51
|
Faraji J, Metz GAS. Aging, Social Distancing, and COVID-19 Risk: Who is more Vulnerable and Why? Aging Dis 2021; 12:1624-1643. [PMID: 34631211 PMCID: PMC8460299 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perceived social support represents an important predictor of healthy aging. The global COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the face of social relationships and revealed elderly to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of social isolation. Social distancing may represent a double-edged sword for older adults, protecting them against COVID-19 infection while also sacrificing personal interaction and attention at a critical time. Here, we consider the moderating role of social relationships as a potential influence on stress resilience, allostatic load, and vulnerability to infection and adverse health outcomes in the elderly population. Understanding the mechanisms how social support enhances resilience to stress and promotes mental and physical health into old age will enable new preventive strategies. Targeted social interventions may provide effective relief from the impact of COVID-19-related isolation and loneliness. In this regard, a pandemic may also offer a window of opportunity for raising awareness and mobilizing resources for new strategies that help build resilience in our aging population and future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Faraji
- 1Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,2Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- 1Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental disorder afflicting approximately 7% of the population. The diverse number of traumatic events and the wide array of symptom combinations leading to PTSD diagnosis contribute substantial heterogeneity to studies of the disorder. Genomic and complimentary-omic investigations have rapidly increased our understanding of the heritable risk for PTSD. In this review, we emphasize the contributions of genome-wide association, epigenome-wide association, transcriptomic, and neuroimaging studies to our understanding of PTSD etiology. We also discuss the shared risk between PTSD and other complex traits derived from studies of causal inference, co-expression, and brain morphological similarities. The investigations completed so far converge on stark contrasts in PTSD risk between sexes, partially attributed to sex-specific prevalence of traumatic experiences with high conditional risk of PTSD. To further understand PTSD biology, future studies should focus on detecting risk for PTSD while accounting for substantial cohort-level heterogeneity (e.g. civilian v. combat-exposed PTSD cases or PTSD risk among cases exposed to specific traumas), expanding ancestral diversity among study cohorts, and remaining cognizant of how these data influence social stigma associated with certain traumatic events among underrepresented minorities and/or high-risk populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renato Polimanti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frank R Wendt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- Veterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Avidor S, Palgi Y, Solomon Z. The Moderating Role of Views of Aging in the Longitudinal Relationship Between Physical Health and Mental Distress. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:871-880. [PMID: 33254236 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some degree of mental distress is commonly present in old age, and it is often exacerbated in later life following changes in physical health. This work presents in 2 studies among samples that have been exposed to stressful experiences in the past, a prospective examination of how the association between physical health and mental distress is attenuated by 2 forms of views on aging, evaluations of age, and evaluations of one's future. METHOD Study 1 (N = 226) was conducted in 2008 (Time 1) and 2014 (Time 2), among Israeli war veterans (mean age 64.90, SD = 5.04); Study 2 (N = 132) was conducted in 2014 (Time 1) and 2015 (Time 2) among older adults who were exposed to ongoing rocket fire in the south of Israel (mean age 66.44, SD = 9.77). Participants reported on their subjective age, subjective life expectancy (SLE [in Study 1]/distance to death [DtD; in Study 2]), health, and mental distress. RESULTS Both studies showed that after controlling for exposure to trauma and for Time 1 mental distress, Time 1 subjective age, but not SLE/DtD, moderated the association between Time 1 physical health and Time 2 mental distress. DISCUSSION Subjective age and SLE represent distinct features of views of aging. Subjective age may reflect perceptions of one's aging process, associated more directly with health-related outcomes over time. SLE reflects future, death-related perceptions, therefore perhaps less directly associated with such outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Avidor
- Faculty of Social and Community Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahava Solomon
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, The Bob Shappell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Thom RP, Alexander JL, Baron D, Garakani A, Gross L, Pine JH, Radhakrishnan R, Slaby A, Sumner CR. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: How Long Is Long Enough? J Psychiatr Pract 2021; 27:361-371. [PMID: 34529602 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications. They are among the first-line medications for several chronic or relapsing-remitting psychiatric conditions, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. The advantages of SSRI use include ease of titration and their tolerability and safety profile. Guidelines for the short-term use of SSRIs are widely available, but there is no well-organized guidance on how and whether to maintain a patient on SSRIs for the long-term. In this article, we discuss the benefits and possible adverse consequences of long-term SSRI use, as well as clinical practice considerations when using SSRIs chronically. The major benefit of long-term SSRI use is relapse prevention. The current literature suggests that the general health risks of long-term SSRI use are low; however, further research, particularly in special populations including youth and the elderly, is needed. Long-term SSRI use increases the risk of tachyphylaxis and discontinuation syndrome. Recognizing that many patients may remain on SSRIs for many years, there are several factors that prescribers should consider if they choose to use an SSRI when initiating treatment and during long-term monitoring. The decision to continue or to discontinue an SSRI should be an active one, involving both the patient and prescriber, and should be revisited periodically. Patients who remain on SSRIs for the long-term should also have periodic monitoring to reassess the risk-benefit ratio of remaining on the SSRI, as well as to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the medication.
Collapse
|
55
|
Yang R, Wu GWY, Verhoeven JE, Gautam A, Reus VI, Kang JI, Flory JD, Abu-Amara D, Hood L, Doyle FJ, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Jett M, Hammamieh R, Mellon SH, Wolkowitz OM. A DNA methylation clock associated with age-related illnesses and mortality is accelerated in men with combat PTSD. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:4999-5009. [PMID: 32382136 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation patterns at specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites predictably change with age and can be used to derive "epigenetic age", an indicator of biological age, as opposed to merely chronological age. A relatively new estimator, called "DNAm GrimAge", is notable for its superior predictive ability in older populations regarding numerous age-related metrics like time-to-death, time-to-coronary heart disease, and time-to-cancer. PTSD is associated with premature mortality and frequently has comorbid physical illnesses suggestive of accelerated biological aging. This is the first study to assess DNAm GrimAge in PTSD patients. We investigated the acceleration of GrimAge relative to chronological age, denoted "AgeAccelGrim" in combat trauma-exposed male veterans with and without PTSD using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from two independent well-characterized veteran cohorts. In both cohorts, AgeAccelGrim was significantly higher in the PTSD group compared to the control group (N = 162, 1.26 vs -0.57, p = 0.001 and N = 53, 0.93 vs -1.60 Years, p = 0.008), suggesting accelerated biological aging in both cohorts with PTSD. In 3-year follow-up study of individuals initially diagnosed with PTSD (N = 26), changes in PTSD symptom severity were correlated with AgeAccelGrim changes (r = 0.39, p = 0.049). In addition, the loss of CD28 cell surface markers on CD8 + T cells, an indicator of T-cell senescence/exhaustion that is associated with biological aging, was positively correlated with AgeAccelGrim, suggesting an immunological contribution to the accelerated biological aging. Overall, our findings delineate cellular correlates of biological aging in combat-related PTSD, which may help explain the increased medical morbidity and mortality seen in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoting Yang
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Gwyneth W Y Wu
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Josine E Verhoeven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Janine D Flory
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Leroy Hood
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Francis J Doyle
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB-GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences and Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Palmer BW, Shir C, Chang H, Mulvaney M, Hall JMH, Shu IW, Jin H, Lohr JB. Increased Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Veterans with PTSD Untreated with Antipsychotic Medications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2021; 5:10.1080/00207411.2021.1965398. [PMID: 34711996 PMCID: PMC8547317 DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2021.1965398] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not solely a psychiatric disorder; it also includes significant medical morbidity. Although there is evidence of increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in PTSD, the interpretation of previous studies is confounded by inclusion of people on antipsychotic medications, which independently cause increased MetS. In this study we investigated whether Veterans with PTSD not treated with antipsychotic medications (n=115) demonstrate increased MetS compared to an age-comparable group of people from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHNES; n=1005). Using standardized criteria (abnormal values in 3 out of the 5 domains of obesity, hypertension, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride and fasting glucose concentrations) we compared the prevalence of MetS across groups. Relative to the NHNES group, a significantly higher proportion of the Veteran PTSD group met criteria for MetS (26.9% vs. 41.7%) with a higher proportion of abnormal values in four out of five MetS domains (excepting glucose). Our results suggest that the elevation of MetS associated with PTSD cannot be fully explained by iatrogenic effects of antipsychotic medication. We suggest that extra attention be devoted to the clinical management of metabolic risk factors for morbidity in patients with PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barton W. Palmer
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Shir
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hang Chang
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mallory Mulvaney
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joshua M. H. Hall
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - I-Wei Shu
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hua Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - James B. Lohr
