PTSD is a chronic, fluctuating disorder affecting the mental quality of life in older adults

Exploring the differential effects of psychological resilience and social support in mitigating post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms: real-world network analysis of front-line rescuers

BACKGROUND

Although both psychological resilience and social support are widely believed to be effective in alleviating post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms in individuals with traumatic events, there has been a lack of comparative analysis of their intervention effects on different post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, previous studies have mostly failed to control for potential confounding effects caused by different traumatic events.

AIMS

We used the novel network analysis approach to examine the differential moderating effects of psychological resilience and social support on post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms, controlling for the confounding effects of traumatic events.

METHOD

We recruited 264 front-line rescuers who experienced the same traumatic event. Quantified edge weights and bridge expected influence (BEI) were applied to compare the alleviating effects of psychological resilience and social support.

RESULTS

Our study revealed distinct correlations in a sample of front-line rescuers: social support negatively correlates more with psychosomatic symptoms, notably fatigue in depressive networks and sleep disturbance in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) networks, whereas psychological resilience shows fewer such correlations. Quantitative analysis using BEI indicated that psychological resilience more effectively suppresses depressive and anxiety symptom networks, whereas social support more significantly inhibits PTSD symptom networks.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study represents the first attempt to examine the differential effects of psychological resilience and social support on post-traumatic outcomes in real-world emergency rescuers, controlling for the confounding effect of traumatic events. Our results can act as the theoretical reference for future precise and efficient post-trauma psychological interventions.

Feasibility of EMDR toward Personality Functioning in Older Adults with PTSD

OBJECTIVES

Severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults (≥60 years) has been found to be associated with maladaptive personality functioning and personality disorders (PD). Emerging evidence in adults supports that reprocessing adverse events with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) could improve personality functioning and reduce full PDdiagnosis.

METHODS

A multicenterfeasibilitystudy in 24 older PTSD-patients receiving weekly EMDR-sessions for either 3, 6 or 9 months. A linear-mixed-model was used with personality functioning (SIPP-SF) as dependent variable and time, PTSD-severity (CAPS-5), and "othertreatment" as predictor variables. Secondary, pre- and posttreatment percentages were calculated for the PDspresence.

RESULTS

Symptom changes over time showed a significant influence of CAPS-5 on SIPP-SF (b = -1.40, 95% CI=[-2.48 to -0.33], p = .012), no significant effect of time for total SIPP-SF, and a significant improvement of SIPP-SF "identityintegration"-scale over time (b = 9.20, 95% CI=[0.97-17.42], p = .029). There was a marginal significant effect of "othertreatment" (b = 8.42, 95% CI=[-0.30-17.13], p = .058). There was 31% full PDs-decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

Observed improvements in personality functioning from pre to post EMDRtreatment were explained by PTSD-severity. Identityintegration improved significantly over time. Results suggest that participants with "othertreatment" showed more severe baseline-pathology and thus lower personality functioning.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

EMDR, in addition to being a feasible treatment option for older adults with PTSD, improves personality functioning and reduces the presence of PDs over time.'

Recurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder: systematic review of definitions, prevalence and predictors

BACKGROUND

Many people will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime and a minority will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A wealth of literature explores different trajectories of PTSD, focusing mostly on resilient, chronic, recovered and delayed-onset trajectories. Less is known about other potential trajectories such as recurring episodes of PTSD after initial recovery, and to date there has been no estimate of what percentage of those who initially recover from PTSD later go on to experience a recurrence. This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing literature to identify (i) how 'recurrence' of PTSD is defined in the literature; (ii) the prevalence of recurrent episodes of PTSD; and (iii) factors associated with recurrence.

METHODS

A literature search of five electronic databases identified primary, quantitative studies relevant to the research aims. Reference lists of studies meeting pre-defined inclusion criteria were also hand-searched. Relevant data were extracted systematically from the included studies and results are reported narratively.

RESULTS

Searches identified 5,398 studies, and 35 were deemed relevant to the aims of the review. Results showed there is little consensus in the terminology or definitions used to refer to recurrence of PTSD. Because recurrence was defined and measured in different ways across the literature, and prevalence rates were reported in numerous different ways, it was not possible to perform meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of recurrence. We also found no consistent evidence regarding predictors of PTSD recurrence.

CONCLUSION

A clear and consistent evidence-based definition of recurrence is urgently needed before the prevalence and predictors of recurrence can be truly understood.

The Need for a Diagnostic Instrument to Assess Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Dementia: Findings from a Delphi Study

Cognitive and behavioral aspects may mask posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with dementia. PTSD severely lowers quality of life in people with dementia. Proper recognition of PTSD is essential to ensure adequate treatment. However, a valid diagnostic tool for PTSD in dementia is lacking. A Delphi study was conducted among 20 Dutch and 6 international experts in the field of PTSD and dementia care or research. The aim was to reach consensus in 3 rounds on the added value, form, content, and application for developing such an instrument. The first round confirmed the need for a new diagnostic tool for research and clinical practice. Consensus was reached on 23 statements regarding the support base and 19 related to content of the instrument. In the third round, opinions on several conceptual problems were gathered. Based on the experts' opinions, a draft version of an instrument, the TRAuma and DEmentia-interview (TRADE-interview), was developed. Clinical and research implications of this new measure are discussed.

Modified Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with an 85-Year-Old Native American Cajun Man With Late-Onset Deafness: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES

Few studies of exposure therapy with adults 85 years and older exist. This case report presents results of prolonged exposure (PE) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) modified for an 85-year-old Native American Cajun man with late-onset deafness, who used a cochlear implant, and reported high Western/non-Native American acculturation. The following modifications were made primarily in response to the client's individual, disability-related barriers to completing the standard PE protocol: (a) inclusion of the client's spouse in aspects of treatment planning and homework assignments; (b) variable session length and frequency; (c) homework was limited to the daily practice of breathing retraining and in vivo exposure to triggering images; and (d) therapist reliance on nonverbal indicators of distress during imaginal exposures.

METHODS

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GSD-15) were primary progress and outcome measures.

RESULTS

The modified treatment was associated with clinically significant decreases in baseline PTSD (19 points) and depressive (8 points) symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

PE protocol modifications did not compromise treatment outcomes for this client.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

PE protocols should be modified based on the individual needs of diverse older adults underrepresented in efficacy research.

