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Goenjian AK, Khachadourian V, Armenian H, Demirchyan A, Steinberg AM. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 23 Years After the 1988 Spitak Earthquake in Armenia. J Trauma Stress 2018. [PMID: 29513918 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This population-based longitudinal study examined the rates and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among 725 differentially exposed survivors of the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia, 23 years after the event. Participants had been previously evaluated in 1991. Evaluations included assessment of current PTSD (based on DSM-5 criteria), and a variety of potential risk and protective factors. For the whole sample, the rate of PTSD attributed to the earthquake decreased from 48.7% in 1991 to 11.6% in 2012 (p < .001). A "dose of exposure" pattern persisted, and 15.7% of participants who were in Spitak (high exposure) and 6.6% of participants who were in Kirovagan (low exposure) during the earthquake met the criteria for PTSD (p = .003). Additionally, in 2012, another 9.9% of participants met PTSD criteria due to post-earthquake traumas, which is a 5-fold increase from pre- to postearthquake (p < . 001). Factors positively associated with PTSD included earthquake-related job loss, exposure to post-earthquake traumas, depression at baseline, and chronic illness since the earthquake. Factors inversely associated with PTSD included housing assistance within two years after the earthquake, support of family and/or friends, and to a lesser degree, higher education and high living standard. These variables accounted for 23.1% of the variance in current PTSD severity scores. These findings indicate that PTSD rates subside significantly after a catastrophic disaster, although earthquake-related PTSD persists among a subgroup of exposed individuals. Predictors of PTSD identified in this study provide guidance for planning acute and longer-term postdisaster public mental health recovery programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armen K Goenjian
- UCLA/Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vahe Khachadourian
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haroutune Armenian
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anahit Demirchyan
- American University of Armenia Center for Health Services Research and Development, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Alan M Steinberg
- UCLA/Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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152
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El-Gabalawy R, Blaney C, Tsai J, Sumner JA, Pietrzak RH. Physical health conditions associated with full and subthreshold PTSD in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. J Affect Disord 2018; 227:849-853. [PMID: 29689700 PMCID: PMC6269149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While both full and subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be linked to physical conditions, contemporary population-based data on these associations in military veterans are scarce. Further, little is known about how component aspects of PTSD, which is a heterogeneous disorder, may relate to physical conditions in this population. METHODS Data were analyzed from a population-based sample of 3157 U.S. military veterans who participated in the 2011 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Multiple logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between full and subthreshold PTSD, and physical conditions. RESULTS A total 6.1% of the sample met screening criteria for full PTSD and 9.0% for subthreshold PTSD. Both full and subthreshold PTSD were associated with increased odds of sleep disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.52 and 2.10, respectively) and respiratory conditions (AOR = 2.60 and 1.87, respectively). Full PTSD was additionally associated with increased odds of osteoporosis or osteopenia (AOR = 2.72) and migraine (AOR = 1.91), while subthreshold PTSD only was associated with increased odds of diabetes (AOR = 1.42). Analyses of PTSD symptom clusters revealed that all of these associations were primarily driven by dysphoric arousal symptoms, which are characterized by sleep difficulties, anger/irritability, and concentration problems. LIMITATIONS The study used self-report measures for health conditions and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PTSD. CONCLUSION Results of this study provide a characterization of physical conditions associated with full and subthreshold PTSD in U.S. military veterans. They highlight the potential importance of PTSD dysphoric arousal in risk models of certain physical conditions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée El-Gabalawy
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Caitlin Blaney
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jack Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,US Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Sumner
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,US Department of Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, USA
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153
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Warlan H, Howland L, Connelly C. Detection of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Patients After Discharge From Intensive Care. Am J Crit Care 2018; 25:509-515. [PMID: 27802952 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2016573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite emphasis on identifying personal and clinical characteristics that place patients at higher risk for posttraumatic stress syndrome after intensive care, the extent of screening for the syndrome in intensive care patients is unknown. OBJECTIVES To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a screening tool to detect posttraumatic stress syndrome, screen for the syndrome soon after discharge from intensive care to identify patients at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, and determine personal and clinical factors related to higher scores on the screening instrument. METHODS A single-center, cross-sectional design was used. At 2 to 4 weeks after hospital discharge, 41 patients treated in an intensive care unit completed the screening instrument and the Screening Experience Questionnaire via telephone. Associations between participants' characteristics and scores were examined, and screening experiences were described. RESULTS Participants reported that the screening instrument was easy to understand, caused little distress, and could be completed in an acceptable time frame. Participants reported that they had not been screened via a formal process or received education during or after their stay in the unit. Among the participants, 44% preferred screening in the outpatient setting. Higher scores on the screening tool were associated with history of depression, moderate levels of sedation, and intensive care unit delirium. CONCLUSIONS The majority of intensive care patients most likely are not being screened for posttraumatic stress syndrome despite a higher risk for the syndrome in these patients than in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Warlan
- Heather Warlan is a critical care nurse at UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California. Lois Howland is an associate professor and Cynthia Connelly is a professor, University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, San Diego, California
| | - Lois Howland
- Heather Warlan is a critical care nurse at UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California. Lois Howland is an associate professor and Cynthia Connelly is a professor, University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, San Diego, California
| | - Cynthia Connelly
- Heather Warlan is a critical care nurse at UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California. Lois Howland is an associate professor and Cynthia Connelly is a professor, University of San Diego, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, San Diego, California
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154
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Haga JM, Thoresen S, Stene LE, Wentzel-Larsen T, Dyb G. Healthcare to parents of young terrorism survivors: a registry-based study in Norway. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018358. [PMID: 29273662 PMCID: PMC5778306 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess changes in parents' short-term and long-term primary and specialised healthcare consumption following a terrorist attack threatening the lives of their children. DESIGN Registry-based study comparing parental healthcare service consumption in the 3 years before and the 3 years after a terrorist attack. SETTING The aftermath of the Utøya terrorist attack. The regular, publicly funded, universal healthcare system in Norway. INTERVENTION Parents learning of a terrorist attack on their adolescent and young adult children. PARTICIPANTS Mothers (n=226) and fathers (n=141) of a total of 263 survivors of the Utøya terrorist attack (54.6% of all survivors 13-33 years, n=482). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We report primary and specialised somatic and mental healthcare service consumption in the early (0-6 months) and delayed (>6-36 months) aftermath of the attack, both in terms of frequency of services consumed (assessed by age-adjusted negative binomial hurdle regression) and proportions of mothers and fathers provided for (mean semiannual values). The predisaster and postdisaster rates were compared by rate ratios (RRs), and 95% CI were generated through bootstrap replications. RESULTS Frequency of primary healthcare service consumption increased significantly in both mothers and fathers in the early aftermath of the attack (mothers: RR=1.97, 95% CI 1.76 to 2.23; fathers: RR=1.73, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.29) and remained significantly elevated throughout the delayed aftermath. In the specialised mental healthcare services, a significant increase in the frequency of service consumption was observed in mothers only (early: RR=7.00, 95% CI 3.86 to 19.02; delayed: RR=3.20, 95% CI 1.49 to 9.49). In specialised somatic healthcare, no significant change was found. CONCLUSION Following terrorist attacks, healthcare providers must prepare for increased healthcare needs in survivors and their close family members, such as parents. Needs may present shortly after the attack and require long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Magnus Haga
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Thoresen
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Eilin Stene
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Dyb
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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155
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Kuan PF, Waszczuk MA, Kotov R, Clouston S, Yang X, Singh PK, Glenn ST, Cortes Gomez E, Wang J, Bromet E, Luft BJ. Gene expression associated with PTSD in World Trade Center responders: An RNA sequencing study. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:1297. [PMID: 29249826 PMCID: PMC5802695 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene expression approach has provided promising insights into the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies used hypothesis-free transcriptome-wide approach to comprehensively understand gene expression underpinning PTSD. A transcriptome-wide expression study using RNA sequencing of whole blood was conducted in 324 World Trade Center responders (201 with never, 81 current, 42 past PTSD). Samples from current and never PTSD reponders were randomly split to form discovery (N = 195) and replication (N = 87) cohorts. Differentially expressed genes were used in pathway analysis and to create a polygenic expression score. There were 448 differentially expressed genes in the discovery cohort, of which 99 remained significant in the replication cohort, including FKBP5, which was found to be up-regulated in current PTSD regardless of the genotypes. Several enriched biological pathways were found, including glucocorticoid receptor signaling and immunity-related pathways, but these pathways did not survive FDR correction. The polygenic expression score computed by aggregating 30 differentially expressed genes using the elastic net algorithm achieved sensitivity/specificity of 0.917/0.508, respectively for identifying current PTSD in the replication cohort. Polygenic scores were similar in current and past PTSD, with both groups scoring higher than trauma-exposed controls without any history of PTSD. Together with the pathway analysis results, these findings point to HPA-axis and immune dysregulation as key biological processes underpinning PTSD. A novel polygenic expression aggregate that differentiates PTSD patients from trauma-exposed controls might be a useful screening tool for research and clinical practice, if replicated in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Fen Kuan
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Monika A Waszczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sean Clouston
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sean T Glenn
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Evelyn Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Book University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin J Luft
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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156
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Exploring the Link Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and inflammation-Related Medical Conditions: An Epidemiological Examination. Psychiatr Q 2017; 88:909-916. [PMID: 28342139 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-017-9508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
There have been few epidemiological studies exploring the link between PTSD and inflammation using population-based samples. This study examined the relation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and inflammation-related medical conditions using data from the 2013-2014 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using a representative sample of 1,527 residents in New York City, the association between PTSD and 17 inflammation-related medical conditions were examined. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted, adjusting for demographic characteristics and lifetime depression. PTSD was strongly associated with increased odds for hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, angina, heart attack, and emphysema with the greatest odds observed for heart attack (OR= 3.94) and emphysema (OR= 4.06). But PTSD was also associated with lower odds for hypertension, type 1 diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and a failing kidney with the lowest odds observed for type 1 diabetes (OR= 0.43). These findings suggest a complex link between PTSD and inflammation-related medical conditions.
