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Carlson EB, Barlow MR, Palmieri PA, Shieh L, Mellman TA, Cooksey E, Parker J, Williams M, Spain DA. Performance replication of the Hospital Mental Health Risk Screen in ethnoracially diverse U.S. patients admitted through emergency care. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311256. [PMID: 39352883 PMCID: PMC11444411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients admitted to hospitals after emergency care for injury or acute illness are at risk for later mental health problems. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Standards for care of injured patients call for mental health risk screening, and the Hospital Mental Health Risk Screen (HMHRS) accurately identified at-risk patients in a developmental study that included patients from five ethnoracial groups. Replication of these findings is essential, because initial positive results for predictive screens can fail to replicate if the items were strongly related to outcomes in the development sample but not in a new sample from the population the screen was intended for. STUDY DESIGN Replication of the predictive performance of the 10-item HMHRS was studied prospectively in ethnoracially diverse patients admitted after emergency care for acute illness or injury in three hospitals across the U.S. RESULTS Risk screen scores and follow-up mental health outcomes were obtained for 452 of 631 patients enrolled (72%). A cut score of 10 on the HMHRS correctly identified 79% of the patients who reported elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms two months post-admission (sensitivity) and 72% of the patients whose symptoms were not elevated (specificity). HMHRS scores also predicted well for patients with acute illness, for patients with injuries, and for patients who reported an Asian American/Pacific Islander, Black, Latinx, Multirace, or White identity. CONCLUSIONS Predictive performance of the HMHRS was strong overall and within all five ethnoracial subgroups. Routine screening could reduce suffering and health care costs, increase health and mental health equity, and foster preventive care research and implementation. The performance of the HMHRS should be studied in other countries and in other populations of recent trauma survivors, such as survivors of disaster or mass violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve B Carlson
- Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - M Rose Barlow
- Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California, United States of America
| | - Patrick A Palmieri
- Traumatic Stress Center, Summa Health, Akron, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lisa Shieh
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas A Mellman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Erika Cooksey
- Center of Excellence in Trauma and Violence Prevention, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jada Parker
- Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Mallory Williams
- Center of Excellence in Trauma and Violence Prevention, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - David A Spain
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Bisson JI, Meader N, Churchill R, Ostuzzi G, Stein DJ, Williams T, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals experiencing acute traumatic stress symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 5:CD013613. [PMID: 38767196 PMCID: PMC11103774 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013613.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute traumatic stress symptoms may develop in people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. Although they are usually self-limiting in time, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe and debilitating condition. Pharmacological interventions have been proposed for acute symptoms to act as an indicated prevention measure for PTSD development. As many individuals will spontaneously remit, these interventions should balance efficacy and tolerability. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and acceptability of early pharmacological interventions for prevention of PTSD in adults experiencing acute traumatic stress symptoms. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trial Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and two other databases. We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. The search was last updated on 23 January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials on adults exposed to any kind of traumatic event and presenting acute traumatic stress symptoms, without restriction on their severity. We considered comparisons of any medication with placebo, or with another medication. We excluded trials that investigated medications as an augmentation to psychotherapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Using a random-effects model, we analysed dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) and calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial/harmful outcome (NNTB/NNTH). We analysed continuous data as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD). Our primary outcomes were PTSD severity and dropouts due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes included PTSD rate, functional disability and quality of life. MAIN RESULTS We included eight studies that considered four interventions (escitalopram, hydrocortisone, intranasal oxytocin, temazepam) and involved a total of 779 participants. The largest trial contributed 353 participants and the next largest, 120 and 118 participants respectively. The trials enrolled participants admitted to trauma centres or emergency departments. The risk of bias in the included studies was generally low except for attrition rate, which we rated as high-risk. We could meta-analyse data for two comparisons: escitalopram versus placebo (but limited to secondary outcomes) and hydrocortisone versus placebo. One study compared escitalopram to placebo at our primary time point of three months after the traumatic event. There was inconclusive evidence of any difference in terms of PTSD severity (mean difference (MD) on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS, score range 0 to 136) -11.