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Yang J, Zeng Y, Yang H, Qu Y, Han X, Chen W, Sun Y, Hu Y, Ying Z, Liu D, Song H. Cardiovascular Disease, Genetic Susceptibility, and Risk of Psychiatric Disorders and Suicide Attempt: A Community-Based Matched Cohort Study Based on the UK Biobank. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031280. [PMID: 39082195 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The associations between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and multiple psychiatric disorders and suicide attempt, and whether different genetic susceptibilities affect such links, have not been investigated clearly. METHODS AND RESULTS Based on the UK Biobank, we conducted a matched cohort study involving 63 923 patients who were first hospitalized with a CVD diagnosis between 1997 and 2020, and their 127 845 matched unexposed individuals. Cox models were used to examine the subsequent risk of psychiatric disorders and suicide attempt (ie, anxiety, depression, stress-related disorder, substance misuse, psychotic disorder, and suicide behaviors) following CVD. We further performed stratified analyses by polygenic risk score for each studied psychiatric condition to detect the possible effects of genetic susceptibility on the observed associations. We found an increased risk of any psychiatric disorders and suicide attempt among CVD patients, compared with matched unexposed individuals, particularly within 1 year following the CVD (fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR] within 1 year, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.58-2.12]; HR after 1 year, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.16-1.32]). By subtype, the risk elevations existed for any psychiatric disorders and suicide attempt following most categories of CVDs. Analyses stratified by polygenic risk score revealed little impact of genetic predisposition to studied psychiatric conditions on these observed links. CONCLUSIONS Patients hospitalized for CVD were at increased subsequent risk of multiple types of psychiatric disorders and suicide attempt, especially in the first year after hospitalization, irrespective of their genetic susceptibilities to studied psychiatric conditions, and these findings underscore the necessity of developing timely psychological interventions for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yu Zeng
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Huazhen Yang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Xin Han
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yajing Sun
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Yao Hu
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Zhiye Ying
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Di Liu
- Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Huan Song
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Med-X Center for Informatics Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Center of Public Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine University of Iceland Reykjavík Iceland
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Shevorykin A, Hyland BM, Robles D, Ji M, Vantucci D, Bensch L, Thorner H, Marion M, Liskiewicz A, Carl E, Ostroff JS, Sheffer CE. Tobacco use, trauma exposure and PTSD: a systematic review. Health Psychol Rev 2024:1-32. [PMID: 38711288 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2024.2330896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco use remains one of the most significant preventable public health problems globally and is increasingly concentrated among vulnerable groups, including those with trauma exposure or diagnosed with PTSD. The goal of this systematic review was to update and extend previous reviews. Of the 7224 publications that met the initial criteria, 267 were included in the review. Summary topic areas include conceptual frameworks for the relation between trauma or PTSD and tobacco use; associations between trauma exposure or PTSD and tobacco use; number and type of trauma exposures and tobacco use; PTSD symptoms and tobacco use; Treatment-related studies; and the examination of causal relations. Evidence continues to indicate that individuals exposed to trauma or diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to use tobacco products, more nicotine dependent and less likely to abstain from tobacco even when provided evidence-based treatments than individuals without trauma. The most commonly cited causal association proposed was use of tobacco for self-regulation of negative affect associated with trauma. A small proportion of the studies addressed causality and mechanisms of action. Future work should incorporate methodological approaches and measures from which we can draw causal conclusions and mechanisms to support the development of viable therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Shevorykin
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bridget M Hyland
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Robles
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Mengjia Ji
- Department of Psychology, The City College of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Darian Vantucci
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Bensch
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Thorner
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Marion
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Amylynn Liskiewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Carl
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jamie S Ostroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine E Sheffer
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Saenz de Viteri S, Zhang J, Johnson EC, Barr PB, Edenberg HJ, Hesselbrock VM, Nurnberger JI, Pandey AK, Kamarajan C, Kinreich S, Tischfield JA, Plawecki MH, Kramer JR, Lai D, Kuperman S, Chan G, McCutcheon VV, Bucholz KK, Porjesz B, Meyers JL. Genomic risk for post-traumatic stress disorder in families densely affected with alcohol use disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3391-3396. [PMID: 37344610 PMCID: PMC10618091 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic markers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in civilian and military populations. However, studies have yet to examine the genetics of PTSD while factoring in risk for alcohol dependence, which commonly co-occur. We examined genome-wide associations for DSM-IV PTSD among 4,978 trauma-exposed participants (31% with alcohol dependence, 50% female, 30% African ancestry) from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA). We also examined associations of polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC)-PTSD Freeze 2 (N = 3533) and Million Veterans Program GWAS of PTSD (N = 5200) with PTSD and substance dependence in COGA, and moderating effects of sex and alcohol dependence. 7.3% of COGA participants met criteria for PTSD, with higher rates in females (10.1%) and those with alcohol dependence (12.3%). No independent loci met genome-wide significance in the PTSD meta-analysis of European (EA) and African ancestry (AA) participants. The PGC-PTSD PRS was associated with increased risk for PTSD (B = 0.126, p < 0.001), alcohol dependence (B = 0.231, p < 0.001), and cocaine dependence (B = 0.086, p < 0.01) in EA individuals. A significant interaction was observed, such that EA individuals with alcohol dependence and higher polygenic risk for PTSD were more likely to have PTSD (B = 0.090, p < 0.01) than those without alcohol dependence. These results further support the importance of examining substance dependence, specifically alcohol dependence, and PTSD together when investigating genetic influence on these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jian Zhang
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Emma C Johnson
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peter B Barr
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ashwini K Pandey
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Chella Kamarajan
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sivan Kinreich
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | | | - John R Kramer
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Dongbing Lai
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Samuel Kuperman
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Grace Chan
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Vivia V McCutcheon
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kathleen K Bucholz
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bernice Porjesz
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jacquelyn L Meyers
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Edwards AC, Ohlsson H, Barr PB, Sundquist J, Kendler KS, Sundquist K. Military service and risk of subsequent drug use disorders among Swedish men. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1039-1048. [PMID: 36680575 PMCID: PMC10916707 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Environmental factors contribute substantially to risk for drug use disorders (DUD). The current study applies multiple methods to empirically test whether military service is associated with subsequent DUD, as previous findings are inconsistent. METHODS Longitudinal Swedish national registry data on a cohort of male conscripts born 1972-1987 (maximum N = 485,900) were used to test the association between military service and subsequent registration for DUD. Cox proportional hazard models were used in preliminary analyses, followed by three methods that enable causal inference: propensity score models, co-relative models, and instrumental variable analysis. RESULTS Across all methods, military service was causally associated with lower risk of DUD. Hazard ratios ranged from HR = 0.43 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.37; 0.50) in the instrumental variable analysis to 0.77 (0.75; 0.79) in the multivariate propensity score matching analysis. This effect diminished across time. In the model including a propensity score, HRs remained below 1 across the observation period, while confidence intervals included 1 after ~ 11 years in the co-relative analysis and after ~ 21 years in the instrumental variable analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of Swedish men, complementary methods indicate that military service conferred substantial but time-limited protection against subsequent DUD. The observed effect could be due to reduced opportunity for substance use during service, social cohesion experienced during and after service, and/or socioeconomic advantages among veterans. Additional research is necessary to clarify these protective mechanisms and determine how other environmental contexts can provide similar benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980126, RichmondRichmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA.
