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Zvolensky MJ, Shepherd JM, Clausen BK, Robison J, Cano MÁ, de Dios M, Correa-Fernández V. Posttraumatic stress and probable post traumatic stress disorder as it relates to smoking behavior and beliefs among trauma exposed hispanic persons who smoke. J Behav Med 2024; 47:581-594. [PMID: 38409553 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-024-00480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
There has been little scientific effort to evaluate the associations between cigarette smoking and cessation-related constructs and exposure to traumatic events, posttraumatic stress, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Hispanic persons who smoke in the United States (US). Such trauma-related factors may pose unique difficulties for Hispanic persons who smoke and possess a desire to quit. As such, the present investigation sought to fill this gap in the literature and examine posttraumatic stress and probable PTSD in terms of their relations with several clinically significant smoking constructs among trauma-exposed Hispanic persons who smoke from the United States. Participants included 228 Spanish-speaking Hispanic persons who endorsed prior traumatic event exposure and smoked combustible cigarettes daily (58.3% female, Mage= 32.1 years, SD = 9.65). Results indicated that posttraumatic stress symptoms were related to increased cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for smoking cessation, and more severe problems when trying to quit with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate in adjusted models. Additionally, Hispanic persons who smoke with probable PTSD compared to those without probable PTSD showcased a statistically effect for perceived barriers for cessation (p < .008) and a severity of problems when trying to quit (p < .001). No effect was evident for cigarette dependence after alpha correction. Overall, the present study offers novel empirical evidence related to the role of posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD among Hispanic persons who smoke in the US. Such findings highlight the need to expand this line of research to better understand the role of posttraumatic stress and PTSD among Hispanic persons who smoke which can inform smoking cessation treatments for Hispanic persons who smoke experiencing trauma-related symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd., Room 126, 77204, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Justin M Shepherd
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd., Room 126, 77204, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bryce K Clausen
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd., Room 126, 77204, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jillian Robison
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd., Room 126, 77204, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miguel Ángel Cano
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Marcel de Dios
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Effects of stress on neural processing of combat-related stimuli in deployed soldiers: an fMRI study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:483. [PMID: 36396623 PMCID: PMC9671957 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe trauma exposure may lead to symptoms of both posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Neuroanatomical theories suggest that both disorders may share imbalances in fronto-limbic circuits. Longitudinal studies are necessary to better understand the impact of a stressful life situation on potential long-term fronto-limbic imbalances. Here we investigated soldiers neural processing of combat-related stimuli versus negative affective stimuli before and after the deployment in different war zones. In the final analysis we included 104 deployed soldiers (combat group) and 36 soldiers that were not deployed (control group). Behaviorally, we found a significant group by time interaction regarding depression symptom scores with an increase in the combat group. Depressive symptoms were subclinical. On the neural level, neither the whole brain analysis nor the region of interest (ROI) analyses including frontal and limbic ROIs revealed any significant results in the group by time interaction. However, extracted ROI values of the group by time interaction of amygdala and hippocampus were positively associated with the change in depression symptom scores in the combat group, but not in the control group. These results highlight the role of depression in individuals that experience stressful life situations. Future studies may need to investigate the role of depressive symptoms after trauma exposure with different tasks that may be particularly sensitive to changes due to depressive symptoms.
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Sinnott SM, Park CL, Huedo-Medina TB. Cognitive Coping Reduces Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Especially in the Context of Self-Blame. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2022; 31:1108-1127. [PMID: 36468082 PMCID: PMC9718451 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2022.2061879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Following a traumatic event, coping strategies may affect the natural course of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). In particular, cognitive coping strategies (how one thinks about stressors) may reduce PTSS by increasing individuals' perceived control over events, appraising them as less threatening, particularly for individuals who experience self-blame after trauma. Individuals who experience a traumatic event (n =344) completed assessments at baseline (T1), one month (T2), and two months (T3). We tested whether T1 cognitive coping strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping) predicted reduced T3 PTSS and whether this reduction was mediated by increased perceived control at T2. We tested whether this effect was particularly strong for individuals experiencing self-blame. Positive reinterpretation predicted decreases in, religious coping predicted increases in, and acceptance had no direct effect on PTSS. Overall, acceptance showed the greatest potential for reducing PTSS through increased perceived control over one's life. In a fully moderated mediation model, positive reinterpretation significantly interacted and acceptance marginally interacted with self-blame to predict increased perceived control and, subsequently, decreased T3 PTSS. Specifically, acceptance and positive reinterpretation were most helpful for those with higher levels of self-blame. Religious coping interacted with self-blame to predict decreased perceived control and subsequent increased PTSS. For trauma survivors experiencing self-blame, cognitive coping strategies that utilize compassionate self-talk, such as positive reinterpretation and acceptance, may be particularly helpful at increasing perceived control after trauma, while religious coping may have deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead M. Sinnott