The Safety and Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies for Older Adults: Knowns and Unknowns

Psychedelics and related compounds have shown efficacy for the treatment of a variety of conditions that are prevalent among older adults, including mood disorders, the psychological distress associated with a serious medical illness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and prolonged grief disorder. Psychedelics also have properties that could help provide therapeutic benefits for patients with dementing disorders, as well as promoting personal growth among healthy older adults. This article focuses on psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, and MDMA, a substituted amphetamine with properties similar to classic psychedelics. Both act on the 5HT_2A receptor. Psychedelics can be safely administered to healthy adults in controlled conditions. However, both psilocybin and MDMA can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which could be a concern if used in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Very few older adults or patients with serious comorbidities have been included in clinical trials of psychedelics to date, raising the question of how generalizable study results are for the patients that most geropsychiatrists will be treating. Research on the neurophysiologic and mechanistic effects of psychedelics in older adults could also provide insights into the aging brain that could have clinical applications in the future. Given the potential of psychedelic compounds to benefit older adults, more research is needed to establish safety and efficacy among older adults, particularly those with multi-morbidity.

Improvement in the quality of life of outpatients with severe mental illness in conjunction with intellectual disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder

BACKGROUND

Elucidating the influence of mild intellectual disability (MID; IQ 50-70)/borderline intellectual functioning (BIF; IQ 70-85) and (comorbid) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the quality of life of patients with serious mental illness (SMI) could improve their mental health care.

METHOD

This study comprises a prospective longitudinal cohort study using routine outcome monitoring data. The cohort comprised 601 patients who had undertaken at least one Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). The scores for screeners to detect MID/BIF and PTSD were analysed, and a repeated measures analysis of variance and a multi-level linear regression was performed on the MANSA scores.

RESULTS

The average quality of life for all patient groups increased significantly over time. A between-subject effect on quality of life was observed for PTSD, but not MID/BIF.

CONCLUSIONS

PTSD but not MID/BIF is associated with a lesser quality of life over time.

Emotional dysregulation as trans-nosographic psychopathological dimension in adulthood: A systematic review

Introduction

Emotional dysregulation (ED) is characterized by inappropriate emotional reactions related to environmental or cognitive stimuli. In most recent years, increasing interest has been devoted to its definition and detection across mental disorders for its detrimental role progressively highlighted in both neurodevelopment and adult mental disorders, with implications on the severity of clinical manifestations. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and gather the scientific evidence about ED in adult psychiatric population to elucidate the concept of ED as trans-nosographic entity.

Methods

The electronics databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science was reviewed to identify studies in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines; at the end of the selection process a total of 29 studies (N = 709; N = 658; N = 1,425) was included. All studies included assessed the presence of ED symptoms, by means of a validate scale in adult (>18 years of age), in clinically diagnosed patients as well as healthy control participants.

Results

Our results suggest ED as a trans-diagnostic factor across multiple mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorders; a better definition of this concept could be helpful to interpret and clarify many clinical cases and improve their diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Factors Associated with Self-Reported PTSD Diagnosis among Older Lesbian Women and Gay Men

Lesbian women and gay men are at greater risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than heterosexual people, however few studies have examined PTSD in older lesbian women and gay men. This study examined predictors of having ever been diagnosed with PTSD, as well as relationships to current quality of life, among 756 lesbian women and gay men aged 60 years and older in Australia. Participants were surveyed on their sociodemographic characteristics, experiences of sexual orientation discrimination over their lifetime, whether they had ever been diagnosed with PTSD, whether they were currently receiving treatment for PTSD, and their current quality of life. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, participants who reported having a PTSD diagnosis (11.2%) had significantly more frequent experiences of discrimination over their lifetime and were significantly less likely to currently be in a relationship. Older lesbian women were significantly more likely than older gay men to report ever having had a PTSD diagnosis. Additionally, having ever been diagnosed with PTSD significantly predicted current poorer quality of life. These findings suggest that a history of PTSD among older lesbian women and gay men is linked to experiences of discrimination and other factors, with associated links to current quality of life.

Posttraumatic stress disorder, complex PTSD and subtypes of loneliness among older adults

OBJECTIVES

Research examining the relationship between loneliness and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is scarce, particularly among older adults. CPTSD includes the core symptoms of PTSD along with additional symptoms reflecting "disturbances in self-organisation" (DSO). This study examined the cross-sectional relationships between loneliness (emotional and social loneliness) and CPTSD symptoms (i.e., PTSD and DSO symptoms) in older adults.

METHODS

Structural equation modelling was used to examine these relationships in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 60-70 years (n = 456).

RESULTS

Controlling for covariates, emotional loneliness was associated with PTSD (β = 0.31) and DSO (β = 0.57) symptoms whereas social loneliness was only associated with DSO symptoms (β = 0.25). The model explained 35.0% of the variance in PTSD symptoms and 71.3% in DSO symptoms.

CONCLUSION

These findings have important implications for treating and understanding PTSD/CPTSD and their correlates among older adults.

The Association Between Post-Traumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Puerto Ricans in Boston: How Does Loneliness Matter?

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between post-traumatic stress and depression and whether such an association differs by level of loneliness among older Puerto Ricans.

METHODS

Data were collected from 304 Puerto Ricans aged 60 and above living in the Greater Boston area who responded to questionnaires. We used ordinary least squares regression to examine the association between post-traumatic stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Post-traumatic stress was significantly associated with higher levels of depression. The association between post-traumatic stress and depression was stronger for those experiencing a higher degree of loneliness.

DISCUSSION

In working with older Puerto Ricans experiencing post-traumatic stress, it is important for mental health professionals to incorporate the assessment of loneliness and to prevent and reduce comorbid depression by addressing loneliness through improving social skills, enhancing social support, and reducing maladaptive social cognition.

Hospice and palliative care clinicians' perceptions of posttraumatic stress disorder at end-of-life in military veterans

At the end of life, individuals may re-engage with earlier life trauma as they reflect on life experiences and confront their mortality. As such, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms at the end of life may worsen the quality of death experience. This is a concern for military veterans, who tend to have more trauma exposures and higher rates of PTSD, and particularly for veterans receiving care in rural areas where access to PTSD specialty services is limited. To better understand this issue, we conducted 10 focus groups with clinicians serving veterans in rural communities across five U.S. states. The aims of this project were to evaluate: (1) do hospice and palliative care providers/staff observe PTSD symptoms in veterans at the end of life? (2) if so, how are symptoms similar to and different from existing DSM-5 criteria for PTSD? We used qualitative content analysis with mixed deductive and inductive approaches to code 151 anonymized statements. Analyses found descriptions of PTSD symptoms aligned broadly with existing diagnostic nomenclature, but descriptions revealed specific presentations relevant to the end of life setting such as resistance to care, agitation, restlessness, and effects of delirium. In addition, some veterans expressed pride in service and openness to discussing military experiences. Further, clinicians noted that PTSD symptoms were relevant to family dynamics. Future research should further characterize these symptom differences through direct patient assessment and develop resources to improve quality of death experience for veterans with PTSD symptoms.

Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older People Exposed to the Jeju 4·3 Incident

OBJECTIVE

We explored factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), including socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, in among older people exposed to the Jeju 4·3 incident, and aimed to determine the effects of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perceived social support on HRQOL.

METHODS

We obtained data from 110 survivors and 1,011 immediate family members of the victims of the Jeju April 3 incident (mean age, 75.1 years), and evaluated the relationships of HRQOL with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including posttraumatic and depressive symptoms, and perceived social support.

RESULTS

Poorer physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment HRQOL domain scores were strongly associated with older age, being a woman, poor socioeconomic status, and symptoms of depression and PTSD. The regression analyses indicated that, when relevant factors were controlled for, perceived social support moderated the negative association between HRQOL and psychiatric symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the importance of sociodemographic characteristics, in addition to psychiatric symptoms, for understanding HRQOL in older people exposed to the Jeju 4·3 incident. These results have important implications for interventions aiming to improve the HRQOL of the victims of the Jeju 4·3 incident.

Qualitative Analysis of a Supervised Exercise Program for Older Veterans With PTSD

OBJECTIVE

Older veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience substantial physical and mental health challenges. Given the well-known and wide-reaching benefits of exercise, exploring the impact of interventions designed specifically for this population would be valuable. As such, the present study explored perspectives from older veterans with PTSD who participated in Warrior Wellness, a 12-week supervised exercise intervention designed for older veterans with PTSD. This study was aimed at evaluating 1) facilitators of engagement, 2) perceived benefits from the intervention, and 3) recommendations about possible modifications to the intervention.

DESIGN

Qualitative study.

SETTING

Face-to-face semistructured interviews conducted after the Warrior Wellness trial was completed.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen veterans (100% male, 93% African American or Black, 100% non-Hispanic or Latinx, average age = 68.7 years) who completed the Warrior Wellness exercise program.

MEASUREMENTS

Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that assessed veterans' experience in Warrior Wellness and recommendations for future intervention modifications. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Shared experience, program features, camaraderie during workouts, and accountability emerged as facilitators of engagement. Perceived benefits spanned physical health, mental health, and behavioral domains. Finally, veterans provided several suggestions for modifying the intervention such as increasing its duration, adding a nutritional component, and including significant others in enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers valuable insights into the intervention and interpersonal factors that veterans view as important for their engagement in exercise, the perceived benefits of exercise, and the ways in which interventions designed for this population can be refined.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and loneliness are associated over time: A longitudinal study on PTSD symptoms and loneliness, among older adults

Loneliness has a pernicious effect on mental health in later life and is likely to have a bidirectional relationship with psychopathology. However, longitudinal research examining loneliness and posttraumatic stress symptoms among older adults is scarce. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal relationship between different types of loneliness (social and emotional) and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Using two waves of an older adult sample (n = 1,276) from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), this longitudinal relationship was examined using a multivariate two wave-latent change score (2W-LCS) model. There were significant, however, very small increases in both posttraumatic stress symptoms and emotional loneliness over time, whereas, average social loneliness scores did not significantly increase/decrease over time. Changes in both social (β = .16) and emotional loneliness (β = .15) were associated with small changes in posttraumatic stress symptoms, consistent with the existence of a longitudinal association between the constructs, net of covariate effects. Results provide evidence of the existence of a longitudinal association between subtypes of loneliness and posttraumatic stress symptoms, among older adults. Results have implications for clinicians who should identify individuals at risk of developing posttraumatic stress symptoms, and for the theory of both posttraumatic stress disorder and loneliness.

Comparing Intensive Trauma-Focused Treatment Outcome on PTSD Symptom Severity in Older and Younger Adults

Objective: To examine the treatment outcome of an intensive trauma-focused treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older and younger adults. Methods: A non-randomized outcome study was conducted with 62 consecutively admitted older PTSD patients (60–78 years) and 62 younger PTSD patients (19–58 years), matched on gender and availability of follow-up data. Patients participated in an intensive eight-day trauma-focused treatment program consisting of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure (PE), physical activity, and group psycho-education. PTSD symptom severity (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5)) was assessed, at pre- and post-treatment, and for a subsample (n = 31 older; n = 31 younger patients) at six-month follow-up. Results: A repeated-measures ANCOVA (centered CAPS pre-treatment score as covariate) indicated a significant decrease in CAPS-5-scores from pre- to post-treatment for the total sample (partial η² = 0.808). The treatment outcome was not significantly different across age groups (partial η² = 0.002). There were no significant differences in treatment response across age groups for the follow-up subsample (pre- to post-treatment partial η² < 0.001; post-treatment to follow-up partial η² = 0.006), and the large decrease in CAPS-5 scores from pre- to post-treatment (partial η² = 0.76) was maintained at follow-up (partial η² = 0.003). Conclusion: The results suggest that intensive trauma-focused treatment is applicable for older adults with PTSD with a large within-effect size comparable to younger participants. Further research on age-related features is needed to examine whether these results can be replicated in the oldest-old (>80).

Comorbidity rates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in dementia: a systematic literature review

Background: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been described as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. At the same time, cognitive deterioration and increased loss experiences in dementia may increase liability for the reactivation of traumatic memories and thereby PTSD symptoms. Objective: In order to investigate co-occurrence of PTSD in dementia this systematic literature review summarizes all the available evidence on reported comorbidity rates of PTSD in patients with dementia. Method: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for potential publications investigating the co-occurrence of PTSD in dementia until 25 November 2019. Cohort and cross-sectional studies were included. To assure current comorbidity of PTSD in dementia, only publications with a recent PTSD diagnosis (<2 years before onset of dementia) were selected. Results: Of the 860 identified abstracts, three studies (0.35%) met the eligibility criteria and were included. These three studies concerned only military veteran populations, and they comprised two cross-sectional cohort studies and one prospective cohort study. The estimated comorbidity rate of PTSD in veterans with dementia varied between 4.7% and 7.8%. Conclusions: The limited research available shows comorbidity rates only in military veterans, which were possibly dependent on investigated population with respect to dementia severity and possibly associated behavioural and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). In dementia patients the comorbidity with PTSD may be high and we suggest that worldwide the impact of PTSD in dementia is high and probably underestimated. Research and care on this topic should improve urgently with the current expanding prevalence of dementia. A first step to improve quality of dementia research and care would be to develop a structured tool to diagnose PTSD in these patients.