| | - Henrik Ohlsson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter B Barr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York-Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth S Kendler
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980126, RichmondRichmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Cypel YS, DePhilippis D, Davey VJ. Substance Use in U.S. Vietnam War Era Veterans and Nonveterans: Results from the Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:858-870. [PMID: 37096682 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2188427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Substance use (SU) is associated with physical injury and mental health disorders in older persons, but recent research has scarcely examined SU in U.S. Vietnam-era veterans who are mostly in or near their eighth decade of life. Objectives: We compared the prevalence of self-reported lifetime and current SU and modeled current usage patterns in a nationally representative sample of veterans versus a matched nonveteran cohort. Methods: Cross-sectional, self-reported survey data were analyzed from the 2016-2017 Vietnam Era Health Retrospective Observational Study (VE-HEROeS) (n = 18,866 veterans, n = 4,530 nonveterans). We assessed lifetime and current alcohol and drug use disorders; lifetime and current use of cannabis, opioids, stimulants, sedatives, "other drugs" (psychedelics, prescription or over-the-counter drugs not prescribed/used as intended); and current SU patterns (alcohol-use-only, drug-use-only, dual-SU, no SU). Weighted descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable statistics were calculated. Covariates in multinomial modeling included sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime cigarette smoking, depression, potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and current pain (SF-8TM). Results: Prevalence of lifetime opioid and sedative use (p ≤ .01), drug and alcohol use disorders (p < .001), and current "other drug" use (p < .001) were higher in veterans versus nonveterans. Current use of alcohol and cannabis was high in both cohorts. In veterans, very severe/severe pain, depression, and PTEs were highly associated with drug-use-only (p < .001) and dual-SU (p < .01), but these associations were fewer for nonveterans. Conclusion: This research confirmed existing concerns over substance misuse in older individuals. Vietnam-era veterans may be at particular risk due to service-related experiences and later-life tribulations. Era veterans' unique perceptions toward healthcare assistance for SU may need greater provider focus to maximize self-efficacy and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin S Cypel
- Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) (12POP5), Office of Patient Care Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - D DePhilippis
- Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - V J Davey
- Office of Research & Development (14RD), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Reznik A, Syunyakov T, Arbuzov A. Alcohol Addiction in War Veterans Treated in a In-patient Psychiatric Facility: Incidence, Comorbidity with PTSD Symptoms, Association with Combat Stressors. CONSORTIUM PSYCHIATRICUM 2022; 3:71-87. [PMID: 39044916 PMCID: PMC11262123 DOI: 10.17816/cp188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dearth of and inconsistency in the data on the prevalence, risks of occurrence, comorbidity, and causation of stress-related disorders and alcohol use disorders in Russian veterans of local wars constituted the background for this study. AIM To study the psychopathological structure, clinical changes, and the reasons for the mental disorders suffered by Russian veterans of local wars; in particular, to study the prevalence, pathogenic factors, comorbidity of alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse, together with symptoms of stress disorders, in Russian veterans undergoing inpatient treatment. METHODS Our observational case-control study included 685 patients who were undergoing treatment in the psychiatric department of a military hospital: the Main group (veterans) consisted of 264 veterans of armed conflicts who had undergone inpatient treatment from 1992 to 2010; the Control group, 1, 296 patients, all servicemen and military pensioners who had undergone inpatient treatment during a calendar year and had never taken part in combat operations in the past; Control group 2, 125 military personnel (regular and reserve) who had not taken part in combat operations and corresponded to the patients of the main group in terms of the mean age and age distribution curve. We performed a clinical and psychopathological analysis of the symptoms identified in patients from the compared samples and, then, compared them with the ICD-10 criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol-related disorders. This allowed us to establish the significance of the difference in their frequency and degree of association at the stage of the data analysis. RESULTS We uncovered no difference in the prevalence of symptoms of alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse among veterans and other servicemen and military pensioners who had not taken part in combat operations. However, there was a tendency to underdiagnose alcohol addiction in veterans in general and those with symptoms of PTSD, in particular. That is, alcohol addiction was not diagnosed in most cases when the veterans displayed symptoms of stress or other mental disorders, in addition to the signs of alcohol addiction. In most such cases, a stress-related mental disorder or another mental disorder with identified signs was diagnosed and alcohol abuse was described as a concomitant disorder or a complication. There was no significant association between any form of alcohol addiction or abuse and the presence of stress disorder symptoms in our sample of veterans; on the contrary, symptoms of re-experience of trauma were more often observed in veterans who were not prone to frequent drinking. The incidence of combat stressors traced in the medical history did not differ in veterans with any form of alcohol abuse and veterans who were not prone to frequent drinking. However, the main group subjects with alcohol addiction more often displayed cases of addictive behavior during combat operations. Therefore, alcohol abuse during combat operations requires additional research to better establish its prognostic significance. CONCLUSION This Study found no difference in the incidence of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse among veterans and other officers. In the sample of veterans, there was no significant association between alcoholism and the presence of PTSD symptoms or a history of combat stressors. It is possible that the same risk of alcohol addiction in different categories of military officers is due to a compact of social stressors that equally had a more significant adverse effect on the entire population of Russian military personnel in the 90s of the last century and the first years of this century, as well as the massive abuse of alcohol, which could also equalize the risks of developing alcohol dependence in all groups of militaries.
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Fung HW, Chien WT, Ling HWH, Ross CA, Lam SKK. The mediating role of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms in two samples. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 131:105707. [PMID: 35714440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood adversities have been increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for depression. However, the underlying mediating mechanism between childhood adversities and depression requires further investigation. The literature shows that childhood adversities are also closely associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and that PTSD symptoms can predict depressive symptoms. It remains unexplored whether PTSD symptoms can act as a mediator between childhood adversities and depression. OBJECTIVES The primary goal of this study was to examine whether PTSD symptoms would mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We examined in a convenience sample of Hong Kong adults aged 18 or above (N = 418) whether PTSD symptoms would mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. We then examined and compared the results with those in another convenience sample of Chinese-speaking young adults (mainly from Taiwan and Hong Kong) aged between 18 and 24 (N = 205). Participants in both samples completed online surveys that included measures of childhood adversities, PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. RESULTS Childhood adversities were significantly associated with depressive symptoms; and this relationship was mediated by PTSD symptoms in both samples. CONCLUSION This study is one of very few studies demonstrating that PTSD symptoms mediate the relationship between childhood adversities and depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that addressing unresolved PTSD symptoms for adults with childhood adversities may help in preventing or treating depressive symptoms. Therefore, PTSD symptoms should be taken into account in the prevention and management of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; The Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Henry Wai-Hang Ling
- The Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Colin A Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Hawn SE, Wolf EJ, Neale Z, Miller MW. Conceptualizing traumatic stress and the structure of posttraumatic psychopathology through the lenses of RDoC and HiTOP. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 95:102177. [PMID: 35690042 PMCID: PMC9229497 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Trauma-related psychopathology, most notably posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poses unique challenges for psychiatric nosology due to the wide range of symptoms and diagnoses associated with trauma and challenges representing the impact of trauma exposure on psychopathology. In this paper, we review the literature on categorical (i.e., Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and International Classification of Diseases systems) versus dimensional conceptualizations of trauma-related symptoms with an emphasis on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) frameworks. We identify strengths of each approach and challenges in accommodating the full range of trauma-related psychopathology and the clinical implications thereof. We discuss several potential approaches for improving the representation of traumatic stress, including the use of PTSD subtypes, trauma-related specifiers for psychiatric diagnoses, and the development of a dimension that we call the traumatic stress spectrum, which spans both adaptive and adverse reactions to trauma. These approaches to representing traumatic stress can be evaluated empirically and further refined. We also discuss how the use of an integrated RDoC-HiTOP approach to reconceptualize traumatic stress might maximize the ability to model valid and reliable trauma-related phenotypes, which would aid in the investigation of clinically relevant biological correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage E Hawn
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoë Neale
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Nichter B, Hill M, Norman S, Haller M, Pietrzak RH. Impact of specific combat experiences on suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:231-239. [PMID: 32846327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A burgeoning body of research suggests that specific types of combat experiences may be a stronger predictor of suicidality among veterans than a history of combat exposure itself. To date, however, little population-based data exist about these associations in representative samples of veterans. This study examined the association between overall severity of combat exposure and specific combat experiences with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt(s) (SI/SA) in a nationally representative sample of combat veterans. METHODS Data were from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative survey of U.S. combat veterans (n = 1100). Analyses (a) compared veterans with/without current SI and lifetime SA on sociodemographic, military, and clinical characteristics; and (b) examined associations between overall combat exposure and specific combat experiences, and SI/SA. RESULTS Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that overall combat exposure was positively, albeit weakly, associated with SI/SA, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and lifetime trauma burden [odds ratios (ORs) = 1.02-1.03]. Combat experiences involving direct exposure to death, killing, or grave injury were independently associated with SI/SA (ORs = 1.46-1.70), whereas several general combat experiences (e.g., combat patrols) were negatively associated with SI/SA (ORs = 0.44-0.65). DISCUSSION Results indicate that U.S. combat veterans who have witnessed others be killed or wounded in combat are at substantially higher risk for SI/SA relative to those without such histories. Collectively, findings suggest that combat exposure, when examined as an aggregate severity measure, may yield a poor prognostication of suicide risk, as it may be insufficiently sensitive to detect the effects of specific combat-related experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Nichter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Melanie Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sonya Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; National Center for PTSD, White River Junction, VT, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Moira Haller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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10