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157
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Lindqvist D, Mellon SH, Dhabhar FS, Yehuda R, Grenon SM, Flory JD, Bierer LM, Abu-Amara D, Coy M, Makotkine I, Reus VI, Aschbacher K, Bersani FS, Marmar CR, Wolkowitz OM. Increased circulating blood cell counts in combat-related PTSD: Associations with inflammation and PTSD severity. Psychiatry Res 2017; 258:330-336. [PMID: 28942957 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is reported in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have investigated circulating blood cells that may contribute to inflammation. We assessed circulating platelets, white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) in PTSD and assessed their relationship to inflammation and symptom severity. One-hundred and sixty-three male combat-exposed veterans (82 PTSD, 81 non-PTSD) had blood assessed for platelets, WBC, and RBC. Data were correlated with symptom severity and inflammation. All cell counts were significantly elevated in PTSD. There were small mediation effects of BMI and smoking on these relationships. After adjusting for these, the differences in WBC and RBC remained significant, while platelet count was at trend level. In all subjects, all of the cell counts correlated significantly with inflammation. Platelet count correlated with inflammation only in the PTSD subjects. Platelet count, but none of the other cell counts, was directly correlated with PTSD severity ratings in the PTSD group. Combat PTSD is associated with elevations in RBC, WBC, and platelets. Dysregulation of all three major lineages of hematopoietic cells in PTSD, as well as their significant correlation with inflammation, suggest clinical significance of these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States; Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Firdaus S Dhabhar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center Bronx, New York, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - S Marlene Grenon
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Janine D Flory
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center Bronx, New York, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Linda M Bierer
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center Bronx, New York, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, New York, United States
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center Bronx, New York, United States; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kirstin Aschbacher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - F Saverio Bersani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, New York, United States.
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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158
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Roberts AL, Malspeis S, Kubzansky LD, Feldman CH, Chang SC, Koenen KC, Costenbader KH. Association of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Incident Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Longitudinal Cohort of Women. Arthritis Rheumatol 2017; 69:2162-2169. [PMID: 28929625 DOI: 10.1002/art.40222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct the first longitudinal study examining whether trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with increased risk of incident systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a civilian cohort. METHODS We examined the association of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms with SLE incidence over 24 years of follow-up in a US longitudinal cohort of women (n = 54,763). Incident SLE in women meeting ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria was ascertained by self-report and confirmed by medical record review. PTSD and trauma exposure were assessed with the Short Screening Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition PTSD and the Brief Trauma Questionnaire, respectively. Women were categorized as having no trauma, trauma and no PTSD symptoms, subclinical PTSD (1-3 symptoms), or probable PTSD (4-7 symptoms). We examined whether longitudinally assessed health risk factors (e.g., smoking, body mass index [BMI], oral contraceptive use) accounted for increased SLE risk among women with trauma exposure and PTSD versus those without. RESULTS During follow-up, 73 cases of SLE occurred. Compared to women with no trauma, probable PTSD was associated with increased SLE risk (for 4-7 symptoms, hazard ratio [HR] 2.94 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 1.19-7.26], P < 0.05). Subclinical PTSD was associated with increased SLE risk, although this did not reach statistical significance (for 1-3 symptoms, HR 1.83 [95% CI 0.74-4.56], P = 0.19). Smoking, BMI, and oral contraceptive use slightly attenuated the associations (e.g., for 4-7 symptoms, adjusted HR 2.62 [95% CI 1.09-6.48], P < 0.05). Trauma exposure, regardless of PTSD symptoms, was strongly associated with incident SLE (HR 2.83 [95% CI 1.29-6.21], P < 0.01). CONCLUSION This study contributes to growing evidence that psychosocial trauma and associated stress responses may lead to autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Roberts
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Malspeis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Candace H Feldman
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Karestan C Koenen
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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159
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Korinek K, Loebach P, Teerawichitchainan B. Physical and Mental Health Consequences of War-related Stressors Among Older Adults: An Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Arthritis in Northern Vietnamese War Survivors. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2017; 72:1090-1102. [PMID: 26758194 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbv157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We examine the impacts of trauma exposures and family stressors associated with the Vietnam War on musculoskeletal health and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outcomes in elderly Vietnamese who were widely impacted by the war as young adults. Noting that wars' impacts extend beyond male veterans in most survivor populations, we give attention to male and female war survivors placed in a variety of roles vis-a-vis the war. Method Utilizing data from the 2010 Vietnam Health and Aging Pilot Study (N = 405), we use logistic and Poisson regression models to estimate the effect of wartime trauma exposures and family stressors on disabling arthritis and PTSD symptoms in male and female northern Vietnamese adults aged 55 and older. Results The odds of experiencing recent PTSD symptoms are greater in respondents who report involvement in killing/causing severe injury and who observed war atrocities. In women, PTSD is positively correlated with war era child death and spousal separation. Arthritis also exhibits a significant, positive association with killing/causing severe injury. Discussion Our study provides insights into the burden of conflict upon health among populations of the global south that survived war and are now entering older adulthood. The pattern of results, indicating greatest suffering among those who inflicted or failed to prevent bodily harm or loss of life, is consistent with the concept of moral injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Korinek
- Department of Sociology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Peter Loebach
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah
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160
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Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with a delayed-onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the intensive care unit (ICU) treatment of patients with a chronic critical illness (CCI). Patients (n = 97) with critical illness polyneuropathy or critical illness myopathy were interviewed via the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. The diagnosis of the acute stress disorder was assessed within 1 month (t1), the diagnosis of PTSD at 3 (t2) and 6 (t3) months after transfer from the acute care ICU to the post-acute ICU. Patients showing a delayed-onset or persistent course of PTSD were subsumed in one group; 24.7% (n = 24) showed a delayed-onset PTSD. Significant risk factors were as follows: the severity of the medical illness, the perceived fear of dying at the ICU, the number of traumatic memories from the ICU, and the presence of a coronary heart disease. Every fourth patient with CCI showed a delayed-onset PTSD up to 6 months after the ICU treatment. Markers for a delayed-onset PTSD should already be assessed at the time of discharge from the ICU.