Determining the median effective dose of prolonged exposure therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder

Prolonged exposure therapy (PE) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Identifying metrics of treatment response can guide treatment delivery. The median effective dose represents the number of sessions at which there is a 50% probability of clinically meaningful improvement (i.e., 10-point reduction in PTSD checklist). The goal of the current study was to investigate the median effective dose of PE. We identified a cohort of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans who received psychotherapy for PTSD in the Veterans Health Administration between 2001 and 2017. From this cohort, 10,234 veterans who received PE (as identified using natural language processing) and had ≥2 PTSD symptom measures were included in analyses. To determine how the number of PE sessions and covariates affected clinically meaningful improvement, we utilized a Cox proportional hazards regression, followed by Kaplan-Meier curves to determine the median effective dose. The median effective dose of PE was four sessions. Although some covariates were found to be statistically significant predictors of clinically meaningful improvement (e.g., age, gender, PTSD medications, and depressive disorder comorbidity), these effects were small. Clinicians and patients should consider evaluating treatment response after four sessions to determine preliminary effectiveness of PE.

Patterns of comorbidity associated with ICD-11 PTSD among older adults in the United States

Little research has been conducted on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbidity among older adults regarding the description of PTSD in the 11^th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This study sought to provide evidence of a dimensional model of psychopathology using the 'Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology' (HiTOP) model as a theoretical framework to explain patterns of ICD-11 PTSD comorbidity. Distinct patterns of ICD-11 PTSD comorbidity among a nationally representative sample (n = 530) of adults aged 60 years and older from the United States were examined using latent class analysis (LCA). Covariates associated with comorbidity classes were assessed through multinomial logistic regression. ICD-11 PTSD was highly comorbid with other psychopathologies. LCA results favoured a two-class solution. Class 1 (71.7%) was characterised by moderate probabilities for major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder; Class 2 (28.3%) was characterised by a moderate-high probability of general psychopathology and was associated with lower social support, spousal/partner physical abuse, and history of attempted suicide. PTSD was highly comorbid with other disorders among older adults. Distinct patterns of PTSD comorbidity exist among this cohort and these findings can aid clinicians and researchers in understanding and predicting maladaptive responses to trauma and associated psychopathology.

The Effectiveness of Using Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review

Neurofeedback is an innovative treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is readily accessible to mental health therapists. As a widespread mental health concern with potentially devastating long-term consequences on psychosocial functioning, PTSD can also adversely impact biophysiological processes, particularly those related to the brain. Neurofeedback has shown promise in alleviating overall PTSD symptoms, including these underlying neurobiological consequences. Successful results have been found among clients with PTSD who have not been responsive to prior treatment modalities. While a strong base of clinical anecdotes and case studies supports its success in treating PTSD, intervention studies on neurofeedback have been critiqued for lack of rigor and poor methodological design. A current systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating PTSD was conducted. Unlike prior reviews which emphasized neurobiological changes, this study was written for the mental health therapist and focused solely on behavioral outcomes. Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Neurofeedback demonstrated salubrious results in at least one outcome measure for the majority of participants across all studies. Interpretations, however, are limited by wide discrepancies in sample sizes, study designs, outcome measures, and the extent of reported results. Future research in this area would benefit from prioritizing randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up results.

Predictors of Quality of Life Following Cognitive Processing Therapy Among Women and Men With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

INTRODUCTION

The effect of evidence-based post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments on quality of life (QOL) is not well understood. In light of mixed findings on QOL after PTSD interventions, little is known about why some individuals experience functional and QOL improvements while others do not. This study examined treatment-related changes in depression, anger, and PTSD following cognitive processing therapy (CPT) as potential predictors of QOL change.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from two randomized controlled trials, one examining CPT among female civilians and veterans (women's study NCT02362477; n = 126) and the other on CPT delivered to male veterans (men's study NCT00879255; n = 125), were used to test study aims. Linear mixed modeling examined changes in depression, anger, and PTSD as predictors of post-treatment QOL while controlling for baseline QOL. The VA Pacific Island Health Care System's Institutional Review Board approved all study procedures.

RESULTS

Among women, reductions in depression from pre- to post-treatment had the strongest predictive value of post-treatment QOL (B = -1.15, 95% confidence interval (-1.71, -0.60), t = -4.07, P < .001). For men, reductions in trait anger from pre- to post-treatment predicted post-treatment QOL (B = -0.55, 95% confidence interval (-0.90, -0.19), t = -3.00, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in QOL may be predicted by different symptoms for men and women following evidence-based PTSD treatment. Our findings suggest that change in depression symptoms is an important predictor of post-treatment QOL among women, while anger symptoms are more influential for men. QOL and functioning is underresearched within the context of PTSD treatment, and this study suggests that these domains should be examined within the context of gender.

Comorbidités psychiatriques et somatiques du PTSD chez le sujet âgé

Le trouble de stress post-traumatique (TSPT) est un trouble sous-diagnostiqué chez le sujet âgé. La prévalence du TSPT est estimée à environ 2 % dans cette population . Il est très souvent associé à des comorbidités psychiatriques : au premier rang desquelles l’épisode dépressif majeur, possiblement accompagné d’idéations suicidaires, mais aussi les troubles anxieux (trouble anxieux généralisé, trouble panique avec agoraphobie), ou encore aux mésusages d’alcool, et de benzodiazépines . Ce trouble impacte la qualité de vie et entraîne une invalidité significative , affectant principalement 5 dimensions de fonctionnement : la compréhension et la communication, le déplacement, les soins personnels, l’activité et la participation sociale [1,2]. Il existe également des comorbidités somatiques importantes au premier rang desquelles les pathologies cardiovasculaires. Celles-ci sont le plus souvent en lien avec une augmentation des troubles métaboliques : le diabète, l’hypertriglycéridémie, l’hypertension . Ces comorbidités sont le plus souvent sous-diagnostiquées. Les sujets présentant un TSPT ont ainsi un risque accru d’infarctus du myocarde ou d’angine de poitrine [3,4]. Au-delà de la prise en charge du trouble psychiatrique, ces données rappellent l’importance de prendre en charge le sujet dans sa globalité. Il semble donc particulièrement important de mieux dépister ce trouble ainsi que ses comorbidités fréquentes chez le sujet âgé afin d’améliorer la qualité de vie et de diminuer la morbi-mortalité du TSPT. La prise en charge du TSPT chez le sujet âgé repose sur un traitement pharmacologique, au premier rang desquels les ISRS, et sur les psychothérapies. En particulier, les thérapies cognitives et comportementales peuvent être une proposition d’autant plus intéressante qu’il existe des comorbidités addictives ou somatiques.

