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Zhao H, Li Y, Luo T, Chou W, Sun T, Liu H, Qiu H, Zhu D, Chen D, Gu Y. Preventing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in rats with pulsed 810 nm laser transcranial phototherapy. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:281. [PMID: 37580354 PMCID: PMC10425462 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that occurs following exposure to traumatic events. Current treatments, such as psychological debriefing and pharmacotherapy, often have limited efficacy and may result in unwanted side effects, making early intervention is a more desirable strategy. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a single dose of pulsed (10 Hz) 810 nm laser-phototherapy (P-PT) as an early intervention for preventing PTSD-like comorbidities in rats induced by single inescapable electric foot shock following the single prolonged stress (SPS&S). As indicated by the results of the open filed test, elevated plus maze test, and contextual fear conditioning test, P-PT prevented the development of anxiety and freezing behaviors in rats exposed to the SPS&S. We also compared the effects of P-PT and continuous wave 810 nm laser-phototherapy (CW-PT) in preventing PTSD-like comorbidities in rats. The results revealed that P-PT was effective in preventing both freezing and anxiety behavior in stressed rats. In contrast, CW-PT only had a preventive effect on freezing behavior but not anxiety. Additionally, P-PT significantly reduced the c-fos expression in cingulate cortex area 1(Cg1) and infralimbic cortex (IL) of stressed rats, while CW-PT had no significant effects on c-fos expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that P-PT is a highly effective strategy for preventing the occurrence of PTSD-like comorbidities in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyou Zhao
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laser Medicine, the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Wenxin Chou
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tianzhen Sun
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haolin Liu
- No.965 Hospital, Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Jilin, China
| | - Haixia Qiu
- Department of Laser Medicine, the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Defu Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Gu
- Department of Laser Medicine, the First Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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2
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Brier ZMF, Hidalgo JE, Espeleta HC, Davidson T, Ruggiero KJ, Price M. Assessment of Traumatic Stress Symptoms During the Acute Posttrauma Period. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:239-246. [PMID: 37404969 PMCID: PMC10316216 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20230001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
A substantial majority of adults in the United States will experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE) in their lifetime. A considerable proportion of those individuals will go on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Distinguishing between those who will develop PTSD and those who will recover, however, remains as a challenge to the field. Recent work has pointed to the increased potential of identifying individuals at greatest risk for PTSD through repeated assessment during the acute posttrauma period, the 30-day period after the PTE. Obtaining the necessary data during this period, however, has proven to be a challenge. Technological innovations such as personal mobile devices and wearable passive sensors have given the field new tools to capture nuanced in vivo changes indicative of recovery or nonrecovery. Despite their potential, there are numerous points for clinicians and research teams to consider when implementing these technologies into acute posttrauma care. The limitations of this work and considerations for future research in the use of technology during the acute posttrauma period are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe M F Brier
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Johanna E Hidalgo
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Hannah C Espeleta
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Tatiana Davidson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Kenneth J Ruggiero
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Matthew Price
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington (Brier, Hidalgo, Price); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Brier) and College of Nursing (Espeleta, Davidson, Ruggiero), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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3
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Bragesjö M, Arnberg FK, Olofsdotter Lauri K, Aspvall K, Särnholm J, Andersson E. Condensed Internet-delivered prolonged exposure provided soon after trauma: a randomised trial. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1989-1998. [PMID: 37310324 PMCID: PMC10106292 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to trauma is common and can have a profoundly negative impact on mental health. Interventions based on trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy have shown promising results to facilitate recovery. The current trial evaluated whether a novel, scalable and digital early version of the intervention, Condensed Internet-Delivered Prolonged Exposure (CIPE), is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms. METHOD A single-site randomised controlled trial with self-referred adults (N = 102) exposed to trauma within the last 2 months. The participants were randomised to 3 weeks of CIPE or a waiting list (WL) for 7 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 1-3 (primary endpoint), week 4-7 (secondary endpoint) and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). RESULTS The main analysis according to the intention-to-treat principle indicated statistically significant reductions in symptoms of post-traumatic stress in the CIPE group as compared to the WL group. The between-group effect size was moderate at week 3 (bootstrapped d = 0.70; 95% CI 0.33-1.06) and large at week 7 (bootstrapped d = 0.83; 95% CI 0.46-1.19). Results in the intervention group were maintained at the 6-month follow-up. No severe adverse events were found. CONCLUSIONS CIPE is a scalable intervention that may confer early benefits on post-traumatic stress symptoms in survivors of trauma. The next step is to compare this intervention to an active control group and also investigate its effects when implemented in regular care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip K. Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Olofsdotter Lauri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aspvall