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Sekoni O, Mall S, Christofides N. Prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1546. [PMID: 34384401 PMCID: PMC8359091 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11508-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with PTSD among adult females in Nigeria, particularly those who live in slums. PTSD is a mental health condition that develops among some individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event. Several other factors could place individuals at heightened risk of PTSD including stress and comorbid mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among female urban slum dwellers in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS We conducted a cross sectional survey using multistage sampling of 550 women aged 18 and above from selected slums. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to elicit information on experience of childhood trauma, recent stressors, intimate partner violence, other mental disorders, sociodemographic characteristics and PTSD. PTSD was measured using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) which is based on DSM IV. A multivariable linear regression model was built to test associations between PTSD and independent variables. RESULTS The prevalence for PTSD was found to be 4.18% and the mean PTSD score was 5.80 ± 7.11. Sexual abuse in childhood, past year intimate partner violence and anxiety were significantly associated with higher PTSD scores. PTSD was not significantly associated with a history of recent stressors. Education, employment and marital status were not associated with PTSD however, age and wealth index showed marginal association with PTSD. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PTSD among women living in Ibadan slums was relatively low. Both child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence can be prevented. We also recommend longitudinal studies to better understand risk and protective factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olutoyin Sekoni
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Queen Elizabeth Road, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
| | - Sumaya Mall
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Rutherford BR, Zilcha-Mano S, Chrisanthopolous M, Salzman C, Zhu C, Cimino N, Yehuda R, Neria Y, Roose SP. Symptom profiles and treatment status of older adults with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1216-1222. [PMID: 33577126 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Failure to diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may help explain the substantial disability, increased cognitive decline, and adverse health outcomes suffered by older adults with this disorder. To evaluate this possibility, we examined symptom differences among older and younger individuals with PTSD and measured the frequency with which older adults receive standard of care treatment. METHODS Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM (CAPS) scores were compared between younger and older adults with PTSD. Profiles were calculated for the most dominant CAPS symptom cluster reported by each participant, and the age cutoff best differentiating symptom clusters between individuals was determined. Clinical interview data (older adult sample only) were evaluated by trained raters to determine rates at which PTSD participants accessed treatment. RESULTS Among 108 individuals with PTSD, 69% of participants <67 years old had Criterion C (avoidance) symptoms as the most dominant cluster compared to 39% of participants ≥67 (p = 0.016). Eight percent of participants <67 years had Criterion E (hyperarousal) symptoms as the most dominant cluster compared to 30% of participants ≥67 (p = 0.016). Less than 25% of the older adults (N = 53 subsample) were receiving a first-line pharmacotherapy option for PTSD, and 0% of participants were currently participating in an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians evaluating patients should be aware that different symptom profiles may be present between younger and older adults with PTSD. Despite their high risk for adverse neuropsychiatric and other health consequences, older adults with PTSD appear to infrequently receive first-line clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bret R Rutherford
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Chloe Salzman
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carlen Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicolas Cimino
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven P Roose
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Katrinli S, Smith AK. Immune system regulation and role of the human leukocyte antigen in posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100366. [PMID: 34355049 PMCID: PMC8322450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that adversely affect mental and physical health. Recent studies have increasingly explored the role of the immune system in risk for PTSD and its related symptoms. Dysregulation of the immune system may lead to central nervous system tissue damage and impair learning and memory processes. Individuals with PTSD often have comorbid inflammatory or auto-immune disorders. Evidence shows associations between PTSD and multiple genes that are involved in immune-related or inflammatory pathways. In this review, we will summarize the evidence of immune dysregulation in PTSD, outlining the contributions of distinct cell types, genes, and biological pathways. We use the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) locus to illustrate the contribution of genetic variation to function in different tissues that contribute to PTSD etiology, severity, and comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Katrinli
- Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Emory University, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
The role of intraindividual cognitive variability in posttraumatic stress syndromes and cognitive aging: a literature search and proposed research agenda. Int Psychogeriatr 2021; 33:677-687. [PMID: 32172714 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive impairments are directly related to severity of symptoms and are a primary cause for functional impairment. Intraindividual cognitive variability likely plays a role in both risk and resiliency from symptoms. In fact, such cognitive variability may be an earlier marker of cognitive decline and emergent psychiatric symptoms than traditional psychiatric or behavioral symptoms. Here, our objectives were to survey the literature linking intraindividual cognitive variability, trauma, and dementia and to suggest a potential research agenda. DESIGN A wide body of literature suggests that exposure to major stressors is associated with poorer cognitive performance, with intraindividual cognitive variability in particular linked to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of severe trauma. MEASUREMENTS In this narrative review, we survey the empirical studies to date that evaluate the connection between intraindividual cognitive variability, PTSD, and pathological aging including dementia. RESULTS The literature suggests that reaction time (RT) variability within an individual may predict future cognitive impairment, including premature cognitive aging, and is significantly associated with PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we argue that intraindividual RT variability may serve as a common pathological indicator for trauma-related dementia risk and should be investigated in future studies.
Collapse
|
61
|
|
62
|
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur at any point in the life span and can last for decades. Chronic PTSD can affect quality of life and have a negative impact on physical function and health in the elderly and may be associated with premature aging and dementia. It is critical that clinicians screen for trauma-based symptoms and to treat as appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah J Jakel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, 3950, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Pousa PA, Souza RM, Melo PHM, Correa BHM, Mendonça TSC, Simões-e-Silva AC, Miranda DM. Telomere Shortening and Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review. Cells 2021; 10:1423. [PMID: 34200513 PMCID: PMC8227190 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are aging biomarkers, as they shorten while cells undergo mitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether psychiatric disorders marked by psychological distress lead to alterations to telomere length (TL), corroborating the hypothesis that mental disorders might have a deeper impact on our physiology and aging than it was previously thought. A systematic search of the literature using MeSH descriptors of psychological distress ("Traumatic Stress Disorder" or "Anxiety Disorder" or "depression") and telomere length ("cellular senescence", "oxidative stress" and "telomere") was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect databases. A total of 56 studies (113,699 patients) measured the TL from individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression and posttraumatic disorders and compared them with those from healthy subjects. Overall, TL negatively associates with distress-related mental disorders. The possible underlying molecular mechanisms that underly psychiatric diseases to telomere shortening include oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction linking. It is still unclear whether psychological distress is either a cause or a consequence of telomere shortening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A. Pousa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Raquel M. Souza
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Paulo Henrique M. Melo
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Bernardo H. M. Correa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Tamires S. C. Mendonça
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Ana Cristina Simões-e-Silva
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil; (P.A.P.); (R.M.S.); (P.H.M.M.); (B.H.M.C.); (T.S.C.M.); (A.C.S.-e.-S.)
| | - Débora M. Miranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30130-100, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Diminich ED, Clouston SAP, Kranidis A, Kritikos M, Kotov R, Kuan P, Carr M, Bromet EJ, Luft BJ. Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Cognitive and Physical Impairments in World Trade Center Responders. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:616-627. [PMID: 33219599 PMCID: PMC8137717 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to increased prevalence and incidence of cognitive and physical impairment. When comorbid, these conditions may be associated with poor long-term outcomes. We examined associations between chronic PTSD and symptom domains with cognitive and physical functioning in World Trade Center (WTC) responders nearly 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Participants included a cross-sectional sample of 4,815 responders who attended a monitoring program in 2015-2018. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores less than 23 indicated cognitive impairment (CogI); Short Physical Performance Battery scores 9 or lower on a hand-grip test indicated physical impairment (PhysI). Comorbid cognitive/physical impairment (Cog/PhysI) was defined as having cognitive impairment with at least one objective PhysI indicator. Clinical chart review provided PTSD diagnoses; symptom domains were assessed using the PTSD Checklist. Participants were on average 53.05 years (SD = 8.01); 13.44% had PTSD, 7.8% had CogI, 24.8% had PhysI, and 5.92% had comorbid Cog/PhysI. Multivariable-adjusted multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that Responders with PTSD have more than three times the risk of Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.44- 4.44). Domain-specific analyses revealed that emotional numbing symptoms predicted an increased risk of PhysI (adjusted RR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.08-2.28), whereas reexperiencing symptoms were associated with comorbid Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.96, 95% CI, 2.33-6.74). These results suggest that responders with chronic PTSD may have increased risk of deficits beyond age-expected impairment characterized by the emergence of comorbid Cog/PhysI at midlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica D. Diminich
- Program in Public HealthRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University Stony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Sean A. P. Clouston
- Program in Public HealthRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University Stony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Minos Kritikos
- Program in Public HealthRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University Stony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of PsychiatryRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Peifen Kuan
- Department of Applied Mathematics and StatisticsStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Melissa Carr
- World Trade Center Responder Health and Wellness ProgramDepartment of MedicineRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Evelyn J. Bromet
- Department of PsychiatryRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- World Trade Center Responder Health and Wellness ProgramDepartment of MedicineRenaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook UniversityStony BrookNYUSA
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Abstract
ABSTRACT US women who report having experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives range from 50% to 90%. Yet posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) goes largely unrecognized in women. This article discusses ways to monitor, screen, and intervene for PTSD in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Heavey
- Elizabeth Heavey is a professor of nursing and Graduate Program Director at State University of New York Brockport and certified nurse-midwife at the Hazen Center for Integrated Care, Brockport, N.Y