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161
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Dretsch MN, Daniel TA, Goodman AM, Katz JS, Denney T, Deshpande G, Robinson JL. Differential neural activation when voluntarily regulating emotions in service members with chronic mild traumatic brain injury. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2017; 26:76-88. [PMID: 28925716 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2017.1362406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the functional activation of the neural correlates of voluntary regulation of emotion in soldiers both with and without chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a battery of cognitive and psychological health measures, we assessed differences between active-duty U.S. soldiers with chronic mTBI (n = 37) and without (Controls, n = 35). Participants were instructed to maintain (passively view), enhance, and suppress emotions associated with negative and neutral visual stimuli. The mTBI group showed significantly greater clinical symptoms, but only a mild decrement in attention. Group contrasts, while controlling for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, revealed a differential neural activation pattern compared to controls, but only during the enhance condition. Specifically, the mTBI group showed greater activation in the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobe, insula, and superior temporal gyrus. Finally, the effect of PTSD symptoms during the enhance condition was associated with accentuated activation of the frontal and limbic regions implicated in both emotion regulation and PTSD. Hyperactivation of neural regions in the mTBI group during the enhance condition may reflect vigilance towards negative contextual stimuli and/or poor strategy that might result in suboptimal allocation of resources to regulate emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Dretsch
- a US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory , Fort Rucker , Alabama , USA.,b Human Dimension Division , Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command , Fort Eustis , Virginia , USA
| | - Thomas A Daniel
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA
| | - Adam M Goodman
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA
| | - Jeffrey S Katz
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,d Auburn University MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,e Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium , Auburn University and University of Alabama , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
| | - Thomas Denney
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,d Auburn University MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,e Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium , Auburn University and University of Alabama , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
| | - Gopikrishna Deshpande
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,d Auburn University MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,e Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium , Auburn University and University of Alabama , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
| | - Jennifer L Robinson
- c Department of Psychology , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,d Auburn University MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , Auburn University , Auburn , Alabama , USA.,e Alabama Advanced Imaging Consortium , Auburn University and University of Alabama , Birmingham , Alabama , USA
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162
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Yoo SH, Yoon SY, Woo KH, Kim JS, Cho SY, Lee SS, Lim HS, Ahn YS, Yang WH. Psychological effects of a disastrous hydrogen fluoride spillage on the local community. Ann Occup Environ Med 2017; 29:40. [PMID: 28912953 PMCID: PMC5594553 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-017-0196-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background On September 27, 2012, at 3:43 pm, a hydrogen fluoride spill occurred in a manufacturing plant located at the 4th complex of the Gumi National Industrial Complex in Gumi City, South Korea. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychological effects of the hydrogen fluoride spill on the members of the community and to investigate their relationships with physical symptoms and changes in psychological effects occurring as time passed after the accident. Methods The 1st phase involved a survey of 1359 individuals that was conducted 1 month after the spill, and the 2nd phase involved a survey of 711 individuals that was conducted 7 months after the accident. The questionnaires included items for assessing demographic characteristics, hydrogen fluoride exposure level, physical symptoms, and psychological status. Physical symptoms were assessed to determine the persistence of irritations. Psychological status was assessed to investigate the impact of event level using the Impact of Event Scale – Revised Korean version (IES-R-K), and the anxiety level was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results As the hydrogen fluoride exposure level increased, the impact of event and anxiety levels increased significantly both 1 and 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The mean score of the impact of event levels decreased significantly from 33.33 ± 14.64 at 1 month after the accident to 28.68 ± 11.80 at 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The mean score of the anxiety levels increased significantly from 5.16 ± 6.59 at 1 month after the accident to 6.79 ± 8.41 at 7 months after the accident (p < 0.05). The risk of persistent physical symptoms at 7 months after the accident was significantly higher in females. The risk of persistent physical symptoms also increased significantly, with increasing age, hydrogen fluoride exposure, and impact of event levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions The present study found that the impact of event level and anxiety level increased with increasing hydrogen fluoride exposure. Anxiety levels persisted even after time passed. The risk of persistent physical symptoms at 7 months after the accident was higher in females, and it increased with increasing age, hydrogen fluoride exposure level, and impact of event levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Yoo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, Gongdan 1-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk 730-706 South Korea
| | - Seong-Yong Yoon
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, Gongdan 1-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk 730-706 South Korea
| | - Kuck-Hyun Woo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, Gongdan 1-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk 730-706 South Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, Gongdan 1-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk 730-706 South Korea
| | - Seong-Yong Cho
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, 179, Gongdan 1-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongbuk 730-706 South Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, 23-20, Bongmyeong-dong, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do 330-721 South Korea
| | - Hyun-Sul Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine, 87 Dongdae-ro, Seokjang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk 780-350 South Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Medical Center, 27, Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do South Korea
| | - Won-Ho Yang
- Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu, Hayang-Ro 13-13, Hayang-Eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk South Korea
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Ferrajão PC. Pathways Between Combat Stress and Physical Health Among Portuguese War Veterans. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2017; 27:1640-1651. [PMID: 28799471 DOI: 10.1177/1049732317701404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, I explored the experience of both physical and psychological chronic illnesses among a sample of Portuguese war veterans. Twenty suffered from chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; unrecovered) and 20 had remission from PTSD (recovered), and all participants suffered from a chronic physician-diagnosed medical disorder. Two semistructured interviews were conducted. Analysis of the interviews was conducted using the Thematic and Categorical Analysis. Unrecovered participants reported higher moral injury, discrepancy between pre- and postwar identity, medication side effects, and lower repertoire of coping strategies, and verbalized that treatment care plan triggers posttraumatic symptoms. Recovered participants reported stronger moral repair, sense of continuity between pre- and postwar identity, and wider repertoire of coping strategies, well-being. Veterans' adjustment to chronic physician-diagnosed medical disorders is related to the accommodation of war traumatic experiences within existing self-schemas to restore a sense of continuity between veterans' pre- and postwar identity.
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164
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Niles AN, Valenstein-Mah H, Bedard-Gilligan M, Kaysen D. Effects of trauma and PTSD on self-reported physical functioning in sexual minority women. Health Psychol 2017; 36:947-954. [PMID: 28825499 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual minority women (lesbians, bisexual women, and women who partner with women) experience high rates of trauma exposure, are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and have high rates of physical health problems compared with heterosexual women. The present study tested whether PTSD may be the mechanism through which trauma exposure affects self-reported physical functioning in this population. METHOD In a sample of 857 sexual minority women, we examined the association between trauma exposure and worsening physical functioning (measured using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey) 2 years later, whether PTSD mediated this relationship, and if so, which PTSD symptom clusters best accounted for this mediation. RESULTS Results showed that more Criterion A traumatic events experienced (based on DSM-IV) predicted greater decline in physical functioning 2 years later, and PTSD symptoms mediated this relationship, explaining 73% of the total effect. The arousal/reactivity symptom cluster was the only significant mediator, explaining 68% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS Results show that PTSD, and arousal/reactivity symptoms in particular, may be the mechanism through which traumatic events negatively impact self-reported physical functioning. These findings provide further evidence that, for this at risk population, treating PTSD as soon as possible after onset may improve long term physical functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Niles
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
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165
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Fares J, Gebeily S, Saad M, Harati H, Nabha S, Said N, Kanso M, Abdel Rassoul R, Fares Y. Post-traumatic stress disorder in adult victims of cluster munitions in Lebanon: a 10-year longitudinal study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017214. [PMID: 28821528 PMCID: PMC5724068 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the short-term and long-term prevalence and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among victims of cluster munitions. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective 10-year longitudinal study that took place in Lebanon. PARTICIPANTS Two-hundred-and-forty-four Lebanese civilian victims of submunition blasts, who were injured in 2006 and were over 18 years old, were interviewed. Included were participants who had been diagnosed with PTSD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) and the PTSD Checklist - Civilian Version in 2006. Interviewees were present for the 10-year follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES PTSD prevalence rates of participants in 2006 and 2016 were compared. Analysis of the demographical data pertaining to the association of long-term PTSD with other variables was performed. p Values <0.05 were considered statistically significant for all analyses (95% CI). RESULTS All the 244 civilians injured by cluster munitions in 2006 responded, and were present for long-term follow-up in 2016. The prevalence of PTSD decreased significantly from 98% to 43% after 10 years (p<0.001). A lower long-term prevalence was significantly associated with male sex (p<0.001), family support (p<0.001) and religion (p<0.001). Hospitalisation (p=0.005) and severe functional impairment (p<0.001) post-trauma were significantly associated with increased prevalence of long-term PTSD. Symptoms of negative cognition and mood were more common in the long run. In addition, job instability was the most frequent socioeconomic repercussion among the participants (88%). CONCLUSIONS Psychological symptoms, especially PTSD, remain high in war-affected populations many years after the war; this is particularly evident for Lebanese civilians who were victimised by cluster munitions. Screening programmes and psychological interventions need to be implemented in vulnerable populations exposed to war traumas. Officials and public health advocates should consider the socioeconomic implications, and help raise awareness against the harm induced by cluster munitions and similar weaponry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Gebeily
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Saad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Division of Statistical Genetics, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najwane Said
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Kanso
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ronza Abdel Rassoul
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- UMR 1141, Hôpital Robert Debré, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Decreased AGO2 and DCR1 in PBMCs from War Veterans with PTSD leads to diminished miRNA resulting in elevated inflammation. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1222. [PMID: 28850112 PMCID: PMC5611749 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The initiation of inflammation and molecules involved are not yet clearly understood. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the inflammation seen in PTSD may result from the dysregulated miRNA processing pathway. Using microarray analysis with a discovery group of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from War Veterans with PTSD, we found 183 significantly downregulated miRNAs, several of which target numerous genes categorized to be pro-inflammatory in nature. This observation was further confirmed in a replicate group by including more samples. Furthermore, employing RNA-sequencing, quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in vitro experiments, we found that Argonaute 2 (AGO2) and Dicer1 (DCR1) were downregulated in PTSD and provided convincing evidence that their downregulation affects mature miRNA generation. In addition, we noted that STAT3 transcript was reduced in PTSD and this was possibly responsible for reduced AGO2 and DCR1, which in turn affected miRNA synthesis. Furthermore, we observed that activation of CD4+ T cells or monocytes led to reduced mature miRNA availability. Finally, the inflammation seen in PTSD was associated with downregulated miRNA profile. Altogether, the current study demonstrates that the chronic inflammation seen in PTSD may be a result of dysregulated miRNA biogenesis pathway due to diminished expression of the key molecules like AGO2, DCR1 and STAT3.