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Särnholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Nobels väg 9, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Schultebraucks K, Stevens JS, Michopoulos V, Maples-Keller J, Lyu J, Smith RN, Rothbaum BO, Ressler KJ, Galatzer-Levy IR, Powers A. Development and validation of a brief screener for posttraumatic stress disorder risk in emergency medical settings. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 81:46-50. [PMID: 36764261 PMCID: PMC10866012 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Predicting risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the acute care setting is challenging given the pace and acute care demands in the emergency department (ED) and the infeasibility of using time-consuming assessments. Currently, no accurate brief screening for long-term PTSD risk is routinely used in the ED. One instrument widely used in the ED is the 27-item Immediate Stress Reaction Checklist (ISRC). The aim of this study was to develop a short screener using a machine learning approach and to investigate whether accurate PTSD prediction in the ED can be achieved with substantially fewer items than the IRSC. METHOD This prospective longitudinal cohort study examined the development and validation of a brief screening instrument in two independent samples, a model development sample (N = 253) and an external validation sample (N = 93). We used a feature selection algorithm to identify a minimal subset of features of the ISRC and tested this subset in a predictive model to investigate if we can accurately predict long-term PTSD outcomes. RESULTS We were able to identify a reduced subset of 5 highly predictive features of the ISRC in the model development sample (AUC = 0.80), and we were able to validate those findings in the external validation sample (AUC = 0.84) to discriminate non-remitting vs. resilient trajectories. CONCLUSION This study developed and validated a brief 5-item screener in the ED setting, which may help to improve the diagnostic process of PTSD in the acute care setting and help ED clinicians plan follow-up care when patients are still in contact with the healthcare system. This could reduce the burden on patients and decrease the risk of chronic PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schultebraucks
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - J S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans' Affairs Health Care System, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - V Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Maples-Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Lyu
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - R N Smith
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - B O Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - I R Galatzer-Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - A Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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5
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Pedraza LK, Sierra RO, de Oliveira Alvares L. Systems consolidation and fear memory generalisation as a potential target for trauma-related disorders. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:653-665. [PMID: 35001808 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2027010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fear memory generalisation is a central hallmark in the broad range of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Recent findings suggest that fear generalisation is closely related to hippocampal dependency during retrieval. In this review, we describe the current understanding about memory generalisation and its potential influence in fear attenuation through pharmacological and behavioural interventions. In light of systems consolidation framework, we propose that keeping memory precision could be a key step to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizeth K Pedraza
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Memória, Biophysics Department, Biosciences Institute, 91.501-970, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rodrigo O Sierra
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Memória, Biophysics Department, Biosciences Institute, 91.501-970, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Lucas de Oliveira Alvares
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Memória, Biophysics Department, Biosciences Institute, 91.501-970, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Health Sciences, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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6
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Screening tools for predicting posttraumatic stress disorder in acutely injured adult trauma patients: A systematic review. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2022; 92:e115-e126. [PMID: 34991124 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult trauma patients are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early intervention reduces the development of PTSD, but few trauma patients seek and obtain care. Valid and reliable screening tools are needed to identify patients at risk of developing PTSD. The objective of this review is to identify existing screening tools and evaluate their accuracy for predicting PTSD outcomes. METHODS PubMed, PsychInfo, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies evaluating the predictive accuracy of PTSD screening tools among traumatically injured adult civilians. Eligible studies assessed patients during acute hospitalization and at least 1 month following injury to measure PTSD outcome. Eligible outcomes included measures of predictive accuracy, such as sensitivity and specificity. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias of each study, and the strength of evidence was assessed following the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines. RESULTS Forty-nine studies were included evaluating the predictive accuracy of 38 screening tools. Most tools were assessed in a single study. Questionnaire-style tools had more favorable predictive ability than diagnostic interview assessments. The Injured Trauma Survivor Screen, Posttraumatic Adjustment Screen, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and the Richmond et al. tool demonstrated the most favorable predictive accuracy, with high sensitivity (75-100%) and specificity (67-94%). Common sources of bias were selection bias due to high attrition rate and using nondiagnostic tools to assess PTSD symptoms at follow-up. CONCLUSION Although sensitivity and specificity of PTSD predictive tools varied widely, several emerged with favorable predictive accuracy. Further research is needed to define the ability of screening and intervention to prevent PTSD in injured trauma survivors. The results of this review can inform screening tool options for screening programs and future intervention studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic review, level III.
