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Balderrama-Durbin C, Barden EP, Gates MV, Hill J, Mastroleo NR, Possemato K, King PR, Rauch SAM. Examining the Temporal Relation between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Heavy Drinking among Veterans Receiving Mental Health Treatment in Primary Care. J Dual Diagn 2024; 20:29-38. [PMID: 38145623 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2294985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence for the use of integrated treatments targeting co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders is steadily growing. However, limited work has evaluated the temporal association between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and alcohol misuse over the course of integrated treatment, with no studies examining such interventions in primary care (PC). The current study examined temporal changes in PTSS and heavy drinking among individuals who received a brief treatment for co-occurring PTSD and alcohol misuse in PC (Primary Care Treatment Integrating Motivation and Exposure; PC-TIME) compared with those who received PC treatment as usual (PC-TAU). METHOD A total of 63 veterans (33 randomized to PC-TIME and 30 randomized to PC-TAU) presenting to PC with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol misuse were included in this study. PTSS and heavy drinking were examined at each treatment session for those in PC-TIME. Veterans in both conditions provided reports of PTSS and heavy drinking at baseline, 8-weeks (post-treatment), 14-weeks, and 20-week follow-ups. RESULTS Session-by-session findings for PC-TIME demonstrated that PTSS at Session 1 predicted a greater decrease in heavy drinking from Session 1 to Session 2. Moreover, heavy drinking at baseline predicted greater decreases in PTSS at 8-weeks for those in PC-TIME, whereas the reverse association was found for those randomized to PC-TAU. Additionally, heavy drinking at 8-weeks predicted decreased PTSS at 14-weeks for those randomized to PC-TAU. CONCLUSIONS The current study evidenced mixed support for the temporal precedence of PTSS and alcohol misuse. Relations between PTSS and heavy drinking appeared to be linked to treatment targets within PC-TIME and varied between treatment condition (PC-TIME versus PC-TAU). Notably, those with greater than average heavy drinking at the initiation of integrated treatment appeared to have greater reductions in PTSS at post-treatment. Results suggest a mutual maintenance model may best characterize the association between co-occurring PTSS and heavy drinking among treatment-seeking individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eileen P Barden
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Melissa V Gates
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Hill
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Nadine R Mastroleo
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse and Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Paul R King
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse and Buffalo, New York, USA
- Department of Counseling, School, Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sheila A M Rauch
- Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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2
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Saraiya TC, Back SE, Jarnecke AM, Blakey SM, Bauer AG, Brown DG, Ruglass LM, Killeen T, Hien DA. Sex and Gender Differences in Co-Occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:617-627. [PMID: 39026610 PMCID: PMC11257080 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-023-00511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Research demonstrates a strong association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less is known about sex- and gender-based differences among individuals with AUD + PTSD. This narrative review examines recent literature in this area and aims to be a reference for future research endeavors. Recent Findings Extant literature shows that intertwining biological systems increase females' risk of developing PTSD and experiencing more adverse effects from AUD compared to males. Sex-based physiological differences further interact with gendered sociocultural environments to influence the risk of AUD + PTSD. Emerging research suggests potential gender-specific pathways between PTSD, coping, and AUD which may inform prevention and treatment. However, barriers to care are often gender-specific and tailored approaches are needed to improve reach and uptake. Summary Additional research is needed to examine intersectional and contextual factors that synergistically influence sex/gender differences in AUD + PTSD, particularly beyond cisgender identities, and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya C. Saraiya
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Amber M. Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Alexandria G. Bauer
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Delisa G. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Lesia M. Ruglass
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Psychology, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Therese Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 125 Doughty Street, Suite 300, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Denise A. Hien
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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3
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Ferrie ML, Lheureux A, Vujanovic AA, Zvolensky MJ, Raines AM. Co-Occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Alcohol Use Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Drinking to Cope with PTSD Symptoms. J Dual Diagn 2023; 19:221-230. [PMID: 37851919 PMCID: PMC10753988 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2260326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and hazardous drinking often co-occur. One widely acknowledged explanation for this co-occurrence is the self-medication hypothesis. However, only one study to date has explicitly examined the extent to which drinking to cope with trauma-related symptoms, rather than drinking to cope with negative affect more broadly, accounts for this association. METHOD Survey data were collected from a nationally representative sample of adults (n = 360; 48.9% female, Mage = 38.50 years, SD = 10.23). RESULTS Results revealed a significant indirect effect of PTSD symptom severity on alcohol use frequency and alcohol use-related problems via drinking to cope with PTSD symptoms but not alcohol use quantity or binge drinking frequency. Drinking to cope with negative affect did not indirectly mediate the relations between PTSD symptom severity and any of the alcohol use-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings will be discussed with regard to previous and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara L. Ferrie