| |
Collapse
|
66
|
Davison KM, Hyland CE, West ML, Lin SL, Tong H, Kobayashi KM, Fuller-Thomson E. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mid-age and older adults differs by immigrant status and ethnicity, nutrition, and other determinants of health in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:963-980. [PMID: 33533972 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-02003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to address knowledge gaps about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mid-age and older adults, with particular attention to the relationship of PTSD with nutrition and with ethnicity and immigrant status. METHODS Binary logistic regression analysis of weighted comprehensive cohort data from the baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA; n = 27,211) was conducted using the four-item Primary Care-PTSD tool (outcome) and immigrant status by ethnicity (Canadian-born white, Canadian-born minority, immigrant white, immigrant minority). Covariates included various social, economic, nutrition and health-related variables. RESULTS After controlling for socioeconomic and health variables, immigrants from minority groups had significantly higher odds of PTSD compared to their Canadian-born counterparts, whereas white immigrants had lower odds of PTSD. These relationships were significantly robust across seven cluster-based regression models. After adjusting for ethnicity/immigrant status, the odds of PTSD were higher among those earning lower household incomes, widowed, divorced, or separated respondents, ever smokers, and those who had multi-morbidities, chronic pain, high nutritional risk, or who reported daily consumptions of pastries, pulses and nuts, or chocolate. Conversely, those 55 years and over, who had high waist-to-height ratio, or who consumed 2-3 fiber sources daily had significantly lower odds of PTSD. CONCLUSION Interventions aimed at managing PTSD in mid-age and older adults should consider ethnicity, immigrant status, as well as socioeconomic, health, and nutrition status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Davison
- Faculty of Social Science, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.,Faculty of Science and Horticulture (Health Science), Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC, Canada
| | - Christina E Hyland
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Meghan L West
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada
| | - Shen Lamson Lin
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada.,Institute for Life Course & Aging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hongmei Tong
- Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen M Kobayashi
- Faculty of Social Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Esme Fuller-Thomson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON, M5S 1V4, Canada. .,Institute for Life Course & Aging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
67
|
Kuan PF, Ren X, Clouston S, Yang X, Jonas K, Kotov R, Bromet E, Luft BJ. PTSD is associated with accelerated transcriptional aging in World Trade Center responders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:311. [PMID: 34031357 PMCID: PMC8144188 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with shortened lifespan and healthspan, which suggests accelerated aging. Emerging evidence suggests that methylation age may be accelerated in PTSD. It is important to examine whether transcriptional age is also accelerated because transcriptome is highly dynamic, associated with age-related outcomes, and may offer greater insight into the premature aging in PTSD. This study is the first reported investigation of the relationship between transcriptional age and PTSD. Using RNA-Seq data from our previous study on 324 World Trade Center responders (201 never had PTSD, 81 with current PTSD, and 42 with past PTSD), as well as a transcriptional age calculator (RNAAgeCalc) recently developed by our group, we found that responders with current PTSD, compared with responders without a PTSD diagnosis, showed accelerated transcriptional aging (p = 0.0077) after adjustment for chronological age and race. We compared our results to the epigenetic aging results computed from several epigenetic clock calculators on matching DNA methylation data. GrimAge methylation age acceleration was also associated with PTSD diagnosis (p = 0.0097), and the results remained significant after adjustment for the proportions of immune cell types. PhenoAge, Hannum, and Horvath methylation age acceleration were not reliably related to PTSD. Both epigenetic and transcriptional aging may provide biological insights into the mechanisms underpinning aging in PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Fen Kuan
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Xu Ren
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Sean Clouston
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Katherine Jonas
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Evelyn Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Benjamin J. Luft
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Lebeaut A, Leonard SJ, Healy N, Raines AM, Buser SJ, Vujanovic AA. Associations between Lower-Order Anxiety Sensitivity Facets and PTSD Symptomatology among Trauma-Exposed Firefighters. Behav Modif 2021; 46:294-320. [PMID: 34008431 DOI: 10.1177/01454455211016819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Firefighters are chronically exposed to potentially traumatic events, augmenting their risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study aimed to examine the incremental associations of lower-order dimensions of anxiety sensitivity (AS), examined concurrently, and PTSD symptom severity among a sample of trauma-exposed firefighters. We hypothesized that AS physical and cognitive concerns would be strongly associated with all PTSD symptom clusters and overall symptom severity, after controlling for theoretically relevant covariates (trauma load; years in fire service; alcohol use severity; depressive symptom severity). Participants were comprised of firefighters (N = 657) who completed an online questionnaire battery and endorsed PTSD Criterion A trauma exposure. Results revealed that the AS cognitive concerns, but not AS physical concerns, was significantly and robustly associated with overall PTSD symptom severity, intrusion symptoms, and negative alterations in cognitions and mood (∆R2's = .028-.042; p's < .01); AS social concerns was incrementally associated with PTSD avoidance (∆R2 = .03, p < .01). Implications for firefighter-informed, evidence-based interventions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amanda M Raines
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
69
|
Basavaraju R, France J, Maas B, Brickman AM, Flory JD, Szeszko PR, Yehuda R, Neria Y, Rutherford BR, Provenzano FA. Right parahippocampal volume deficit in an older population with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:368-375. [PMID: 33761425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an increasingly prevalent condition among older adults and may escalate further as the general population including veterans from recent conflicts grow older. Despite growing evidence of higher medical comorbidity, cognitive impairment and dementia, and disability in older individuals with PTSD, there are very few studies examining brain cortical structure in this population. Hence, we examined cortical volumes in a cross-sectional study of veterans and civilians aged ≥50 years, of both sexes and exposed to trauma (interpersonal, combat, non-interpersonal). METHODS Cortical volumes were obtained from T1-weighted structural MRI and compared between individuals with PTSD and Trauma Exposed Healthy Controls (TEHC) adjusting for age, sex, estimated intracranial volume, depression severity, and time elapsed since trauma exposure. RESULTS The PTSD group (N = 55) had smaller right parahippocampal gyrus compared to TEHC (N = 36), corrected p(pFWER) = 0.034, with an effect size of 0.75 (Cohen's d), with no significant group differences in other cortical areas. CONCLUSIONS These findings are different from the structural brain findings reported in studies in younger age groups (larger parahippocampal volume in PTSD patients), suggesting a possible significant change in brain structure as PTSD patients age. These results need replication in longitudinal studies across the age-span to test whether they are neuroanatomical markers representing disease vulnerability, trauma resilience or pathological neurodegeneration associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakshathi Basavaraju
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, USA.
| | - Jeanelle France
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, USA.
| | - Benjamin Maas
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, USA.
| | - Adam M Brickman
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, G.H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, USA.
| | - Janine D Flory
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, USA.
| | - Philip R Szeszko
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, NY, USA; James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, USA.
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center & New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA.
| | - Bret R Rutherford
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons & New York State Psychiatric Institute, USA.
| | - Frank A Provenzano
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Gielkens EMJ, de Jongh A, Sobczak S, Rossi G, van Minnen A, Voorendonk EM, Rozendaal L, van Alphen SPJ. Comparing Intensive Trauma-Focused Treatment Outcome on PTSD Symptom Severity in Older and Younger Adults. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061246. [PMID: 33802898 PMCID: PMC8002665 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To examine the treatment outcome of an intensive trauma-focused treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older and younger adults. Methods: A non-randomized outcome study was conducted with 62 consecutively admitted older PTSD patients (60–78 years) and 62 younger PTSD patients (19–58 years), matched on gender and availability of follow-up data. Patients participated in an intensive eight-day trauma-focused treatment program consisting of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure (PE), physical activity, and group psycho-education. PTSD symptom severity (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5)) was assessed, at pre- and post-treatment, and for a subsample (n = 31 older; n = 31 younger patients) at six-month follow-up. Results: A repeated-measures ANCOVA (centered CAPS pre-treatment score as covariate) indicated a significant decrease in CAPS-5-scores from pre- to post-treatment for the total sample (partial η2 = 0.808). The treatment outcome was not significantly different across age groups (partial η2 = 0.002). There were no significant differences in treatment response across age groups for the follow-up subsample (pre- to post-treatment partial η2 < 0.001; post-treatment to follow-up partial η2 = 0.006), and the large decrease in CAPS-5 scores from pre- to post-treatment (partial η2 = 0.76) was maintained at follow-up (partial η2 = 0.003). Conclusion: The results suggest that intensive trauma-focused treatment is applicable for older adults with PTSD with a large within-effect size comparable to younger participants. Further research on age-related features is needed to examine whether these results can be replicated in the oldest-old (>80).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. J. Gielkens
- Clinical Center of Excellence for Older Adults with Personality Disorders, Mondriaan, 6419 PJ Heerlen-Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.S.); (S.P.J.v.A.)
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group (PEPS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ad de Jongh
- Psychotrauma Expertise Centre (PSYTREC), 3723 MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (A.d.J.); (A.v.M.); (E.M.V.); (L.R.)
- Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- School of Health Sciences, Salford University, Manchester M6 6PU, UK
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester WR2 6AJ, UK
- School of Psychology, Queen’s University, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5 BN, UK
| | - Sjacko Sobczak
- Clinical Center of Excellence for Older Adults with Personality Disorders, Mondriaan, 6419 PJ Heerlen-Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.S.); (S.P.J.v.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6226 NB Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gina Rossi
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group (PEPS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Agnes van Minnen
- Psychotrauma Expertise Centre (PSYTREC), 3723 MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (A.d.J.); (A.v.M.); (E.M.V.); (L.R.)
- Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline M. Voorendonk
- Psychotrauma Expertise Centre (PSYTREC), 3723 MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (A.d.J.); (A.v.M.); (E.M.V.); (L.R.)
- Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Rozendaal
- Psychotrauma Expertise Centre (PSYTREC), 3723 MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands; (A.d.J.); (A.v.M.); (E.M.V.); (L.R.)
| | - Sebastiaan P. J. van Alphen
- Clinical Center of Excellence for Older Adults with Personality Disorders, Mondriaan, 6419 PJ Heerlen-Maastricht, The Netherlands; (S.S.); (S.P.J.v.A.)
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group (PEPS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, 5037 AB Tilburg, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Sobczak S, Olff M, Rutten B, Verhey F, Deckers K. Comorbidity rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in dementia: a systematic literature review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1883923. [PMID: 33968318 PMCID: PMC8075086 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1883923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been described as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. At the same time, cognitive deterioration and increased loss experiences in dementia may increase liability for the reactivation of traumatic memories and thereby PTSD symptoms. Objective: In order to investigate co-occurrence of PTSD in dementia this systematic literature review summarizes all the available evidence on reported comorbidity rates of PTSD in patients with dementia. Method: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for potential publications investigating the co-occurrence of PTSD in dementia until 25 November 2019. Cohort and cross-sectional studies were included. To assure current comorbidity of PTSD in dementia, only publications with a recent PTSD diagnosis (<2 years before onset of dementia) were selected. Results: Of the 860 identified abstracts, three studies (0.35%) met the eligibility criteria and were included. These three studies concerned only military veteran populations, and they comprised two cross-sectional cohort studies and one prospective cohort study. The estimated comorbidity rate of PTSD in veterans with dementia varied between 4.7% and 7.8%. Conclusions: The limited research available shows comorbidity rates only in military veterans, which were possibly dependent on investigated population with respect to dementia severity and possibly associated behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In dementia patients the comorbidity with PTSD may be high and we suggest that worldwide the impact of PTSD in dementia is high and probably underestimated. Research and care on this topic should improve urgently with the current expanding prevalence of dementia. A first step to improve quality of dementia research and care would be to develop a structured tool to diagnose PTSD in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sjacko Sobczak
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, Heerlen, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- Arq Psychotrauma Research, AMC/University of Amsterdam, Amterdam
| | - Bart Rutten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Verhey
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kay Deckers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Centrum Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
72
|
Le CM, Le TH. Premature Aging Among Trauma Survivors-The Longitudinal Implications of Sleep Disruptions on Telomere Length and Cognitive Performance. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:262-272. [PMID: 31155651 PMCID: PMC8046532 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbz077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sleep is necessary for brain function as well as physical and cognitive processes. Sleep disruptions, common with aging, intensify among trauma survivors. Moreover, former prisoners-of-war (ex-POWs) often experience premature aging. This study investigates the longitudinal effects of sleep disruptions for ex-POWs in relation to cognitive performance and telomere length as well as between cognition and telomeres. METHOD This study included Israeli veterans from the 1973 Yom Kippur War who participated in four assessments (1991, 2003, 2008, 2015): (a) ex-POWs (n = 99), and (b) veterans who not were captured (controls) (n = 101). Among both groups, sleep disruptions were assessed using a self-report item in all four assessments. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and telomere length was assessed via total white blood cells (leukocytes) from whole blood samples using Southern blot, both were measured only among ex-POWs in 2015. We conducted descriptive statistics, repeated measures, correlations, and path analyses. RESULTS Sleep disruptions were related to lower cognitive performance but not to shorter telomeres. Moreover, cognitive performance and telomere length were found to be related when sleep disruptions were taken into consideration. CONCLUSION Interpersonal trauma was shown to be a unique experience resulting in sleep disruptions over time, leading to cognitive impairment. These findings highlight the importance of viewing trauma survivors at high-risk for sleep disruptions. Therefore, it is imperative to inquire about sleep and diagnose cognitive disorders to help identify and treat premature aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cuong Manh Le
- Faculty of Building Material, National University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Thu-Huong Le
- Faculty of Chemistry and Environment, Thuyloi University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
De Padova S, Urbini M, Schepisi G, Virga A, Meggiolaro E, Rossi L, Fabbri F, Bertelli T, Ulivi P, Ruffilli F, Casadei C, Gurioli G, Rosti G, Grassi L, De Giorgi U. Immunosenescence in Testicular Cancer Survivors: Potential Implications of Cancer Therapies and Psychological Distress. Front Oncol 2021; 10:564346. [PMID: 33520693 PMCID: PMC7844142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.564346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most frequent solid tumor diagnosed in young adult males. Although it is a curable tumor, it is frequently associated with considerable short-term and long-term morbidity. Both biological and psychological stress experienced during cancer therapy may be responsible for stimulating molecular processes that induce premature aging and deterioration of immune system (immunosenescence) in TC survivors, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Immunosenescence is a remodeling of immune cell populations with inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio, accumulation of highly differentiated memory cells, shrinkage of telomeres, shift of T-cell response to Th2 type, and release of pro-inflammatory signals. TC survivors exposed to chemotherapy show features of immunological aging, including an increase in memory T-cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and high expression of the senescence biomarker p16INK4a in CD3+ lymphocytes. However, the plethora of factors involved in the premature aging of TC survivors make the situation more complex if we also take into account the psychological stress and hormonal changes experienced by patients, as well as the high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that some individuals may be required to undergo. The relatively young age and the long life expectancy of TC patients bear witness to the importance of improving quality of life and of alleviating long-term side-effects of cancer treatments. Within this context, the present review takes an in-depth look at the molecular mechanisms of immunosenescence, describing experimental evidence of cancer survivor aging and highlighting the interconnected relationship between the many factors modulating the aging of the immune system of TC survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Padova
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Milena Urbini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schepisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Virga
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Elena Meggiolaro
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorena Rossi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bertelli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Federica Ruffilli
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gurioli
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rosti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Luigi Grassi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara and University Hospital Psychiatry Unit, Integrated Department of Mental Health S. Anna University Hospital and Health Authorities, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
|
75
|
Roberts AL, Kubzansky LD, Chibnik LB, Rimm EB, Koenen KC. Association of Posttraumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms With Mortality in Women. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2027935. [PMID: 33275156 PMCID: PMC7718604 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.27935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Consistent evidence has found associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increased risk of chronic disease and greater prevalence of health risk factors. However, the association between PTSD and all-cause mortality has not been thoroughly investigated in civilians. Objective To investigate the association between PTSD symptoms, with or without comorbid depressive symptoms, and risk of death. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study was conducted using data on female US nurses in the Nurses' Health Study II followed up from 2008 to 2017. Women who responded to a 2008 questionnaire querying PTSD and depressive symptoms were included. Data were analyzed from September 2018 to November 2020. Exposures Symptoms of PTSD, measured using the short screening scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) PTSD, and depression symptoms, measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10 in 2008. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality was determined via National Death Index, US Postal Service, or report of participant's family. The hypothesis being tested was formulated after data collection. Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms were jointly coded as no trauma exposure (reference), trauma and no PTSD symptoms, 1 to 3 PTSD symptoms (subclinical), 4 to 5 PTSD symptoms (moderate), and 6 to 7 PTSD symptoms (high). Results Among 51 602 women (50 137 [97.2%] White individuals), the mean (range) age was 53.3 (43-64) years at study baseline in 2008. PTSD and probable depression were comorbid; of 4019 women with high PTSD symptoms, 2093 women (52.1%) had probable depression, while of 10 105 women with no trauma exposure, 1215 women (12.0%) had probable depression. Women with high PTSD symptoms and probable depression were at nearly 4-fold greater risk of death compared with women with no trauma exposure and no depression (hazard ratio [HR], 3.80; 95% CI, 2.65-5.45; P < .001). After adjustment for health factors, women with these conditions had a more than 3-fold increased risk (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 2.16-4.47, P < .001). Women with subclinical PTSD symptoms without probable depression had increased risk of death compared with women with no trauma exposure and no depression (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.06-1.93; P = .02). Among 7565 women with PTSD symptoms and probable depression, 109 deaths (1.4%) occurred for which we obtained cause of death information, compared with 124 such deaths (0.6% ) among 22 215 women with no depression or PTSD symptoms. Women with PTSD symptoms and probable depression, compared with women with no PTSD or depression, had higher rates of death from cardiovascular disease (17 women [0.22%] vs 11 women [0.05%]; P < .001), diabetes (4 women [0.05%] vs 0 women; P < .001), unintentional injury (7 women [0.09%] vs 7 women [0.03%]; P = .03), suicide (9 women [0.12%] vs 1 woman [<0.01%]; P < .001), and other causes of death (14 women [0.19%] vs 17 women [0.08%]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that at midlife, women with high PTSD symptoms and co-occurring probable depression are at increased risk of death compared with women without these disorders. Treatment of PTSD and depression in women with symptoms of both disorders and efforts to improve their health behaviors may reduce their increased risk of mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lori B. Chibnik
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric B. Rimm
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | |
Collapse
|
76
|
Allostatic load and the cannabinoid system: implications for the treatment of physiological abnormalities in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CNS Spectr 2020; 25:743-749. [PMID: 31303187 PMCID: PMC6960358 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852919001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is becoming clear that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not simply a psychiatric disorder, but one that involves pervasive physiological impairments as well. These physiological disturbances deserve attention in any attempt at integrative treatment of PTSD that requires a focus beyond the PTSD symptoms themselves. The physiological disturbances in PTSD range over many systems, but a common thread thought to underlie them is that the chronic effects of PTSD involve problems with allostatic control mechanisms that result in an excess in what has been termed "allostatic load" (AL). A pharmacological approach to reducing AL would be valuable, but, because of the large range of physiological issues involved - including metabolic, inflammatory, and cardiovascular systems - it is unclear whether there exists a simple comprehensive way to address the AL landscape. In this paper, we propose that the cannabinoid system may offer just such an approach, and we outline evidence for the potential utility of cannabinoids in reducing many of the chronic physiological abnormalities seen in PTSD which are thought to be related to excess AL.