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7
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Hameiri B, Moore-Berg SL. Intervention Tournaments: An Overview of Concept, Design, and Implementation. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2022; 17:1525-1540. [PMID: 35580273 DOI: 10.1177/17456916211058090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A large portion of research in the social sciences is devoted to using interventions to combat societal and social problems, such as prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup conflict. However, these interventions are often developed using the theories and/or intuitions of the individuals who developed them and evaluated in isolation without comparing their efficacy with other interventions. Here, we make the case for an experimental design that addresses such issues: an intervention tournament-that is, a study that compares several different interventions against a single control and uses the same standardized outcome measures during assessment and participants drawn from the same population. We begin by highlighting the utility of intervention tournaments as an approach that complements other, more commonly used approaches to addressing societal issues. We then describe various approaches to intervention tournaments, which include crowdsourced, curated, and in-house-developed intervention tournaments, and their unique characteristics. Finally, we discuss practical recommendations and key design insights for conducting such research, given the existing literature. These include considerations of intervention-tournament deployment, characteristics of included interventions, statistical analysis and reporting, study design, longitudinal and underlying psychological mechanism assessment, and theoretical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Hameiri
- The Program in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, School of Social and Policy Studies, Tel Aviv University
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8
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Figueroa RA, Cortés PF, Marín H, Vergés A, Gillibrand R, Repetto P. The ABCDE psychological first aid intervention decreases early PTSD symptoms but does not prevent it: results of a randomized-controlled trial. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2031829. [PMID: 35251529 PMCID: PMC8890535 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2031829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early Psychological First Aid (PFA) has been widely recommended for preventing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its lack of empirical evidence of safety and effectiveness has been criticized. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of PFA-ABCDE, an original PFA protocol, for preventing PTSD one month after the intervention and decreasing PTSD symptoms at one and six months of follow up. METHODS We assessed the eligibility of 1,140 adult survivors of recent trauma (≤ 72 hours) consulting five emergency departments in Chile. Two hundred twenty-one were randomized to receive either PFA-ABCDE (active listening, breathing retraining, categorization of needs, referral to ancillary services, and psychoeducation) or only psychoeducation. We used the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to assess PTSD diagnosis. The Posttraumatic Checklist (PCL), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and a 0-10 points analogue visual scale were used to assess PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and immediate distress relief after the intervention. RESULTS We found no difference between the experimental and control groups in the frequency of PTSD one month after the intervention (PFA-ABCDE = 23/76 [30.3%], psychoeducation = 18/75 [24.0%], adjusted odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval = 0.63-3.07, p = .408). Immediately after the intervention, participants who received PFA-ABCDE reported greater distress relief (PFA-ABCDE mean = 9.06, psychoeducation mean = 8.55, Cohen's d = 0.30, p = .038). Fewer PTSD symptoms were reported by those who received PFA-ABCDE one month after the intervention (PFA-ABCDE mean = 36.26, psychoeducation mean = 43.62, Cohen's d = 0.42, p = .033). We found no difference in depressive symptoms at one-month follow up (p = .713) nor in PTSD symptoms six months after the intervention (p = .986). CONCLUSIONS PFA-ABCDE does not prevent PTSD diagnosis, but it provides immediate distress relief and decreases PTSD symptoms in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Andrés Figueroa
- Trauma & Dissociation Unit, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (Cigiden), Santiago, Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP/1511007
| | - Paula Francisca Cortés
- Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (Cigiden), Santiago, Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP/1511007
| | - Humberto Marín
- Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (Cigiden), Santiago, Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP/1511007
| | - Alvaro Vergés
- Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (Cigiden), Santiago, Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP/1511007.,Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Gillibrand
- Hospital Del Trabajador, Asociación Chilena de Seguridad, Providencia, Chile
| | - Paula Repetto
- Research Center for Integrated Natural Disaster Management (Cigiden), Santiago, Chile, CONICYT/FONDAP/1511007.,Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Macul, Chile
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9
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Maples-Keller JL, Hyatt CS, Sleep CE, Stevens JS, Fenlon EE, Jovanovic T, Rothbaum BO, Ressler KJ, Carter S, Bradley B, Fani N, Powers A, Michopoulos V. DSM-5 alternative model for personality disorders trait domains and PTSD symptoms in a sample of highly traumatized African American women and a prospective sample of trauma center patients. Personal Disord 2021; 12:491-502. [PMID: 33444034 PMCID: PMC8277882 DOI: 10.1037/per0000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a specified precipitant (i.e., trauma), and thus, is particularly well-suited to examine risk and maintenance factors for the development of the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) alternative model of personality disorder (AMPD) is based, in part, on a dimensional trait model; previous research suggests that personality traits are related to PTSD symptoms. To date, there is little research examining this model with regard to PTSD symptoms, and such research could elucidate new strategies for identification and prevention. The present study investigates associations between AMPD traits and PTSD symptoms in a cross-sectional high-risk sample (N = 490; 100% female; 97.8% African American) and in a prospective, longitudinal sample of Level 1 trauma center patients (N = 185; 46.8% female; 72.5% African American). The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form domains were significantly associated with PTSD total symptom severity and symptom clusters across both self-report and clinical interview measures. Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Negative Affectivity and Psychoticism emerged as significant predictors of concurrent PTSD. When prospectively predicting PTSD symptoms in the longitudinal cohort, Negative Affectivity and Psychoticism were significant predictors of PTSD symptom severity. These findings indicate how the DSM-5 AMPD pathological traits are associated with risk for stress-related disorders cross-sectionally and prospectively. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer S. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Emily E. Fenlon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Barbara O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry, Mclean Hospital, Harvard Medical School
| | - Sierra Carter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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10
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Harnett NG, van Rooij SJH, Ely TD, Lebois LAM, Murty VP, Jovanovic T, Hill SB, Dumornay NM, Merker JB, Bruce SE, House SL, Beaudoin FL, An X, Zeng D, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Linnstaedt SD, Germine LT, Bollen KA, Rauch SL, Lewandowski C, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Storrow AB, Musey PI, Haran JP, Jones CW, Punches BE, Swor RA, McGrath ME, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Mohiuddin K, Chang AM, Pearson C, Peak DA, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, Sanchez LD, Pietrzak RH, Joormann J, Barch DM, Pizzagalli DA, Sheridan JF, Harte SE, Elliott JM, Kessler RC, Koenen KC, Mclean S, Ressler KJ, Stevens JS. Prognostic neuroimaging biomarkers of trauma-related psychopathology: resting-state fMRI shortly after trauma predicts future PTSD and depression symptoms in the AURORA study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1263-1271. [PMID: 33479509 PMCID: PMC8134491 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neurobiological markers of future susceptibility to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may facilitate identification of vulnerable individuals in the early aftermath of trauma. Variability in resting-state networks (RSNs), patterns of intrinsic functional connectivity across the brain, has previously been linked to PTSD, and may thus be informative of PTSD susceptibility. The present data are part of an initial analysis from the AURORA study, a longitudinal, multisite study of adverse neuropsychiatric sequalae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 109 recently (i.e., ~2 weeks) traumatized individuals were collected and PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed at 3 months post trauma. We assessed commonly reported RSNs including the default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN). We also identified a proposed arousal network (AN) composed of a priori brain regions important for PTSD: the amygdala, hippocampus, mamillary bodies, midbrain, and pons. Primary analyses assessed whether variability in functional connectivity at the 2-week imaging timepoint predicted 3-month PTSD symptom severity. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to AN connectivity at 2 weeks post trauma was negatively related to 3-month PTSD symptoms. Further, right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) to DMN connectivity was positively related to 3-month PTSD symptoms. Both DLPFC-AN and ITG-DMN connectivity also predicted depression symptoms at 3 months. Our results suggest that, following trauma exposure, acutely assessed variability in RSN connectivity was associated with PTSD symptom severity approximately two and a half months later. However, these patterns may reflect general susceptibility to posttraumatic dysfunction as the imaging patterns were not linked to specific disorder symptoms, at least in the subacute/early chronic phase. The present data suggest that assessment of RSNs in the early aftermath of trauma may be informative of susceptibility to posttraumatic dysfunction, with future work needed to understand neural markers of long-term (e.g., 12 months post trauma) dysfunction. Furthermore, these findings are consistent with neural models suggesting that decreased top-down cortico-limbic regulation and increased network-mediated fear generalization may contribute to ongoing dysfunction in the aftermath of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren A M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vishnu P Murty
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sarah B Hill
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Julia B Merker
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Steve E Bruce
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Springfield, MO, USA
| | - Stacey L House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, The Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xinming An
- Institute of Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Donglin Zeng
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gari D Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute of Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura T Germine
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Bollen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott L Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paul I Musey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - John P Haran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Brittany E Punches
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine & College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert A Swor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Meghan E McGrath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose L Pascual
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark J Seamon
- Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kamran Mohiuddin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna M Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David A Peak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Robert M Domeier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MO, USA
| | - Leon D Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F Sheridan
- Department of Biosciences and Neuroscience, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James M Elliott
- The Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Mclean