Emotion dysregulation is associated with increased prospective risk for chronic PTSD development

While emotion dysregulation is associated with many psychological disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it remains uncertain whether pre-existing emotion dysregulation increases individual risk for prospectively developing PTSD in the aftermath of trauma exposure. Thus, the objective of the current study was to determine whether emotion dysregulation could prospectively predict the development of chronic PTSD symptoms following a traumatic event above and beyond other known associated factors, including depressive symptoms, baseline PTSD symptoms, total traumas experienced, and exposure to interpersonal trauma. Participants (N = 135) were recruited from the emergency department (ED) at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta and follow-up assessments were conducted at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months following trauma exposure. Latent Growth Mixture Modeling was used to identify PTSD symptom trajectories based on symptoms assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; three trajectories emerged: "chronic", "recovery", and "resilient". For the present study, probability of chronic PTSD symptoms was used as the outcome variable of interest. Linear regression modeling showed that emotion dysregulation was significantly associated with probability of developing chronic PTSD symptoms (p = 0.001) and accounted for an additional 7% of unique predictive variance when controlling for trauma exposure, baseline PTSD, and depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that emotion dysregulation can be used as both a predictor of chronic PTSD and as a treatment target. Thus, identifying individuals with high levels of emotion dysregulation at the time of trauma and implementing treatments designed to improve emotion regulation could aid in decreasing the development of chronic PTSD among these at-risk individuals.

Insights Following Implementation of an Exercise Intervention in Older Veterans with PTSD

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) face numerous barriers to exercise. Little is known about behavioral strategies to promote participation in this population. This is a secondary analysis of individual barriers and goals, exercise prescription characteristics, and patient perceptions of a 12-week, community-based, randomized controlled exercise trial targeting older adults with PTSD, (N = 45; mean age = 68; male = 91%). The most common cited goals for participating included weight loss (65%) and increasing strength (65%). Exercise mode varied among those who completed the program (n = 37), with 14 (38%) using exclusively treadmill; eight (22%) using only bike, and 15 (41%) utilizing a combination. Patient-reported exercise duration and intensity progressively increased over the 12 weeks, and duration differed by mode of exercise. We observed high rates of attendance (84%) and completion (88%) to the program. Patient-reported barriers to attendance most often included health problems (62%) and medical appointments (55%). Participant responses to a program evaluation revealed high levels of satisfaction, preferences for group-based programs, and insights about the acceptability of the exercise environment (physical and social). This study is the first to report on goals, barriers, exercise prescription needs, and individual responses to supervised exercise training in a unique population, that is, older veterans with PTSD. Results of this study can inform future health promotion programs targeting older veterans with PTSD.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Older Adults: A Conceptual Review

Objectives: We provide a review of the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults, focusing largely on older U.S. military veterans in two primary areas: 1) assessment and diagnosis and 2) non-pharmacological treatment of PTSD in late life. Methods: We performed a search using PubMed and Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) databases and reviewed reference sections of selected papers. We also drew on our own clinical perspectives and reflections of seven expert mental health practitioners. Results: Rates of PTSD are lower in older compared with younger adults. The presence of sub-syndromal/partial PTSD is important and may impact patient functioning. Assessment requires awareness and adaptation for potential differences in PTSD experience and expression in older adults. Psychotherapies for late-life PTSD appear safe, acceptable and efficacious with cognitively intact older adults, although there are relatively few controlled studies. Treatment adaptations are likely warranted for older adults with PTSD and co-morbidities (e.g., chronic illness, pain, sensory, or cognitive changes). Conclusions: PTSD is an important clinical consideration in older adults, although the empirical database, particularly regarding psychotherapy, is limited. Clinical Implications: Assessment for trauma history and PTSD symptoms in older adults is essential, and may lead to increased recognition and treatment.

Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD

Exercise training positively impacts mental health, yet remains untested in older adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We conducted a randomized controlled pilot trial to test the feasibility and acceptability of exercise training in older veterans with PTSD. Fifty-four veterans ≥ 60 years, with a DSM-V diagnosis of PTSD, were randomized to supervised exercise (n = 36) or wait-list (WL; n = 18). Primary outcomes included recruitment rates, attendance, satisfaction, and retention. Secondary outcomes included changes in PTSD symptoms, depression, health-related quality of life, and sleep quality; assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. There were no adverse events. Attrition was minimal (14%), and adherence to the exercise intervention was high (82%). Clinically significant improvements in PTSD and related conditions were observed following exercise (Cohen's d = 0.36-0.81). Exercise training is safe and acceptable in older adults with PTSD, may improve PTSD symptoms, and broadly impacts PTSD-related conditions. Future definitive trials are warranted.

A randomized controlled trial of prolonged exposure therapy versus relaxation training for older veterans with military-related PTSD

OBJECTIVE

Although prolonged exposure (PE) has strong support for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is little research on PE for older adults. Likewise, Relaxation Training (RT) has shown some benefit for PTSD, but has not been adequately tested in this population.

METHOD

This study represents the first randomized controlled trial of two active psychotherapies for PTSD among older adults. Male combat veterans (N = 87; mean age = 65 years) were randomly assigned to 12 sessions of PE (n = 41) or RT (n = 46). Clinician-administered and self-report assessments were conducted at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and six-month follow-up; self-reported symptoms were also measured at each treatment session.

RESULTS

Multi-level modeling indicated that Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores significantly decreased from pre-treatment to follow-up, but the time by treatment condition interaction was not significant. Pre- to post-treatment change was large in PE and moderate in RT, but many gains were lost at follow-up. For self-reported PTSD symptoms, a significant time by treatment condition interaction emerged, suggesting that participants who received PE had both greater decreases in symptoms and a greater rebound in self-reported PTSD symptoms than those who received RT. Unlike PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms neither changed nor were moderated by treatment condition from pre-treatment to follow-up. For self-reported PTSD and depression symptoms assessed at each session, time significantly predicted symptom reductions across psychotherapy sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

PE and RT are well-tolerated, feasible, and effective for older adults, though treatment gains were not maintained at follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00539279.

Associations of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Menopause Symptoms Among Midlife and Older Women

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the prevalence of traumatic exposures among midlife and older women and the association of these traumatic exposures with health issues.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress with menopause symptoms among midlife and older women.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional analysis of data from a multiethnic cohort of 2016 women 40 to 80 years of age in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system was conducted from November 15, 2008, to March 30, 2012. Statistical analysis was conducted from June 8, 2016, to September 6, 2017.

