recruited from 2 areas close to the epicenter but of different distances. The estimated rate of PTSD symptoms was 55.6% and 26.4% respectively in the two areas. Loss of a child was a strong predictive factor for PTSD symptoms for the parents. Other predictive factors included female gender, loss of a parent, loss of friends or neighbors, residential house damage or collapse, and proximity to the epicenter. Effective and sustainable mental health services are needed and should be directed particularly to bereaved survivors. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4857364 Sun, 22 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4857364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4835516&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20647 In this study, 67 dually diagnosed clients with at least 2 potential Criterion A traumatic events completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale twice, in counterbalanced order: once regarding their worst event and once regarding all events. When responding regarding their worst trauma, 53.7% met probable PTSD criteria. This rose to 67.2% when considering all traumas. Although preliminary, these results suggest that linking PTSD symptoms to a single traumatic event excludes a meaningful number of cases who are otherwise indistinguishable based on symptom profile. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4835516 Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4835516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4835515&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20640 AbstractMedical settings provide opportunities for secondary prevention of traumatic stress and other sequelae of pediatric injury. This pilot randomized trial evaluated the delivery and effectiveness of a targeted preventive intervention based on best practice recommendations and integrated within acute medical care. Hospitalized injured children were screened for risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those at risk (N = 85) were randomized to the intervention (n = 46) or usual care (n = 39). The preventive intervention did not reduce PTSD or depression severity or increase health‐related quality of life, compared to usual care. Both groups improved over time, but 6 months postinjury approximately 10% of each group still met criteria for PTSD, suggesting room for impro... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4835515 Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4835515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4816444&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20643 AbstractThe association of rape history and sexual partnership with alcohol and drug use consequences in women veterans is unknown. Midwestern women veterans (N = 1,004) completed a retrospective telephone interview assessing demographics, rape history, substance abuse and dependence, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One third met lifetime criteria for substance use disorder (SUD), half reported lifetime completed rape, a third childhood rape, one quarter in‐military rape, 11% sex with women. Lifetime SUD was higher for women with rape history (64% vs. 44%). Women with women as sex partners had significantly higher rates of all measures of rape, and also lifetime substance use disorder. Postmilitary rape, sex partnership, and current depression were significantly ass... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4816444 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4816444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4816443&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20639 AbstractWe evaluated the psychometric properties of the Hebrew version of the Child Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (CPSS), a self‐report measure assessing the severity of posttraumatic distress in youth. Participants (N= 156, ages 8–18) were treatment‐seeking victims of diverse traumas. Internal consistency of the Hebrew version in these data was .91 for the total score, .77 for intrusion, .67 for avoidance, and .72 for arousal, similar to the original version. Test‐retest reliability over 1 week in a subsample of 45 was r = .81. The point biserial correlation with a clinician‐based diagnosis of PTSD was .54. Other convergent and divergent relationships expand the existing literature on the measure and support it as a valuable assessment tool for children exposed to traumatic events... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4816443 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4816443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4816442&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20646 AbstractMilitary chaplains are invaluable caregiver resources for service members. Little is known about how chaplains respond to the challenge of providing spiritual counsel in a warzone. In this exploratory study, 183 previously deployed Air Force chaplains completed an online survey assessing operational and counseling stress exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compassion fatigue, and posttraumatic growth. Despite reporting exposure to stressful counseling experiences, Air Force chaplains did not endorse high compassion fatigue. Rather, chaplains experienced positive psychological growth following exposure to stressful counseling experiences. However, 7.7% of Air Force chaplains reported clinically significant PTSD symptoms, suggesting that they are not immune to de... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4816442 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4816442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4785035&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20633 AbstractThirty years after creation of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, its literature could still benefit from standardization of traumatic events. The authors report the type and frequency of traumatic events found in the mainstream PTSD literature using a bibliometric approach, and propose a categorization based on the terms used for their description. Articles containing [ptsd OR “stress disorder*”] in the title field found in the ISI/Thompson Reuters (Philadelphia, PA) 1991–2006 database were classified according to the event studied. The authors describe each event's absolute and proportional figures, and construct a categorization of the events. The bibliometric analysis of PTSD literature is helpful in planning research, and the proposed categorization may ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4785035 Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4785035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4750301&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20635 AbstractIndividuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are haunted by persistent memories of the trauma, but ironically are impaired in memories of daily life. The current set of 4 experiments compared new learning and memory of emotionally neutral content in 2 groups of patients and aged‐ and education‐matched controls: 20 patients diagnosed with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (C‐PTSD) and 20 patients diagnosed with acute stress disorder (ASD). In all experiments, participants studied a list of stimuli pairs (words or pictures) and were then tested for their memory of the items, or for the association between items in each pair. Results indicated that both types of patients showed associative memory impairment compared to a control group, although their item memory per... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4750301 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4750301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4867398&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20642 This study explored patterns of self‐reported symptom change during CPT. Veterans (N = 60) with PTSD were randomized to receive CPT immediately or after 10 weeks. We hypothesized that those treated immediately would evidence initial symptom stability followed by decline compared with those who waited, whose PTSD symptoms would remain stable. The best model fit based on deviance statistics and Bayesian information criteria comparisons was one in which participants treated immediately showed more rapid initial decline followed by a slower rate of PTSD symptom improvement relative to those who waited, who showed a stable level of symptomatology. Findings suggest that CPT produces quick and maintained improvements in veterans. The effect sizes for change between those who received CPT immedi... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4867398 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4867398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4857361&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20638 AbstractThe 2006 Lebanon War exposed children in the north of Israel to daily rocket attacks. To cope with the massive psychological needs, a teacher‐delivered protocol focusing on enhancing personal resilience was implemented. Children were assessed for risk factors, symptoms, and adaptation before the 16‐week program (Time 1; n = 983) and after its completion (Time 2; n = 563). At a 3‐month follow‐up (Time 3; n = 754) children were assessed together with a waiting‐list comparison group (n = 1,152). Participating children showed a significant symptom decrease at Time 2 and significantly fewer symptoms than the control group at Time 3. Six or more risk factors were associated with greater symptoms and parental concern about the child's adaptive functioning. Teachers are valuable ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4857361 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4857361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4835514&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20636 This study analyzed trajectories of initial stress and long‐term mental health after the 1980 North Sea oil rig disaster. A growth‐mixture model of the survivors' stress manifestations in the first 8 weeks (Posttraumatic Stress Scale, [PTSS‐10]) and general mental health in 1980, 1981, 1985, and 2007 (General Health Questionnaire, [GHQ‐20]) was estimated. Survivors' GHQ‐scores in 1985 and 2007 were contrasted to those of a comparison group. Four trajectories were identified among survivors. The resilient (n = 43) displayed initially moderate stress that rapidly declined. The recovery (n = 10), chronic (n = 8), and relapse (n = 9) showed initially stable high stress scores, but the long‐term mental health differed. Early screening may identify those at long‐term risk. (Source:... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4835514 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4835514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4816441&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20637 AbstractThe aims of the study were twofold: to investigate 6 different factor structures in posttraumatic stress symptoms using confirmatory factor analyses with polychoric correlations, and to examine to what extent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is different from depression. The study was based on a clinical sample of 312 children and adolescents 10 to 18 years old who had experienced different types of traumatic events. Results showed that 3 out of the 6 models demonstrated good fit, but the dysphoria model provided the best fit to the data. Furthermore, correlations between depression and subscales of the dysphoria and numbing models provided additional support for the dysphoria model. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4816441 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4816441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4785034&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20632 AbstractA retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine risk and protective factors for combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms reported by soldiers (n = 2,583) at postdeployment. Positive appraisals of military service related negatively, OR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.83, 0.89], to screening positive for presumed PTSD at postdeployment. Decreases in perceived intimate relationship strength from predeployment to postdeployment were positively associated with presumed PTSD at higher, but not lower, levels of combat exposure; this effect, OR = 1.91, 95% CI [1.08, 3.39], was found only for female soldiers. Overall risk for postdeployment presumed PTSD was found to be nearly 2.5 times greater for women, as compared to men. In addition, positive screening rates of anxiety, d... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4785034 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4785034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4765261&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20650 (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4765261 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4765261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4750300&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20634 AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased rates of smoking although little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The current study examined expectations about smoking outcomes among smokers with and without PTSD. The sample included 96 veterans (mean age of 34 years) and included 17% women and 50% racial minorities. Smoking expectancies were measured with the Smoking Consequences Questionnaire‐Adult (Copeland, Brandon, & Quinn, 1995). Consistent with previous work suggesting that smokers with PTSD smoke in an effort to reduce negative affect, unadjusted analyses indicated that smokers with PTSD (n = 38) had higher expectations that smoking reduces negative affect than smokers without PTSD (d = 0.61). Smokers with PTSD also had... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4750300 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4750300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633586&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20625 This study examines rates of potentially traumatic events and associated anxiety and emotional/behavioral difficulties among 1,258 orphaned and abandoned children in 5 low‐ and middle‐income countries. The study quantifies the types of events the children experienced and demonstrates that anxiety and emotional/behavioral difficulties increase with additional exposure. As policies for orphaned and abandoned children are being implemented, this study helps policy makers and care providers recognize that (a) children and caregivers are willing to report experiences of potentially traumatic events, (b) those who report such events are at higher risk for experiencing additional events, (c) resulting symptomatology indicates a need for appropriate mental health services, and (d) boys are as ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633586 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4633586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633585&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20628 AbstractThe authors examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) item wording differences on the factor structure of PTSD. Nonclinical, trauma‐exposed participants were randomly assigned to complete a PTSD measure using item wording content from the PTSD Checklist (n = 182) or PTSD Symptom Scale (n = 203). Compared to the 4‐factor emotional numbing PTSD model, the 4‐factor dysphoria PTSD model fit best across groups based on smaller Bayesian information criterion (BIC) values. For PTSD Checklist participants, the numbing model's BIC was 6238.54 compared to the dysphoria model's BIC of 6156.03. For the PTSD Symptom Scale, the numbing model's BIC was 6161.38 compared to the dysphoria model's BIC of 6102.87. Groups differed on variable intercepts and residual variances. Instrument and ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633585 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4633585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4628722&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20630 AbstractThe authors investigated a recent reformulation (Brewin, Lanius, Novac, Schnyder, & Galea, 2009) of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in treatment‐seeking civilian trauma survivors. Diagnostic data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 170) were subjected to the criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and the Brewin criteria for PTSD. Results revealed no change in PTSD prevalence, though substantial but equal (13%) proportions of participants lost or gained a PTSD diagnosis under the Brewin criteria. Rates of comorbid depression and other anxiety disorders were consistently marginally lower under the Brewin criteria, but these differences did not reach significance ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4628722 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4628722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4628721&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20626 AbstractParents of hospitalized premature infants are at risk for developing psychological symptoms. This randomized controlled pilot study examined the effectiveness of a brief cognitive–behavioral intervention in reducing traumatic and depressive symptoms in mothers 1 month after their infant's discharge from the hospital. Fifty‐six mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Results showed that mothers experienced high levels of symptoms initially and at follow‐up. At follow‐up, there was a trend for mothers in the intervention group to report lower levels of depression (p = .06; Cohen's f = .318), but levels of traumatic symptoms were similar for both groups. Brief psychological interventions may reduce depressive symptoms in this population. Estimates ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4628721 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4628721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4628720&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20627 This study investigated paths to suicidal behavior in 94 civilian participants with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two statistical modeling programs, TETRAD II version 2.1 and Mplus 5.21 were used to construct a working model of suicide in PTSD. Two paths to suicidal behavior were identified. In the first path, suicidal behavior was directly associated with greater life impairment, which in turn was associated with poorer occupational and social functioning. In the second path, suicidal behavior was directly associated with depressive symptoms, which in turn were associated with more severe PTSD symptoms. Psychotropic medication, employment status, and threat to life further contributed to the model. The findings suggest that negative perceptions of functional impairment and... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4628720 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4628720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4607932&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20624 AbstractThe current report examines data for 872 female adolescents obtained during the initial and follow‐up interviews of the National Survey of Adolescents, a nationally representative sample. Lifetime prevalence of violence exposure reported was 12% and 13% for sexual assault, 19% and 10% for physical assault/punishment, and 33% and 26% for witnessing violence at Waves I and II, respectively. Racial/ethnic status, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and family drug problems emerged as significant predictors of new rape. Each of the PTSD symptom clusters significantly predicted new rape and analyses supported the mediational role of PTSD between CSA and new rape. African American or other racial identity was associated with lower risk. (Source: Journal ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4607932 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4607932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4607931&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20631 AbstractThis cross‐sectional study aimed to examine relationships between the number of traumatizing events, degree of shutdown dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Fifty‐three female survivors of the ongoing war in Congo who sought medical treatment were interviewed. A path‐analytic model was created with paths to PTSD via dissociation, and both the number of self‐experienced and witnessed traumatizing events. Cumulative exposure and dissociation were associated with increased PTSD severity. Posttraumatic stress disorder and witnessing predicted depression when depression was modeled as a consequence of PTSD. Moreover, PTSD mediated the correlation between dissociation and depression. The findings suggest that shutdown dissociation may have value in ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4607931 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4607931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4607930&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20623 AbstractThe Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is a frequently used self‐report measure of posttraumatic growth. It was adapted recently to a short form with preliminary evidence in support of its psychometric properties. The current survey study replicates evidence for the short form's factor structure, internal consistency reliability, and concurrent validity among a sample of 327 National Guard soldiers deployed in support of military operations in Iraq, a population distinct from the original scale‐development sample of undergraduates. Findings provide evidence for satisfactory reliability, replicable factor structure (i.e., the same 5‐factor structure as the original measure), and support for concurrent validity (i.e., relations with theoretically related constructs). Further resear... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4607930 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4607930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509357&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20616 This study assessed the relationship between sexual self‐schema and posttraumatic functioning in a clinical sample of 112 female sexual assault survivors. Contrary to hypotheses, posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive symptom severity were unrelated to the valence of sexual self‐schema. Yet, negative posttraumatic cognitions were related to sexual self‐schemas. Specifically, less positive self‐views were associated with more negative schema (r = −.35). In a multivariate analysis, the measure of negative views of the world and others was associated with more positive schema. Results indicate that intervening to improve survivors' postassault appraisals of the self may help to reduce the impact of interpersonal trauma on women's sexual functioning. (Source: Journal of Traumat... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509357 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4509357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509356&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20610 AbstractTo examine the effects of being revictimized, 555 women completed 2 mail surveys 1 year apart, reporting their experiences of sexual assault, the strategies they used to cope with those experiences, and feelings of depression. Path analyses, controlling for baseline coping and depression, revealed that those who were revictimized during the study reported using more maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies than did those who were not revictimized (β = .11 and β = .16, respectively). Further, women who were revictimized reported more depression than others (β = .15). This effect was explained in part by revictimized women's increased maladaptive coping. Results are consistent with other research showing that all of women's traumatic experiences must be taken into consideration ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509356 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4509356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4447607&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20602 AbstractA variant of the Implicit Association Test focusing on the association of sexual and aggressive themes was administered to 90 college students (61 women) and correlated with a series of variables based on participant history of sexually traumatic events. A history of sexual abuse was correlated with increased difficulties in processing sexual and aggressive concepts simultaneously. Furthermore, this relationship remained significant after controlling for general level of emotional distress, and even after controlling for self‐reported aggressiveness and positive feelings towards sex. The findings provide grounds for further exploration of deficits in associations between sexual and aggressive concepts as a possible indicator of the cognitive effects of sexual abuse. (Source: Jour... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4447607 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4447607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4434343&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20617 AbstractDialectical behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (DBT‐PTSD) is tailored for adults with PTSD from childhood sexual abuse (CSA). It uses principles from DBT and trauma‐focused cognitive–behavioral approaches. To evaluate acceptance and safety, the authors treated 29 women with chronic CSA‐related PTSD plus at least one other comorbid diagnosis. The Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS), Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised, Beck Depression Inventory, and State Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered prior to, at the end of, and 6 weeks after 3 months of intensive residential treatment. An effect size of 1.01 on the PDS was found between baseline and follow‐up. Effect sizes for secondary outcomes ranged from medium to large. The results suggest that DBT‐PTSD has ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4434343 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4434343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4430624&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20612 AbstractCombat exposure is associated with subsequent mental health symptoms, but progression to mental health disability is unclear. Army soldiers discharged with mental health disability (n = 4,457) were compared to two matched control groups: other disability discharge (n = 8,974) and routine discharge (n = 9,128). In multivariate logistic models, odds of mental health disability discharge versus other disability and routine discharge were significantly higher for soldiers deployed to combat zones; odds ratios increased with deployment time. Prior mental health hospitalization decreased these odds, though they remained significantly elevated. Mental health hospitalization with successful treatment may facilitate better coping during deployment. The frequency of disability after mental h... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4430624 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4430624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4633584&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20629 AbstractThis prospective longitudinal study aimed to examine posttraumatic stress in survivors 14 years after a ferry disaster, and estimate short‐ and long‐term changes in stress associated with traumatic bereavement and acute dissociation. There were 852 people who perished in the disaster, 137 survived. The 51 Swedish survivors were surveyed with the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES‐R) at 3 months, 1, 3, and 14 years (response rates 82%, 65%, 51%, and 69%). Symptoms decreased from 3 months to 1 year; no change was found thereafter. After 14 years, 27% reported significant symptoms. Traumatic bereavement, but not acute dissociation, was associated with long‐term symptom elevation. Chronic posttraumatic stress can persist in a minority of survivors, and traumatic bereavement a... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4633584 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4633584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4628719&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20620 AbstractThis review summarizes studies investigating psychophysiological alterations associated with pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors conducted a computer‐based search in the databases PsycINFO, PSYNDEXplus, and Medline. Additional studies were retrieved using a pyramid scheme. The literature search identified 29 articles. Most studies measured alterations shortly after exposure. Differences from controls emerged mainly in the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Elevated acute heart rate immediately after traumatization was associated with increased risk for PTSD. The literature on psychophysiological characteristics of pediatric PTSD is relatively small and diverse. Nevertheless, findings indicate exaggerated baseline activa... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4628719 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4628719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4607929&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20622 AbstractThis is a review and meta‐analysis of school‐based intervention programs targeted at reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nineteen studies conducted in 9 different countries satisfied the inclusionary criteria. The studies dealt with various kinds of type I and type II trauma exposure. Sixteen studies used cognitive–behavioral therapy methods; the others used play/art, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mind‐body techniques. The overall effect size for the 19 studies was d = 0.68 (SD = 0.41), indicating a medium‐large effect in relation to reducing symptoms of PTSD. The authors' findings suggest that intervention provided within the school setting can be effective in helping children and adolescents following traumatic events. (Source... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4607929 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4607929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4585707&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20621 We examined distress in response to a survey on traumatic stress using data from the National Survey of Adolescents‐Replication, a nationally representative sample of 3,614 youth aged 12–17 years. Although 204 (5.7%) adolescents found some questions distressing, only 8 (0.2%) remained upset at the end of the interview, and 2 (<0.1%) wished to speak to a counselor. Adolescents reporting traumatic experiences or mental health problems were significantly more likely to report distress compared to those not endorsing such problems. Significantly more girls (7.5%) reported distress than boys (3.9%). Findings suggest that survey questions about trauma pose minimal risk to adolescents. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4585707 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4585707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4550674&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20600 AbstractIt is hypothesized that ratings of emotional stimuli are affected by a constant threat of traumatic events. Ratings of valence and arousal on the International Affective Picture System from young adults in the United States were compared to those of young Israeli adults. Israelis rated the pictures as less negative and less positive than did participants from the United States. Israeli women gave higher arousal ratings compared to the American women. These differences may be due to compulsory military service in Israel, during which exposure to traumatic events is more likely to occur, and to the timing of the study which followed a year of frequent suicide bomb attacks. The authors suggest that these findings may reflect mild symptoms of stress disorders. (Source: Journal of Traum... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4550674 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4550674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509359&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20613 AbstractThe authors examined the relationship between changes in symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and functioning as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) among 167 veterans in a primary care clinic. Those who reported at least moderate baseline symptoms were categorized as better, unchanged, or worse at reassessment. The SF‐36 was used to examine concordance between change in functioning and symptoms. Veterans with reliable changes in symptoms of PTSD showed corresponding statistically significant changes in functioning across health domains. Moreover, these changes in functioning were clinically significant on several SF‐36 subscales and on one summary scale. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509359 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4509359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509358&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20619 (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509358 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4509358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4509355&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20611 AbstractThe authors report results of work to enhance self‐report posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assessment by developing an item bank for use in a computer‐adapted test. Computer‐adapted tests have great potential to decrease the burden of PTSD assessment and outcomes monitoring. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of PTSD instruments, created a database of items, performed qualitative review and readability analysis, and conducted cognitive interviews with veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The systematic review yielded 480 studies in which 41 PTSD instruments comprising 993 items met inclusion criteria. The final PTSD item bank includes 104 items representing each of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV; American Psy... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4509355 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4509355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4396282&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20608 In this study the authors examined the relationships among loss, trauma, and mental health at the individual and family levels in resettled Mandaean refugees (N = 315). Trauma, loss, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, complicated grief, and mental health‐related quality of life were assessed. A multilevel path analysis revealed that loss and trauma significantly impacted on psychological outcomes at both the individual and family levels. Effect sizes ranged from .21 to .68 at the individual level, and .38 to .99 at the family level, highlighting the importance of the family when considering the psychological impact of refugee‐related trauma. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4396282 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4396282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4396281&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20614 AbstractActive participation in combat trauma increased reports of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over passive witnessing of trauma. Using archival data from 376 U.S. soldiers who took part in the family interview component of the 1988 National Vietnam Veteran Readjustment Study (NVVRS), findings are that even after statistically accounting for witnessing combat trauma, U.S. soldiers who likely killed enemy soldiers in combat reported elevated levels of PTSD symptoms. Both inference and direct self‐reports were used to measure killing in combat, and both measures accounted equally well for variance in PTSD symptoms. The likelihood of a soldier killing enemy combatants was also weakly related to his spouse's report of physical domestic violence in the past year. Diagnosing ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4396281 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4396281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4396280&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20605 This study analyzes the impact of the media on adolescents traumatized in a school shooting. Participants were trauma‐exposed students (n = 231) and comparison students (n = 526), aged 13–19 years. A questionnaire that included the Impact of Event Scale and a 36‐item General Health Questionnaire was administered 4 months after the shooting. Being interviewed was associated with higher scores on the Impact of Event Scale (p = .005), but posttraumatic symptoms did not differ between those who refused to be interviewed and those not approached by reporters. Following a higher number of media outlets did not affect symptoms. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4396280 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4396280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4365868&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20607 This study assesses the pharmacoepidemiology of antidepressant and antipsychotic drug prescriptions after an earthquake in Italy by using an administrative database. Statins and diabetic medications served as control medications. Comparison of the rates in the 6 months after the earthquake to the same period one year before revealed a 37% increase of new prescriptions for antidepressants and a 129% increase for antipsychotic prescriptions. Older age and female gender was associated with the increased number of prescriptions. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4365868 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4365868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346896&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20603 AbstractStudies suggest that perievent panic attacks are predictive of future posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using a population of New York City residents interviewed after the World Trade Center Disaster, the authors measured event exposure, perievent panic, potential confounding, mediating variables, and PTSD. When they estimated a structural equation model, with other stressor events, psychological resources, and Year 1 and Year 2 PTSD as latent variables and adjusted for confounders, the association between perievent panic and Year 2 PTSD was not significant. Results revealed that perievent panic was predictive of Year 1 PTSD, but not Year 2 PTSD. Year 2 stressors and Year 2 psychosocial resources were the best predictors of Year 2 PTSD. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346896 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4346896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346895&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20601 AbstractThe relationship between resilience and lucid dreams, which involves awareness of the experience of dreaming, was examined in 79 Israeli young adults. Psychological distress and lucid dreams 3 years prior to exposure to terrorism, and exposure levels and psychological distress 1 week following exposure, were assessed. Both indirect exposure through media and perceived stress predicted an increase in distress during the 3‐year interval under low, but not high, levels of lucid dreams. Possible mechanisms are discussed. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346895 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4346895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4227480&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20593 AbstractPrevalence estimates of very young children's exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) are limited. The study objective was to estimate the lifetime prevalence and correlates of noninterpersonal PTEs and violence exposure in a representative healthy birth cohort (ages 1–3 years) from an urban–suburban region of the United States (37.8% minority, 20.2% poverty). Parents completed 2 surveys approximately 1‐year apart. By 24–48 months of age, the prevalence of exposure was 26.3% (14.5% noninterpersonal, 13.8% violence). Exposure was common among children living in poverty (49.0% overall, 19.7% noninterpersonal, 33.7% violence). The most consistent factors associated with exposure were poverty, parental depressive symptoms, and single parenting. Findings underscore the p... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4227480 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4227480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4447606&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20615 This study examined the impact of exposure to traumatizing events in an ethnic minority group of Bedouin members of the Israel Defense Forces (N = 317). Guided by the conservation of resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1988), the authors hypothesized that loss of resources would mediate the relationship between trauma and posttraumatic responses. We found that loss of personal resources (e.g., self‐esteem, self‐mastery) was the best predictor of psychological distress among traumatized Bedouin servicemen. Our findings suggest the significance of personal resources within collectivist communities in coping with trauma and maintaining resilience. This study contributes to the understanding of the ethnocultural aspects of trauma and the potential interventions that may be tailored for minori... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4447606 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4447606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4434342&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20618 AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric disorder that involves symptoms from various domains that appear to be produced by the combination of several mechanisms. The authors contend that existing neural accounts fail to provide a viable model that explains the emergence and maintenance of PTSD and the associated heterogeneity in the expression of this disorder (cf. Garfinkel & Liberzon, 2009). They introduce a psychological construction approach as a novel framework to probe the brain basis of PTSD, where distributed networks within the human brain are thought to correspond to the basic psychological ingredients of the mind. The authors posit that it is the combination of these ingredients that produces the heterogeneous symptom clusters in PTSD. Their goa... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4434342 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4434342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4430623&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20574 This study supports the effectiveness of exposure therapy for active duty soldiers and extends previous research on VRE to this population. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4430623 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4430623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4396279&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20606 AbstractIntrusive thoughts about traumatic events are an important factor in determining the development of posttraumatic growth, although research has focused on the frequency rather than the type of intrusions. Based on cognitive processing models of posttraumatic growth, the authors present two cross‐sectional studies exploring different types of intrusive ruminations about trauma and their associations with posttraumatic growth. Study 1 examines brooding and reflection; Study 2 uses measures of both deliberate and intrusive rumination regarding a past trauma. The results indicate that intrusive reexperiencing and ruminative brooding are not significantly associated with posttraumatic growth, whereas deliberate rumination is significantly positively associated with posttraumatic growt... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4396279 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4396279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4365867&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20609 In this study, the authors compared the respective contribution of an individual's subjective response and the frequency of exposure to critical incidents to the development of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of 136 nurses and ambulance personnel working in military facilities. They found no relationship between the frequency of encountered critical incidents and the occurrence of PTSD symptoms. The subjective response to a stressor contributed to the development of PTSD symptoms and was most strongly associated with intrusion, partial eta squared =.23, and hyperarousal symptoms, partial eta squared =.16. Stressors that elicited the most intense affects within this population were those involving children and those where workers encountered limitations in suppl... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4365867 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4365867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4357908&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20598 This study analyzes the association between suicidality and preceding traumatic life events in 665 German school students with an average age of 14.81 (SD = 0.66). Forty‐three (6.5%) students reported suicide attempts and 239 (35.9%) reported suicidal ideation. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported sexual abuse 6 months before their suicidal behavior significantly more often than students with only suicidal ideation. Sexual victimization seems to be especially linked to a risk for suicide attempts during adolescence. Screening for students at risk for developing suicidality should include assessment of traumatic events. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4357908 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4357908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4346894&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20599 This study examined the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among 2,250 adolescents 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. Results showed that 15.8%, 40.5%, and 24.5% of participants reported clinical symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression were highly comorbid. Risk factors for symptoms of the 3 disorders were female gender, older age, and earthquake disaster exposure. In addition, the interaction effects of residence (urban/rural) and number of siblings of study subjects on symptoms of the 3 disorders were examined. Implications of findings on intervention and prevention of mental health problems among adolescents after experiencing earthquake disasters are discuss... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4346894 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4346894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4328317&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20604 AbstractSeven couples participated in an uncontrolled trial of cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 6 couples who completed treatment, 5 of the patients no longer met criteria for PTSD and there were across‐treatment effect size improvements in patients' total PTSD symptoms according to independent clinician assessment, patient report, and partner report (d = 1.32–1.69). Three of the 4 couples relationally distressed at pretreatment were satisfied at posttreatment. Partners reported statistically significant and large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction; patients reported nonsignificant moderate to large improvements in relationship satisfaction. Patients also reported nonsignificant, but large effect size improve... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4328317 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4328317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4315624&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20597 In this study, the authors used a dataset on bereaved spouses and bereaved parents at 4‐ and 18‐months postloss to examine the mediating effects of self‐worth and worldviews (benevolence and meaningfulness beliefs). Persons bereaved by violent causes had significantly more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and depression symptoms at 4‐ and 18‐months postloss than persons bereaved by natural causes. Moreover, self‐worth but not worldviews mediated the effects of violent loss on PTSD and depression symptoms cross sectionally and PTSD symptoms longitudinally. Findings underscore that self‐views are a critical component of problematic reactions to violent loss, but fail to support the role of “shattered” worldviews. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4315624 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4315624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210816&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20578 AbstractThe multivariate relationship between interpersonal trauma, posttraumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and various avoidance behaviors was examined in a sample of 418 trauma‐exposed participants from the general population. Structural equation modeling indicated that (a) suicidality, substance abuse, dissociation, and problematic activities such as self‐injury and dysfunctional sexual behaviors were all indicators of a robust latent variable, named dysfunctional avoidance, (b) accumulated exposure to various types of interpersonal trauma was associated with this avoidance factor, and (c) the relationship between trauma and dysfunctional avoidance was independently mediated by both posttraumatic stress and diminished affect regulation capacity. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Str... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210816 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210815&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20594 AbstractAn implementation study of cognitive–behavioral therapies (CBT) was conducted for traumatized youth in a postdisaster context. Headed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the study targeted youth (N = 306) ages 5–21 affected by the World Trade Center disaster. They received either trauma‐specific CBT or brief CBT skills depending upon the severity of trauma symptoms. Clinicians were trained to deliver these interventions and received monthly consultation. A regression discontinuity design was used to assess optimal strategies for matching need to service intensity. At 6‐months postbaseline, both groups had improved. Rate of change was similar despite differences in severity of need. The implications for the implementation of evidence‐based treatments postdisaste... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210815 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210814&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20595 This study is important to support the widespread implementation of school‐based mental health services. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210814 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210813&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20582 This study tests concurrent and prospective relationships between physiological reactivity (heart rate and skin conductance) to a monologue procedure and PTSD symptoms in female assault survivors, tested within 1 and 3 months posttrauma. After controlling for initial PTSD and peritraumatic dissociation, 3 measures of increased physiological reactivity to the trauma monologue at 1 month predicted 3‐month PTSD reexperiencing severity. Additionally, increased heart rate following trauma and neutral monologues at 1 month was predictive of 3‐month numbing symptoms. Implications for the prospective relationship between physiological reactivity to trauma cues and PTSD over time are discussed. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210813 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194300&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20586 This study examined the association between family functioning and the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in youth and parents following an unintentional traumatic injury of a child. Fifty‐one parent–child dyads completed questionnaires and a structured interview assessing PTSS and family functioning. Multiple regression analyses were applied to evaluate the contribution of family functioning to the development of PTSS after controlling for demographic characteristics and known predictors. Family functioning had both direct and moderating influences on the development of PTSS in parents. We were unable to demonstrate a systematic impact of family functioning on the development of PTSS in children from the same families. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194300 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4194300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194299&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20581 AbstractThis community‐based study examined emotional and somatic symptoms of 129 Bedouin women whose husbands serve in the Israel Defense Forces. Wives of men diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reported more symptoms than wives of men diagnosed with other disorders and wives of men with no diagnosis. Findings indicate that not only was PTSD in Bedouin servicemen positively associated with their wives' symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression and somatic complaints, but that this relationship was fully mediated by husbands' aggression. Unraveling the special circumstances of women from traditional backgrounds faced with the devastating effects of husbands' combat‐related posttraumatic pathology may inform an approach to the concept of vicarious trauma that is mo... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194299 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4194299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187818&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20592 AbstractThe present study examined individual latent changes in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over a 60‐month period after an industrial disaster. Participants were recruited from survivors of a factory explosion. Participants were assessed retrospectively for peritraumatic reactions and acute stress symptoms. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were then assessed at 6, 15, and 60 months. Using structural equation modeling, the authors tested 3 hypotheses of individual latent change: stability of PTSD symptoms between 6, 15, and 60 months; change between 6 and 15 months; and change between 15 and 60 months. Only one model provided a good fit suggesting that PTSD symptoms evolved between 6 and 15 months after trauma exposure and remained stable at the individual level t... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187818 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4187818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4165864&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20576 AbstractThe Critical Incident History Questionnaire indexes cumulative exposure to traumatic incidents in police by examining incident frequency and rated severity. In over 700 officers, event severity was negatively correlated (rs = −.61) with frequency of exposure. Cumulative exposure indices that varied emphasis on frequency and severity—using both nomothetic and idiographic methods—all showed satisfactory psychometric properties and similar correlates. All indices were only modestly related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Ratings of incident severity were not influenced by whether officers had ever experienced the incident. Because no index summarizing cumulative exposure to trauma had superior validity, our findings suggest that precision is not increased if fr... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4165864 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4165864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4165863&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20588 AbstractUnlike the post‐Vietnam era, effective, specialized treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) now exist, although these treatments have not been widely available in clinical settings. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is nationally disseminating 2 evidence‐based psychotherapies for PTSD throughout the VA health care system. The VA has developed national initiatives to train mental health staff in the delivery of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) and has implemented a variety of strategies to promote local implementation. In this article, the authors examine VA's national CPT and PE training initiatives and report initial patient, therapist, and system‐level program evaluation results. Key issues, lessons learned, and n... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4165863 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4165863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4247576&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20584 In this study, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) were modeled as intervening variables in the relationship between childhood traumatic stress and weight outcomes in civilian women in the United States. Of the 148 participants, 72 had current PTSD, 64 had current MDD, and 32 had neither disorder. In separate single indirect effect models, there were significant indirect effects of both PTSD and depressive symptoms on body mass index and waist–hip ratio. When models included both PTSD and depressive symptoms, an indirect effect of PTSD symptoms was evident in the relationship between childhood traumatic stress and waist–hip ratio. Posttraumatic stress disorder may play a particularly important role in the development of central adiposity... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4247576 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4247576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4240037&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20585 AbstractAlthough combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been documented for military combatants, little is known about PTSD in noncombatants. Active‐duty U.S. Air Force noncombatants (N = 5,367) completed a Post‐Deployment Health Assessment upon return from combat zones in Iraq (n = 4,408) or a noncombat zone in Qatar (n = 959). Those deployed to Iraq were significantly more likely to report exposure to someone who was wounded or killed (20.8% vs. 6.3%), feeling in great danger of being killed at some point during deployment (18.9% vs. 3.5%), symptoms of PTSD (4.1% vs. 0.7%), and symptoms of major depression (9.9% vs. 5.4%). These findings suggest that deployment to a war zone is associated with increased mental health problems, even for noncombatants. (Source: Journ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4240037 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4240037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4227479&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20589 AbstractThe authors examined the efficacy of Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy in Japanese patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Twenty‐four patients (21 women, 3 men) with PTSD due to mixed trauma were randomly assigned to the PE group (PE with or without treatment as usual [TAU]) or the control group (TAU) only. The control group received PE after a 10‐week period. Intention‐to‐treat analysis showed the PE group achieved significantly greater reduction than the control group at posttreatment in either PTSD or depressive symptoms. The control group had significantly decreased symptom severity after PE treatment. Symptom levels of 19 PE completers in the both groups remained low in 12‐month follow‐up assessments. The study's findings will promote the future dissemin... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4227479 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4227479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4210812&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20590 This study examines the relationship between the number of types of traumatic events experienced by children 3 to 6 years old, parenting stress, and children's posttraumatic stress (PTS). Parents and caregivers provided data for 154 urban children admitted into community‐based mental health or developmental services. By parent and caregiver report, children experienced an average of 4.9 different types of potentially traumatic events. Nearly one quarter of the children evidenced clinically significant PTS. Posttraumatic stress was positively and significantly related to family violence and other family‐related trauma exposure, nonfamily violence and trauma exposure, and parenting stress. Additionally, parenting stress partially mediated the relationship between family violence and trau... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4210812 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4210812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4194298&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20587 This report presents preliminary data in support of Strengthening Family Coping Resources, a trauma‐focused, multifamily, skill‐building intervention. Strengthening Family Coping Resources is designed for families living in traumatic contexts with the goal of reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma‐related disorders in children and caregivers. Results from open trials suggest Strengthening Family Coping Resources is a feasible intervention with positive effects on children's symptoms of trauma‐related distress. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4194298 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4194298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187817&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20591 AbstractThe authors sought to evaluate how well the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine–Clinical Terms (SNOMED–CT) controlled vocabulary represents terms commonly used clinically when documenting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A list was constructed based on the PTSD criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), symptom assessment instruments, and publications. Although two teams mapping the terms to SNOMED–CT differed in their approach, the consensus mapping accounted for 91% of the 153 PTSD terms. They found that the words used by clinicians in describing PTSD symptoms are represented in SNOMED–CT. These results can be used to codify mental health text reports for health informati... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187817 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4187817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4180902&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20579 AbstractPrior research has shown that losses of personal, social, and material resources resulting from traumatic events significantly contribute to psychopathology. Gains of such resources have been shown to have protective effects on posttrauma mental health. Few previous studies of resource change, however, have controlled for pretrauma mental health. The current study, which included 402 survivors of Hurricane Katrina, made use of data collected prehurricane to examine patterns of loss and gain and subsequent mental health. The loss of social support, physical health, and personal property were shown to significantly affect posthurricane psychological distress over and above the effect of prehurricane psychological functioning and disaster exposure. Gains in resources showed no effect.... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4180902 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4180902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4165862&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20596 (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4165862 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4165862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4161113&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20583 AbstractThe manifestation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in two clinical samples in Israel (N = 212) was examined. Individuals suffering ongoing exposure to shelling were compared with subjects exposed to intense periodic exposure. Elevated arousal and avoidance symptoms, but not intrusion were reported in the ongoing exposure group. When compared by age, young participants in the ongoing exposure group had significantly lower PTSD scores, whereas no differences were found between participants among the intense periodic exposure age groups. No gender differences in symptoms were found among participants from intense periodic exposure, whereas in the other ongoing group the difference was in avoidance. Results are discussed in light of past research on exposure to terroris... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4161113 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4161113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4113607&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20580 Abstract (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4113607 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4113607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4092657&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20575 Abstract (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4092657 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4092657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829887&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20551 This study aims to increase our understanding of trauma positive outcomes by (a) exploring associations between posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and (b) investigating posttraumatic growth course and its impact on exposure treatment. In 80 mixed trauma PTSD patients, growth was negatively related to PTSD symptoms, especially emotional numbing. Sixty-five PTSD patients also completed Prolonged Exposure therapy with pretreatment and posttreatment assessments. Posttraumatic growth - New Possibilities and Personal Strength - increased during exposure therapy, and these increases were associated to decreases of PTSD symptoms. Pretreatment posttraumatic growth, more specifically the Appreciation of Life subscale, predicted better treatment outcome after controlling f... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829887 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829894&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20538 Trauma Risk Management is a peer-support program that aims to promote help-seeking in the aftermath of traumatic events. Prior to its implementation, the British military conducted a randomized controlled trial of Trauma Risk Management against standard care in 12 warships; 6 were randomized to use Trauma Risk Management after collecting baseline measurements. Follow up after 12-18 months found no significant change in psychological health or stigma scores in either group; however, the studied vessels only encountered low numbers of critical incidents. Additionally, measurements of organizational functioning were modestly better in the Trauma Risk Management ships. The authors conclude that within organizations using Trauma Risk Management may be beneficial and may, in time, lead to a valu... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829894 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829893&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20544 This study examines the course of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its predictors and clinical consequences in a cohort of 455 primary care patients in New York City, interviewed approximately 1 and 4 years after 9/11. The rate of PTSD decreased from 9.6% to 4.1%. Pre-9/11 major depressive disorder emerged as the strongest predictor of PTSD, particularly late-PTSD. At follow-up, late-PTSD was associated with major depressive and anxiety disorders, and PTSD regardless of timing was associated with impaired functioning. Findings highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation of mental health needs in primary care settings in the aftermath of disasters. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829893 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829892&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20550 This study suggests a need to address PTSD among DUI offenders, as well as to further develop methodologies for accurately reporting DUI recidivism. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829892 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829891&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20552 The current review critically examines the body of torture research (N = 209), focusing on the definition and operationalization of the primary construct. Almost three-quarters (69.9%) of the studies reviewed did not reference any definition of torture. Few studies identified important contextual variables related to defining torture such as identities and motivations of perpetrators and severity of abuse. Definitional ambiguity further impacted how individuals were queried about their experiences and the extent to which torture was distinguished from other forms of maltreatment. Although there are notable exceptions, the methods used in the torture literature are variable and often undefined, impacting the interpretation of findings of risk factors, consequences, and treatment of torture ... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829891 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829890&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20546 To provide effective treatments for childhood posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) children with PTSD must first be identified. The authors implemented a "screen and treat" program following a widely witnessed school suicide. Three months after the suicide, exposed students received the Child Trauma Symptom Questionnaire at school. Parents received the questionnaire to rate their children's PTSD symptoms. Children with scores [ges]5 received follow-up interviews and those diagnosed with PTSD were referred for treatment. Ninety-six percent of exposed students were screened, 14% screened positive, and 6% had PTSD. Child and parent agreement was generally poor. All children with PTSD were successfully referred to treatment. Screen and treat programs using existing clinical instruments are eff... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829890 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829889&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20547 This study investigated trauma centrality using the abridged Centrality of Event Scale (Berntsen & Rubin, 2006) among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veterans (n = 46). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that trauma centrality predicted PTSD symptoms. Trauma centrality and PTSD symptoms remained significantly correlated when controlling for depression in subgroups of veterans with or without probable PTSD. This study replicates and extends findings that placing trauma at the center of one's identity is associated with PTSD symptomatology. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829889 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3829888&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20545 Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), including interpersonal violence, is associated with poorer physical health in young adults. This relation has not been well-investigated among older adults in specific populations. The present study was designed to investigate whether exposure to PTEs and elder mistreatment are associated with physical health status among older adults residing in South Carolina. Older adults aged 60 and above (N = 902) participated in a structured interview assessing elder mistreatment history, PTEs, demographics, and social dependency variables. Results demonstrated that PTEs were associated with poor self-rated health independently and when controlling for other significant predictors. A recent history of emotional mistreatment was associated with poor se... Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3829888 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3829888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3814950&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20548 This study confirms previous findings that, if left untreated, PTSD in children may persist for an extended period. However, it also shows that it is possible to effectively treat chronic PTSD and restore functioning in traumatized refugee children in only 8 treatment sessions. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3814950 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3814950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3814951&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20549 Fear of anxiety has previously been found to be a predictor of overall symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current exploratory study examines the relationship between fear of anxiety and symptoms of PTSD in a sample of adults exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Fear of anxiety was found to partially mediate the relationship between the severity of trauma and the severity of PTSD. Further, this mediation was found to operate differently by gender, with the mediation holding true for men but not for women. For both men and women, fear of anxiety was positively correlated with PTSD symptoms. (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3814951 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3814951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4042946&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20570 Abstract (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4042946 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4042946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4034264&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20573 Abstract (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4034264 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4034264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4024667&cid=s_33737_36_f&fid=33737&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fjts.20562 Abstract (Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress) Journal of Traumatic Stress journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4024667 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4024667