- Institute of Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Bragesjö M, Arnberg FK, Andersson E. Prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder: Lessons learned from a terminated RCT of prolonged exposure. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251898. [PMID: 34029328 PMCID: PMC8143412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of the current trial was to test if a brief trauma-focused cognitive-behaviour therapy protocol (prolonged exposure; PE) provided within 72 h after a traumatic event could be effective in decreasing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), thus replicating and extending the findings from an earlier trial. After a pilot study (N = 10), which indicated feasible and deliverable study procedures and interventions, we launched an RCT with a target sample size of 352 participants randomised to either three sessions of PE or non-directive support. Due to an unforeseen major reorganisation at the hospital, the RCT was discontinued after 32 included participants. In this paper, we highlight obstacles and lessons learned from our feasibility work that are relevant for preventive psychological interventions for PTSD in emergency settings. One important finding was the high degree of attrition, and only 75% and 34%, respectively, came back for the 2-month and 6-month assessments. There were also difficulties in reaching eligible patients immediately after the event. Based on our experiences, we envisage that alternative models of implementation might overcome these obstacles, for example, with remote delivery of both assessments and interventions via the internet or smartphones combined with multiple recruitment procedures. Lessons learned from this terminated RCT are discussed in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Uppsala, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Bragesjö M, Arnberg FK, Jelbring A, Nolkrantz J, Särnholm J, Olofsdotter Lauri K, von Below C, Andersson E. Demanding and effective: participants' experiences of internet-delivered prolonged exposure provided within two months after exposure to trauma. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1885193. [PMID: 33968320 PMCID: PMC8075080 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1885193] [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: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of remotely delivered early intervention after trauma may prevent and/or reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Our research group evaluated a novel three-week therapist-guided internet-delivered intervention based on prolonged exposure (Condensed Internet-Delivered Prolonged Exposure; CIPE) in a pilot trial. The results indicated that the intervention was feasible, acceptable and reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress at post-intervention compared to a waiting-list condition. Exposure to traumatic memories can be emotionally demanding and there is a need for detailed investigation of participants' experiences in receiving this type of intervention remotely. Objective: Investigate participants' experiences of receiving CIPE early after trauma. Method: In this study, qualitative thematic analysis was used and semi-structured interviews with 11 participants six months after intervention completion were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: One overarching theme labelled as 'demanding and effective' was identified. Participants expressed that treatment effects could only be achieved by putting in a lot of effort and by being emotionally close to the trauma memory during exposure exercises. Participants reported CIPE to be a highly credible- and educative intervention that motivated them to fully engage in exposure exercises. The most distressing parts of the intervention was perceived as tolerable and important to do to heal psychologically after trauma. For many participants, the possibility to engage in the intervention whenever and where it suited them was helpful, although some participants described it as challenging to find a balance between their own responsibility and when to expect therapist support. The internet-based format was perceived as a safe forum for self-disclosure that helped some participants overcome avoidance due to shame during imaginal exposure. Conclusion: CIPE was considered demanding, yet effective by the interviewed participants. The most distressing parts of the intervention was perceived to be the most important and were tolerable and feasible to provide online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip K Arnberg
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Jelbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Josefin Särnholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Olofsdotter Lauri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Condensed internet-delivered prolonged exposure provided soon after trauma: A randomised pilot trial. Internet Interv 2020; 23:100358. [PMID: 33384946 PMCID: PMC7771112 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2020.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to trauma is common and may have detrimental psychological consequences. Brief exposure therapy provided early after trauma has shown encouraging results in promoting recovery. To scale up treatment availability, we developed a 3-week internet-delivered intervention comprised of four modules based on prolonged exposure (condensed internet-delivered prolonged exposure; CIPE) with therapist support. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of CIPE delivered within 2 months after the index event. Thirty-three participants were randomised to CIPE or a waiting list (WL). The frequency, vividness and distress of intrusive recollections or flashback memories of the traumatic event were assessed using an intrusive memory smartphone app. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress were assessed by the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The most common index traumas in the sample were rape, interpersonal violence and life-threatening accidents. A majority of participants (82%) randomised to CIPE completed all modules, and the number of logins per participant to the Internet platform was high during the three-week intervention (M = 19.6, SD = 11.8). At post-treatment, the CIPE participants had a more favourable reduction than the WL group on the vividness and distress ratings, as well as on the PCL-5 sum score (bootstrapped d = 0.85; 95% CI [0.25-1.45]). Treatment effects were sustained at 6-months follow up and no severe adverse events associated with the intervention were found. CIPE seems to be a feasible and possibly efficacious early intervention after trauma. Large-scale trials are needed to assess its efficacy and long-term benefits.