EXPOSURES

Lifetime physical or emotional IPV, sexual assault, and current symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, assessed with standardized questionnaires.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Difficulty sleeping, vasomotor symptoms, and vaginal symptoms, assessed with standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

Among the 2016 women enrolled, the mean (SD) age was 60.5 (9.5) years, and 792 of 2011 with race/ethnicity data (39.4)% were non-Latina white (403 [20.0%] Latina, 429 [21.3%] black, and 387 [19.2%] Asian). Lifetime emotional IPV was reported by 423 women (21.0%), lifetime physical IPV was reported by 316 women (15.7%), sexual assault was reported by 382 women (18.9%), and 450 of 2000 women (22.5%) had current clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. In multivariable analyses adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, educational level, body mass index, menopause status, hormone therapy, and parity, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were associated with difficulty sleeping (odds ratio [OR], 3.02; 95% CI, 2.22-4.09), vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes: OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.34-2.12; night sweats: OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.37-2.15), and vaginal symptoms (vaginal dryness: OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.37-2.18; vaginal irritation: OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.66-2.93; pain with intercourse: OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.57-2.98). Emotional IPV was associated with difficulty sleeping (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.09-1.71), night sweats (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.19-1.89), and pain with intercourse (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.14-2.25). Physical IPV was associated with night sweats (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03-1.72). Sexual assault was associated with vaginal symptoms (vaginal dryness: OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10-1.82; vaginal irritation: OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04-1.95; pain with intercourse: OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.00-2.06).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Lifetime history of IPV or sexual assault and current clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder are common and are associated with menopause symptoms. These findings highlight the need for greater recognition of these exposures by clinicians caring for midlife and older women.

A senior high school-based survey on the long-term impact of the Wenchuan earthquake on survivors' quality of life: PTSD as a mediator

Previous earthquake-related studies mostly focused on the prevalence and risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and there are only a few articles on the subsequent long-term outcomes of earthquakes. This study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of the Wenchuan earthquake on the quality of life (QOL) of surviving senior high school students 2-3 years post-disaster and to clarify whether PTSD was a mediator in the relationship of earthquake-related exposure and QOL. The study collected 1031 survivors' self-report questionnaires on socio-demographic data, earthquake-related experiences, PTSD symptoms (PCL-C), and QOL (WHOQOL-BREF). The results showed that earthquake-related exposure experiences were negatively associated with QOL scores, and the severity of PTSD symptoms was significantly and negatively related to QOL scores. Structural equation model (SEM) analysis showed that earthquake-related exposure was directly related to the severity of PTSD symptoms, while insignificantly directly related to QOL. Therefore, earthquake-related exposure was indirectly related to QOL (totally mediated by severity of PTSD symptoms). PTSD was a mediator in the relationship between earthquake-related exposure and QOL among adolescents: earthquake-related exposure affected the survivors' QOL mainly mediated by the PTSD symptoms that developed. Therefore, to improve the QOL of the survivors after an earthquake, more attention should be paid to survivors who have PTSD symptoms.

Mining latent information in PTSD psychometrics with fuzziness for effective diagnoses

The options of traditional self-report rating-scale, like the PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCL-C) scale, have no clear boundaries which might cause considerable biases and low effectiveness. This research aimed to explore the feasibility of using fuzzy set in the data processing to promote the screening effectiveness of PCL-C in real-life practical settings. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden's index etc., of PCL-C at different cutoff lines (38, 44 and 50 respectively) were analyzed and compared with those of fuzzy set approach processing. In practice, no matter the cutoff line of the PCL-C was set at 50, 44 or 38, the PCL-C showed good specificity, but failed to exhibit good sensitivity and screening effectiveness. The highest sensitivity was at 65.22%, with Youden's index being 0.64. After fuzzy processing, the fuzzy-PCL-C's sensitivity increased to 91.30%, Youden's index rose to 0.91, having seen marked augmentation. In conclusion, this study indicates that fuzzy set can be used in the data processing of psychiatric scales which have no clear definition standard of the options to improve the effectiveness of the scales.

Mental disorder prevalence among U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatients with spinal cord injuries

OBJECTIVES

Depression and other mental disorders are more prevalent among individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) than in the community at large, and have a strong association with quality of life. Yet little is known about the prevalence and predictors of mental disorders among U.S. military Veterans living with SCI. The primary aim of this study was to present an estimate of mental disorder point prevalence in this population. The secondary aim was to examine the relationship of mental disorders to demographics, injury characteristics, and other clinically relevant features such as impairment from mental health problems and life satisfaction.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

A SCI & Disorders Center at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS/METHODS

Administrative and medical records of 280 Veterans who attended annual comprehensive SCI evaluations were evaluated. Demographics, injury characteristics, self-reported mental and emotional functioning (i.e. SF-8 Health Survey), and clinician-determined mental disorder diagnoses were attained.

RESULTS

Overall, 40% of patients received at least one mental disorder diagnosis, most commonly depressive disorders (19%), posttraumatic stress disorder (12%), and substance or alcohol use disorders (11%). Several patient characteristics predicted mental disorders, including age, racial minority identity, non-traumatic SCI etiology, and incomplete (i.e. AIS D) vs. complete injury. Mental disorders were associated with greater impairment from health and mental health-related problems and less satisfaction with life.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental disorders are common among outpatients receiving VA specialty care for SCI. These findings highlight the importance of having adequate and effective available mental health services available for Veterans with SCI.

Assessment and Treatment Considerations for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at End of Life

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may first emerge, reemerge, or worsen as individuals approach end of life and may complicate the dying process. Unfortunately, lack of awareness of the occurrence and/or manifestation of PTSD at end of life can lead to PTSD going unaddressed. Even if PTSD is properly diagnosed, traditional evidence-based trauma-focused treatments may not be feasible or advisable with this group as many patients at end of life often lack the physical and mental stamina to participate in traditional psychotherapy. This article reviews the clinical and empirical literature on PTSD at end of life, as well as discusses assessment and psychotherapy treatment issues with this neglected population. In addition, it expands on the current reviews of this literature1-3 by extrapolating results from nontraditional treatment approaches with other patient populations. Elements of these approaches with patients sharing similar characteristics and/or comorbidities with patients with PTSD at end of life may provide additional benefits for the latter population. Clinical implications and suggestions for interdisciplinary care providers are provided.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Older Adults Experiencing Motor Vehicle Collision: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To characterize risk factors for and consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among older adults evaluated in the emergency department (ED) following motor vehicle collision (MVC).

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter longitudinal study (2011-2015).

SETTING

9 EDs across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 65 years and older who presented to an ED after MVC without severe injuries.