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167
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Residual Sleep Problems Predict Reduced Response to Prolonged Exposure among Veterans with PTSD. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2017; 39:755-763. [PMID: 29225414 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-017-9618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives While evidence-based treatments exist for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a significant sub-set of veterans continue to meet criteria for PTSD after treatment. Sleep problems may affect treatment retention and predict efficacy for PTSD treatments. Methods The present study used data from a clinical trial of Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) administered to veterans (N=154) to evaluate whether residual sleep symptoms remained after treatment completion, and if so, whether these residual sleep symptoms were associated with higher levels of PTSD and comorbid depression at the end of treatment. Participants (ages 20 to 75 years old; 35.7% Black; 54.5% married) completed demographic questions, symptom assessments, and engagement-related surveys. Results Hierarchical multiple linear regression models demonstrated that changes in sleep were significant predictors of PTSD and depression symptom reduction above and beyond the influence of demographic and engagement factors (e.g., therapy satisfaction). Conclusions Greater residual sleep symptoms were predictive of smaller treatment gains. Findings illustrate the potential significance of sleep during the course of PTSD treatment, leading to several important clinical assessment and treatment implications.
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168
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Alper HE, Yu S, Stellman SD, Brackbill RM. Injury, intense dust exposure, and chronic disease among survivors of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Inj Epidemiol 2017. [PMID: 28626847 PMCID: PMC5511809 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-017-0115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001 in New York City (9/11) exposed thousands of people to intense concentrations of hazardous materials that have resulted in reports of increased levels of asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases along with psychological illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have discriminated between health consequences of immediate (short-term or acute) intense exposures versus chronic residential or workplace exposures. Methods We used proportional hazards methods to determine adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for associations between several components of acute exposures (e.g., injury, immersion in the dust cloud) and four chronic disease outcomes: asthma, other non-neoplastic lung diseases, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, in 8701 persons free of those conditions prior to exposure and who were physically present during or immediately after the World Trade Center attacks. Participants were followed prospectively up to 11 years post-9/11. Results Heart disease exhibited a dose-response association with sustaining injury (1 injury type: AHR =2.0, 95% CI (Confidence Interval) 1.1–3.6; 2 injury types: AHR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–7.9; 3 or more injury types: AHR = 6.8, 95% CI 2.0–22.6), while asthma and other lung diseases were both significantly associated with dust cloud exposure (AHR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6). Diabetes was not associated with any of the predictors assessed in this study. Conclusion In this study we demonstrated that the acute exposures of injury and dust cloud that were sustained on 9/11/2001 had significant associations with later heart and respiratory diseases. Continued monitoring of 9/11 exposed persons’ health by medical providers is warranted for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard E Alper
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, New York, 10013, USA
| | - Shengchao Yu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, New York, 10013, USA
| | - Steven D Stellman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Robert M Brackbill
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 125 Worth Street, New York, 10013, USA.
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169
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Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent and impairing condition for which there are several evidence-based psychotherapies. However, a significant proportion of patients fail to complete a ‘sufficient dose’ of psychotherapy, potentially limiting treatment gains. Aims: The present study investigated predictors of premature treatment discontinuation during a trial of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for PTSD. Method: Combat veterans with PTSD were recruited to participate in a randomized clinical trial of PE delivered in person or via telehealth technologies. Of the 150 initial participants, 61 participants discontinued the trial before the completion of eight sessions (of an 8‒12 session protocol). Treatment condition (telehealth or in person) and factors identified by prior research (age, combat theatre, social support, PTSD symptoms) were tested as predictors of treatment discontinuation. Results: A Cox proportional hazards model (a subtype of survival analysis) was used to evaluate predictors of treatment discontinuation. Disability status and treatment condition were identified as significant predictors of discontinuation, with a noted disability and use of telehealth demonstrating higher risk. Conclusions: The present findings highlight the influence of telehealth and disability status on treatment discontinuation, while minimizing the role of the previously identified variables from studies with less sensitive analyses.
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170
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Arcaya MC, Lowe SR, Asad AL, Subramanian SV, Waters MC, Rhodes J. Association of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with migraine and headache after a natural disaster. Health Psychol 2017; 36:411-418. [PMID: 27929328 PMCID: PMC6666314 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research shows that migraine and general headache symptoms increase after traumatic events. Questions remain about whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) produces migraine/headache symptoms, or if individuals afflicted by migraine/headache are especially likely to develop PTSD. We test whether PTSD symptoms following a natural disaster are associated with higher odds of reporting frequent headaches/migraines postdisaster. We decompose PTSD into intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptom clusters to examine which, if any, are uniquely related to headache/migraine postdisaster. METHOD We use prospectively collected pre- and postdisaster data to explore whether overall PTSD symptoms and symptom clusters are associated with migraine/headache in a sample of Hurricane Katrina survivors. We account for severity of hurricane exposure and control for baseline migraine and headache problems to reduce the probability that heightened PTSD susceptibility among those who already suffered from the conditions could explain observed associations. RESULTS PTSD symptoms were associated with higher odds of experiencing frequent headaches or migraines with a standard deviation change in PTSD score corresponding to over twice the odds (95% confidence interval [1.64, 2.68]) of having trouble with frequent headaches or migraines in the post-Katrina period. Each additional point on the intrusion subscale (sample M [SD] = 1.6 [1.1]) was associated with 55% higher odds of reporting frequent headache/migraine (95% confidence interval [1.03, 2.33]), but we found no association with avoidance or hyperarousal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and disaster planners should be aware that disaster survivors might be at heightened risk of migraine/headache episodes, and those experiencing intrusive reminders may be most affected. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C Arcaya
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University
| | | | - S V Subramanian
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
| | | | - Jean Rhodes
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston
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Kuhn H, Mennella C, Magid M, Stamu-O'Brien C, Kroumpouzos G. Psychocutaneous disease: Clinical perspectives. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 76:779-791. [PMID: 28411771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Psychocutaneous disease, defined in this review as primary psychiatric disease with skin manifestations, is commonly encountered in dermatology. Dermatologists can play an important role in the management of psychocutaneous disease because patients visit dermatology for treatment of their skin problems but often refuse psychiatric intervention. This review describes common psychocutaneous syndromes, including delusional, factitious, obsessive-compulsive and related, and eating disorders, as well as psychogenic pruritus, cutaneous sensory (pain) syndromes, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep-wake disorders. The updated classification of these disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition is included. Strategies for management are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kuhn
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Constance Mennella
- Division of Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Michelle Magid
- Department of Psychiatry at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas; Department of Psychiatry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Round Rock, Texas
| | | | - George Kroumpouzos
- Department of Dermatology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Dermatology, Medical School of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil; GK Dermatology, PC, South Weymouth, Massachusetts.
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173
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McLeay SC, Harvey WM, Romaniuk MN, Crawford DH, Colquhoun DM, Young RM, Dwyer M, Gibson JM, O'Sullivan RA, Cooksley G, Strakosch CR, Thomson RM, Voisey J, Lawford BR. Physical comorbidities of post-traumatic stress disorder in Australian Vietnam War veterans. Med J Aust 2017; 206:251-257. [PMID: 28359007 DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the prevalence of physical comorbidities in Australian Vietnam War veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is higher than in trauma-exposed veterans without PTSD. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional analysis of the health status (based on self-reported and objective clinical assessments) of 298 Australian Vietnam War veterans enrolled by the Gallipoli Medical Research Institute (Brisbane) during February 2014 - July 2015, of whom 108 were confirmed as having had PTSD and 106 served as trauma-exposed control participants.Main outcomes and measures: Diagnostic psychiatric interview and psychological assessments determined PTSD status, trauma exposure, and comorbid psychological symptoms. Demographic data, and medical and sleep history were collected; comprehensive clinical examination, electrocardiography, spirometry, liver transient elastography, and selected pathology assessments and diagnostic imaging were performed. Outcomes associated with PTSD were identified; regression analysis excluded the effects of potentially confounding demographic and risk factors and comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety. RESULTS The mean total number of comorbidities was higher among those with PTSD (17.7; SD, 6.1) than in trauma-exposed controls (14.1; SD, 5.2; P < 0.001). For 24 of 171 assessed clinical outcomes, morbidity was greater in the PTSD group, including for conditions of the gastrointestinal, hepatic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, sleep disorders, and laboratory pathology measures. In regression analyses including demographic factors, PTSD remained positively associated with 17 adverse outcomes; after adjusting for the severity of depressive symptoms, it remained significantly associated with ten. CONCLUSION PTSD in Australian Vietnam veterans is associated with comorbidities in several organ systems, independent of trauma exposure. A comprehensive approach to the health care of veterans with PTSD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Miriam Dwyer
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD
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Warlan H, Howland L. Posttraumatic stress syndrome associated with stays in the intensive care unit: importance of nurses' involvement. Crit Care Nurse 2017; 35:44-52; quiz 54. [PMID: 26033100 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2015758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
More patients in the intensive care unit are surviving their critical illnesses because of advances in medical care. This change in survival has led to an increased awareness of the emotional consequences of being critically ill. Posttraumatic stress disorder has been identified in approximately 9% to 27% of critically ill patients compared with 7% of the general US population. Risk factors such as treatment with mechanical ventilation, sedation, delusional memories, and agitation are associated with development of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients in the intensive care unit. Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder are more likely to experience negative physical and psychiatric health outcomes and a lower quality of life than are patients without the disorder. Early identification and treatment of patients experiencing these signs and symptoms may reduce these physical and psychological comorbid conditions. Through careful monitoring of medications, early mobilization, sleep promotion, and pain management, nurses may be able to reduce signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Warlan
- Heather Warlan is a nurse at the University of California San Diego Health System, and a member of the adjunct faculty, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, California.Lois Howland is an associate professor, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego.