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Hadad NA, Schwendt M, Knackstedt LA. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in post-traumatic stress disorder and cocaine use disorder. Stress 2020; 23:638-650. [PMID: 32835581 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1803824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often comorbid with cocaine use disorder (CUD), but little is known about hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in PTSD + CUD. Here we review the clinical and pre-clinical literature of PTSD and CUD with the goal of generating hypotheses about HPA axis activity in comorbid PTSD + CUD. Low glucocorticoid (CORT) levels immediately after trauma exposure are associated with PTSD. CORT administered within 12 h of trauma exposure reduces later PTSD symptoms. Weeks-years after trauma, meta-analyses find lower CORT levels in patients with PTSD relative to never-traumatized controls; the same is found in a pre-clinical model of PTSD. In rodents, reduced basal CORT levels are consistently found after chronic cocaine self-administration. Conversely, increased CORT levels are found in CUD patients during the first 2 weeks of cocaine abstinence. There is evidence for CORT hyper-suppression after dexamethasone, high glucocorticoid receptor (GR) number pre-trauma, and increased GR translocation to the nucleus in PTSD. Hyper-suppression of HPA axis activity after dexamethasone suggests that PTSD individuals may have increased anterior pituitary GR. Given evidence for decreased anterior pituitary GR in rats that self-administer cocaine, PTSD + CUD individuals may have normal GR density and low basal CORT levels during late abstinence. Future studies should aim to reconcile the differences in pre-clinical and clinical basal CORT levels during cocaine and assess HPA axis function in both rodent models of CUD that consider stress-susceptibility and in PTSD + CUD individuals. Although additional studies are necessary, individuals with PTSD + CUD may benefit from behavioral and psychopharmacological treatments to normalize HPA axis activity. LAY SUMMARY Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often comorbid with cocaine use disorder (CUD), but little is known about the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in PTSD + CUD. The current review provides a synthesis of available clinical and pre-clinical data on PTSD and CUD with the goal of generating hypotheses about HPA axis activity in comorbid PTSD + CUD. While this review finds ample evidence supporting aberrant HPA axis activity in both PTSD and CUD, it suggests that more research is needed to understand the unique changes HPA axis activity in PTSD + CUD, as well as the bidirectional relationship between stress-susceptibility and motivation to seek cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Hadad
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Chui Z, Fear NT, Greenberg N, Jones N, Jones E, Goodwin L. Combat exposure and co-occurring mental health problems in UK Armed Forces personnel. J Ment Health 2020; 31:624-633. [PMID: 32437210 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1766666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
ABSTARCTBackground: Mental disorders and alcohol misuse are often comorbid, and this comorbidity is more common in those who develop mental disorders following exposure to traumatic events.Aims: To investigate the relationship between combat exposure and operational role (support versus combat) with mental disorders and associated comorbidity in a UK military cohort.Methods: 4896 participants from a UK military cohort reported their operational role and frequency of exposure to combat events during deployment. Outcome measures included self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder, common mental disorder and alcohol misuse.Results: Personnel reporting higher levels of combat exposure were more likely to meet criteria for two or more co-occurring mental disorders (odds ratio [OR] 3.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.73-5.58). While having a combat role increased the risk of developing co-occurring disorders compared to having a support role (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26-2.23), this effect diminished following adjustment for variables including combat exposure (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.27).Conclusions: Combat exposure may play a greater role in the development of comorbid mental disorders than operational role, i.e. job title. Clinicians treating military personnel should be alert to the increased risk of comorbid mental disorders and alcohol misuse among those with a history of combat exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Chui
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Nicola T Fear
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Norman Jones
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Edgar Jones
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Laura Goodwin
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.,Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Lee CW, Chen YJ, Wu HF, Chung YJ, Lee YC, Li CT, Lin HC. Ketamine ameliorates severe traumatic event-induced antidepressant-resistant depression in a rat model through ERK activation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 93:102-113. [PMID: 30940482 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a major public health issue, as it is common for patients with depression to fail to respond to adequate trials of antidepressants. However, a well-established animal model of TRD is still warranted. The present study focused on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) resistance, and aimed to investigate whether higher levels of traumatic stress caused by greater numbers of foot-shocks may lead to severe depression and to examine the feasibility of this as an animal model of SSRI-resistant depression. To reveal the correlation between traumatic stress and severe depression, rats received 3, 6 and 10 tone (conditioned stimulus, CS)-shock (unconditioned stimulus, US) pairings to mimic mild, moderate, and severe traumatic events, and subsequent depressive-like behaviors and protein immunocontents were analyzed. The antidepressant efficacy was assessed for ketamine and SSRI (i.e., fluoxetine) treatment. We found that only the severe stress group presented depressive-like behaviors. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) was decreased in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC). The immunocontents of GluA1 and PSD 95 were increased in the amygdala and decreased in the PFC. Moreover, the glutamate-related abnormalities in the amygdala and PFC were normalized by single-dose (10 mg/kg, i.p.) ketamine treatment. In contrast, the depressive-like behaviors were not reversed by 28 days of fluoxetine treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in the severe stress group. Our data demonstrated that high levels of traumatic stress could lead to SSRI-resistant depressive symptoms through impacts on the glutamatergic system, and that this rat model has the potential to be a feasible animal model of SSRI-resistant depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Lee
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Instiutes, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Fang Wu
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Optometry, Hsin-Sheng College of Medical Care and Management, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Jung Chung
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chao Lee
- Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Instiutes, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Ching Lin
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Instiutes, Taiwan; Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to contextualize findings from the first 25 years of PTSD genetics research, focusing on the most robust findings and interpreting results in light of principles that have emerged from modern genetics studies. RECENT FINDINGS Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) encompassing tens of thousands of participants enabled the first molecular genetic heritability and genetic correlation estimates for PTSD in 2017. In 2018, highly promising loci for PTSD were reported, including variants in and near the CAMKV, KANSL1, and TCF4 genes. Twin studies from 25 years ago established that PTSD is genetically influenced and foreshadowed the molecular genetic findings of today. Discoveries that were impossible with smaller studies have been achieved via collaborative/team-science efforts. Most promisingly, individual genomic loci offer entirely novel clues about PTSD etiology, providing the raw material for transformative discoveries, and the future of PTSD research is bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laramie E Duncan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Room 3320, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | | | - Hanyang Shen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Room 3320, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Cheng J, Liang Y, Fu L, Liu Z. Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms in children after the Wenchuan earthquake. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2018; 9:1472992. [PMID: 29805782 PMCID: PMC5965039 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1472992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many studies have reported the comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in children. However, the underlying relationship between PTSD and depression remains unclear. Objective: This study examines the relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms in children who survived the Wenchuan earthquake in China. Methods: In total, 301 children were assessed at four months and then followed up at 29, 40 and 52 months after the disaster. The ages of the children ranged from 9.6-14.6 years old, and the sample included 157 males and 144 females. The children were assessed by using the University of California at Los Angeles PTSD reaction index for DSM-IV for PTSD symptoms and the Children's Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms. Results: Comorbid PTSD and depressive symptoms were prevalent in 4.0, 3.3, 3.7 and 5.1% of the participants at times 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The cross-lagged analysis indicated that PTSD symptoms at time 1 predicted depressive symptoms at time 2; depressive symptoms at time 1 predicted PTSD symptoms at time 2; depressive symptoms at time 2 predicted PTSD symptoms at time 3; and depressive symptoms at time 3 predicted PTSD symptoms at time 4. The findings also showed that being female, poor parental relationships and trauma exposure were risk factors for PTSD or depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The results suggest that the causal relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms changes over time; the effects of PTSD symptoms tend to decrease, while those of depressive symptoms tend to increase. Two stages of the relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms were observed, namely, that PTSD and depressive symptoms first influenced each other and then that depressive symptoms predicted PTSD. The results of our study also suggest that females with poor parental relationships and a high degree of trauma exposure are more likely to require intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - YiMing Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Fu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - ZhengKui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
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Lee CJ, Shpigel DM, Segal KS, Esan H, Estey DR, Hunt MG, Hoff RA, Weinberger AH. A review of research on smoking among United States Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (2006–2016). MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2017.1419020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine J. Lee
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Kate S. Segal
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - Hannah Esan
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - David R. Estey
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
| | - Marcia G. Hunt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- VISN 1 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Care Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rani A. Hoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- VISN 1 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Care Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrea H. Weinberger
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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16
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Genetic correlation between alcohol preference and conditioned fear: Exploring a functional relationship. Alcohol 2017; 58:127-137. [PMID: 27908524 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol-use disorders have a high rate of co-occurrence, possibly because they are regulated by common genes. In support of this idea, mice selectively bred for high (HAP) alcohol preference show greater fear potentiated startle (FPS), a model for fear-related disorders such as PTSD, compared to mice selectively bred for low (LAP) alcohol preference. This positive genetic correlation between alcohol preference and FPS behavior suggests that the two traits may be functionally related. This study examined the effects of fear conditioning on alcohol consumption and the effects of alcohol consumption on the expression of FPS in male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice. In experiment 1, alcohol consumption (g/kg) under continuous-access conditions was monitored daily for 4 weeks following a single fear-conditioning or control treatment (foot shock and no shock). FPS was assessed three times (once at the end of the 4-week alcohol access period, once at 24 h after removal of alcohol, and once at 6-8 days after removal of alcohol), followed by two more weeks of alcohol access. Results showed no change in alcohol consumption, but alcohol-consuming, fear-conditioned, HAP2 males showed increased FPS at 24 h during the alcohol abstinence period compared to control groups. In experiment 2, alcohol consumption under limited-access conditions was monitored daily for 4 weeks. Fear-conditioning or control treatments occurred four times during the first 12 days and FPS testing occurred four times during the second 12 days of the 4-week alcohol consumption period. Results showed that fear conditioning increased alcohol intake in both HAP2 and LAP2 mice immediately following the first conditioning session. Fear-conditioned HAP2 but not LAP2 mice showed greater alcohol intake compared to control groups on drinking days that occurred between fear conditioning and FPS test sessions. FPS did not change as a function of alcohol consumption in either line. These results in mice help shed light on how a genetic propensity toward high alcohol consumption may be related to the risk for developing PTSD and co-morbid alcohol-use disorders in humans.