MEASUREMENTS

PTSD symptoms were assessed 6 months after the ED visit using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

RESULTS

Of 223 patients, clinically significant PTSD symptoms at 6 months were observed in 21% (95% CI 16%-26%). PTSD symptoms were more common in patients who did not have a college degree, had depressive symptoms prior to the MVC, perceived the MVC as life-threatening, had severe ED pain, and expected their physical or emotional recovery time to be greater than 30 days. Three factors (ED pain severity [0-10 scale], perceived life-threatening MVC [0-10 scale], and pre-MVC depressive symptoms [yes to either of two questions]), predicted 6-month PTSD symptoms with an area under the curve of 0.76. Compared to patients without PTSD symptoms, those with PTSD symptoms were at higher risk for persistent pain (72% versus 30%), functional decline (67% versus 42%), and new disability (49% versus 18%).

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults treated in the ED following MVC, clinically significant PTSD symptoms at 6 months were present in 21% of patients and were associated with adverse health outcomes. Increased risk for PTSD development can be identified with moderate accuracy using information readily available in the ED.

Impact of personality and social support on posttraumatic stress disorder after traffic accidents

This study aims to investigate the relationships of personality and social support with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traffic accidents.The 90 Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) were completed 1 week after trauma. The Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) was surveyed 3 months after discharge.PCL-C score of 38 was used as cutoff point. The older age and lower education significantly increased the PTSD incidence. SCL-90 score was positively correlated with PTSD symptom score. The psychoticism (P) (0.230) and neuroticism (N) (0.302) was positively correlated with PTSD symptom score in a linear relationship. Objective support, subjective support, exploitation degree, and social support were negatively associated with PTSD scores. Force symptoms, psychoticism, subjective support, introversion, and extroversion could explain 65.0% of degree of variation for PTSD with the estimated standard error of 4.758.PTSD associated social factors include force symptoms, psychoticism, subjective support, introversion, and extroversion.

Efficacy and Feasibility of a Therapist-Guided Internet-Based Intervention for Older Persons with Childhood Traumatization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Although cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, only a small proportion of older adults seeks psychological treatment. Alternative treatment approaches are thus needed to fill the gap between provision and use of psychological interventions. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of an Internet-based, therapist-guided cognitive-behavioral therapy (Internet-based CBT) for older individuals with PTSD symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with clinically meaningful (i.e., subsyndromal or greater) PTSD symptoms were randomly assigned to a 6-week treatment group of therapist-guided Internet-based CBT (N = 47; treatment group) or a wait-list group (N = 47; WL). The treatment group was assessed pre- and post-treatment as well as at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

Linear mixed-effects analyses showed a significant interaction between group (treatment versus WL) and time (pre versus post) for PTSD symptoms with a moderate between-group effect size in favor of the treatment group (d = 0.42). Effects in the treatment group were maintained up to the 12-month follow-up. Findings indicate a significant interaction (group × time) for quality of life (d = 0.39) and self-efficacy (d = 0.38). With regard to the feasibility, attrition rate was very low in both groups (treatment group: 12.8%, WL: 6.4%) and working alliance was very high.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that therapist-guided Internet-based CBT is associated with a substantial reduction in PTSD symptoms, and increase in resource-related variables in older adults with (subsyndromal) PTSD. This Internet-based intervention may offer a promising option in a stepped-care approach for older trauma-affected persons who may otherwise not pursue mental health treatment.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and risk of dementia among members of a health care delivery system

INTRODUCTION

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with an increased risk of dementia in male veterans, but little is known in females and civilians.

METHODS

PTSD and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records from 1/1/1996 to 12/31/2001. Dementia incidence from 1/1/2002 to 12/31/2014 in 499,844 health care members aged 60+ years over an average of 8.2 years. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age, demographics, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

PTSD was associated with increased risk of dementia over an average of 8 years of follow-up (females: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-1.95; males: HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.51-2.55). There was a two-fold risk of dementia in those with both PTSD and depression (females: HR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.66-2.59; males: HR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.47-2.91) versus those without.

DISCUSSION

PTSD was a risk factor for dementia in both sexes, with a heightened risk in those with comorbid depression.

Lifetime traumatic events, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with life in older adults

PURPOSES

The aims were to assess the association between lifetime traumatic events and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and satisfaction with life stratified by gender among a community-dwelling sample of older adults.

METHODS

Data used came from the ESA-Services study (2011-2013) and included a large convenience sample of 1811 older adults. Traumatic events were measured using a list of 14 events. PTSS was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. HRQOL and life satisfaction were measured with the EQ-5D-3L and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Multivariate regression analyses were used to assess the association between traumatic events, PTSS, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Respondents had a mean age of 73.90 years (SD: 6.13, range 65-97). Our results showed that exposure to violence (OR 4.88, CI 2.72-8.77), an accident (OR 2.33, CI 1.29-4.22), and sexual abuse (OR 2.26 CI 1.17-4.37) was associated with PTSS only in women. No traumatic event was associated only in men. The interaction between gender and exposure to violence and life-threatening disease of a close one was significant. Experiencing violence (β = -0.04, p < 0.01), a natural disaster (β = -0.04, p = 0.02), a life-threatening disease (β = -0.04, p < 0.01), and sexual abuse (β = -0.04, p < 0.01) were associated with a lower HRQOL only in women. No traumatic event was associated in men. Interactions between event and gender were significant for natural disaster, life-threatening disease of a close one, sexual abuse, and other type of traumatic events. A life-threatening disease (β = -0.90, p < 0.01) was associated with a reduced life satisfaction only in men and the exposure of violence (β = -1.18, p < 0.01) was associated with lower life satisfaction in women.

CONCLUSION

Our study could help healthcare professionals to identify and monitor traumatic events that are at higher risk to be associated with PTSS and a lower quality of life for older men and women.

Screening tools for evaluation of depression in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A systematic review

Background: Anxiety and depression are common comorbid disorders in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though estimates of their prevalence vary considerably. Depressive symptoms/depression are important comorbidities in COPD and an increasing interest is shown to these disorders. Depression may lead to reduced quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. These statements underline the importance of implementing the use of screening instruments for depressive symptoms in a clinical setting. This systematic review evaluates four commonly used screening tools for depression in COPD. Furthermore we assess the prevalence of depression in COPD in the evaluated studies. Design: A literature search identified studies dealing with screening for depression in patients with COPD. We focused on the instruments: Beck Depression Inventory, Geriatric depression scale, Centre for Epidemiological Studies scale on Depression and Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale. Results: Overall prevalence of depression was 30%. Demographic variations and severity of COPD influenced prevalence. The inter-prevalence of the four screening tools was consistent. We found a low variation between studies using the same tool. Few studies used control groups or compared the screening tool to a psychiatrist evaluation. Conclusions: This article calls for further investigation of the association between COPD and depressive symptoms. The subject is highly relevant for everyday life of patients with COPD and attention needs to be drawn to this issue in both an out- and in-patients.