| | - Lois Howland
- Heather Warlan is a nurse at the University of California San Diego Health System, and a member of the adjunct faculty, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego, California.Lois Howland is an associate professor, Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, University of San Diego
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Thabrew H, McDowell H, Given K, Murrell K. Systematic Review of Screening Instruments for Psychosocial Problems in Children and Adolescents With Long-Term Physical Conditions. Glob Pediatr Health 2017; 4:2333794X17690314. [PMID: 28255576 PMCID: PMC5315369 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x17690314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Children and adolescents with long-term physical conditions (LTPCs) are at greater risk of developing psychosocial problems. Screening for such problems may be undertaken using validated psychometric instruments to facilitate early intervention. A systematic review was undertaken to identify clinically utilized and psychometrically validated instruments for identifying depression, anxiety, behavior problems, substance use problems, family problems, and multiple problems in children and adolescents with LTPCs. Comprehensive searches of articles published in English between 1994 and 2014 were completed via Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, and by examining reference lists of identified articles and previous related reviews. Forty-four potential screening instruments were identified, described, and evaluated against predetermined clinical and psychometric criteria. Despite limitations in the evidence regarding their clinical and psychometric validity in this population, a handful of instruments, available at varying cost, in multiple languages and formats, were identified to support targeted, but not universal, screening for psychosocial problems in children and adolescents with LTPCs.
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Dayan J, Rauchs G, Guillery-Girard B. Rhythms dysregulation: A new perspective for understanding PTSD? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 110:453-460. [PMID: 28161453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that may occur after exposure to one or more traumatic events. It associates physiological, emotional, and cognitive changes Brain and hormonal modifications contribute to some impairments in learning, memory, and emotion regulation. Some of these biological dysfunctions may be analyzed in terms of rhythms dysregulation that would be expressed through endocrine rhythmicity, sleep organization, and temporal synchrony in brain activity. In the first part of this article, we report studies on endocrine rhythmicity revealing that some rhythms abnormalities are frequently observed, although not constantly, for both cortisol and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. The most typical changes are a flattening of the diurnal secretion of cortisol and the hyperactivation of the SNS. These results may explain why cognitive functioning, in particular consolidation of emotional memories, attention, learning, vigilance and arousal, is altered in patients with PTSD. The second part of this article focuses on sleep disturbances, one of the core features of PTSD. Abnormal REM sleep reported in various studies may have a pathophysiological role in PTSD and may exacerbate some symptoms such as emotional regulation and memory. In addition, sleep disorders, such as paradoxical insomnia, increase the risk of developing PTSD. We also discuss the potential impact of sleep disturbances on cognition. Finally, temporal synchrony of brain activity and functional connectivity, explored using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging, are addressed. Several studies reported abnormalities in alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands that may affect both attentional and memory processes. Other studies confirmed abnormalities in connectivity and recent fMRI data suggest that this could limit top-down control and may be associated with flashback intrusive memories. These data illustrate that a better knowledge of the different patterns of biological rhythms contributes to explain the heterogeneity of PTSD and shed new light on the association with some frequent medical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Dayan
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France; CHGR Rennes-I, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Rennes, France.
| | - Géraldine Rauchs
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Bérengère Guillery-Girard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France
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177
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O'Donovan A, Ahmadian AJ, Neylan TC, Pacult MA, Edmondson D, Cohen BE. Current posttraumatic stress disorder and exaggerated threat sensitivity associated with elevated inflammation in the Mind Your Heart Study. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 60:198-205. [PMID: 27765647 PMCID: PMC5279867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated inflammation has been repeatedly observed in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it may drive the development of both psychiatric symptoms and physical comorbidities. However, it is not clear if elevated inflammation is a feature of both remitted and current PTSD, and little is known about relationships between specific clusters of PTSD symptoms and inflammation. Exaggerated threat sensitivity, as indexed by threat reactivity and avoidance of perceived threats, may be particularly closely associated with inflammation. METHODS We assessed PTSD symptoms and threat sensitivity using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale in 735 Veterans Affairs patients (35% current PTSD; 16% remitted PTSD) who participated in the Mind Your Heart Study (mean age=59±11; 94% male). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and fibrinogen were used as indices of inflammation. Analysis of covariance models with planned contrasts were used to examine differences in inflammation by PTSD status, adjusting for age, sex, race, kidney function and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Individuals with current PTSD had significantly higher hsCRP and WBC than patients with no history of PTSD, but there were no significant differences in inflammatory markers between those with remitted versus no history of PTSD. Within patients with current PTSD, higher threat reactivity was independently associated with higher hsCRP (β=0.16, p=0.01) and WBC count (β=0.24, <0.001), and higher effortful avoidance was associated with higher fibrinogen (β=0.13, p=0.04). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that elevated inflammation may be a feature of current, but not remitted, PTSD. Within patients with PTSD, higher threat reactivity was also associated with elevated inflammation. A better understanding of the relationship between threat sensitivity and inflammation may inform interventions for patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife O'Donovan
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ashkan J Ahmadian
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Pacult
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Beth E Cohen
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
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178
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Nidich S, Seng A, Compton B, O'connor T, Salerno JW, Nidich R. Transcendental Meditation and Reduced Trauma Symptoms in Female Inmates: A Randomized Controlled Study. Perm J 2017; 21:16-008. [PMID: 28333611 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/16-008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Compared with the general population, trauma experiences are higher among incarcerated women. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on trauma symptoms in female offenders. DESIGN Twenty-two inmates at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, OR, with at least 4 months left of incarceration were enrolled in this randomized controlled pilot study. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the TM group (n = 11) or a wait-list control group (n = 11). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were measured at baseline and 4-month posttest using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C; primary outcome) with intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and hyperarousal subscales (secondary outcomes). Twenty of the subjects (10 in each group) took part in their treatment assignment and completed posttesting. RESULTS Significant reductions were found on total trauma (p < 0.036), intrusive thoughts (p < 0.026), and hyperarousal (p < 0.043) on the PCL-C. Effect sizes ranged from 0.65 to 0.99 for all variables. Eighty-one percent of the TM subjects were compliant with their program. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate feasibility of the TM program in a female prison population and suggest that TM may be an effective tool for decreasing trauma symptoms. Future large-scale research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanford Nidich
- Professor and Director of the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Angela Seng
- Affiliated Research Associate at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Blaze Compton
- Affiliated Research Associate at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Tom O'connor
- Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.
| | - John W Salerno
- Assistant Director of the Center for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Randi Nidich
- Senior Researcher at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
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179
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Haga JM, Stene LE, Thoresen S, Wentzel-Larsen T, Dyb G. Does posttraumatic stress predict frequency of general practitioner visits in parents of terrorism survivors? A longitudinal study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2017; 8:1389206. [PMID: 29379587 PMCID: PMC5784312 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1389206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Life threat to children may induce severe posttraumatic stress reactions (PTSR) in parents. Troubled mothers and fathers may turn to their general practitioner (GP) for help. Objective: This study investigated frequency of GP visits in mothers and fathers of adolescent and young adult terrorism survivors related to their own PTSR and PTSR in their surviving children. Method: Self-reported early PTSR (4-5 months post-disaster) in 196 mothers, 113 fathers and 240 survivors of the 2011 Utøya terrorist attack were linked to parents' three years pre- and post-disaster primary healthcare data from a national reimbursement claims database. Frequency of parents' GP visits was regressed on parent and child PTSR, first separately, then in combination, and finally by including an interaction. Negative binominal regressions, adjusted for parents' pre-disaster GP visits and socio-demography, were performed separately for mothers and fathers and for the early (<6 months) and delayed (6-36 months) aftermath of the terrorist attack. Results: Parents' early PTSR were significantly associated with higher early frequency of GP visits in mothers (rate ratio, RR = 1.31, 95%CI 1.09-1.56) and fathers (RR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.03-1.91). In the delayed aftermath, early PTSR were significantly associated with higher frequency of GP visits in mothers only (RR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.04-1.41). Early PTSR in children were not significantly associated with an overall increase in GP visits. On the contrary, in mothers, child PTSR predicted significant decrease in GP visits the delayed aftermath (RR = 0.83, 95%CI 0.71-0.97). Conclusions: Our study suggests that GPs may play an important role in identifying and providing for parents' post-disaster healthcare needs. GPs need to be aware that distressed individuals are likely to approach them following disasters and must prepare for both short- and long-term healthcare needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Magnus Haga
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Eilin Stene
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.,Department of Social Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Thoresen
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Grete Dyb
- Norwegian Centre of Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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180
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Inflammation in Fear- and Anxiety-Based Disorders: PTSD, GAD, and Beyond. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:254-270. [PMID: 27510423 PMCID: PMC5143487 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 422] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The study of inflammation in fear- and anxiety-based disorders has gained interest as growing literature indicates that pro-inflammatory markers can directly modulate affective behavior. Indeed, heightened concentrations of inflammatory signals, including cytokines and C-reactive protein, have been described in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), and phobias (agoraphobia, social phobia, etc.). However, not all reports indicate a positive association between inflammation and fear- and anxiety-based symptoms, suggesting that other factors are important in future assessments of inflammation's role in the maintenance of these disorders (ie, sex, co-morbid conditions, types of trauma exposure, and behavioral sources of inflammation). The most parsimonious explanation of increased inflammation in PTSD, GAD, PD, and phobias is via the activation of the stress response and central and peripheral immune cells to release cytokines. Dysregulation of the stress axis in the face of increased sympathetic tone and decreased parasympathetic activity characteristic of anxiety disorders could further augment inflammation and contribute to increased symptoms by having direct effects on brain regions critical for the regulation of fear and anxiety (such as the prefrontal cortex, insula, amygdala, and hippocampus). Taken together, the available data suggest that targeting inflammation may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating these fear- and anxiety-based disorders in the future. However, the field must continue to characterize the specific role pro-inflammatory signaling in the maintenance of these unique psychiatric conditions.