Collapse
|
77
|
Bersani FS, Mellon SH, Lindqvist D, Kang JI, Rampersaud R, Somvanshi PR, Doyle FJ, Hammamieh R, Jett M, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Wolkowitz OM. Novel Pharmacological Targets for Combat PTSD-Metabolism, Inflammation, The Gut Microbiome, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Mil Med 2020; 185:311-318. [PMID: 32074311 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current pharmacological treatments of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have limited efficacy. Although the diagnosis is based on psychopathological criteria, it is frequently accompanied by somatic comorbidities and perhaps "accelerated biological aging," suggesting widespread physical concomitants. Such physiological comorbidities may affect core PTSD symptoms but are rarely the focus of therapeutic trials. METHODS To elucidate the potential involvement of metabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in PTSD, we integrate findings and mechanistic models from the DOD-sponsored "Systems Biology of PTSD Study" with previous data on these topics. RESULTS Data implicate inter-linked dysregulations in metabolism, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and perhaps the gut microbiome in PTSD. Several inadequately tested targets of pharmacological intervention are proposed, including insulin sensitizers, lipid regulators, anti-inflammatories, and mitochondrial biogenesis modulators. CONCLUSIONS Systemic pathologies that are intricately involved in brain functioning and behavior may not only contribute to somatic comorbidities in PTSD, but may represent novel targets for treating core psychiatric symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, Rome 00185, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, 513 Parnassus Ave, 1464G, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jee In Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143.,Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei-ro 50-1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Ryan Rampersaud
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Pramod Rajaram Somvanshi
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 29 Oxford St., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 29 Oxford St., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, 568 Doughten Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research, 568 Doughten Drive, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Center for Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD, New York University, 1 Park Ave., Room 8-214, New York NY 10016.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University, 1 Park Ave., Room 8-214, New York, NY 10016
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Katrinli S, Stevens J, Wani AH, Lori A, Kilaru V, van Rooij SJH, Hinrichs R, Powers A, Gillespie CF, Michopoulos V, Gautam A, Jett M, Hammamieh R, Yang R, Wildman D, Qu A, Koenen K, Aiello AE, Jovanovic T, Uddin M, Ressler KJ, Smith AK. Evaluating the impact of trauma and PTSD on epigenetic prediction of lifespan and neural integrity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1609-1616. [PMID: 32380512 PMCID: PMC7421899 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0700-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating disorder that develops in some people following trauma exposure. Trauma and PTSD have been associated with accelerated cellular aging. This study evaluated the effect of trauma and PTSD on accelerated GrimAge, an epigenetic predictor of lifespan, in traumatized civilians. This study included 218 individuals with current PTSD, 427 trauma-exposed controls without any history of PTSD and 209 subjects with lifetime PTSD history who are not categorized as current PTSD cases. The Traumatic Events Inventory (TEI) and Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) were used to measure lifetime trauma burden and PTSD, respectively. DNA from whole blood was interrogated using the MethylationEPIC or HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. GrimAge estimates were calculated using the methylation age calculator. Cortical thickness of 69 female subjects was assessed by using T1-weighted structural MRI images. Associations between trauma exposure, PTSD, cortical thickness, and GrimAge acceleration were tested with multiple regression models. Lifetime trauma burden (p = 0.03), current PTSD (p = 0.02) and lifetime PTSD (p = 0.005) were associated with GrimAge acceleration, indicative of a shorter predicted lifespan. The association with lifetime PTSD was replicated in an independent cohort (p = 0.04). In the MRI sub sample, GrimAge acceleration also associated with cortical atrophy in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (padj = 0.03) and right posterior cingulate (padj = 0.04), brain areas associated with emotion-regulation and threat-regulation. Our findings suggest that lifetime trauma and PTSD may contribute to a higher epigenetic-based mortality risk. We also demonstrate a relationship between cortical atrophy in PTSD-relevant brain regions and shorter predicted lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Katrinli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Agaz H Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Adriana Lori
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Varun Kilaru
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Hinrichs
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles F Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Ruoting Yang
- Integrative Systems Biology, US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
- The Geneva Foundation, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Derek Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Annie Qu
- Department of Statistics, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Karestan Koenen
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit (PNGU), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major public health concern that has generated considerable scientific interest as a complex brain disorder that is associated with long-term neural consequences. This article reviews the literature on cerebrovascular dysfunction in chronic mTBI, with a focus on the long-term neural implications of such dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS Evidence is presented from human neuroimaging studies to support cerebrovascular involvement in long-term mTBI pathology. In addition, a pathway between mTBI and neurodegeneration via cerebrovascular dysfunction is explored. CONCLUSIONS Future work focused on identifying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the neural consequences of mTBI will be important to guide therapeutic interventions and long-term care for patients with mTBI.
Collapse
|
80
|
Franz CE, Hatton SN, Hauger RL, Kredlow MA, Dale AM, Eyler L, McEvoy LK, Fennema-Notestine C, Hagler D, Jacobson KC, McKenzie RE, Panizzon MS, Gustavson DE, Xian H, Toomey R, Beck A, Stevens S, Tu X, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS. Posttraumatic stress symptom persistence across 24 years: association with brain structures. Brain Imaging Behav 2020; 14:1208-1220. [PMID: 30830577 PMCID: PMC6722032 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is known to persist, eliciting early medical co-morbidity, and accelerated aging. Although PTSD diagnosis has been found to be associated with smaller volume in multiple brain regions, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms and their associations with brain morphometry are rarely assessed over long periods of time. We predicted that persistent PTS symptoms across ~24 years would be inversely associated with hippocampal, amygdala, anterior cingulate volumes, and hippocampal occupancy (HOC = hippocampal volume/[hippocampal volume + inferior lateral ventricle volume]) in late middle age. Exploratory analyses examined prefrontal regions. We assessed PTS symptoms in 247 men at average ages 38 (time 1) and 62 (time 2). All were trauma-exposed prior to time 1. Brain volumes were assessed at time 2 using 3 T structural magnetic resonance imaging. Symptoms were correlated over time (r = 0.46 p < .0001). Higher PTS symptoms averaged over time and symptoms at time 1 were both associated with lower hippocampal, amygdala, rostral middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) volumes, and a lower HOC ratio at time 2. Increased PTS symptomatology from time 1 to time 2 was associated with smaller hippocampal volume. Results for hippocampal, rostral MFG and medial OFC remained significant after omitting individuals above the threshold for PTSD diagnosis. Even at sub-diagnostic threshold levels, PTS symptoms were present decades after trauma exposure in parallel with highly correlated structural deficits in brain regions regulating stress responsivity and adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol E Franz
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Sean N Hatton
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Richard L Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - M Alexandra Kredlow
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Anders M Dale
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Lisa Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Linda K McEvoy
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Christine Fennema-Notestine
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Donald Hagler
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kristen C Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ruth E McKenzie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniel E Gustavson
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hong Xian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St Louis University, St Louis, MO, 60134, USA
| | - Rosemary Toomey
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Asad Beck
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Samantha Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Xin Tu
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael J Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - William S Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry MC 0738, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
81
|
von der Warth R, Hehn P, Wolff J, Kaier K. Hospital costs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in somatic patients: a retrospective study. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2020; 10:23. [PMID: 32653959 PMCID: PMC7354685 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-020-00281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder is likely to affect clinical courses in the somatic hospital ward when appearing as comorbidity. Thus, this study aimed to assess the costs associated with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder in a somatic hospital and to analyze if reimbursement appropriately compensated additional costs. METHODS The study used data from a German university hospital between 2011 and 2014, analyzing 198,819 inpatient episodes. Inpatient's episodes were included for analysis if they had a somatic primary diagnosis and a secondary diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Costs were calculated based on resource use and compared to reimbursement. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age and somatic comorbidities. RESULTS N = 219 Inpatient's episode were found with primary somatic disorder and a comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder. Inpatients episodes with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder were compared to 34,229 control episodes, which were hospitalized with the same main diagnosis. Post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with additional hospital costs of €2311 [95%CI €1268 - €3355], while reimbursement rose by €1387 [€563 - €2212]. Results indicate that extra costs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder are not fully reimbursed. Male patients showed higher hospital costs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. On average, post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with an extra length of stay of 3.4 days [2.1-4.6 days]. CONCLUSION Costs associated with post-traumatic stress disorder were substantial and exceeded reimbursement, indicating an inadequate reimbursement for somatic patients with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rieka von der Warth
- Section of Health Care Research and Rehabilitation Research, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 49, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Philip Hehn
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
82
|
Stevens SM, Gustavson DE, Fang B, Tu X, Logue M, Lyons MJ, Reynolds CA, Kremen WS, Franz CE. Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life in Trauma-Exposed Male Veterans in Late Midlife: A 20 Year Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124554. [PMID: 32599875 PMCID: PMC7345107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Trauma-exposed adults with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) report poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but less is known about the persistence of this relationship over time. Participants from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging reported on PTSS, health, and sociodemographic characteristics at average age 38; 775 participants reported having been exposed to trauma. Later, at average ages 56 and 62, mental and physical HRQOL were assessed with the Short-Form 36. Premorbid risk for anxiety/neuroticism was evaluated with a polygenic risk score derived from a large genome-wide association study meta-analysis. In multivariate mixed models, having higher levels of PTSS, poorer self-rated health, lower income, and less education at age 38 were associated with worse physical and mental HRQOL two decades later. Chronic health problems at age 38 predicted midlife physical but not mental HRQOL. Although genetic risk for neuroticism was correlated with HRQOL and PTSS, it was no longer significant in multivariate models. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) predicts morbidity and mortality independently of objective health measures; early interventions may help to mitigate the ongoing impact of trauma on quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.M.S.); (D.E.G.); (B.F.); (W.S.K.)