Post-traumatic stress syndrome in a large sample of older adults: determinants and quality of life

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study are to assess in a sample of older adults consulting in primary care practices the determinants and quality of life associated with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS).

METHOD

Data used came from a large sample of 1765 community-dwelling older adults who were waiting to receive health services in primary care clinics in the province of Quebec. PTSS was measured with the PTSS scale. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were used as potential determinants of PTSS. Quality of life was measured with the EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L) EQ-Visual Analog Scale and the Satisfaction With Your Life Scale. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to study the presence of PTSS and different measures of health-related quality of life and quality of life as a function of study variables.

RESULTS

The six-month prevalence of PTSS was 11.0%. PTSS was associated with age, marital status, number of chronic disorders and the presence of an anxiety disorder. PTSS was also associated with the EQ-5D-3L and the Satisfaction with Your Life Scale.

CONCLUSION

PTSS is prevalent in patients consulting in primary care practices. Primary care physicians should be aware that PTSS is also associated with a decrease in quality of life, which can further negatively impact health status.

Association of Chronic Pain and Community Integration of Returning Veterans With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between community integration and pain in veterans with and without mild blast-related traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional study of 198 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, 135 with mild TBI and 63 without TBI exposure.

MAIN MEASURES

Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Community Reintegration of Injured Service Members Instrument, Brief Pain Inventory.

RESULTS

Pain interference was significantly associated with CIQ social integration (P = .037), and pain severity was significantly associated with CIQ home integration (P = .038) and CIQ social integration (P = .044). Pain interference and pain severity had a significant interaction as related to the CIQ total score (P = .046), CIQ job score (P = .034), and CIQ productivity score (P = .034). Pain interference (P = .042) and pain severity (P = .015) were associated with community participation, but not perceived limitations (P > .05) or satisfaction (P > .05) as measures by the Community Reintegration of Injured Service Members Instrument. There was a significant interaction between TBI status and pain severity (P = .021) with community participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pain has a negative association with the community integration of returning veterans. Although TBI status was associated with overall community integration ratings, depression had a stronger association with impairments. These findings suggest, above and beyond the treatment of depression, the importance of effectively managing TBI-related pain to foster improved social functioning and to promote the psychological and social well-being of returning veterans.

Benzodiazepine use associated with co-morbid post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression in older adults seeking services in general medical settings

BACKGROUND

Benzodiazepines (BZD) should be limited in older adults. This study aimed to determine the association between BZD use and the presence of a probable post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) and whether this association is dependent on gender and co-morbid physical and mental conditions.

METHODS

Data were retained from the Étude sur la Santé des Aînés (ESA) - Services study (2011-2013) and included 1,453 older adults (≥65 years) who completed a face to face at-home interview, who were covered under Quebec's public drug insurance plan, and had given permission to access their Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) medical and pharmaceutical services data. The presence of a PTSS was measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The use of BZD and antidepressants in the year prior to interview was ascertained from data reported in the RAMQ drug registry. The presence of depression and an anxiety disorder was assessed with the ESA-Questionnaire which was based on DSM-5 criteria. The interaction between PTSS and gender, depression, anxiety, and multi-morbidity was also assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PTSS and BZD use reached 4.5% and 31.2%. Participants with PTSS were 1.9 (95% CI = 1.1-3.2) times more likely to use BZD. The presence of depression had a negative impact on the association between BZD use and PTSS (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The use of BZD in older adults with PTSS is still prevalent today. Differences in benzodiazepine prescribing practices for more complex co-morbid psychiatric cases needs to be further studied.

Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Aging Vietnam-Era Veterans: Veterans Administration Cooperative Study 569: Course and Consequences of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Vietnam-Era Veteran Twins

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among aging Vietnam-era veterans is not well characterized.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 5,598 male Vietnam-era veterans and members of the Vietnam Era Twin Registry were assessed for PTSD using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Current symptoms were measured with the PTSD Checklist (PCL). PTSD was estimated according to age (<60 or ≥ 60) and Vietnam theater service.

RESULTS

The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in theater veterans aged at least 60 years was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.9%-20.5%) and higher than the 5.5% (95% CI: 4.3%-7.0%) among nontheater veterans. Among veterans younger than 60 years, the comparable prevalence was 22.0% for theater (95% CI: 16.7%-28.4%) and 15.7% for nontheater (95% CI: 13.4%-18.2%) veterans. Similar results were found for theater service and current PTSD prevalence (past 12 months). PCL scores were significantly higher in theater compared with nontheater veterans in both younger and older cohorts. In both the younger and older cohorts significant differences in lifetime and current PTSD prevalence and PCL scores persisted in theater service discordant twin pairs.

CONCLUSION

Vietnam service is related to elevated PTSD prevalence and current symptom burden in aging veterans. More than 30 years after the end of the Vietnam conflict, many veterans continue to suffer from PTSD, which highlights the need for continuing outreach throughout the life course.

Mental Health Treatment for Older Veterans Newly Diagnosed with PTSD: A National Investigation

OBJECTIVE

Older veterans are the largest cohort served by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The aim of this study was to examine mental health service utilization among older veterans recently diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with an interest in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics related to receipt and type of mental health treatment.

DESIGN

VA National administrative data set and pharmacy records.

SETTING

VA Healthcare System.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample comprised 96,249 veterans aged 50+ years who received a new diagnosis of PTSD between fiscal years 2008-2011.

MEASUREMENTS

Demographic/clinical characteristics and treatment variables (receipt of mental health treatment; number of days before first appointment; receipt of psychotherapy, medication, or combination treatment; type of medication; number of psychotherapy visits) were assessed and relations were examined using logistic, negative binomial, and Cox regressions.

RESULTS

The majority of older veterans with newly diagnosed PTSD received at least one follow-up mental health visit. Increasing age was associated with decreased odds of receipt of any type of mental health treatment, and psychiatric comorbidities and greater number of medical appointments were associated with increased odds of treatment. Among veterans who received treatment, increased age was associated with decreased odds of receiving both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, decreased number of psychotherapy visits, and increased waiting times.

CONCLUSION

Among older veterans recently diagnosed with PTSD in the VA healthcare system, older individuals, particularly those over 80 years old, are at risk of not receiving timely and appropriate mental health treatment, indicating targeted outreach to this population could be helpful in improving care.