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Simons JS, Simons RM, O'Brien C, Stoltenberg SF, Keith JA, Hudson JA. PTSD, alcohol dependence, and conduct problems: Distinct pathways via lability and disinhibition. Addict Behav 2017; 64:185-193. [PMID: 27619010 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the role of affect lability and disinhibition in mediating associations between PTSD symptoms and two forms of alcohol-related problems, dependence syndrome symptoms (e.g., impaired control over consumption) and conduct problems (e.g., assault, risk behaviors). Genotype at the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) was hypothesized to moderate associations between traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms. In addition, the study tested whether childhood traumatic stress moderated associations between combat trauma and PTSD symptoms. Participants were 270 OIF/OEF/OND veterans. The hypothesized model was largely supported. Participants with the low expression alleles of 5-HTTLPR (S or LG) exhibited stronger associations between childhood (but not combat) traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms. Affect lability mediated the associations between PTSD symptoms and alcohol dependence symptoms. Behavioral disinhibition mediated associations between PTSD symptoms and conduct related problems. Conditional indirect effects indicated stronger associations between childhood traumatic stress and lability, behavioral disinhibition, alcohol consumption, AUD symptoms, and associated conduct problems via PTSD symptoms among those with the low expression 5-HTTLPR alleles. However, interactions between combat trauma and either childhood trauma or genotype were not significant. The results support the hypothesis that affect lability and behavioral disinhibition are potential intermediate traits with distinct associations with AUD and associated externalizing problems.
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Hahn AM, Tirabassi CK, Simons RM, Simons JS. Military sexual trauma, combat exposure, and negative urgency as independent predictors of PTSD and subsequent alcohol problems among OEF/OIF veterans. Psychol Serv 2016; 12:378-383. [PMID: 26524279 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study tested a path model of relationships between military sexual trauma (MST), combat exposure, negative urgency, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and alcohol use and related problems. The sample consisted of 86 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans who reported drinking at least one alcoholic beverage per week. PTSD mediated the relationships between MST and alcohol-related problems, negative urgency and alcohol-related problems, and combat exposure and alcohol-related problems. In addition, negative urgency had a direct effect on alcohol problems. These results indicate that MST, combat exposure, and negative urgency independently predict PTSD symptoms and PTSD symptoms mediate their relationship with alcohol-related problems. Findings support previous literature on the effect of combat exposure and negative urgency on PTSD and subsequent alcohol-related problems. The current study also contributes to the limited research regarding the relationship between MST, PSTD, and alcohol use and related problems. Clinical interventions aimed at reducing emotional dysregulation and posttraumatic stress symptomology may subsequently improve alcohol-related outcomes.
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Svob Strac D, Kovacic Petrovic Z, Nikolac Perkovic M, Umolac D, Nedic Erjavec G, Pivac N. Platelet monoamine oxidase type B, MAOB intron 13 and MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Stress 2016; 19:362-73. [PMID: 27112218 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2016.1174849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a disorder that develops following exposure to traumatic experience(s), is frequently associated with agitation, aggressive behavior and psychotic symptoms. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) degrades different biogenic amines and regulates mood, emotions and behavior, and has a role in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between different symptoms occurring in PTSD [PTSD symptom severity assessed by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), agitation and selected psychotic symptoms assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)] and platelet MAO-B activity and/or genetic variants of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR polymorphisms in 249 Croatian male veterans with PTSD. Our study revealed slightly higher platelet MAO-B activity in veterans with PTSD with more severe PTSD symptoms and in veterans with agitation, and significantly higher platelet MAO-B activity in veterans with more pronounced psychotic symptoms compared to veterans with less pronounced psychotic symptoms. Platelet MAO-B activity was associated with smoking but not with age. Genetic variants of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR were not associated with agitation and selected psychotic symptoms in veterans with PTSD. A marginally significant association was found between MAOB rs1799836 polymorphism and severity of PTSD symptoms, but it was not confirmed since carriers of G or A allele of MAOB rs1799836 did not differ in their total CAPS scores. These findings suggest an association of platelet MAO-B activity, but a lack of association of MAOB rs1799836 and MAOA-uVNTR, with selected psychotic symptoms in ethnically homogenous veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Svob Strac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic
- b Department of Psychopharmacology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine , University of Zagreb, Zagreb , Croatia
- c Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce , Zagreb , Croatia
| | | | - Danica Umolac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
| | | | - Nela Pivac
- a Division of Molecular Medicine , Rudjer Boskovic Institute , Zagreb , Croatia
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Neuropsychological Functioning in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Associations with Performance Validity, Comorbidities, and Functional Outcomes. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2016; 22:399-411. [PMID: 26892753 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617716000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Numerous studies have shown that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display reduced performances on neuropsychological tests, although most prior research has not adequately accounted for comorbidities or performance validity concerns that are common in this population and could partially account for the observed neurocognitive findings. Moreover, few studies have examined the functional implications of neuropsychological results in PTSD. METHODS We examined neuropsychological functioning in 44 veterans with PTSD and 40 veteran trauma comparison (TC) participants with combat exposure and no PTSD. RESULTS After excluding four veterans with PTSD for performance validity concerns, multivariate analyses of variance by neurocognitive domain revealed significantly worse performance by the PTSD group in the domains of speed of information processing (p=.035) and executive functions (p=.017), but no group differences in attention/working memory, verbal/language functioning, visuoconstruction, or episodic memory. Group differences by PTSD status were still present after covarying for depression, a history of head injuries, and substance use disorders. Executive functioning performance was associated with poorer self-reported occupational functioning and physical health-related quality of life, while speed of information processing performance was associated with poorer physical health-related quality of life. DISCUSSION These results are generally consistent with a fronto-limbic conceptualization of PTSD-associated neuropsychological dysfunction and show that cognitive functioning may be associated with critical functional outcomes. Taken together, results suggest that consideration of neurocognitive functioning may enhance the clinical management of individuals with PTSD.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol misuse: comorbidity in UK military personnel. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:1171-80. [PMID: 26864534 PMCID: PMC4977328 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the prevalence of comorbid probable post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol misuse in a UK military cohort study and to determine the level of co-occurrence between these disorders; further aims were to investigate the association between alcohol misuse and the different PTSD symptom clusters, and to assess what factors are associated with probable PTSD in participants with alcohol misuse. METHODS Data from 9984 participants of Phase 2 of the health and well-being survey of serving and ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces were assessed for probable PTSD and alcohol misuse using the PTSD checklist (PCL-C) and the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), respectively. RESULTS 1.8 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.5-2.1] of the sample met the criteria for both PTSD and alcohol misuse. All three symptom clusters of PTSD were significantly associated with alcohol misuse, with similar odds ranging from 2.46 to 2.85. Factors associated with probable PTSD in individuals reporting alcohol misuse were age [ages 30-34 (years): OR 2.51, 95 % CI 1.15-5.49; ages 40-44 years: OR 2.77, 95 % CI 1.18-6.47], officer rank (OR 0.36, 95 % CI 0.16-0.85), being in a combat role in parent unit (OR 1.99, 95 % CI 1.20-3.31) and common mental disorder (CMD) (OR 21.56, 95 % CI 12.00-38.74). CONCLUSIONS This study provides strong evidence that PTSD and alcohol misuse are often co-occurring. CMD was highly associated with probable PTSD in individuals with alcohol misuse.