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Daniel E. Gustavson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.M.S.); (D.E.G.); (B.F.); (W.S.K.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.M.S.); (D.E.G.); (B.F.); (W.S.K.)
| | - Xin Tu
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Mark Logue
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.L.); (M.J.L.)
| | - Michael J. Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.L.); (M.J.L.)
| | - Chandra A. Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - William S. Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.M.S.); (D.E.G.); (B.F.); (W.S.K.)
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Carol E. Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (S.M.S.); (D.E.G.); (B.F.); (W.S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-858-822-1793
| |
Collapse
|
83
|
Le-Niculescu H, Roseberry K, Levey DF, Rogers J, Kosary K, Prabha S, Jones T, Judd S, McCormick MA, Wessel AR, Williams A, Phalen PL, Mamdani F, Sequeira A, Kurian SM, Niculescu AB. Towards precision medicine for stress disorders: diagnostic biomarkers and targeted drugs. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:918-938. [PMID: 30862937 PMCID: PMC7192849 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The biological fingerprint of environmental adversity may be key to understanding health and disease, as it encompasses the damage induced as well as the compensatory reactions of the organism. Metabolic and hormonal changes may be an informative but incomplete window into the underlying biology. We endeavored to identify objective blood gene expression biomarkers for psychological stress, a subjective sensation with biological roots. To quantify the stress perception at a particular moment in time, we used a simple visual analog scale for life stress in psychiatric patients, a high-risk group. Then, using a stepwise discovery, prioritization, validation, and testing in independent cohort design, we were successful in identifying gene expression biomarkers that were predictive of high-stress states and of future psychiatric hospitalizations related to stress, more so when personalized by gender and diagnosis. One of the top biomarkers that survived discovery, prioritization, validation, and testing was FKBP5, a well-known gene involved in stress response, which serves as a de facto reassuring positive control. We also compared our biomarker findings with telomere length (TL), another well-established biological marker of psychological stress and show that newly identified predictive biomarkers such as NUB1, APOL3, MAD1L1, or NKTR are comparable or better state or trait predictors of stress than TL or FKBP5. Over half of the top predictive biomarkers for stress also had prior evidence of involvement in suicide, and the majority of them had evidence in other psychiatric disorders, providing a molecular underpinning for the effects of stress in those disorders. Some of the biomarkers are targets of existing drugs, of potential utility in patient stratification, and pharmacogenomics approaches. Based on our studies and analyses, the biomarkers with the best overall convergent functional evidence (CFE) for involvement in stress were FKBP5, DDX6, B2M, LAIR1, RTN4, and NUB1. Moreover, the biomarker gene expression signatures yielded leads for possible new drug candidates and natural compounds upon bioinformatics drug repurposing analyses, such as calcium folinate and betulin. Our work may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for stress disorders such as PTSD, that result in decreased quality of life and adverse outcomes, including addictions, violence, and suicide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Le-Niculescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - K Roseberry
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - D F Levey
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - J Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - K Kosary
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - S Prabha
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - T Jones
- Indianapolis VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - S Judd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - M A McCormick
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A R Wessel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A Williams
- Indianapolis VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - P L Phalen
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - F Mamdani
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - A Sequeira
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, UC Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - S M Kurian
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A B Niculescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Indianapolis VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
84
|
Bersani FS, Canevelli M, Cesari M, Maggioni E, Pasquini M, Wolkowitz OM, Ferracuti S, Biondi M, Bruno G. Frailty Index as a clinical measure of biological age in psychiatry. J Affect Disord 2020; 268:183-187. [PMID: 32174476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious mental illnesses may be characterized by accelerated biological aging, and over the last years the research on the topic has been stimulated by studies exploring the molecular underpinnings of senescence. METHODS In the present manuscript we propose that measuring frailty, a general product of organismal ageing, through the "Frailty Index" (FI), a recently-emerged macroscopic indicator of functional status and biological age, adds an important marker to the measurements currently implemented in the study of accelerated biological age in psychiatric illnesses. RESULTS The FI quantifies functional negative health attributes and measures their cumulative effect, thus providing a useful estimate of the individual's biological age and risk profile. Recent studies in older adults have observed significant associations between FI and molecular measures of aging. LIMITATIONS High FI values can be driven by causes different from aging per se, so FI may be a sensitive but not specific measure of biological aging. CONCLUSIONS FI, which is extensively used in geriatrics and gerontology but it has rarely been used in relation to mental health, may be of relevance in the evaluation of age-related phenomena associated with psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Canevelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca, Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Geriatric Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maggioni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bruno
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
85
|
Effect of Combat Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Telomere Length and Amygdala Volume. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:678-687. [PMID: 32439402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic stress can adversely affect physical and mental health through neurobiological stress response systems. We examined the effects of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on telomere length, a biomarker of cellular aging, and volume of the amygdala, a key structure of stress regulation, in combat-exposed veterans. In addition, the relationships of psychopathological symptoms and autonomic function with telomere length and amygdala volume were examined. METHODS Male combat veterans were categorized as having PTSD diagnosis (n = 102) or no lifetime PTSD diagnosis (n = 111) based on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. Subjects were assessed for stress-related psychopathology, trauma severity, autonomic function, and amygdala volumes by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS A significant interaction was found between trauma severity and PTSD status for telomere length and amygdala volume after adjusting for multiple confounders. Subjects with PTSD showed shorter telomere length and larger amygdala volume than those without PTSD among veterans exposed to high trauma, while there was no significant group difference in these parameters among those exposed to low trauma. Among veterans exposed to high trauma, greater telomere shortening was significantly correlated with greater norepinephrine, and larger amygdala volume was correlated with more severe psychological symptoms and higher heart rates. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the intensity of the index trauma event plays an important role in interacting with PTSD symptomatology and autonomic activity in predicting telomere length and amygdala volume. These results highlight the importance of trauma severity and PTSD status in predicting certain biological outcomes.
Collapse
|
86
|
Martland R, Mondelli V, Gaughran F, Stubbs B. Can high intensity interval training improve health outcomes among people with mental illness? A systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis of intervention studies across a range of mental illnesses. J Affect Disord 2020; 263:629-660. [PMID: 31780128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High intensity interval training (HIIT) may have beneficial effects among people with mental illnesses. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the benefits, safety and adherence of HIIT interventions across all categories of mental illness. METHODS Major databases were searched from inception to 18/2/2019 for intervention studies investigating HIIT among people with mental illnesses. Study quality was assessed via the PEDro scale, intervention characteristics were reported using the TIDier and CERT checklists and findings narratively summarised. A preliminary meta-analysis was undertaken where possible. RESULTS 12 intervention studies, (including 7 RCTs), were included. Evidence suggested HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness (5/8 intervention studies,63%), anthropometric variables (3/4,75%), mental health outcomes (9/12, 75%), cardiovascular fitness (5/9,56%), physical fitness (1/1,100%) and motor skills (1/1,100%), compare to pre-training. The preliminary meta-analysis of pre-post changes found HIIT reduced depression severity (Standardised mean difference (SMD):-1.36 [95%CI-1.63;-1.089], p<0.0001) and possibly improved VO2max (SMD:0.18 [95%CI -0.02; 0.37], p = 0.08) in people with depression. HIIT increased High-Density-Lipoprotein (SMD:0.373 [95%CI 0.18; 0.57], p = 0.0002) and possibly reduced general psychopathology (SMD:-1.58 [95%CI -3.35; 0.18], p = 0.08) in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. No acute injuries were reported, mean adherence to HIIT sessions ranged from 64-94%, and dropout ranged from 0--50%. LIMITATIONS Results were limited to a small number of low-to-moderate quality intervention studies. CONCLUSION These findings suggest HIIT may improve a range of physical and mental health outcomes among people with mental illnesses. Nonetheless, high-quality well-powered trials are needed to reaffirm these findings, and future research should address the seemingly high rate of dropout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Martland
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom.