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181
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Kerai S, Pasha O, Khan U, Islam M, Asad N, Razzak J. Association of post-traumatic stress disorder and work performance: A survey from an emergency medical service, Karachi, Pakistan. World J Emerg Med 2017; 8:214-222. [PMID: 28680519 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to explore the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and work performance of emergency medical services personnel in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS Emergency medical service personnel were screened for potential PTSD using Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Work performance was assessed on the basis of five variables: number of late arrivals to work, number of days absent, number of days sick, adherence to protocol, and patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months. In order to model outcomes like the number of late arrivals to work, days absent and days late, negative binomial regression was applied, whereas logistic regression was applied for adherence to protocol and linear for patient satisfaction scores. RESULTS Mean scores of PTSD were 24.0±12.2. No association was found between PTSD and work performance measures: number of late arrivals to work (RRadj 0.99; 0.98-1.00), days absent (RRadj 0.98; 0.96-0.99), days sick (RRadj 0.99; 0.98-1.00), adherence to protocol (ORadj 1.01; 0.99-1.04) and patient satisfaction (β 0.001%-0.03%) after adjusting for years of formal schooling, living status, coping mechanism, social support, working hours, years of experience and anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION No statistically significant association was found between PTSD and work performance amongst EMS personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Kerai
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Omrana Pasha
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Uzma Khan
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Islam
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nargis Asad
- Psychiatry Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Razzak
- Emergency Medicine Department, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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182
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[Posttraumatic stress disorder : Trigger and consequence of vascular diseases]. DER NERVENARZT 2016; 88:234-246. [PMID: 27752723 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-016-0231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was previously thought to be a psychological reaction precipitated by exposure to war, sexual and physical violence; however, PTSD is also prevalent after life-threatening medical events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. After such events PTSD is often underdiagnosed despite the fact that it is clearly associated with adverse clinical outcomes including recurrence of cardiac events and increased mortality. Moreover, PTSD increases the risk of vascular events. This review summarizes the bidirectional relationship between PTSD and vascular diseases and outlines current knowledge regarding clinical features, prevalence and the putative underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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183
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Nidich S, O'connor T, Rutledge T, Duncan J, Compton B, Seng A, Nidich R. Reduced Trauma Symptoms and Perceived Stress in Male Prison Inmates through the Transcendental Meditation Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Perm J 2016; 20:16-007. [PMID: 27723444 DOI: 10.7812/tpp/16-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Trauma events are four times more prevalent in inmates than in the general public and are associated with increased recidivism and other mental and physical health issues. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on trauma symptoms in male inmates. DESIGN One hundred eighty-one inmates with a moderate- to high-risk criminal profile were randomly assigned to either the TM program or to a usual care control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Trauma Symptom Checklist and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered at baseline and four-month posttest. RESULTS Significant reductions in total trauma symptoms, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and sleep disturbance subscales, and perceived stress in the TM group were found compared with controls (all p values < 0.001). The high-trauma subgroup analysis further showed a higher magnitude of effects in the TM group compared with controls on all outcomes, with Cohen effect sizes ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. CONCLUSION Results are consistent with those of prior studies of the TM program in other populations and its effects on trauma symptoms and perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanford Nidich
- Professor and the Director of the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Tom O'connor
- Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.
| | - Thomas Rutledge
- Staff Psychologist at Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System in La Jolla, CA.
| | - Jeff Duncan
- Research Analyst for the Oregon Department of Corrections in Salem.
| | - Blaze Compton
- Affiliated Research Associate at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Angela Seng
- Affiliated Research Associate at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
| | - Randi Nidich
- Senior Researcher at the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA.
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184
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Liu M, Xu F, Tao T, Song D, Li D, Li Y, Guo Y, Liu X. Molecular Mechanisms of Stress-Induced Myocardial Injury in a Rat Model Simulating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Psychosom Med 2016; 78:888-895. [PMID: 27359173 PMCID: PMC5051518 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying myocardial injury induced by simulated PTSD. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 18) and PTSD group (n = 30). The PTSD model was replicated using the single prolonged stress (SPS) method. On the 14th day poststress, the apoptotic cells in myocardium were assessed using both TUNEL method and transmission electron microscopy; the protein levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) molecules were measured by using Western blotting analysis. RESULTS Exposure to SPS resulted in characteristic morphologic changes of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, TUNEL staining was also indicative of the elevated apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes from the SPS rats (30.69% versus 7.26%, p < .001). Simulated PTSD also induced ERS in myocardium, demonstrated by up-regulation of protein levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (0.64 versus 0.26, p = .017), calreticulin (p = .040), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (0.95 versus 0.43, p = .047), phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (p = .003), and caspase 12 activation (0.30 versus 0.06, p < .001) in myocardium from the SPS rats. The ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax decreased significantly in myocardium from the SPS rats (p = .005). CONCLUSIONS The ERS-related apoptosis mediated by the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein and caspase 12 pathways may be associated with myocardial injury in a rat model simulating PTSD. This study may advance our understanding of how PTSD contributes to myocardial injury on a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Liu
- From the Department of Pathophysiology (Liu, Xu, Tao, Song, Li D, Li Y, Guo, Liu), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; and State Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease (Xiuhua), Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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185
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Michopoulos V, Vester A, Neigh G. Posttraumatic stress disorder: A metabolic disorder in disguise? Exp Neurol 2016; 284:220-229. [PMID: 27246996 PMCID: PMC5056806 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that affects individuals exposed to trauma and is highly co-morbid with other adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and obesity. The unique pathophysiological feature of PTSD is the inability to inhibit fear responses, such that individuals suffering from PTSD re-experience traumatic memories and are unable to control psychophysiological responses to trauma-associated stimuli. However, underlying alterations in sympathetic nervous system activity, neuroendocrine systems, and metabolism associated with PTSD are similar to those present in traditional metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. The current review highlights existing clinical, translational, and preclinical data that support the notion that underneath the primary indication of impaired fear inhibition, PTSD is itself also a metabolic disorder and proposes altered function of inflammatory responses as a common underlying mechanism. The therapeutic implications of treating PTSD as a whole-body condition are significant, as targeting any underlying biological system whose activity is altered in both PTSD and metabolic disorders, (i.e. HPA axis, sympathetic nervous systems, inflammation) may elicit symptomatic relief in individuals suffering from these whole-body adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aimee Vester
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gretchen Neigh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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186
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Bam M, Yang X, Zumbrun EE, Zhong Y, Zhou J, Ginsberg JP, Leyden Q, Zhang J, Nagarkatti PS, Nagarkatti M. Dysregulated immune system networks in war veterans with PTSD is an outcome of altered miRNA expression and DNA methylation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31209. [PMID: 27510991 PMCID: PMC4980621 DOI: 10.1038/srep31209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder patients experience chronic systemic inflammation. However, the molecular pathways involved and mechanisms regulating the expression of genes involved in inflammatory pathways in PTSD are reported inadequately. Through RNA sequencing and miRNA microarray, we identified 326 genes and 190 miRNAs that were significantly different in their expression levels in the PBMCs of PTSD patients. Expression pairing of the differentially expressed genes and miRNAs indicated an inverse relationship in their expression. Functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated their involvement in the canonical pathways specific to immune system biology. DNA methylation analysis of differentially expressed genes also showed a gradual trend towards differences between control and PTSD patients, again indicating a possible role of this epigenetic mechanism in PTSD inflammation. Overall, combining data from the three techniques provided a holistic view of several pathways in which the differentially expressed genes were impacted through epigenetic mechanisms, in PTSD. Thus, analysis combining data from RNA-Seq, miRNA array and DNA methylation, can provide key evidence about dysregulated pathways and the controlling mechanism in PTSD. Most importantly, the present study provides further evidence that inflammation in PTSD could be epigenetically regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marpe Bam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA.,William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, 29209-1639, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Zumbrun
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Yin Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Juhua Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Jay P Ginsberg
- William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, 29209-1639, South Carolina, USA
| | - Quinne Leyden
- William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, 29209-1639, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29206, USA
| | - Prakash S Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Mitzi Nagarkatti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA.,William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, 29209-1639, South Carolina, USA
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187
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Agorastos A, Linthorst ACE. Potential pleiotropic beneficial effects of adjuvant melatonergic treatment in posttraumatic stress disorder. J Pineal Res 2016; 61:3-26. [PMID: 27061919 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Loss of circadian rhythmicity fundamentally affects the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic system, similar to chronic stress and may play a central role in the development of stress-related disorders. Recent articles have focused on the role of sleep and circadian disruption in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that chronodisruption plays a causal role in PTSD development. Direct and indirect human and animal PTSD research suggests circadian system-linked neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic and autonomic dysregulation, linking circadian misalignment to PTSD pathophysiology. Recent experimental findings also support a specific role of the fundamental synchronizing pineal hormone melatonin in mechanisms of sleep, cognition and memory, metabolism, pain, neuroimmunomodulation, stress endocrinology and physiology, circadian gene expression, oxidative stress and epigenetics, all processes affected in PTSD. In the current paper, we review available literature underpinning a potentially beneficiary role of an add-on melatonergic treatment in PTSD pathophysiology and PTSD-related symptoms. The literature is presented as a narrative review, providing an overview on the most important and clinically relevant publications. We conclude that adjuvant melatonergic treatment could provide a potentially promising treatment strategy in the management of PTSD and especially PTSD-related syndromes and comorbidities. Rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Astrid C E Linthorst
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Neurobiology of Stress and Behaviour Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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188
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Co-morbidity of PTSD and immune system dysfunction: opportunities for treatment. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2016; 29:104-10. [PMID: 27479489 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as a psychiatric disorder; however, PTSD co-occurs with multiple somatic manifestations. People living with PTSD commonly manifest dysregulations in the systems that regulate the stress response, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and development of a pro-inflammatory state. Additionally, somatic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and disorders have a high rate of co-morbidity with PTSD. Recognition and understanding of the compounding effect that these disease states can have on each other, evidenced from poorer treatment outcomes and accelerated disease progression in patients suffering from co-morbid PTSD and/or other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has the potential to lead to additional treatment opportunities.