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LeardMann CA, Woodall KA, Littman AJ, Jacobson IG, Boyko EJ, Smith B, Wells TS, Crum-Cianflone NF. Post-traumatic stress disorder predicts future weight change in the Millennium Cohort Study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2015; 23:886-92. [PMID: 25776806 DOI: 10.1002/oby.21025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To prospectively examine the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and weight change. METHODS Longitudinal analysis techniques were used to examine data (2001-2008) from Millennium Cohort Study participants, consisting of U.S. service members and veterans. Using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, PTSD was assessed as none, resolved, new onset, or persistent. Subsequent weight change was assessed as stable (≤3% loss or gain), >3% weight loss, >3% but <10% weight gain, and ≥10% weight gain. RESULTS Of the 38,352 participants, 2391 (6.2%) had PTSD (838 resolved, 1024 new onset, and 529 persistent), and 11% of participants subsequently had ≥10% weight gain. In multivariable models, PTSD was associated with higher odds of ≥10% weight gain (new onset OR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.20-1.73]; persistent OR: 1.51 [CI: 1.17-1.96]; resolved OR: 1.30 [CI: 1.05-1.60]) compared with those without PTSD. New-onset and persistent PTSD were also associated with higher odds of >3% weight loss (OR: 1.41 [CI: 1.17-1.71]; OR: 1.42 [CI: 1.09-1.86], respectively). CONCLUSIONS PTSD is independently associated with a higher risk of weight gain and loss, the former of which leads to a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity and a higher risk of comorbidities associated with excessive body adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A LeardMann
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA
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Scott JC, Matt GE, Wrocklage KM, Crnich C, Jordan J, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Schweinsburg BC. A quantitative meta-analysis of neurocognitive functioning in posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychol Bull 2015. [PMID: 25365762 DOI: 10.1037/a00389039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with regional alterations in brain structure and function that are hypothesized to contribute to symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. We present here the first systematic meta-analysis of neurocognitive outcomes associated with PTSD to examine a broad range of cognitive domains and describe the profile of cognitive deficits, as well as modifying clinical factors and study characteristics. This report is based on data from 60 studies totaling 4,108 participants, including 1,779 with PTSD, 1,446 trauma-exposed comparison participants, and 895 healthy comparison participants without trauma exposure. Effect-size estimates were calculated using a mixed-effects meta-analysis for 9 cognitive domains: attention/working memory, executive functions, verbal learning, verbal memory, visual learning, visual memory, language, speed of information processing, and visuospatial abilities. Analyses revealed significant neurocognitive effects associated with PTSD, although these ranged widely in magnitude, with the largest effect sizes in verbal learning (d = -.62), speed of information processing (d = -.59), attention/working memory (d = -.50), and verbal memory (d =-.46). Effect-size estimates were significantly larger in treatment-seeking than community samples and in studies that did not exclude participants with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and effect sizes were affected by between-group IQ discrepancies and the gender composition of the PTSD groups. Our findings indicate that consideration of neuropsychological functioning in attention, verbal memory, and speed of information processing may have important implications for the effective clinical management of persons with PTSD. Results are further discussed in the context of cognitive models of PTSD and the limitations of this literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Philadelphia VA Medical Center
| | - Georg E Matt
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | | | - Jessica Jordan
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System
| | | | - John H Krystal
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System
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Trautmann S, Schönfeld S, Behrendt S, Schäfer J, Höfler M, Zimmermann P, Wittchen HU. Associations between lifetime PTSD symptoms and current substance use disorders using a five-factor model of PTSD. J Anxiety Disord 2015; 29:93-100. [PMID: 25527901 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper aimed to extend the existing knowledge on the association between PTSD symptoms, alcohol use disorders (AUD) and nicotine dependence (ND) by distinguishing between anxious and dysphoric arousal PTSD symptoms and by considering the putative contribution of additional comorbidity. Data stem from a cross-sectional study in a stratified, representative sample of 1483 recently deployed soldiers using standardized diagnostic interviews. All lifetime PTSD symptom clusters (occurrence of any symptom and number of symptoms) were associated with current AUD and ND in crude models except that anxious arousal was not related to AUD. Associations were reduced in magnitude when controlling for comorbidity. Current ND was related to the occurrence of any emotional numbing and to the number of re-experiencing symptoms above the contribution of other symptom clusters and comorbidity. In conclusion, associations between PTSD symptoms, AUD and ND may be partially attributable to additional comorbidity. Findings also yield further evidence for a role of emotional numbing and re-experiencing symptoms in the comorbidity between PTSD and ND and for a distinction between dysphoric and anxious arousal PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Trautmann
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - S Schönfeld
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - S Behrendt
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - J Schäfer
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Höfler
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - P Zimmermann
- Centre for Psychiatry and Posttraumatic Stress, Federal Armed Forces Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - H-U Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Scott JC, Matt GE, Wrocklage KM, Crnich C, Jordan J, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Schweinsburg BC. A quantitative meta-analysis of neurocognitive functioning in posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychol Bull 2015; 141:105-140. [PMID: 25365762 PMCID: PMC4293317 DOI: 10.1037/a0038039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with regional alterations in brain structure and function that are hypothesized to contribute to symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. We present here the first systematic meta-analysis of neurocognitive outcomes associated with PTSD to examine a broad range of cognitive domains and describe the profile of cognitive deficits, as well as modifying clinical factors and study characteristics. This report is based on data from 60 studies totaling 4,108 participants, including 1,779 with PTSD, 1,446 trauma-exposed comparison participants, and 895 healthy comparison participants without trauma exposure. Effect-size estimates were calculated using a mixed-effects meta-analysis for 9 cognitive domains: attention/working memory, executive functions, verbal learning, verbal memory, visual learning, visual memory, language, speed of information processing, and visuospatial abilities. Analyses revealed significant neurocognitive effects associated with PTSD, although these ranged widely in magnitude, with the largest effect sizes in verbal learning (d = -.62), speed of information processing (d = -.59), attention/working memory (d = -.50), and verbal memory (d =-.46). Effect-size estimates were significantly larger in treatment-seeking than community samples and in studies that did not exclude participants with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and effect sizes were affected by between-group IQ discrepancies and the gender composition of the PTSD groups. Our findings indicate that consideration of neuropsychological functioning in attention, verbal memory, and speed of information processing may have important implications for the effective clinical management of persons with PTSD. Results are further discussed in the context of cognitive models of PTSD and the limitations of this literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Cobb Scott
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Georg E. Matt
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | | | | | - Jessica Jordan
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Steven M. Southwick
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - John H. Krystal
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
- Psychiatry Services, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510
| | - Brian C. Schweinsburg
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
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Gaher RM, Simons JS, Hahn NL, Hofman JH, Hofman JH, Buchkoski J. An experience sampling study of PTSD and alcohol-related problems. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2014; 28:1013-25. [PMID: 25134021 PMCID: PMC4274209 DOI: 10.1037/a0037257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a debilitating psychiatric condition that is affecting the lives of many returning veterans. PTSD and alcohol use and dependence are highly comorbid. The purpose of this study was to understand the functional mechanisms between PTSD and alcohol use and problems. Specifically, the role of negative urgency and emotional intelligence were investigated as vulnerability and resiliency factors, respectively. This study utilized experience sampling to test associations between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use and related problems in a sample of 90 OIF/OEF veterans. Participants completed 8 brief questionnaires daily for 2 weeks on palmtop computers. Elevations in PTSD symptoms during the day were associated with subsequent increases in alcohol use and associated problems that night. PTSD symptoms were associated with greater problems above and beyond the effect of drinking level at both the within- and between- person level. Emotional intelligence was associated with lower negative urgency, fewer PTSD symptoms, and less alcohol use and associated problems. The effects of emotional intelligence were primarily indirect via negative urgency and the effects of negative urgency on alcohol use and problems were indirect via its positive association with PTSD symptoms. Hypothesized cross-level effects of emotional intelligence and negative urgency were not supported. The findings suggest a functional association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol consumption. The association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol consumption is consistent with a self-medication model. However, the significant associations between PTSD symptoms and alcohol problems, after controlling for use level, suggest a broader role of dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca M. Gaher
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Dakota; Jerome Buchkoski, Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System
| | - Jeffrey S. Simons
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Dakota; Jerome Buchkoski, Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System
| | - Nicole L Hahn
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Dakota; Jerome Buchkoski, Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System
| | - Jamie Hansen Hofman
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Dakota; Jerome Buchkoski, Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System
| | - Jamie Hansen Hofman
- Department of Psychology, The University of South Dakota; Jerome Buchkoski, Sioux Falls VA Healthcare System
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Debell F, Fear NT, Head M, Batt-Rawden S, Greenberg N, Wessely S, Goodwin L. A systematic review of the comorbidity between PTSD and alcohol misuse. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2014; 49:1401-25. [PMID: 24643298 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-014-0855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to assess (1) the level of comorbidity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol misuse reported in research studies since 2007 and (2) any associations found between specific PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol misuse. METHODS A literature search was carried out to capture any papers published from 2007 to the end of July 2012. Six hundred and twenty abstracts were identified and reviewed, and 42 papers were included in the final review after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS The prevalence of comorbid alcohol misuse in those with PTSD ranged from 9.8 to 61.3 %. The prevalence of comorbid PTSD in those with alcohol misuse ranged from 2.0 to 63.0 %, and the majority of prevalence rates were over 10.0 %. Almost all of the odds ratios representing the strength of association between the conditions across a variety of populations were significant, and those ranged from 1.1 to 4.87. Of the different PTSD symptom clusters, this review found most evidence for associations between alcohol misuse and both avoidance/numbing symptoms and hyperarousal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Given that comorbidity appears to be common, the evidence from this systematic review supports the use of routine screening for comorbidity in populations who are known to have PTSD or alcohol misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Debell