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) -24.56 to 1.86; 1 study, 23 participants; very low-certainty evidence), dropouts due to adverse events (no participant left the study early due to adverse events; 1 study, 31 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and PTSD rates (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.03 to 13.08; NNTB 37, 95% CI NNTB 15 to NNTH 1; 1 study, 23 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not assess functional disability or quality of life. Three studies compared hydrocortisone to placebo at our primary time point of three months after the traumatic event. We found inconclusive evidence on whether hydrocortisone was more effective in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms compared to placebo (MD on CAPS -7.53, 95% CI -25.20 to 10.13; I2 = 85%; 3 studies, 136 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and whether it reduced the risk of developing PTSD (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.38; NNTB 14, 95% CI NNTB 8 to NNTH 5; I2 = 36%; 3 studies, 136 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Evidence on the risk of dropping out due to adverse events is inconclusive (RR 3.19, 95% CI 0.13 to 75.43; 2 studies, 182 participants; low-certainty evidence) and it is unclear whether hydrocortisone might improve quality of life (MD on the SF-36 (score range 0 to 136, higher is better) 19.70, 95% CI -1.10 to 40.50; 1 study, 43 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study assessed functional disability. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides uncertain evidence regarding the use of escitalopram, hydrocortisone, intranasal oxytocin and temazepam for people with acute stress symptoms. It is therefore unclear whether these pharmacological interventions exert a positive or negative effect in this population. It is important to note that acute traumatic stress symptoms are often limited in time, and that the lack of data prevents the careful assessment of expected benefits against side effects that is therefore required. To yield stronger conclusions regarding both positive and negative outcomes, larger sample sizes are required. A common operational framework of criteria for inclusion and baseline assessment might help in better understanding who, if anyone, benefits from an intervention. As symptom severity alone does not provide the full picture of the impact of exposure to trauma, assessment of quality of life and functional impairment would provide a more comprehensive picture of the effects of the interventions. The assessment and reporting of side effects may facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Dept of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Liu H, Wu F, Liao G, Mai S, Ouyang M. Impact of the intensive psychological intervention care on post-traumatic stress disorder and negative emotions of teenage female patients seeking an induced abortion. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1033320. [PMID: 37900292 PMCID: PMC10602776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1033320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to investigate the effects of intensive psychological intervention care on adverse emotions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in female teenage patients after induced abortion. Methods This prospective cohort study included 100 teenage female patients seeking induced abortion who were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (n = 50) and the control group (n = 50). The intervention group received intensive psychological intervention care, while the control group received standard routine nursing. The scores of the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), self-rating depression (SDS), and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were compared between the two groups at 1 month and 3 months after the operation. Results The intervention group had lower risk of developing PTSD (24% vs. 44%), depression (10% vs. 32%), and anxiety (0% vs. 12%) symptoms at 1 month after the surgery. However, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups at 3 months after the surgery. Furthermore, the intervention group had significantly lower scores in PCL-5 (27.4 ± 5.4 vs. 31.8 ± 5.7; 20.5 ± 7.1 vs. 25.0 ± 7.5; p < 0.05), SDS (31.8 ± 5.4 vs. 37.8 ± 6.6; 26.8 ± 5.0 vs. 31.4 ± 7.2; p < 0.05), and SAS (32.7 ± 5.0 vs. 39.8 ± 6.9; 25.0 ± 2.7 vs. 27.5 ± 2.8; p < 0.05) at 1 month and 3 months after induced abortion. Conclusion These findings suggest that intensive psychological intervention care can reduce the incidence and severity of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in teenage patients who undergo induced abortion. Clinical trial registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=185200, identifier ChiCTR2300067531.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
| | - Fengdi Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
| | - Guixia Liao
- Nursing Department, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
| | - Sizi Mai
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
| | - Meijin Ouyang
- Department of Gynecology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
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Dworkin ER, Schallert M, Lee CM, Kaysen D. Pilot randomized clinical trial of an app-based early intervention to reduce PTSD and alcohol use following sexual assault. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2023:2023-60287-001. [PMID: 37011153 PMCID: PMC10545809 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual assault is associated with high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTSD often co-occurs with alcohol misuse. Most sexual assault survivors do not access early preventative interventions for such conditions. App-based interventions are a promising means to extend the reach of early interventions and thereby reduce risk of chronic PTSD and alcohol misuse. METHOD This study was a pilot randomized clinical trial of an app-based early intervention with phone coaching (THRIVE) for survivors of past-10-week sexual assault (NCT#: NCT03703258). Intended active components of the THRIVE app are daily cognitive restructuring, daily activity scheduling, and as-needed relationally focused exercises, supported by coaching calls. Forty-one adult female survivors of recent sexual assault with elevated posttraumatic stress and drinking were randomized to intervention or control (symptom-monitoring app with phone coaching). Participants in both conditions were encouraged to use their respective app for 21 days and completed self-report symptom assessments at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS At 3-month follow-up, the between-group effect size favored intervention for posttraumatic stress (d = -0.70), intoxication frequency (d = -0.62), and drinking hours per week (d = -0.39). More participants evidenced reliable change in intervention versus control for posttraumatic stress (OR = 2.67) and alcohol problems (OR = 3.05) at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS The general direction of effects indicates that THRIVE, coupled with coaching, reduces risk for PTSD and alcohol outcomes beyond coached monitoring. These findings suggest that apps like THRIVE may provide an option for early intervention for sexual assault survivors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Dworkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Macey Schallert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Christine M Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