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Abstract
Previous reports have suggested a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies, however, systematically analyze the relationship between PTSD and body mass index (BMI). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the association between PTSD and BMI. Fifty-four articles were reviewed, 30 of which (with 191,948 individuals with PTSD and 418,690 trauma-exposed individuals or healthy controls) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pooled standard mean difference, based on a random-effects model, was 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.54; z = 6.26; p < .001). Statistical heterogeneity between the included studies was high (p < .001; I = 99%). Despite limitations, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest an association between PTSD and BMI. Furthermore, longitudinal studies tentatively indicate that PTSD may lead to an increase in BMI and, as such, to the development of overweight/obesity, particularly in women. Further prospective studies and research elaborating the nature and etiology of the association are required.
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190
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Abstract
Exposure to adversity in childhood (adverse childhood experiences [ACEs]) is linked to a number of chronic diseases in adulthood, yet there is limited research examining the impact of ACEs on diabetes. The current review sought to examine the association between ACEs, other trauma exposure or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, and risk for diabetes. Thirty-eight studies are reviewed. Unlike in other diseases, several studies in diabetes show a threshold-response versus a dose-response relation, while other studies show a relation between greater abuse severity and diabetes risk. There were mixed results for studies examining abuse type and frequency. Chronic or comorbid PTSD was also related to increased diabetes risk among veterans, but in community samples, only trauma exposure predicted diabetes risk. While the research is still limited, diabetes researchers and clinicians should consider screening for ACEs and examine severity and frequency across abuse type as a predictor of both diabetes and poor diabetes outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Huffhines
- University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Development, 610 E. 22nd Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Amy Noser
- University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Development, 610 E. 22nd Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Susana R Patton
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Development, 610 E. 22nd Street, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
- University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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191
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Watson IPB, Brüne M, Bradley AJ. The evolution of the molecular response to stress and its relevance to trauma and stressor-related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:134-147. [PMID: 27216210 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The experience of "stress", in its broadest meaning, is an inevitable part of life. All living creatures have evolved multiple mechanisms to deal with such threats and challenges and to avoid damage to the organism that may be incurred from these stress responses. Trauma and stressor-related disorders are psychiatric conditions that are caused specifically by the experience of stress, though depression, anxiety and some other disorders may also be unleashed by stress. Stress, however, is not a mandatory criterion of these diagnoses. This article focuses on the evolution of the neurochemicals involved in the response to stress and the systems in which they function. This includes the skin and gut, and the immune system. Evidence suggests that responses to stress are evolutionarily highly conserved, have wider involvement than the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal stress axis alone, and that excessive stress responses can produce stressor-related disorders in both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian P Burges Watson
- University of Tasmania, Department of Psychiatry, Hobart, Tasmania 7005, Australia
| | - Martin Brüne
- LWL University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Adrian J Bradley
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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192
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Comorbid mental and physical health and health access in Cambodian refugees in the US. J Community Health 2016; 39:1045-52. [PMID: 24651944 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9861-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Little research has been conducted on the prevalence of physical health problems in Cambodian refugees and the relationship between their mental and physical health. We identified the relationship between mental and physical health problems and barriers to healthcare access in Cambodian refugee adults. We used a cross-sectional survey design with a snowball sample of 136 Cambodian refugee adult residents of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. 61% reported being diagnosed with three or more physical conditions and 73% with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or both. Language and transportation problems were the primary barriers to accessing care. Participants with probable comorbid PTSD and depression had 1.850 times more physical health problems than those without either condition (p > .001; CI 1.334-2.566). Age moderated this relationship. Participants who had been diagnosed with both depression and PTSD reported a consistent number of health conditions across the age span while those who had no mental health conditions or only one of the two reported fewer health conditions when they were younger and more when they were older. These two groups were significantly different from the group reporting both. There is a significant relationship between chronic comorbid mental and physical health diseases affecting Cambodian refugees resettled in the US Having comorbid depression and PTSD puts Cambodian refugees at risk for physical health problems no matter their age. It is vital that those treating Cambodian genocide survivors identify and treat their prevalent comorbid health conditions. Language and transportation barriers must be addressed to improve access to mental and physical health care in this population.
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193
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PTSD is associated with an increase in aged T cell phenotypes in adults living in Detroit. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 67:133-41. [PMID: 26894484 PMCID: PMC4826331 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial stress is thought to play a key role in the acceleration of immunological aging. This study investigated the relationship between lifetime and past-year history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the distribution of T cell phenotypes thought to be characteristic of immunological aging. METHODS Data were from 85 individuals who participated in the community-based Detroit Neighborhood Health Study. Immune markers assessed included the CD4:CD8 ratio, the ratio of late-differentiated effector (CCR7-CD45RA+CD27-CD28-) to naïve (CCR7+CD45RA+CD27+CD28+) T cells, the percentage of KLRG1-expressing cells, and the percentage of CD57-expressing cells. RESULTS In models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, and medication use, we found that past-year PTSD was associated with statistically significant differences in the CD8+ T cell population, including a higher ratio of late-differentiated effector to naïve T cells, a higher percentage of KLRG1+ cells, and a higher percentage of CD57+ cells. The percentage of CD57+ cells in the CD4 subset was also significantly higher and the CD4:CD8 ratio significantly lower among individuals who had experienced past-year PTSD. Lifetime PTSD was also associated with differences in several parameters of immune aging. CONCLUSIONS PTSD is associated with an aged immune phenotype and should be evaluated as a potential catalyzer of accelerated immunological aging in future studies.