- King's College London School of Medicine, Hodgkin Building, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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Roberts B, Murphy A, Chikovani I, Makhashvili N, Patel V, McKee M. Individual and community level risk-factors for alcohol use disorder among conflict-affected persons in Georgia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98299. [PMID: 24865450 PMCID: PMC4035315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence on alcohol use disorder among conflict-affected civilian populations remains extremely weak, despite a number of potential risk-factors. The aim of this study is to examine patterns of alcohol use disorder among conflict-affected persons in the Republic of Georgia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 3600 randomly selected internally displaced persons (IDPs) and former IDPs. Two alcohol use disorder outcomes were measured: (i) having at least hazardous alcohol use (AUDIT score ≥ 8); (ii) episodic heavy drinking (consuming >60 grams of pure alcohol per drinking session at least once a week). Individual level demographic and socio-economic characteristics were also recorded, including mental disorders. Community level alcohol environment characteristics relating to alcohol availability, marketing and pricing were recorded in the respondents' communities and a factor analysis conducted to produce a summary alcohol environment factor score. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between individual and community level factors with the alcohol use disorder outcomes (among men only). RESULTS Of the total sample, 71% of men and 16% of women were current drinkers. Of the current drinkers (N = 1386), 28% of men and 1% of women were classified as having at least hazardous alcohol use; and 12% of men and 2% of women as episodic heavy drinkers. Individual characteristics significantly associated with both outcomes were age and experiencing a serious injury, while cumulative trauma events and depression were also associated with having at least hazardous alcohol use. For the community level analysis, a one unit increase in the alcohol environment factor was associated with a 1.27 fold increase in episodic heavy drinking among men (no significant association with hazardous alcohol use). CONCLUSION The findings suggest potential synergies for treatment responses for alcohol use disorder and depression among conflict-affected populations in Georgia, as well as the need for stronger alcohol control policies in Georgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayard Roberts
- European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition (ECOHOST), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrianna Murphy
- European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition (ECOHOST), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nino Makhashvili
- Global Initiative on Psychiatry – Tbilisi, Georgia, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Vikram Patel
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin McKee
- European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition (ECOHOST), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Wolf EJ, Mitchell KS, Koenen KC, Miller MW. Combat exposure severity as a moderator of genetic and environmental liability to post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychol Med 2014; 44:1499-1509. [PMID: 24001428 PMCID: PMC3972364 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291713002286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twin studies of veterans and adults suggest that approximately 30-46% of the variance in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is attributable to genetic factors. The remaining variance is attributable to the non-shared environment, which, by definition, includes combat exposure. This study used a gene by measured environment twin design to determine whether the effects of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the etiology of PTSD are dependent on the level of combat exposure. METHOD The sample was drawn from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry (VETR) and included 620 male-male twin pairs who served in the US Military in South East Asia during the Vietnam War era. Analyses were based on data from a clinical diagnostic interview of lifetime PTSD symptoms and a self-report measure of combat exposure. RESULTS Biometric modeling revealed that the effects of genetic and non-shared environment factors on PTSD varied as a function of level of combat exposure such that the association between these factors and PTSD was stronger at higher levels of combat exposure. CONCLUSIONS Combat exposure may act as a catalyst that augments the impact of hereditary and environmental contributions to PTSD. Individuals with the greatest exposure to combat trauma were at increased risk for PTSD as a function of both genetic and environmental factors. Additional work is needed to determine the biological and environmental mechanisms driving these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J. Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Karen S. Mitchell
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
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Green KT, Beckham JC, Youssef N, Elbogen EB. Alcohol misuse and psychological resilience among U.S. Iraq and Afghanistan era veterans. Addict Behav 2014; 39:406-13. [PMID: 24090625 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study sought to investigate the longitudinal effects of psychological resilience against alcohol misuse adjusting for socio-demographic factors, trauma-related variables, and self-reported history of alcohol abuse. METHODOLOGY Data were from the National Post-Deployment Adjustment Study (NPDAS) participants who completed both a baseline and one-year follow-up survey (N=1090). Survey questionnaires measured combat exposure, probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological resilience, and alcohol misuse, all of which were measured at two discrete time periods (baseline and one-year follow-up). Baseline resilience and change in resilience (increased or decreased) were utilized as independent variables in separate models evaluating alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. RESULTS Multiple linear regression analyses controlled for age, gender, level of educational attainment, combat exposure, PTSD symptom severity, and self-reported alcohol abuse. Accounting for these covariates, findings revealed that lower baseline resilience, younger age, male gender, and self-reported alcohol abuse were related to alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. A separate regression analysis, adjusting for the same covariates, revealed a relationship between change in resilience (from baseline to the one-year follow-up) and alcohol misuse at the one-year follow-up. The regression model evaluating these variables in a subset of the sample in which all the participants had been deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan was consistent with findings involving the overall era sample. Finally, logistic regression analyses of the one-year follow-up data yielded similar results to the baseline and resilience change models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that increased psychological resilience is inversely related to alcohol misuse and is protective against alcohol misuse over time. Additionally, it supports the conceptualization of resilience as a process which evolves over time. Moreover, our results underscore the importance of assessing resilience as part of alcohol use screening for preventing alcohol misuse in Iraq and Afghanistan era military veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly T Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Traumatic Stress in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 18:161-90. [PMID: 24691656 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that develops following trauma exposure. It is characterized by four symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alteration in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Several risk factors have been associated with PTSD, including trauma type and severity, gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, cognitive reserve, pretrauma psychopathology, familial psychiatric history, and genetics. Great strides have been made in understanding the neurobiology of PTSD through animal models and human imaging studies. Most of the animal models have face validity, but they have limitations in the generalization to the human model of PTSD. Newer animal models, such as the "CBC" model, have better validity for PTSD, which takes into account the different components of its diagnostic criteria. To date, fear conditioning and fear extinction animal models have provided support for the hypothesis that PTSD is a dysregulation of the processes related to fear regulation and, especially, fear extinction. More research is needed to further understand these processes as they relate not only to PTSD but also to resilience. Further, this research could be instrumental in the development of novel effective treatments for PTSD.
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Falcão V, Jardim P, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Magalhães T. Forensic evaluation in alleged sibling incest against children. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2014; 23:755-767. [PMID: 25085386 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2014.949394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Sibling incest is a serious form of intrafamilial sexual abuse with health, social, and legal relevance. A retrospective study was conducted through the analysis of forensic medical reports of the alleged sibling incest of victims under 18 years old (n = 68) from 2004 to 2011 as well as the respective judicial outcomes. Results demonstrated that sibling's sexual abuse is associated with several circumstances that might exacerbate its severity such as vaginal, anal, and/or oral penetration. Moreover, the victim's young age, the proximity between victim and abuser, and the fact that it is committed at the victim's and/or abuser's home and by using physical violence and verbal threats justify a late detection of these cases.
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Keyes KM, Shmulewitz D, Greenstein E, McLaughlin K, Wall M, Aharonovich E, Weizman A, Frisch A, Spivak B, Grant BF, Hasin D. Exposure to the Lebanon War of 2006 and effects on alcohol use disorders: the moderating role of childhood maltreatment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 134:296-303. [PMID: 24262650 PMCID: PMC3884580 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Civilian populations now comprise the majority of casualties in modern warfare, but effects of war exposure on alcohol disorders in the general population are largely unexplored. Accumulating literature indicates that adverse experiences early in life sensitize individuals to increased alcohol problems after adult stressful experiences. However, child and adult stressful experiences can be correlated, limiting interpretation. We examine risk for alcohol disorders among Israelis after the 2006 Lebanon War, a fateful event outside the control of civilian individuals and uncorrelated with childhood experiences. Further, we test whether those with a history of maltreatment are at greater risk for an alcohol use disorder after war exposure compared to those without such a history. METHODS Adult household residents selected from the Israeli population register were assessed with a psychiatric structured interview; the analyzed sample included 1306 respondents. War measures included self-reported days in an exposed region. RESULTS Among those with a history of maltreatment, those in a war-exposed region for 30+ days had 5.3 times the odds of subsequent alcohol disorders compared to those exposed 0 days (95%C.I. 1.01-27.76), controlled for relevant confounders; the odds ratio for those without this history was 0.5 (95%C.I. 0.25-1.01); test for interaction: X(2)=5.28, df=1, P=0.02. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing a fateful stressor outside the control of study participants, civilian exposure to the 2006 Lebanon War, is associated with a heightened the risk of alcohol disorders among those with early adverse childhood experiences. Results suggest that early life experiences may sensitize individuals to adverse health responses later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Department of Epidemiology, 722 West 168th Street, Suite 503, New York, NY 10032, USA. Tel.: +1 212 304 5652; fax: +1 212 543 5913. (K.M. Keyes)
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eliana Greenstein
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kate McLaughlin
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115-6092, USA
| | - Melanie Wall
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Efrat Aharonovich
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Amos Frisch
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Baruch Spivak
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Bridget F. Grant
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Deborah Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Etiology of depression comorbidity in combat-related PTSD: a review of the literature. Clin Psychol Rev 2013; 34:87-98. [PMID: 24486520 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is often diagnosed with other mental health problems, particularly depression. Although PTSD comorbidity has been associated with more severe and chronic symptomology, relationships among commonly co-occurring disorders are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding the development of depression comorbid with combat-related PTSD among military personnel. We summarize results of commonly tested hypotheses about the etiology of PTSD and depression comorbidity, including (1) causal hypotheses, (2) common factor hypotheses, and (3) potential confounds. Evidence suggests that PTSD may be a causal risk factor for subsequent depression; however, associations are likely complex, involving bidirectional causality, common risk factors, and common vulnerabilities. The unique nature of PTSD-depression comorbidity in the context of military deployment and combat exposure is emphasized. Implications of our results for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