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Gaughran
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Giesinger I, Li J, Takemoto E, Cone JE, Farfel MR, Brackbill RM. Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mortality Among Responders and Civilians Following the September 11, 2001, Disaster. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e1920476. [PMID: 32022879 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.20476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with increased mortality, primarily in studies of veterans. The World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) provides a unique opportunity to study the association between PTSD and mortality among a population exposed to the World Trade Center attacks in New York, New York, on September 11, 2001 (9/11). OBJECTIVES To assess whether 9/11-related probable PTSD (PTSD) is associated with increased mortality risk, as well as whether this association differs when including repeated measures of PTSD over time vs a single baseline assessment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A longitudinal cohort study of 63 666 Registry enrollees (29 270 responders and 34 396 civilians) was conducted from September 5, 2003, to December 31, 2016, with PTSD assessments at baseline (wave 1: 2003-2004) and 3 follow-up time points (wave 2: 2006-2007, wave 3: 2011-2012, wave 4: 2015-2016). Data analyses were conducted from December 4, 2018, to May 20, 2019. EXPOSURES Posttraumatic stress disorder was defined using the 17-item PTSD Checklist-Specific (PCL-S) self-report measure (score ≥50) at each wave (waves 1-4). Baseline PTSD was defined using wave 1 PCL-S, and time-varying PTSD was defined using the PCL-S assessments from all 4 waves. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mortality outcomes were ascertained through National Death Index linkage from 2003 to 2016 and defined as all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality. RESULTS Of 63 666 enrollees (38 883 men [61.1%]; mean [SD] age at 9/11, 40.4 [10.4] years), 6689 (10.8%) had PTSD at baseline (responders: 2702 [9.5%]; civilians: 3987 [12.0%]). Participants who were middle aged (2022 [12.5%]), female (3299 [13.8%]), non-Latino black (1295 [17.0%]), or Latino (1835 [22.2%]) were more likely to have PTSD. During follow-up, 2349 enrollees died (including 230 external-cause deaths and 487 cardiovascular deaths). Among all enrollees in time-varying analyses, PTSD was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of greater magnitude compared with analyses examining baseline PTSD. Among responders, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.58-2.32), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.25-3.04), and external-cause (AHR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.47-3.91) mortality. Among civilians, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.28-1.85), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15-2.58), and external-cause (AHR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.06-4.19) mortality. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The risk of mortality differed in examination of baseline PTSD vs repeated measures of PTSD over time, suggesting that longitudinal data should be used where possible. Comparable findings between responders and civilians suggest that 9/11-related PTSD is associated with an increased mortality risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Giesinger
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Jiehui Li
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Erin Takemoto
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - James E Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Mark R Farfel
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| | - Robert M Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Investigating Causality Between Blood Metabolites and Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Traumatic Stress: a Mendelian Randomization Study. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1542-1552. [PMID: 31786776 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and traits related to trauma-response, we combined genome-wide and metabolome-wide datasets generated from large-scale cohorts. Five trauma-response traits ascertained in the UK Biobank (52,816 < N < 117,900 individuals) were considered: (i) "Avoided activities/situations because of previous stressful experience" (Avoidance); (ii) "Felt distant from other people" (Distant); (iii) "Felt irritable/had angry outbursts" (Irritable); (iv) "Felt very upset when reminded of stressful experience" (Upset); (v) "Repeated disturbing thoughts of stressful experience". These were investigated with respect to 52 blood metabolites tested in a previous genome-wide-association study (N = 24,925 European-ancestry individuals). Linkage disequilibrium score regression, polygenic risk scoring (PRS), and Mendelian randomization were applied to the datasets. We observed that 14 metabolites were genetically correlated with trauma-response traits (p < 0.05). High-resolution PRS of 4 metabolites (citrate; glycoprotein acetyls; concentration of large very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles (LVLDLP); total cholesterol in medium particles of VLDL (MVLDLC)) were associated with trauma-response traits (false discovery rate Q < 10%). These genetic associations were partially due to causal relationships (Citrate→Upset β = - 0.058, p = 9.1 × 10-4; Glycoproteins→Avoidance β = 0.008, p = 0.003; LVLDLP→Distant β = 0.008, p = 0.022; MVLDLC→Avoidance β = 0.019, p = 3 × 10-4). No reverse associations were observed. In conclusion, our study supports causal relationships between certain blood metabolites and emotional and behavioral responses to traumatic experiences.
Collapse
|
89
|
Relationships of blood proinflammatory markers with psychological resilience and quality of life in civilian women with posttraumatic stress disorder. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17905. [PMID: 31784695 PMCID: PMC6884570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54508-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show low resilience and impaired quality of life (QOL). Accumulating evidence shows that PTSD is associated with increased inflammation. Studies suggest that inflammation can be a key mechanism underlying low resilience/QOL, but this relationship has been understudied in individuals with PTSD. Here, we investigated the association of blood proinflammatory markers with self-reported resilience and QOL in civilian women with PTSD. Fifty-six women with PTSD and 73 healthy control women participated in this study. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of three proinflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Compared to controls, patients showed significantly higher IL-6 levels and lower resilience and QOL. In patients, IL-6 levels were significantly negatively correlated with resilience, and hsCRP levels were significantly negatively correlated with psychological QOL. These results show that increased levels of proinflammatory markers including IL-6 and hsCRP are associated with lower psychological resilience and QOL in PTSD patients. Our findings suggest that interventions and treatments targeting inflammation may aid in the recovery from PTSD and lead to better prognosis.
Collapse
|
90
|
Hoffman Y, Shrira A. Variables Connecting Parental PTSD to Offspring Successful Aging: Parent-Child Role Reversal, Secondary Traumatization, and Depressive Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:718. [PMID: 31681033 PMCID: PMC6803468 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of parental trauma on offspring of Holocaust survivors (OHS) are debated in the literature. Recently, scholars suggested that it may be more productive to ask when and via which mechanisms such effects are observed. Following, the current study examines if parental Holocaust-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are linked with the aging processes of their middle-aged offspring. Beyond this association, we also suggested a putative mediation path, indicating three underlying mechanisms by which parental trauma lingers on: perceived parent-child role reversal, secondary traumatization, and depressive symptoms. Using a convenience sample of 682 community-dwelling participants, comprising 341 older adult parent-middle-aged offspring dyads (M age = 81.71 and 54.58 for parents and offspring, respectively) to address this issue. Parents reported PTSD with the valid measure of PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. OHS reported perceived parent-child role reversal, secondary traumatization, depressive symptoms, and completed indices of successful aging. Based on parents' reports, we divided the parent-offspring dyads into three groups: OHS whose parents had probable PTSD (n dyads = 43), OHS whose parents did not have PTSD (n dyads = 161), and comparison with parents who did not undergo the Holocaust (n dyads = 137). Findings reveal that OHS with parents suffering from probable PTSD aged less successfully than comparisons. Serial mediation analyses validated the aforementioned putative pathway (perceived parent-child role reversal, secondary traumatization, and depression) linking parental PTSD with offspring successful aging. Our findings are discussed through a vignette depicting a fictional OHS character. These underlying mechanisms suggest that different types of interventions, each geared towards a specific mechanism, may mitigate the lingering effect of parental PTSD on diminished OHS successful aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaakov Hoffman
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
91
|
Bhattarai JJ, Oehlert ME, Multon KD, Sumerall SW. Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Among U.S. Veterans With a History of MDD or PTSD: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Sex and Race. J Aging Health 2019; 31:1398-1422. [PMID: 29900802 DOI: 10.1177/0898264318781131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed at age < 55 as predictors, and sex and race as potential moderators, of dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. Method: Veterans (N = 4,800) aged ⩾ 56 years were grouped by psychiatric history, sex, and race. Hierarchical and stepwise regression were employed to determine significant predictors. Results: MDD and PTSD were associated with almost double the risk for developing dementia or cognitive impairment at age ⩾ 56. Sex, as a moderator, had small effects whereas race increased the risk almost twofold for Black veterans, given the presence of MDD history. Discussion: MDD and PTSD act as significant risk factors for dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment, and Black veterans, given a history of MDD, may be at an increased risk. An important endeavor for future research is to examine how this risk may vary across dementia subtypes and related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary E Oehlert
- 2 VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, Leavenworth, KS, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
92
|
Han LKM, Verhoeven JE, Tyrka AR, Penninx BWJH, Wolkowitz OM, Månsson KNT, Lindqvist D, Boks MP, Révész D, Mellon SH, Picard M. Accelerating research on biological aging and mental health: Current challenges and future directions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:293-311. [PMID: 31154264 PMCID: PMC6589133 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with complex biological changes that can be accelerated, slowed, or even temporarily reversed by biological and non-biological factors. This article focuses on the link between biological aging, psychological stressors, and mental illness. Rather than comprehensively reviewing this rapidly expanding field, we highlight challenges in this area of research and propose potential strategies to accelerate progress in this field. This effort requires the interaction of scientists across disciplines - including biology, psychiatry, psychology, and epidemiology; and across levels of analysis that emphasize different outcome measures - functional capacity, physiological, cellular, and molecular. Dialogues across disciplines and levels of analysis naturally lead to new opportunities for discovery but also to stimulating challenges. Some important challenges consist of 1) establishing the best objective and predictive biological age indicators or combinations of indicators, 2) identifying the basis for inter-individual differences in the rate of biological aging, and 3) examining to what extent interventions can delay, halt or temporarily reverse aging trajectories. Discovering how psychological states influence biological aging, and vice versa, has the potential to create novel and exciting opportunities for healthcare and possibly yield insights into the fundamental mechanisms that drive human aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K M Han