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L. Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Bani Issa W, Al Nusair H, AlTamimi A, Rababa M, Saqan R, Hijazi H, Al-Marzouqi A, Abdul Rahman H, Naing L. Posttraumatic stress disorders and influencing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of frontline nurses. Int Nurs Rev 2021; 69:285-293. [PMID: 34878183 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the extent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and severity, factors motivating work continuation, and factors influencing PTSD development among frontline nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has an emotional toll on nurses. Exposure to traumatic events associated with the pandemic places frontline nurses at risk for developing PTSD. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Frontline nurses (n = 370) who cared for COVID-19 patients in three governmental hospitals in the United Arab Emirates were recruited from November 2020 to January 2021. The self-reported Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) was used to assess PTSD. The motivational factors for work continuation explored were: work-related factors (e.g., availability of personal protective equipment and management recognition), family support, and obligation to care. We used correlation and multiple regression analyses to investigate factors that influenced PDS score, including sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, exercising status, and general health status), work factors (e.g., hospital type [COVID vs non-COVID], prior work experience, and encountering deaths), and factors motivating work continuation. The reporting of this study was consistent with STROBE guidelines. RESULTS In total, 36.2% participants had a probable PTSD diagnosis (PDS score ≥28) with most reporting unwanted memories. Family support (95.9%) and management recognition (90.8%) were the most frequently reported motivating factors. Factors significantly associated with higher PDS score were smoking, lack of management recognition, not exercising, and encountering COVID-19 deaths; the correlation and regression coefficients (b) were significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING/HEALTH POLICY Policy makers must expand healthcare policies to address frontline nurses' mental health as a priority during the pandemic. Nurse leaders must be involved in health policy development to protect nurses in anticipation of and during global health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan Bani Issa
- College of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University Of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hussam Al Nusair
- Executive Management, Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital, Umm Alquwain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohammad Rababa
- Adult Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Roba Saqan
- Research Institute of Medical And Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Heba Hijazi
- Department of Health Services Administration, Chair, College of Health Sciences;, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Amina Al-Marzouqi
- College of Health Sciences, Health Services Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanif Abdul Rahman
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Lin Naing
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
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The brain at war: effects of stress on brain structure in soldiers deployed to a war zone. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:247. [PMID: 33903597 PMCID: PMC8076198 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In search of the neural basis of severe trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a multitude of cross-sectional studies have been conducted, most of them pointing at structural deficits in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Since cross-sectional studies are silent to causality, the core question remains: which brain structural alterations constitute a risk factor for disease and therewith precede the stressor, and which brain regions may undergo alterations as a consequence of exposure to the stressor. We assessed 121 soldiers before and after deployment to regions of war and 40 soldiers as controls, who were not deployed. Analysis using voxel-based morphometry revealed volumetric reductions in the ACC, vmPFC (region of interest analysis, effect does not survive conservative multiple test correction) and in bilateral thalamus (whole-brain analysis) in the deployment group. Remarkably, the ACC and vmPFC volume decrease was not limited to the period of deployment, but continued over the following 6 months after deployment. Volumetric reductions did not correlate with increases in PTSD symptoms. The volume decreases in medial prefrontal cortex and thalamus seem to be driven by trauma exposure rather than a vulnerability factor for PTSD. However, data indicate that the volume decrease in medial prefrontal cortex surpasses the time period of deployment. This may hint at an initiated pathobiological process below a symptom threshold, potentially paving the way to future mental health problems.
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Luderer M, Reinhard I, Richter A, Kiefer F, Weber T. ADHD Is Associated with a Higher Risk for Traumatic Events, Self-Reported PTSD, and a Higher Severity of PTSD Symptoms in Alcohol-Dependent Patients. Eur Addict Res 2020; 26:245-253. [PMID: 32653887 DOI: 10.1159/000508918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol dependence (AD) is frequently associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE Aim of this study was to investigate whether in patients with AD, ADHD is associated with an increased rate of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and PTSD, with increased PTSD severity and higher impact on daily functioning. METHODS Patients with AD were thoroughly assessed for ADHD during long-term residential treatment. Participants also completed the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS). The PDS is a 49-item self-report instrument that assesses exposure to different PTEs, DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, severity of PTSD, and related functional impairment. RESULTS Of 341 patients with AD, 66 were diagnosed with ADHD (19%). ADHD was associated with a more frequent exposure to PTEs (88 vs. 65%, p < 0.001). In patients with PTEs (n = 237), odds for PTSD were higher in ADHD versus no-ADHD patients (OR 8.9, 95% CI 3.9-20.5). Furthermore, PTSD severity and functional impairment were increased in ADHD patients. CONCLUSIONS ADHD in patients with AD is associated with a higher frequency of PTEs and PTSD with more severe and more impairing PTSD symptoms. In alcohol-dependent patients with ADHD, regular screening for PTSD should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Luderer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, .,Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany,
| | - Iris Reinhard
- Department of Biostatistics, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Feuerlein Center of Translational Addiction Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zukerman G, Fostick L, Ben‐Itzchak E. Early automatic hyperarousal in response to neutral novel auditory stimuli among trauma‐exposed individuals with and without PTSD: An ERP study. Psychophysiology 2018; 55:e13217. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gil Zukerman
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health SciencesAriel UniversityAriel Israel
| | - Leah Fostick
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health SciencesAriel UniversityAriel Israel
| | - Ester Ben‐Itzchak
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health SciencesAriel UniversityAriel Israel
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Vujanovic AA, Rathnayaka N, Amador CD, Schmitz JM. Distress Tolerance: Associations With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Trauma-Exposed, Cocaine-Dependent Adults. Behav Modif 2015; 40:120-43. [PMID: 26681735 DOI: 10.1177/0145445515621490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation examined associations between distress tolerance and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a cocaine-dependent sample. Participants were comprised of 138 cocaine-dependent adults (Mage = 45.4, SD = 9.9; 81% male; 76.3% African American) who endorsed trauma exposure, defined according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) PTSD Criterion A. Participants were administered interview-based measures and completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Results indicated that distress tolerance was significantly, incrementally (negatively) associated with PTSD symptom severity, contributing 6.8% of unique variance to the model (p < .001); notably, the overall model explained 44.8% of variance in PTSD symptomatology. Distress tolerance also contributed between 2.7% and 6.8% of unique variance across each of the PTSD symptom clusters (ps < .05). Incremental effects were documented, after accounting for the variance explained by theoretically relevant covariates (i.e., gender, cocaine-use severity, depressive symptoms, trauma-exposure severity). Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joy M Schmitz
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
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