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McCauley SR, Wilde EA, Miller ER, Frisby ML, Garza HM, Varghese R, Levin HS, Robertson CS, McCarthy JJ. Preinjury resilience and mood as predictors of early outcome following mild traumatic brain injury. J Neurotrauma 2013; 30:642-52. [PMID: 23046394 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is significant heterogeneity in outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). While several host factors (age, gender, and preinjury psychiatric history) have been investigated, the influence of preinjury psychological resilience and mood status in conjunction with mild TBI remains relatively unexplored. Euthymic mood and high resilience are potentially protective against anxiety and postconcussion symptoms, but their relative contributions are currently unknown. This prospective study obtained preinjury estimates of resilience and mood measures in addition to measures of anxiety (Acute Stress Disorder Scale and PTSD-Checklist-Civilian form) and postconcussion symptom severity (Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire) <24 hours (Baseline), 1 week, and 1 month postinjury in patients with either mTBI (n=46) or a comparison group with orthopedic injuries not involving the head (OI, n=29). The groups did not differ on preinjury resilience or mood status at baseline, but differed significantly on measures of anxiety and postconcussion symptom severity at each subsequent study occasion. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine if preinjury resilience and mood were significant contributors to anxiety and postconcussion symptoms during the first month postinjury after accounting for other known host factors (e.g., age at injury, gender, and education). Injury group and preinjury mood status were significant predictors for all three dependent variables at each study occasion (all p<0.007). Preinjury resilience showed a positive trend only for acute stress severity at baseline, but demonstrated significant prediction of all three dependent measures at one week and one month postinjury. These results suggest that preinjury depressed mood and resilience are significant contributors to the severity of postinjury anxiety and postconcussion symptoms, even after accounting for effects of other specific host factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R McCauley
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Alliance of Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Waldrop AE, Cohen BE. Trauma exposure predicts alcohol, nicotine, and drug problems beyond the contribution of PTSD and depression in patients with cardiovascular disease: data from the Heart and Soul Study. Am J Addict 2013; 23:53-61. [PMID: 24313242 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2013.12053.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study examined the role of lifetime trauma exposure in a longitudinal study of adults with cardiovascular disease to determine the unique contribution of trauma exposure to risk for drug and alcohol problems and smoking. METHODS Data were drawn from the Heart and Soul Study, a prospective cohort study designed to determine the mechanisms of associations between psychological factors and increased risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients (n = 1,022). RESULTS Lifetime exposure to a higher number of trauma types predicted substance use outcomes beyond risk explained by PTSD and depression. In addition, across trauma types, interpersonal traumas were most strongly associated with substance use problems. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, though PTSD and depression play a role in the association between trauma exposure and substance use, many other factors also contribute; therefore focusing on these psychological comorbidities alone is not sufficient. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE The integration of mental health care and/or case management support with primary and specialty medical care may improve detection and treatment for patients with substance use and comorbid mental and physical health problems. Screening for trauma exposure is an important part of good clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Waldrop
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California; University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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McCutcheon VV, Scherrer JF, Grant JD, Xian H, Haber JR, Jacob T, Bucholz KK. Parent, sibling and peer associations with subtypes of psychiatric and substance use disorder comorbidity in offspring. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 128:20-9. [PMID: 22921146 PMCID: PMC3514649 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with a range of negative offspring outcomes and psychopathology, but the clustering of these outcomes into subtypes has seldom been examined, nor have the familial and environmental contexts of these subtypes been reported. The present study examines the clustering of offspring lifetime substance use and psychiatric disorders into subtypes and characterizes them in terms of familial and non-familial influences using an offspring-of-twins design. METHOD Telephone-administered diagnostic interviews were used to collect data on psychiatric disorders and SUD from 488 twin fathers, 420 biological mothers and 831 offspring. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to derive subtypes of lifetime comorbidity in offspring. Familial risk and environmental variables associated with each subtype (i.e., parenting, childhood physical or sexual abuse, perceived sibling and peer substance use) were identified using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Four classes identified by LCA were characterized as (1) unaffected, (2) alcohol abuse/dependence, (3) alcohol abuse/dependence comorbid with anxiety and depression, and (4) alcohol, cannabis abuse/dependence and nicotine dependence comorbid with conduct disorder. Inconsistent parenting, childhood physical/sexual abuse, and perceived sibling and peer substance use were significantly associated with profiles of offspring comorbidity after adjusting for familial vulnerability. Some associations were specific (i.e., perceived peer alcohol use to the AUD class), while others were general (peer smoking to all 3 comorbidity classes). CONCLUSIONS We observed distinct subtypes of psychiatric and SUD comorbidity in adolescents and young adults. Subtypes of offspring psychopathology have varied associations with parental psychopathology, family environment, and sibling and peer behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivia V. McCutcheon
- Midwest Alcoholism Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Jeffrey F. Scherrer
- Midwest Alcoholism Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110,Research Service, St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service (151-JC), 915 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106
| | - Julia D. Grant
- Midwest Alcoholism Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Hong Xian
- Midwest Alcoholism Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110,Research Service, St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service (151-JC), 915 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106
| | - Jon Randolph Haber
- Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MC 151J, 795 Willow Road, Palo Alto CA 94025
| | - Theodore Jacob
- Palo Alto Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MC 151J, 795 Willow Road, Palo Alto CA 94025
| | - Kathleen K Bucholz
- Midwest Alcoholism Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110
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Amstadter AB, Aggen SH, Knudsen GP, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Kendler KS. Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2013; 48:215-23. [PMID: 22782308 PMCID: PMC3898694 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-012-0537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Epidemiologic research on traumatic stress is limited in Norway. Prevalence and correlates of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and patterns of comorbidity with DSM-IV Axis I and II disorders were examined in an epidemiologic sample. METHODS Demographics, PTEs and resulting PTSD, and comorbid DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed in 2,794 members of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel. The sample comprised 37% male, with an average age of 28.2 years (SD = 3.9). RESULTS Approximately, one-quarter of participants had lifetime PTE exposure; most PTEs were more common in men than in women. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 2.6%, and was significantly more common in women than men. Being female and type of PTE (both interpersonal and accidental traumatic events) were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, whereas higher education was associated with lower symptoms. PTSD was related to increased odds of most Axis I and II conditions. CONCLUSIONS PTE exposure and PTSD prevalence were lower than in the USA, but comparable to other European countries. Sex differences replicated previous research. The relationship between PTSD and borderline personality disorder was significantly stronger than the relationship between PTSD and any other Axis II conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda B. Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Steven H. Aggen
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gun Peggy Knudsen
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Drs. Knudsen and Reichborn-Kjennerud), the Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway (Dr. Reichborn-Kjennerud)
| | - Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Drs. Knudsen and Reichborn-Kjennerud), the Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Norway (Dr. Reichborn-Kjennerud)
| | - Kenneth S. Kendler
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Schumm JA. Alcohol and stress in the military. Alcohol Res 2012; 34:401-7. [PMID: 23584106 PMCID: PMC3860389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although research has independently linked stress experienced by military personnel to both alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder, more recently researchers have noted that there also is a significant overlap between stress reactions and alcohol use in veterans and active-duty service members. This overlap seems to be most understood in individuals who have experienced combat or military sexual trauma. This article will provide a brief review of some potential causal mechanisms underlying this relationship, including self-medication and genetic vulnerability models. It also addresses the possible implications for assessment and treatment of military personnel with co-occurring disorders.
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Sartor CE, McCutcheon VV, Pommer NE, Nelson EC, Grant JD, Duncan AE, Waldron M, Bucholz KK, Madden PAF, Heath AC. Common genetic and environmental contributions to post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence in young women. Psychol Med 2011; 41:1497-1505. [PMID: 21054919 PMCID: PMC3377473 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291710002072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The few genetically informative studies to examine post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence (AD), all of which are based on a male veteran sample, suggest that the co-morbidity between PTSD and AD may be attributable in part to overlapping genetic influences, but this issue has yet to be addressed in females.MethodData were derived from an all-female twin sample (n=3768) ranging in age from 18 to 29 years. A trivariate genetic model that included trauma exposure as a separate phenotype was fitted to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to PTSD and the degree to which they overlap with those that contribute to AD, after accounting for potential confounding effects of heritable influences on trauma exposure. RESULTS Additive genetic influences (A) accounted for 72% of the variance in PTSD; individual-specific environmental (E) factors accounted for the remainder. An AE model also provided the best fit for AD, for which heritability was estimated to be 71%. The genetic correlation between PTSD and AD was 0.54. CONCLUSIONS The heritability estimate for PTSD in our sample is higher than estimates reported in earlier studies based almost exclusively on an all-male sample in which combat exposure was the precipitating traumatic event. However, our findings are consistent with the absence of evidence for shared environmental influences on PTSD and, most importantly, the substantial overlap in genetic influences on PTSD and AD reported in these investigations. Additional research addressing potential distinctions by gender in the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on PTSD is merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Sartor
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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42
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Xian H, Scherrer JF, Pergadia ML, Madden PAF, Grant JD, Sartor CE, Haber JR, Jacob T, Bucholz KK. Contribution of parental psychopathology to offspring smoking and nicotine dependence in a genetically informative design. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2011; 71:664-73. [PMID: 20731971 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2010.71.664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is not known if parental psychiatric disorders have an independent effect on offspring smoking after controlling for genetic and environmental vulnerability to nicotine dependence. We tested if parental alcohol, drug, or conduct disorders; antisocial personality disorder; depression; and anxiety disorders remained significant predictors of offspring smoking initiation, regular smoking, and nicotine dependence before and after adjusting for genetic and environmental risk for nicotine dependence. METHOD Data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with 1,107 twin fathers, 1,919 offspring between the ages of 12 and 32, and 1,023 mothers. Genetic and environmental liability for smoking outcomes was defined by paternal and maternal nicotine dependence. Multinomial logistic regression models were computed to estimate the risk for offspring trying cigarettes, regular smoking, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) as a function of parental psychopathology and sociodemographics before and after adjusting for genetic and environmental vulnerability to nicotine dependence. RESULTS Before adjusting for genetic and environmental risk for nicotine dependence, ever trying cigarettes was associated with maternal depression, regular smoking was associated with maternal alcohol dependence and maternal conduct disorder, and FTND was associated with paternal and maternal conduct disorder and antisocial personality disorder. No parental psychopathology remained significantly associated with regular smoking and FTND after adjusting for genetic and environmental vulnerability to nicotine dependence in a multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS The association between parental psychopathology and offspring smoking outcomes is partly explained by genetic and environmental risk for nicotine dependence. Point estimates suggest a trend for an association between parental antisocial personality disorder and offspring regular smoking and nicotine dependence after adjusting for genetic and environmental vulnerability. Studies in larger samples are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xian
- Research Service (151JC), St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 915 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63106, USA.