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Oldenaller 1, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Josine E Verhoeven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Oldenaller 1, the Netherlands
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Butler Hospital and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Oldenaller 1, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristoffer N T Månsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Lindqvist
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA; Psychiatric Clinic, Lund, Division of Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marco P Boks
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dóra Révész
- Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic diseases (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Martin Picard
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neurology, H. Houston Merritt Center, Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Loneliness and subjective physical health among war veterans: Long term reciprocal effects. Soc Sci Med 2019; 234:112373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
94
|
Santhanam P, Wilson SH, Mulatya C, Oakes TR, Weaver LK. Age-Accelerated Reduction in Cortical Surface Area in United States Service Members and Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2922-2929. [PMID: 31094282 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of combat-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and relatively high incidence of concurrent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the joint effect of these conditions on the brain is not well understood. Further, few studies in the mTBI or PTSD populations focus on cortical surface area measures, despite known disruptions to cytoarchitecture of the cortex. This study examines the effects of comorbid mTBI and PTSD on age-related surface area changes across the cortex, as compared with a group with mTBI only. While a direct comparison of PTSD versus non-PTSD groups showed little difference on surface area measures, several regions showed a decline in surface area, with increasing age and a significant PTSD-by-age interaction effect, indicating an age-dependent decrease in surface area in those with both mTBI and PTSD. The findings suggest an apparent age-accelerated shrinking of the cortical surface area in some regions when mTBI and PTSD are present, a pattern that was not consistently found in those with mTBI only. Among the several cortical regions with significant age-by-group interactions were bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (left: p = 0.03; right: p = 0.02), isthmus of the cingulate (left: p = 0.016; right: p = 0.001), and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (left: p = 0.038; right: p = 0.02). It is possible that these findings are related to a larger pattern of premature neurodegeneration and age-acceleration noted in those with long-term PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Santhanam
- Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | | | - Terrence R Oakes
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Lindell K Weaver
- Division of Hyperbaric, Medicine Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT and Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| |
Collapse
|
95
|
Abstract
Objectives: We provide a review of the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults, focusing largely on older U.S. military veterans in two primary areas: 1) assessment and diagnosis and 2) non-pharmacological treatment of PTSD in late life. Methods: We performed a search using PubMed and Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) databases and reviewed reference sections of selected papers. We also drew on our own clinical perspectives and reflections of seven expert mental health practitioners. Results: Rates of PTSD are lower in older compared with younger adults. The presence of sub-syndromal/partial PTSD is important and may impact patient functioning. Assessment requires awareness and adaptation for potential differences in PTSD experience and expression in older adults. Psychotherapies for late-life PTSD appear safe, acceptable and efficacious with cognitively intact older adults, although there are relatively few controlled studies. Treatment adaptations are likely warranted for older adults with PTSD and co-morbidities (e.g., chronic illness, pain, sensory, or cognitive changes). Conclusions: PTSD is an important clinical consideration in older adults, although the empirical database, particularly regarding psychotherapy, is limited. Clinical Implications: Assessment for trauma history and PTSD symptoms in older adults is essential, and may lead to increased recognition and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anica Pless Kaiser
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joan M. Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine and National Center for PTSD, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Moye
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
96
|
Mischoulon D. Commentary on "Accelerated DNA Methylation Aging in U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study". Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 27:533-535. [PMID: 30770185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Mischoulon
- Department of Psychiatry (DM), Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Psychiatry (DM), Harvard Medical School, Boston.
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
A randomized controlled trial of prolonged exposure therapy versus relaxation training for older veterans with military-related PTSD. J Anxiety Disord 2019; 64:45-54. [PMID: 30978622 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although prolonged exposure (PE) has strong support for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is little research on PE for older adults. Likewise, Relaxation Training (RT) has shown some benefit for PTSD, but has not been adequately tested in this population. METHOD This study represents the first randomized controlled trial of two active psychotherapies for PTSD among older adults. Male combat veterans (N = 87; mean age = 65 years) were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of PE (n = 41) or RT (n = 46). Clinician-administered and self-report assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and six-month follow-up; self-reported symptoms were also measured at each treatment session. RESULTS Multi-level modeling indicated that Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores significantly decreased from pre-treatment to follow-up, but the time by treatment condition interaction was not significant. Pre- to post-treatment change was large in PE and moderate in RT, but many gains were lost at follow-up. For self-reported PTSD symptoms, a significant time by treatment condition interaction emerged, suggesting that participants who received PE had both greater decreases in symptoms and a greater rebound in self-reported PTSD symptoms than those who received RT. Unlike PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms neither changed nor were moderated by treatment condition from pre-treatment to follow-up. For self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms assessed at each session, time significantly predicted symptom reductions across psychotherapy sessions. CONCLUSIONS PE and RT are well-tolerated, feasible, and effective for older adults, though treatment gains were not maintained at follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00539279.
Collapse
|
98
|
Lely J, De la Rie S, Knipscheer J, Kleber R. Stronger Than My Ghosts: Narrative Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Recovery in Later Life. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2019.1603008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. W. Knipscheer
- Foundation Centrum ’45, Diemen, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - R. J. Kleber
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
Telomere shortening in blood leukocytes of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 111:83-88. [PMID: 30685566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are protective fragments on chromosome ends involved in maintaining genome stability, preventing chromosomal fusions, regulation of cell division. It was shown that telomere attrition rate is accelerated in age-related diseases, as well as in response to physiological and psychosocial stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in patients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as to investigate association of functional SNPs of telomerase TERC and TERT genes with LTL and PTSD. The relative LTL was measured by multiplex quantitative PCR method; genotyping of TERC rs12696304, TERT rs7726159 and rs2736100 was performed by PCR with sequence specific primers. Comparison of LTL in diseased and healthy subjects showed that PTSD patients had shorter average LTL than controls. Also, the frequency and the carriage rate of the TERT rs2736100*T allele was higher in PTSD patients compared to controls. Overall our results are in line with previous research in different populations. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that rs2736100 of TERT gene was significantly associated with PTSD and the minor allele of this polymorphism may be considered as a risk factor for PTSD in the Armenian population.
Collapse
|
100
|
Bachem R, Stein JY, Levin Y, Solomon Z. What doesn't kill you makes you feel older: lifespan adversity and its association with subjective age among former prisoners of war. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1583522. [PMID: 33235665 PMCID: PMC7671601 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1583522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Subjective age (SA) is an indicator of aging that has been empirically associated with health impediments and hindered longevity. Studies show that adverse life events may result in relatively older SA, but have not addressed the differential contribution of life events across the lifespan and the course of posttraumatic psychopathology on the SA of aging survivors of extreme trauma. Objective: Filling this gap, the current study explored the differential contribution of (1) adverse experiences in various life-stages and (2) trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the prediction of SA in a sample of former prisoners-of-war as they enter old age. Method: A cohort of Israeli former prisoners-of-war of the 1973 Yom Kippur War (N = 103) was assessed at four points throughout four decades after the war. A linear hierarchical regression was utilized to assess the contribution of negative life events during childhood, participation in other wars, combat exposure, suffering in captivity, life events since the war and the trajectories of PTSD for predicting SA 42-years post-repatriation. Results: Lifespan adversity explained 50% of the variance in SA, with trajectories of PTSD making the largest contribution, followed by life events since the war. Negative life events in childhood added to the explained variance only when PTSD trajectories were accounted for. Exposure to combat, participation in additional wars and the severity of specific experiences during captivity did not reach significance, though the latter marginally contributed to the explained variance (p = .069). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of considering the prolongation of posttraumatic psychopathology together with life adversities and their differential implications when addressing SA after extreme trauma. The findings suggest that early life adversity may be a latent factor that increases vulnerability to posttraumatic premature aging processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Bachem
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob Y Stein
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yafit Levin
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zahava Solomon
- I-Core Research Center for Mass Trauma, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|