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Laccetta G, Di Chiara M, De Nardo MC, Terrin G. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of preterm newborns: A systematic review of interventions and prevention strategies. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:998995. [PMID: 36970259 PMCID: PMC10032332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.998995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPreterm birth and subsequent NICU admission can be a traumatic experience for parents who may subsequently develop post-traumatic stress (PTS) disorder (PTSD). Given that developmental issues are common among children of parents with PTSD, interventions for prevention and treatment are essential.ObjectiveTo assess the most effective non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and/or treat PTS symptoms in parents of preterm newborns.MethodsSystematic review performed in accordance with the PRISMA statements. Eligible articles in English language were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases using the following medical subject headings and terms: “stress disorder, post-traumatic,” “parents,” “mothers,” “fathers,” “infant, newborn,” “intensive care units, neonatal,” and “premature birth.” The terms “preterm birth” and “preterm delivery” were also used. Unpublished data were searched in ClinicalTrials.gov website. All intervention studies published until September 9th, 2022 and including parents of newborns with gestational age at birth (GAb) <37 weeks which underwent ≥1 non-pharmaceutical interventions for prevention and/or treatment of PTS symptoms related to preterm birth were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted by type of intervention. The quality assessment was performed according to the criteria from the RoB-2 and the “NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After studies.”ResultsSixteen thousand six hundred twenty-eight records were identified; finally, 15 articles (1,009 mothers, 44 fathers of infants with GAb ≤ 366/7 weeks) were included for review. A good standard of NICU care (effective as sole intervention: 2/3 studies) and education about PTSD (effective in association with other interventions: 7/8 studies) could be offered to all parents of preterm newborns. The 6-session Treatment Manual is a complex intervention which revealed itself to be effective in one study with low risk of bias. However, the effectiveness of interventions still remains to be definitively established. Interventions could start within 4 weeks after birth and last 2–4 weeks.ConclusionThere is a wide range of interventions targeting PTS symptoms after preterm birth. However, further studies of good quality are needed to better define the effectiveness of each intervention.
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Evans TR, Burns C, Essex R, Finnerty G, Hatton E, Clements AJ, Breau G, Quinn F, Elliott H, Smith LD, Matthews B, Jennings K, Crossman J, Williams G, Miller D, Harold B, Gurnett P, Jagodzinski L, Smith J, Milligan W, Markowski M, Collins P, Yoshimatsu Y, Margalef Turull J, Colpus M, Dayson ML, Weldon S. A systematic scoping review on the evidence behind debriefing practices for the wellbeing/emotional outcomes of healthcare workers. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1078797. [PMID: 37032950 PMCID: PMC10080145 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1078797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Debriefings give healthcare workers voice through the opportunity to discuss unanticipated or difficult events and recommend changes. The typical goal of routine debriefings has been to improve clinical outcomes by learning through discussion and reflection of events and then transferring that learning into clinical practice. However, little research has investigated the effects of debriefings on the emotional experiences and well-being of healthcare workers. There is some evidence that debriefings are a multi-faceted and cost-effective intervention for minimising negative health outcomes, but their use is inconsistent and they are infrequently adopted with the specific intention of giving healthcare workers a voice. The purpose of this systematic scoping review is therefore to assess the scope of existing evidence on debriefing practices for the well-being and emotional outcomes of healthcare workers. Methods Following screening, 184 papers were synthesised through keyword mapping and exploratory trend identification. Results The body of evidence reviewed were clustered geographically, but diverse on many other criteria of interest including the types of evidence produced, debriefing models and practices, and outcomes captured. Discussion The current review provides a clear map of our existing understanding and highlights the need for more systematic, collaborative and rigorous bodies of evidence to determine the potential of debriefing to support the emotional outcomes of those working within healthcare. Systematic Review Registration https://osf.io/za6rj.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rhys Evans
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Thomas Rhys Evans,
| | - Calvin Burns
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Essex
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gina Finnerty
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ella Hatton
- School of Psychology, Arden University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Genevieve Breau
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Quinn
- School of Applied Social Studies, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Elliott
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine D. Smith
- School of Education, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Barry Matthews
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kath Jennings
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jodie Crossman
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Williams
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Denise Miller
- School of Education, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Harold
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Gurnett
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Greenwich Learning and Simulation Centre, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Jagodzinski
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Greenwich Learning and Simulation Centre, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Smith
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Milligan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Markowski