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Wilker S, Pfeiffer A, Elbert T, Ovuga E, Karabatsiakis A, Krumbholz A, Thieme D, Schelling G, Kolassa IT. Endocannabinoid concentrations in hair are associated with PTSD symptom severity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 67:198-206. [PMID: 26923850 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in the regulation of the stress response, fear memory formation, and inflammatory processes. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from exposure to extreme stress and is characterized by strong, associative memories for the traumatic events experienced. Furthermore, an elevated physical disease risk has been observed in PTSD, likely to be mediated by inflammatory processes. Therefore, altered endocannabinoid regulation can be expected in individuals with PTSD. However, attempts to assess PTSD-associated differences in the endocannabinoid system from human blood samples have provided inconsistent results, possibly due to fluctuating levels of endocannabinoids. In hair, these neuromodulators are accumulated over time and thus give access to a more stable and reliable assessment. We therefore investigated PTSD-associated differences in hair concentrations of endocannabinoids (N-acyl-ethanolamides palmitoylethanolamide [PEA], oleoylethanolamide [OEA] and stearoylethanolamide [SEA]) in 38 rebel war survivors from Northern Uganda suffering from PTSD and N=38 healthy rebel war survivors without current and lifetime PTSD. PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity were assessed in structured clinical interviews employing the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS). A significant group difference was observed for OEA, with PTSD patients showing reduced hair concentrations. Regression analyses further revealed strong negative relationships between all investigated N-acyl-ethanolamides and symptom severity of PTSD. The observed reductions in endocannabinoids might account for the increased inflammatory state as well as for the failure to extinguish fear memories observed in PTSD. Our findings add to the accumulating evidence suggesting the endocannabinoid system as a target for pharmacological enhancement of exposure-based psychotherapy for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wilker
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology & Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Anett Pfeiffer
- Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Emilio Ovuga
- Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Alexander Karabatsiakis
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology & Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Aniko Krumbholz
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, 01731 Kreischa, Germany
| | - Detlef Thieme
- Institute of Doping Analysis and Sports Biochemistry Dresden, 01731 Kreischa, Germany
| | - Gustav Schelling
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 82131 Munich, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology & Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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195
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the prevalence and predictors of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and where possible compare this to healthy controls. METHODS We searched major electronic databases until May 2015 for studies reporting T2DM prevalence in people with PTSD. Two independent authors extracted data and completed methodological quality appraisal. A random-effects meta-analysis was used. RESULTS From 1171 candidate publications after exclusions, nine publications were included (n = 23,396; 28.6% male; mean age = 35-60 years). The overall prevalence of T2DM was 10.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.1%-12.0%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that war veterans experience higher prevalence of T2DM (16.3%; 95% CI = 5.2%-31.8%; n studies = 3, n = 473) compared with mixed samples (11.8%; 95% CI = 6.34-18.7, p < .001; n studies = 4, n = 2753). Increasing age (β = 0.0593, 95% CI = 0.010-0.109, z = 2.34, p = .019), median year of publication (β = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.14 to -0.03, z = -3.09, p = .002), and a lower percentage of white participants (β = -3.21, 95% CI = -5.12 to -1.29, z = -2.28, p = .001) predicted prevalence of T2DM. A relative risk meta-analysis comparing controls (n = 125,723) against those with PTSD (n = 23,203) demonstrated a significantly increased risk of T2DM (n studies = 5, relative risk = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.17-1.89, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS People with PTSD are at a high risk for developing T2DM. The current findings should, however, be interpreted with caution because most studies were based on self-report data.
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196
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Telomere length and telomere repeating factors: Cellular markers for post-traumatic stress disorder-like model. J Affect Disord 2016; 195:156-62. [PMID: 26896808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to explore the telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes from a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the expression level of telomere-binding protein in the hippocampal CA1 region. METHODS The PTSD model was established with 42 adult male Wistar rats. The relative telomere length of the leukocytes was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression levels of telomere repeating factor 1 (TRF1) and telomere repeating factor 2 (TRF2) in the hippocampal CA1 region of the PTSD rat model were determined by immunofluorescence technology. The covariance analysis of repeated measurements by the mixed model approach was used for the telomere length analysis. The comparison of averaged data among groups was performed using least significant difference and analysis of variance. The Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for intragroup comparison. The association study among groups was conducted using the Spearman test. RESULTS The shortening speed of telomere length significantly accelerated in rats after Single Prolonged Stress (SPS) stimulation (P<0.05). The expression levels of TRF1 and TRF2 increased with the progress of PTSD, and the expression peak was shown in day 14, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The shortening speed of the telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes accelerated in PTSD rats, and the expression levels of TRF1 and TRF2 increased in hippocampus, both of which were closely associated with the pathological progress of the PTSD-like model and unfavorable prognosis.
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197
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Lee YC, Agnew-Blais J, Malspeis S, Keyes K, Costenbader K, Kubzansky LD, Roberts AL, Koenen KC, Karlson EW. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Risk for Incident Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2016; 68:292-8. [PMID: 26239524 PMCID: PMC4740283 DOI: 10.1002/acr.22683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk in a prospective cohort and to characterize the role of smoking in this relationship. METHODS A subset (n = 54,224) of the Nurses' Health Study II, a prospective cohort of female nurses, completed the Brief Trauma Questionnaire and a screen for PTSD symptoms. Participants were categorized based on trauma exposure and number of PTSD symptoms. Incident RA cases (n = 239) from 1989 to 2011 were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between PTSD symptoms and incident RA. To identify the impact of smoking, secondary and subgroup analyses were performed. In all analyses, PTSD and smoking were lagged 2 years before the development of RA. RESULTS Compared to no history of trauma/PTSD symptoms, the HR for ≥4 PTSD symptoms and incident RA was 1.76 (95% CI 1.16-2.67) in models adjusted for age, race, and socioeconomic status. The risk for RA increased with an increasing number of PTSD symptoms (P = 0.01). When smoking was added to the model, the HR for RA remained elevated (HR 1.60 [95% CI 1.05-2.43]). In a subgroup analysis, excluding women who smoked before PTSD onset, results were unchanged (HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.04-2.70]). CONCLUSION This study suggests that women with high PTSD symptomatology have an elevated risk for RA, independent of smoking, adding to emerging evidence that stress is an important determinant of physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne C. Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB-B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Susan Malspeis
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB-B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katherine Keyes
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Karen Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB-B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura D. Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea L. Roberts
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth W. Karlson
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, PBB-B3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Bourn LE, Sexton MB, Raggio GA, Porter KE, Rauch SAM. Posttraumatic stress disorder and somatic complaints: Contrasting Vietnam and OIF/OEF Veterans' experiences. J Psychosom Res 2016; 82:35-40. [PMID: 26944397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To replicate and expand upon the relationship of somatic symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by comparing symptoms among service eras in US Veterans. METHOD Data were collected from 226 Vietnam and 132 Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) Veterans who were referred to a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital PTSD outpatient clinic between 2005 and 2013. Veterans were administered self-report inventories and a clinical interview to measure somatic symptoms and PTSD severity. A subset of Veterans (n=185) screening positive for PTSD were administered the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) to measure PTSD severity. Multiple moderated linear regressions were used to examine the influence of service era on the relationship between somatic and PTSD symptoms. RESULTS There were no significant differences between service eras in pain severity, pain interference, and total somatic symptoms reported. Vietnam Veterans were more likely to report limb/join pain (p<.05), fainting (p<.01), and shortness of breath (p<.001), whereas OIF/OEF Veterans were more likely to complain of headaches (p<.001). A significant interaction effect occurred between service era and dizziness (p<.05) and chest pain (p<.01), with OIF/OEF Veterans reporting higher levels of these symptoms significantly more likely than Vietnam Veterans to also experience more severe PTSD. CONCLUSION Findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating the relationship of somatic symptoms and PTSD across service eras but provide additional data concerning similarities and differences of somatic symptoms between eras. Potential explanations for observed service era differences in somatic symptoms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Bourn
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Minden B Sexton
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Greer A Raggio
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Katherine E Porter
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; University of Michigan Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
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199
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PTSD and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Aging Veterans. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2016; 24:192-200. [PMID: 25555625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if late-life posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with cardiovascular disease in a sample of older veterans, and whether the association is independent of medical and psychiatric comorbities. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study conducted using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Patient Care Database (2000-2011). SETTING VA medical centers in the United States. PARTICIPANTS A total of 138,341 veterans 55 years and older without cardiovascular disease at study baseline (2000-2003). MEASUREMENTS PTSD and cardiovascular disease (as defined by diagnoses of: cerebrovascular disease [CVD], congestive heart failure [CHF], myocardial infarction [MI], and peripheral vascular disease [PVD]) were identified by ICD-9 codes during study baseline (2000-2003) and follow-up (2004-2011), respectively. RESULTS 3% of veterans (N = 4,041) had a baseline diagnosis of PTSD. Unadjusted increased risk of incidence of CVD was 80%, CHF was 56%, MI was 82%, and PVD was 60% in veterans with PTSD compared with those without PTSD. After adjustment for demographics, medical comorbidities, substance use, and psychiatric comorbidities, veterans with late-life PTSD were at a 45% increased risk for incident CVD, 26% increased risk for incident CHF, 49% increased risk for incident MI, and 35% increased risk for PVD compared with veterans without late-life PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the longitudinal impact of PTSD on increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease in older adults. This study implies the need for greater monitoring and treatment of PTSD in older persons, particularly older veterans, to assist in preventing adverse outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, over the long term.
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200
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Kim YJ. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Mediator Between Trauma Exposure and Comorbid Mental Health Conditions in North Korean Refugee Youth Resettled in South Korea. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2016; 31:425-443. [PMID: 25381279 DOI: 10.1177/0886260514555864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A structural equation model was used to investigate the relationship between trauma exposure and comorbid mental health problems and the mediation effect of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) between trauma and mental health variables. The research model is based on the stress-vulnerability conceptual framework in which PTSD as a comorbid disorder mediates the relationship between trauma exposure and mental health problems. A self-administered survey was administered to 144 North Korean refugee youth residing in South Korea. Trauma exposure, both interpersonal and noninterpersonal, had no direct relationship with comorbid mental health problems. However, interpersonal trauma contributed to comorbid mental health problems through PTSD, demonstrating the mediation effect of PTSD and supporting the stress-vulnerability hypothesis of the current research model. Clinical implications of the study and future direction for research are discussed.
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