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Norman SB, Myers US, Wilkins KC, Goldsmith AA, Hristova V, Huang Z, McCullough KC, Robinson SK. Review of biological mechanisms and pharmacological treatments of comorbid PTSD and substance use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:542-51. [PMID: 21600225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2010] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol/substance use disorder (A/SUD) are frequently comorbid. Comorbidity is associated with poorer psychological, functional, and treatment outcomes than either disorder alone. This review outlines biological mechanisms that are potentially involved in the development and maintenance of comorbid PTSD and A/SUD including neurotransmitter and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation, structural differences in the brain, and shared genetic risk factors. The literature regarding pharmacological treatments that have been investigated for comorbid PTSD and A/SUD is also reviewed. Empirical data for each proposed mechanism and pharmacological approach is reviewed with the goal of making recommendations for future research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya B Norman
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
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Khoury L, Tang YL, Bradley B, Cubells JF, Ressler KJ. Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population. Depress Anxiety 2010; 27:1077-86. [PMID: 21049532 PMCID: PMC3051362 DOI: 10.1002/da.20751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to traumatic experiences, especially those occurring in childhood, has been linked to substance use disorders (SUDs), including abuse and dependence. SUDs are also highly comorbid with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mood-related psychopathology. Most studies examining the relationship between PTSD and SUDs have examined veteran populations or patients in substance treatment programs. The present study further examines this relationship between childhood trauma, substance use, and PTSD in a sample of urban primary care patients. METHOD There were 587 participants included in this study, all recruited from medical and OB/GYN clinic waiting rooms at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Data were collected through both screening interviews as well as follow-up interviews. RESULTS In this highly traumatized population, high rates of lifetime dependence on various substances were found (39% alcohol, 34.1% cocaine, 6.2% heroin/opiates, and 44.8% marijuana). The level of substance use, particularly cocaine, strongly correlated with levels of childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as current PTSD symptoms. In particular, there was a significant additive effect of number of types of childhood trauma experienced with history of cocaine dependence in predicting current PTSD symptoms, and this effect was independent of exposure to adult trauma. CONCLUSIONS These data show strong links between childhood traumatization and SUDs, and their joint associations with PTSD outcome. They suggest that enhanced awareness of PTSD and substance abuse comorbidity in high-risk, impoverished populations is critical to understanding the mechanisms of substance addiction as well as in improving prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamya Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yilang L Tang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Joe F Cubells
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia,*Correspondence to: Kerry J. Ressler, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr, Atlanta, GA 30329 E-mail:
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Lerner F, Hamblen JL. Surveying the traumatic stress literature: the effective use of bibliographic databases in preparing reviews and meta-analyses. J Trauma Stress 2010; 23:819-22. [PMID: 20979218 DOI: 10.1002/jts.20580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The value of a systematic review or meta-analysis depends upon the care with which it is designed and conducted. A major factor in this is the literature search that identifies the articles to be reviewed. Careful selection of bibliographic databases and the use of well-designed search strategies based on the controlled vocabularies contained in published thesauri are essential to ensure retrieval of all relevant articles. This commentary offers suggestions for identifying the literature to be searched, designing a suitable search strategy, using a controlled vocabulary, and describing the bibliographic methodology underlying a systematic review or meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Lerner
- National Center for PTSD and Dartmouth Medical School, White River Junction, VA Medical Center, VT, USA.
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Collimore KC, Carleton RN, Hofmann SG, Asmundson GJG. Posttraumatic stress and social anxiety: the interaction of traumatic events and interpersonal fears. Depress Anxiety 2010; 27:1017-26. [PMID: 20721907 DOI: 10.1002/da.20728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are frequently comorbid among veteran and community samples. Several studies have demonstrated significant comorbidity between trauma, PTSD, and social anxiety (SA), and a growing number of studies have explored the nature of this association. Although a diagnosis of either PTSD or SAD alone can result in significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, these difficulties are often magnified in persons suffering from both disorders. This review describes the current state-of-the-art regarding the co-occurrence of trauma, PTSD, and SA. First, we provide an overview of empirical data on the prevalence of co-occurring trauma, PTSD, and SAD. Second, we describe possible explanatory models of the co-occurrence, with a specific focus on the shared vulnerability model. Third, we review the available empirical data addressing the postulates of this model, including both genetic and psychological vulnerabilities. Fourth, we describe additional factors-guilt, shame, and depressive symptoms-that may help to explain the co-occurrence of PTSD and SA. A better understanding of this complex relationship will improve the efficacy of treatment for individuals suffering from both disorders. We conclude with key areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Collimore
- The Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Wolf EJ, Miller MW, Krueger RF, Lyons MJ, Tsuang MT, Koenen KC. Posttraumatic stress disorder and the genetic structure of comorbidity. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2010; 119:320-30. [PMID: 20455605 DOI: 10.1037/a0019035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study used structural equation modeling to examine the genetic and environmental architecture of latent dimensions of internalizing and externalizing psychiatric comorbidity and explored structural associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and these dimensions. Data were drawn from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry and included lifetime diagnoses for PTSD and a range of other psychiatric disorders for 3,372 male-male twin pairs. Examination of the phenotypic structure of these disorders revealed that PTSD cross-loaded on both Internalizing and Externalizing common factors. Biometric analyses suggested largely distinct genetic risk factors for the latent internalizing and externalizing comorbidity dimensions, with the total heritability of the Externalizing factor (69%) estimated to be significantly stronger than that for Internalizing (41%). Nonshared environment explained the majority of the remaining variance in the Internalizing (58%) and Externalizing (20%) factors. Shared genetic variance across the 2 dimensions explained 67% of their phenotypic correlation (r = .52). These findings have implications for conceptualizations of the etiology of PTSD and its location in an empirically based nosology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Department of Psychology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Wells TS, LeardMann CA, Fortuna SO, Smith B, Smith TC, Ryan MAK, Boyko EJ, Blazer D. A prospective study of depression following combat deployment in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Am J Public Health 2010; 100:90-9. [PMID: 19910353 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.155432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated relations between deployment and new-onset depression among US service members recently deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. METHODS We included 40 219 Millennium Cohort Study participants who completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires and met inclusion criteria. Participants were identified with depression if they met the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire criteria for depression at follow-up, but not at baseline. RESULTS Deployed men and women with combat exposures had the highest onset of depression, followed by those not deployed and those deployed without combat exposures. Combat-deployed men and women were at increased risk for new-onset depression compared with nondeployed men and women (men: adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.13, 1.54; women: AOR=2.13; 95% CI=1.70, 2.65). Conversely, deployment without combat exposures led to decreased risk for new-onset depression compared with those who did not deploy (men: AOR=0.66; 95% CI=0.53, 0.83; women: AOR=0.65; 95% CI=0.47, 0.89). CONCLUSIONS Deployment with combat exposures is a risk factor for new-onset depression among US service members. Post-deployment screening may be beneficial for US service members exposed to combat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Wells
- US Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th HPW/RHPA, Building 824 Room 206, 2800 Q St, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7947, USA.
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Kozaric-Kovacic D, Ilic MG, Romic Z, Vidovic A, Jendricko T, Pivac N. Body mass index in male Caucasian veterans with or without posttraumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33:1447-50. [PMID: 19660511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2009.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 07/19/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Obesity (defined as body mass index (BMI) higher than 30), is a serious and global public health problem, associated with increased morbidity and mortality and it represents a risk factor for developing various somatic and psychiatric disorders. Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with increased BMI which leads to overweight and obesity. We therefore evaluated BMI in the ethnically uniform Croatian male participants of the Caucasian origin, combat exposed veterans with or without PTSD, controlled for the effect of trauma, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and comorbid psychiatric disorders, and in age matched healthy control subjects. BMI did not differ significantly between veterans with or without PTSD and healthy control subjects, or when participants were subdivided according to the age groups, BMI categories, or the presence of psychiatric disorders. Limitation of the study might be a small number of veterans with or without PTSD. Similar BMI was found in Croatian male veterans with or without PTSD, and age matched healthy control subjects. The data provided evidence of overweight and obesity in large number of veterans but also in healthy control subjects, and indicated that public health organizations should develop more effective strategies to prevent overweight and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragica Kozaric-Kovacic
- University Hospital Dubrava, Department of Psychiatry, Referral Centre of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the Stress Related Disorders, Regional Centre for Psychotrauma, Avenija Gojka Suska 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Baker DG, Nievergelt CM, Risbrough VB. Post-traumatic stress disorder: emerging concepts of pharmacotherapy. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2009; 14:251-72. [PMID: 19453285 DOI: 10.1517/14728210902972494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from a traumatic experience that elicits emotions of fear, helpless or horror. Most individuals remain asymptomatic or symptoms quickly resolve, but in a minority intrusive imagery and nightmares, emotional numbing and avoidance, and hyperarousal persist for decades. PTSD is associated with psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, increased risk for suicide, and with poor social and occupational functioning. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are common treatments. Whereas, research supports the efficacy of the cognitive behavioral psychotherapies, there is insufficient evidence to unequivocally support the efficacy of any specific pharmacotherapy. Proven effective pharmacologic agents are sorely needed to treat core and targeted PTSD symptoms, and for prevention. This review describes current and emerging pharmacotherapies that advance these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewleen G Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive (0603V), La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
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