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Collins
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yuki Yoshimatsu
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Colpus
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark L. Dayson
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Weldon
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Bisson JI, Meader N, Churchill R, Ostuzzi G, Stein DJ, Williams T, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 2:CD013443. [PMID: 35141873 PMCID: PMC8829470 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013443.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and debilitating condition. Several pharmacological interventions have been proposed with the aim to prevent or mitigate it. These interventions should balance efficacy and tolerability, given that not all individuals exposed to a traumatic event will develop PTSD. There are different possible approaches to preventing PTSD; universal prevention is aimed at individuals at risk of developing PTSD on the basis of having been exposed to a traumatic event, irrespective of whether they are showing signs of psychological difficulties. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of PTSD in adults exposed to a traumatic event. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trial Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases and two trials registers (November 2020). We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. The search was last updated on 13 November 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials on adults exposed to any kind of traumatic event. We considered comparisons of any medication with placebo or with another medication. We excluded trials that investigated medications as an augmentation to psychotherapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. In a random-effects model, we analysed dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial/harmful outcome (NNTB/NNTH). We analysed continuous data as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD). MAIN RESULTS We included 13 studies which considered eight interventions (hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare enteral formula, Oxepa enteral formula and 5-hydroxytryptophan) and involved 2023 participants, with a single trial contributing 1244 participants. Eight studies enrolled participants from emergency departments or trauma centres or similar settings. Participants were exposed to a range of both intentional and unintentional traumatic events. Five studies considered participants in the context of intensive care units with traumatic events consisting of severe physical illness. Our concerns about risk of bias in the included studies were mostly due to high attrition and possible selective reporting. We could meta-analyse data for two comparisons: hydrocortisone versus placebo, but limited to secondary outcomes; and propranolol versus placebo. No study compared hydrocortisone to placebo at the primary endpoint of three months after the traumatic event. The evidence on whether propranolol was more effective in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms compared to placebo at three months after the traumatic event is inconclusive, because of serious risk of bias amongst the included studies, serious inconsistency amongst the studies' results, and very serious imprecision of the estimate of effect (SMD -0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.61 to 0.59; I2 = 83%; 3 studies, 86 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study provided data on dropout rates due to side effects at three months post-traumatic event. The evidence on whether propranolol was more effective than placebo in reducing the probability of experiencing PTSD at three months after the traumatic event is inconclusive, because of serious risk of bias amongst the included studies, and very serious imprecision of the estimate of effect (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.92; 3 studies, 88 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study assessed functional disability or quality of life. Only one study compared gabapentin to placebo at the primary endpoint of three months after the traumatic event, with inconclusive evidence in terms of both PTSD severity and probability of experiencing PTSD, because of imprecision of the effect estimate, serious risk of bias and serious imprecision (very low-certainty evidence). We found no data on dropout rates due to side effects, functional disability or quality of life. For the remaining comparisons, the available data are inconclusive or missing in terms of PTSD severity reduction and dropout rates due to adverse events. No study assessed functional disability. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides uncertain evidence only regarding the use of hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare formula, Oxepa formula, or 5-hydroxytryptophan as universal PTSD prevention strategies. Future research might benefit from larger samples, better reporting of side effects and inclusion of quality of life and functioning measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Herzog P, Barth C, Rief W, Brakemeier EL, Kube T. How Expectations Shape the Formation of Intrusive Memories: An Experimental Study Using the Trauma Film Paradigm. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although intrusions are the hallmark symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, there is still limited knowledge about the processes that contribute to the development of intrusions. Here, we used the well-established trauma film paradigm (TFP) to investigate how expectations about the intensity and controllability of intrusions influence their occurrence.
Methods
90 healthy participants underwent the TFP before they were randomized to one of three conditions manipulating their expectations about intrusions: positive expectations group; negative expectations group; control group. The primary outcome was the frequency and severity of intrusive memories as assessed with an intrusion diary over seven days.
Results
The TFP was well implemented, as indicated by significant post-film anxiety and a substantial number of intrusions reported for the subsequent week. The three groups did not differ in their expectations about intrusions and, relatedly, in their experience of intrusions. A mediation analysis revealed that the influence of post-film anxiety on intrusive memories was fully mediated by expectations.
Conclusions
Despite the failure of the expectation manipulation, the results of the mediation analysis support the hypothesis that post-film expectations influence the formation of intrusive memories, suggesting that intrusions may result from maladaptive dynamics between emotional and cognitive processes following trauma(like) experiences.