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14
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Longitudinal Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain: Shared Circuitry in the Midbrain? BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:844-845. [PMID: 32896298 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Riello M, Purgato M, Bove C, MacTaggart D, Rusconi E. Prevalence of post-traumatic symptomatology and anxiety among residential nursing and care home workers following the first COVID-19 outbreak in Northern Italy. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200880. [PMID: 33047047 PMCID: PMC7540798 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has been officially linked to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people across the globe in just a few months. It is particularly lethal for the elderly in general, as well as for populations residing in long-term stay facilities. By this time, those working and caring for high-risk populations have been exposed to very intense and sudden levels of physical and psychological strain. The situation has taken a particularly tragic turn in residential nursing and care homes (NCH), which were hit hard by the pandemic. In residential NCH, neither residents nor workers tend to have immediate access to the same expertise, medication and equipment as in hospitals, which exacerbates an already tense situation. Among the mental health conditions related to exposure to potentially traumatic events, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are the most prevalent and scientifically recognized. In this survey-based epidemiological study, we test the prevalence of anxiety and post-traumatic symptomatology in residential nursing and care home workers-a group of individuals that has been largely neglected but who nonetheless plays a very important and sensitive role in our society. We do this by focusing on the North of Italy, the most affected region during the first COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. Using a single-stage cluster design, our study returns an estimate for the prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety and/or post-traumatic symptomatology of 43% (s.e. = 3.09; 95% CI [37-49]), with an 18% (s.e. = 1.83; 95% CI [14-22]) prevalence of comorbidity among workers of Northern Italian NCH between 15 June and 25 July 2020 (i.e. 12-52 days after the end of national lockdown). Women and workers who had recently been in contact with COVID-19-positive patients/colleagues are more likely to report moderate-to-severe symptoms, with odds ratios of 2.2 and 1.7, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Riello
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 31, 38068 Rovereto (TN), Italy
- Gruppo SPES, Trento, Italy
| | - Marianna Purgato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Bove
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 31, 38068 Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - David MacTaggart
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elena Rusconi
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 31, 38068 Rovereto (TN), Italy
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16
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Bragesjö M, Larsson K, Nordlund L, Anderbro T, Andersson E, Möller A. Early Psychological Intervention After Rape: A Feasibility Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1595. [PMID: 32733345 PMCID: PMC7360814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rape is the most common trauma leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women, with a conditioned prevalence of up to 50%. PTSD is considered to be a lethal condition associated with increased risk of suicide, drug- and alcohol dependence, neurological- and vascular problems, as well as sick leave. Given the scope of this problem, novel and swiftly delivered interventions for this large vulnerable population are clearly warranted. One previous trial conducted in the United States (N = 137) showed that an adapted brief version of prolonged exposure (PE) to the fearful memory of the event and situations, provided in the immediate aftermath after trauma (<72 h after a traumatic event), was effective in reducing early PTSD symptoms in rape victims. The aims of the present study were to adapt the brief PE protocol to a Swedish context and investigate its feasibility and delivery in 10 executive patients recruited at the Emergency Clinic for Rape Victims in Stockholm. Ten participants were provided with three sessions of early PE with overall successful results in terms of session attendance, home-work compliance, and also symptom reduction of PTSD and depressive symptoms. However, only a fraction of the screened patients at the Emergency Clinic (5.2%) were eligible to be included in the study, where the majority (40%) were excluded due to the time criteria of 72 h. In this article, we will present detailed results of the intervention and elaborate on how to increase feasibility of preventive interventions for rape victims. In the current form, providing PE with the strict time criteria was not feasible in the clinical setting that constitutes the Emergency Department for rape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Larsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency Clinic for Rape Victims, Stockholm South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Nordlund
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency Clinic for Rape Victims, Stockholm South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese Anderbro
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Möller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency Clinic for Rape Victims, Stockholm South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Stockholm South Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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