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9
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Princip M, Pazhenkottil AP, Barth J, Schnyder U, Znoj H, Schmid JP, Langraf-Meister RE, von Känel R, Ledermann K. Effect of Early Psychological Counseling for the Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Induced by Acute Coronary Syndrome at Long-Term Follow-Up. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:846397. [PMID: 35711604 PMCID: PMC9196731 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.846397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychological consequences of myocardial infarction (MI) are substantial, as 4% of all MI patients develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 12% clinically relevant posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The study investigated the course and development within 12 months of MI-induced PTSS to gain novel insights in potentially delayed response to early trauma-focused counseling aimed at preventing the incidence of MI-induced PTSS. METHODS In the MI-SPRINT two-group randomized controlled trial, 190 MI-patients were randomly allocated to receive a single-session intervention of either trauma-focused counseling or an active control intervention targeting the general role of stress in patients with heart disease. Blind interviewer-rated PTSS (primary outcome) and additional health outcomes were assessed at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS 12-month follow-up of outcomes were available for 106 (55.8%) of 190 participants: In the entire sample, one patient (0·5%, 1/190) who received trauma-focused counseling developed full PTSD. There was no significant difference between trauma-focused counseling and stress counseling regarding total score of interviewer-rated PTSS (p > 0.05). The only group difference emerged in terms of more severe hyperarousal symptoms in the trauma-focused counseling group in the ITT analysis, but not in the completer analysis. CONCLUSIONS No benefits were found for trauma-focused counseling after 12 months when compared with an active control intervention. PTSD prevalence in the present study was low highlighting a potential beneficial effect of both interventions. Further studies are needed to determine the most accurate approach of counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Princip
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aju P Pazhenkottil
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cardiac Imaging, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Schnyder
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Rebecca E Langraf-Meister
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clienia Schlössli AG, Oetwil am See, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Ledermann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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10
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Taylor Miller PG, Sinclair M, Gillen P, McCullough JEM, Miller PW, Farrell DP, Slater PF, Shapiro E, Klaus P. Early psychological interventions for prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms in post-partum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258170. [PMID: 34818326 PMCID: PMC8612536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-term or full-term childbirth can be experienced as physically or psychologically traumatic. Cumulative and trans-generational effects of traumatic stress on both psychological and physical health indicate the ethical requirement to investigate appropriate preventative treatment for stress symptoms in women following a routine traumatic experience such as childbirth. Objective The objective of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of early psychological interventions in reducing or preventing post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder in post-partum women within twelve weeks of a traumatic birth. Methods Randomised controlled trials and pilot studies of psychological interventions preventing or reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms or PTSD, that included women who had experienced a traumatic birth, were identified in a search of Cochrane Central Register of Randomised Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, Psychinfo, PILOTS, CINAHL and Proquest Dissertations databases. One author performed database searches, verified results with a subject librarian, extracted study details and data. Five authors appraised extracted data and agreed upon risk of bias. Analysis was completed with Rev Man 5 software and quality of findings were rated according to Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Results Eleven studies were identified that evaluated the effectiveness of a range of early psychological interventions. There was firm evidence to suggest that midwifery or clinician led early psychological interventions administered within 72 hours following traumatic childbirth are more effective than usual care in reducing traumatic stress symptoms in women at 4–6 weeks. Further studies of high methodological quality that include longer follow up of 6–12 months are required in order to substantiate the evidence of the effectiveness of specific face to face and online early psychological intervention modalities in preventing the effects of stress symptoms and PTSD in women following a traumatic birth before introduction to routine care and practice. Prospero registration CRD42020202576, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=202576
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Affiliation(s)
- P. G. Taylor Miller
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - M. Sinclair
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - P. Gillen
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - J. E. M. McCullough
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - P. W. Miller
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Mirabilis Health Academy, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - D. P. Farrell
- Department of Violence Prevention, Trauma and Criminology, School of Psychology, University of Worcester, Worcester, England, United Kingdom
| | - P. F. Slater
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - E. Shapiro
- EMDR Association, Mental Health Centre, Lev HaSharon, Israel
| | - P. Klaus
- Dona International, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- PATTCh, Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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11
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Ericsson CR, Nordquist H, Lindström V, Rudman A. Finnish paramedics' professional quality of life and associations with assignment experiences and defusing use - a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1789. [PMID: 34610798 PMCID: PMC8490964 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paramedics experience traumatic events and social emergencies during assignments while also being subjected to verbal and physical threats. Consequently, they are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress, factors inherent to professional quality of life. Defusing and peer-support potentially decrease such symptoms; however, perceived defusing needs and use are not always balanced. Our aim was to explore Finnish paramedics’ professional quality of life, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, with associations to EMS assignment experiences as well as formal and informal defusing need and use over a 12-month period. Methods A quantitative study of 257 Finnish paramedics using a cross-sectional design. Study outcomes were secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion satisfaction (CS), and burnout (BO) scores using the modified 9-item Short Professional Quality of Life scale (ProQOL). Likert-type scales were used to collect participants’ recollections of assignment experiences and defusing from a 12-month period. Associations were explored using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results Short ProQOL score medians were STS 4.00 (IQR 3), BO 6.00 (IQR 3) and CS 13.00 (IQR 3). STS and BO correlated to experiences of social emergencies and traumatic events while BO correlated to experiences of threat situations (r = 0.206, p = .001). Paramedics perceived a need for defusing in general associated with STS (r = 0.178, p < .001) and participated in informal defusing. Participation in defusing of any form did not associate with ProQOL scores. Conclusions Finnish paramedics’ more frequent experiences of social emergencies, traumatic events, and paramedic-directed threat situations were associated with higher levels of STS and BO. STS was also associated with paramedics’ increased need for defusing and use of informal peer defusing, although neither STS, BO or CS scores associated to any defusing form. Managing paramedics STS and BO, while fostering CS, could therefore be a future research focus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11851-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer R Ericsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Healthcare, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Jan Magnus Janssons plats 1, 00560, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Kotka, Finland
| | - Veronica Lindström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Section of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Rudman
- Department of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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12
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Kolbe M, Schmutz S, Seelandt JC, Eppich WJ, Schmutz JB. Team debriefings in healthcare: aligning intention and impact. BMJ 2021; 374:n2042. [PMID: 34518169 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n2042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kolbe
- University Hospital Zurich, Simulation Centre, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Schmutz
- University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Switzerland
| | | | - Walter J Eppich
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, Ireland
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13
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Olfactory Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in the Treatment and Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081070. [PMID: 34439689 PMCID: PMC8391796 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This perspective piece reviews the clinical condition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is currently increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent research illustrating how olfaction is being incorporated into virtual reality (VR) platforms. I then discuss the latest work examining the potential of olfactory virtual reality (OVR) for the treatment of PTSD. From this foundation I suggest novel ways in which OVR may be implemented in PTSD therapy and harnessed for preventing the development of PTSD. Perceptual and chemical features of olfaction that should be considered in OVR applications are also discussed.
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14
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Cherry N, Galarneau J, Haynes W, Sluggett B. The role of organizational supports in mitigating mental ill health in firefighters: A cohort study in Alberta, Canada. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:593-601. [PMID: 33945167 PMCID: PMC8252071 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Little is known about the effectiveness of ongoing mental health support in reducing the mental health impacts of a traumatic deployment. Methods A cohort of firefighters was established among those deployed to a devastating wildfire in Alberta, Canada in May 2016. Firefighters completed three questionnaires: at recruitment giving details of exposures, a first follow‐up reporting mental health supports before, during, and after the fire and a second follow‐up, at least 30 months after the fire, with screening questionnaires for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fire chiefs were interviewed about mental health provisions. The impact of supports on mental ill health was estimated, adjusting for clustering within fire service and potential confounders. Results Of 1234 firefighters in the cohort, 840 completed the questionnaire on mental health supports. In total, 78 of 82 fire chiefs were interviewed. Analysis of the impact of supports on mental ill health included 745 firefighters from 67 fire services. Only 45.8% of reports of peer support were concordant between firefighters and fire chiefs. After adjusting for confounding, the odds ratios (OR) for peer support reported by both fire chief and firefighter were depressive disorder: OR = 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08–0.61; anxiety disorder: OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.24–0.82; PTSD: OR = 0.62, 95% CI, 0.37–1.02. Symptoms of anxiety and depression but not PTSD were reduced by resiliency training before the fire and by support offered within 48 h of return from deployment. Conclusion The results suggest peer support in firefighters is protective but its availability is poorly recognized. PTSD was somewhat less responsive, perhaps reflecting the cumulative effects of previous exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cherry
- Division of Preventive Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | | | - Whitney Haynes
- Division of Preventive Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Bryan Sluggett
- Division of Preventive Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
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15
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Hooper JJ, Saulsman L, Hall T, Waters F. Addressing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers: learning from a systematic review of early interventions for frontline responders. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044134. [PMID: 34020974 PMCID: PMC8142676 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Protecting healthcare workers from psychological harm is an urgent clinical issue within the current COVID-19 pandemic. Research on early psychological programmes that aim to prevent or reduce mental health symptoms and that have been tested in frontline responders may assist service providers with choosing a suitable intervention for rapid dissemination in healthcare settings. DESIGN AND OUTCOME MEASURES First, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were searched through a systematic literature review of early psychological interventions administered to frontline responders in the last 15 years. Interventions were included if they were designed to prevent or reduce psychological impact and had outcome measures of psychological distress (eg, general psychopathology, post-traumatic stress disorder and stress) and/or positive mental health domains (eg, resilience, self-efficacy and life satisfaction). Second, the suitability of these programmes for the healthcare workforce was evaluated according to the criteria of effectiveness, content applicability and feasibility. RESULTS Of 320 articles retrieved, 12 relevant studies were included that described six early psychological interventions. Although the evidence base is limited, psychological first aid, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, and trauma risk management showed effectiveness across at least two studies each with frontline workers. Resilience and coping for the healthcare community; anticipate, plan, and deter; and resilience at work programmes found promising results in single studies. Concerning other suitability criteria, all programmes appear applicable to healthcare settings and have acceptable feasibility for rapid implementation. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited evidence, several interventions were identified as potentially suitable and useful for improving psychological functioning of healthcare workers across a variety of disaster situations. Service providers should continue to implement and evaluate early psychological interventions in frontline workers in order to refine best practices for managing the psychological impact of future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Jean Hooper
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Saulsman
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tammy Hall
- Clinical Research Centre Gascoyne House, West Wing, Graylands Hospital, Mount Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Clinical Research Centre Gascoyne House, West Wing, Graylands Hospital, Mount Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
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16
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Trauma and Mental Health Awareness in Emergency Service Workers: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Behind the Seen Education Workshops. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094418. [PMID: 33919279 PMCID: PMC8122678 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emergency service workers (ESWs) are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Programs led by ex-service organizations may play an unrecognized but critical role in mental health prevention and promotion. Behind the Seen (BTS) is an Australian ex-service organization that runs workshops to raise awareness and facilitate conversations around the mental health of ESWs. The purpose of the study is to conduct a qualitative evaluation of workshop participants’ experiences, to understand the acceptability and perceived usefulness over the immediate- (within 1 month), intermediate- (6 months) and longer-terms (12 months). Participants (n = 59 ESWs) were recruited using purposive sampling across five fire and rescue services in metropolitan, regional, and rural locations. Focus groups methodology was used for data collection and data were analyzed using iterative categorization techniques. Participants reported (i) a high perceived need for education about PTSD, (ii) highly salient aspects of the presentation that made for a positive learning experience, including the importance of the lived experiences of the facilitators in the learning process, (iii) key features of changes to intentions, attitudes, and behavior, and (iv) major aspects of the organizational context that affected the understanding and uptake of the program’s key messages. BTS was perceived as an acceptable means of delivering mental health, PTSD, and help-seeking information to ESWs. The program is a promising candidate for scaling-up and further translation.
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17
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18
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von Känel R, Meister-Langraf RE, Barth J, Schnyder U, Pazhenkottil AP, Ledermann K, Schmid JP, Znoj H, Herbert C, Princip M. Course, Moderators, and Predictors of Acute Coronary Syndrome-Induced Post-traumatic Stress: A Secondary Analysis From the Myocardial Infarction-Stress Prevention Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:621284. [PMID: 34108894 PMCID: PMC8183467 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.621284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) induce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in one out of eight patients. Effects of preventive interventions, the course and potential moderators of ACS-induced PTSS are vastly understudied. This study explored whether a preventive behavioral intervention leads to a decrease in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced PTSS between two follow-up assessments. Sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors were additionally tested as both moderators of change over time in PTSS and predictors of PTSS across two follow-ups. Within 48 h after reaching stable circulatory conditions, 104 patients with MI were randomized to a 45-min one-session intervention of either trauma-focused counseling or stress counseling (active control). Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected at baseline, and PTSS were assessed with the Clinician-Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale 3 and 12 months post-MI. PTSS severity showed no change over time from 3 to 12 months post-MI, either in all patients or through the intervention [mean group difference for total PTSS = 1.6 (95% CI -1.8, 4.9), re-experiencing symptoms = 0.8 (95% CI -0.7, 2.2), avoidance/numbing symptoms = 0.1 (95% CI -1.6, 1.7) and hyperarousal symptoms = 0.6 (95% CI -0.9, 2.1)]. Patients receiving one preventive session of trauma-focused counseling showed a decrease from 3 to 12 months post-MI in avoidance symptoms with higher age (p = 0.011) and direct associations of clinical burden indices with total PTSS across both follow-ups (p's ≤ 0.043; interaction effects). Regardless of the intervention, decreases in re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms from 3 to 12 months post-MI occurred, respectively, in men (p = 0.006), participants with low education (p = 0.014) and with more acute stress symptoms (p = 0.021). Peritraumatic distress (p = 0.004) and lifetime depression (p = 0.038) predicted total PTSS across both follow-ups. We conclude that PTSS were persistent in the first year after MI and not prevented by an early one-session intervention. A preventive one-session intervention of trauma-focused counseling may be inappropriate for certain subgroups of patients, although this observation needs confirmation. As predictors of the development and persistence of PTSS, sociodemographic and psychological factors could help to identify high-risk patients yet at hospital admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca E Meister-Langraf
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clienia Schlössli AG, Oetwil am See, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Aju P Pazhenkottil
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cardiac Imaging, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Ledermann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Paul Schmid
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mary Princip
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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Covers MLV, de Jongh A, Huntjens RJC, de Roos C, van den Hout M, Bicanic IAE. Early intervention with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to reduce the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms in recent rape victims: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1943188. [PMID: 34531963 PMCID: PMC8439210 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1943188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 40% of rape victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within three months after the assault. Considering the high personal and societal impact of PTSD, there is an urgent need for early (i.e. within three months after the incident) interventions to reduce post-traumatic stress in victims of rape. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of early intervention with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress, feelings of guilt and shame, sexual dysfunction, and other psychological dysfunction (i.e. general psychopathology, anxiety, depression, and dissociative symptoms) in victims of rape. METHOD This randomized controlled trial included 57 victims of rape, who were randomly allocated to either two sessions of EMDR therapy or treatment as usual ('watchful waiting') between 14 and 28 days post-rape. Psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 8 and 12 weeks post-rape. Linear mixed models and ANCOVAs were used to analyse differences between conditions over time. RESULTS Within-group effect sizes of the EMDR condition (d = 0.89 to 1.57) and control condition (d = 0.79 to 1.54) were large, indicating that both conditions were effective. However, EMDR therapy was not found to be more effective than watchful waiting in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms, general psychopathology, depression, sexual dysfunction, and feelings of guilt and shame. Although EMDR therapy was found to be more effective than watchful waiting in reducing anxiety and dissociative symptoms in the post-treatment assessment, this effect disappeared over time. CONCLUSIONS The findings do not support the notion that early intervention with EMDR therapy in victims of rape is more effective than watchful waiting for the reduction of psychological symptoms, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Further research on the effectiveness of early interventions, including watchful waiting, for this specific target group is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou L V Covers
- National Psychotrauma Center for Children and Youth, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ad de Jongh
- Department of Social Dentistry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Research Department, Psychotrauma Expertise Center (PSYTREC), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK.,School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Rafaële J C Huntjens
- Department of Experimental Psychotherapy and Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn de Roos
- Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Level, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC (Location AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van den Hout
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Iva A E Bicanic
- National Psychotrauma Center for Children and Youth, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Murray AS. Multiple Session Early Psychological Interventions for the Prevention of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2020; 41:1122-1123. [PMID: 33000982 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1814667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne S Murray
- Nursing Quality, Development & Professional Practice, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Misssissippi, USA
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21
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Kearns NT, Contractor AA, Weiss NH, Blumenthal H. Coping strategy utilization among posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity and substance use co-occurrence typologies: A latent class analysis. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY 2020; 13:929-939. [PMID: 32897090 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of research on primary prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and substance use among trauma-exposed populations. To guide the development of more effective prevention efforts, the current study sought to identify underlying coping mechanisms that impact PTSD-substance use co-occurrence. METHOD A person-centered analytic approach (latent class analysis) examined PTSD-substance use co-occurrence typologies (classes) and identified theoretically adaptive (e.g., active coping) and maladaptive (e.g., denial) coping strategies that differentiated between classes among a sample of 1,270 trauma-exposed participants (Mage = 20.71, 73.5% female, 45.7% White). RESULTS Latent class analysis identified five distinct typologies, reflective of extant epidemiological and etiological work. Generally, behavioral disengagement and self-blame coping increased the likelihood of being in more severe PTSD-illicit substance use (e.g., cocaine) comorbidity classes. Positive reframing and planning differentiated between low and moderate illicit substance typologies with moderate PTSD severity. Venting, acceptance, and self-distraction differentiated between asymptomatic and moderate PTSD severity typologies with low illicit substance use. CONCLUSIONS Findings identify general coping strategies associated with increased likelihood of being in more severe comorbidity typologies, as well as several unique coping strategies associated with risk of transitioning between low/moderate PTSD and illicit substance use classes. Relevant interventions (e.g., trauma psychoeducation, guilt-reduction therapy, psychological first aid) that may be targets for future prevention-oriented work are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Ostuzzi G, Meader N, Bisson JI, Churchill R, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for acute traumatic stress symptoms: a network meta-analysis. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences; Cardiff University School of Medicine; Cardiff UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
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Maples-Keller JL, Post LM, Price M, Goodnight JM, Burton MS, Yasinski CW, Michopoulos V, Stevens JS, Hinrichs R, Rothbaum AO, Hudak L, Houry D, Jovanovic T, Ressler K, Rothbaum BO. Investigation of optimal dose of early intervention to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder: A multiarm randomized trial of one and three sessions of modified prolonged exposure. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:429-437. [PMID: 32248637 PMCID: PMC7347250 DOI: 10.1002/da.23015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to a specific event, providing the opportunity to intervene in the immediate aftermath of trauma to prevent the development of this disorder. A previous trial demonstrated that trauma survivors who received three sessions of modified prolonged exposure therapy demonstrated decreased PTSD and depression prospectively compared to assessment only. The present study investigated the optimal dosing of this early intervention to test one versus three sessions of exposure therapy in the immediate aftermath of trauma. METHODS Participants (n = 95) recruited from a Level 1 Trauma Center were randomly assigned in a 1.5:1.5:1 ratio in a parallel-group design to the three conditions: one-session exposure therapy, three-session exposure therapy, and assessment only. Follow-up assessments were conducted by study assessors blind to study condition. RESULTS Mixed-effects model results found no significant differences in PTSD or depression symptoms between the control condition and those who received one or three exposure therapy sessions across 1-12-month follow-up assessment. Results indicate that the intervention did not interfere with natural recovery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses on the screening measure used for study inclusion (Predicting PTSD Questionnaire; PPQ) in the larger sample from which the treatment sample was drawn (n = 481) found that the PPQ was a poor predictor of likely PTSD at all follow-up time points (Area under the curve's = 0.55-0.62). CONCLUSIONS This likely impacted study results as many participants demonstrated natural recovery. Recommendations for future early intervention research are reviewed, including strategies to identify more accurately those at risk for PTSD and oversampling more severe trauma types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Maples-Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Loren M. Post
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Matthew Price
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jessica M. Goodnight
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark S. Burton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Carly W. Yasinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Developmental and Cognitie Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer S. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca Hinrichs
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alex O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lauren Hudak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Debra Houry
- Division of Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kerry Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Mclean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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