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Abby Lheureux
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 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
| | - Amanda M. Raines
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, USA
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Ranney RM, Bernhard PA, Vogt D, Blosnich JR, Hoffmire CA, Cypel Y, Schneiderman AI, Maguen S. Alcohol use and treatment utilization in a national sample of veterans and nonveterans. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208964. [PMID: 36880905 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research comparing prevalence of alcohol use problems and alcohol treatment utilization between veterans and nonveterans is lacking. Whether predictors of alcohol use problems and alcohol treatment utilization differ in veterans vs. nonveterans is also unclear. METHODS Using survey data from national samples of post-9/11 veterans and nonveterans (N = 17,298; 13,451 veterans, 3847 nonveterans), we investigated associations between veteran status and 1) alcohol consumption, 2) need for intensive alcohol treatment, and 3) past-year and lifetime alcohol treatment utilization. We also investigated associations between predictors and these three outcomes in separate models for veterans and nonveterans. Predictors included age, gender, racial/ethnic identity, sexual orientation, marital status, education, health coverage, financial difficulty, social support, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and adult sexual trauma. RESULTS Population weighted regression models demonstrated that veterans reported modestly higher alcohol consumption than nonveterans, but were not significantly more likely to need intensive alcohol treatment. Veterans and nonveterans did not differ in past-year alcohol treatment utilization, but veterans were 2.8 times more likely to utilize lifetime treatment than nonveterans. We found several differences between veterans and nonveterans in associations between predictors and outcomes. For veterans, being male, having higher financial difficulty, and lower social support were associated with need for intensive treatment, but for nonveterans, only ACEs were associated with need for intensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS Veterans may benefit from interventions with social and financial support to reduce alcohol problems. These findings can help to identify veterans and nonveterans who are more likely to need treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Ranney
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education, and Clinical Center, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
| | - Paul A Bernhard
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20420, USA
| | - Dawne Vogt
- VA Boston Health Care System, 150 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - John R Blosnich
- University of Southern California, 669 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, USA; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 4100 Allequippa St, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Claire A Hoffmire
- VA Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention, 1700 N Wheeling St, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 13001 E 17(th) Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yasmin Cypel
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20420, USA
| | - Aaron I Schneiderman
- Health Outcomes of Military Exposures, Epidemiology Program, Office of Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20420, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Bitsoih J, Patock-Peckham JA, Canning JR, Ong A, Becerra A, Broussard M. Do Coping Motives and Perceived Impaired Control Mediate the Indirect Links from Childhood Trauma Facets to Alcohol-Related Problems? Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:197. [PMID: 36975222 PMCID: PMC10044871 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Self-Medication Hypothesis suggests that individuals drink to alleviate undesirable affective states. Behavioral Economics Theory states that individuals deprived of resources (i.e., physically neglected) consume more reinforcing substances when they are available than others. Childhood trauma may indirectly increase impaired control over alcohol (IC; drinking beyond one's own intentions) and thereby increase alcohol use and problems through the employment of coping-motives. METHOD A structural equation model that included sex as a covariate examined mediated paths with 612 university students. RESULTS Men were less likely to be emotionally abused and were more likely to use greater amounts of alcohol than women did. Physical neglect was directly linked to both more IC and alcohol use. Emotional and sexual abuse were directly linked to more coping motives. Both emotional and sexual abuse were indirectly linked to more alcohol use and its related problems through increased coping motives and IC. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with Behavioral Economics Theory, there was a direct link between physical neglect and IC. We also found partial support for the Self-Medication Hypothesis regarding the emotional and sexual abuse trauma dimensions; they indirectly contributed to alcohol use and its related problems via the mediating mechanisms of more coping motives and IC. Our findings suggest coping motives could be a therapeutic target for intervention among those sexually or emotionally abused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Bitsoih
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
| | | | - Jessica R. Canning
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA
| | - Annie Ong
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
| | - Allison Becerra
- Department of Counseling, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Matthew Broussard
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
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6
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Luciano MT, Acuff SF, Olin CC, Lewin RK, Strickland JC, McDevitt-Murphy ME, Murphy JG. Posttraumatic stress disorder, drinking to cope, and harmful alcohol use: A multivariate meta-analysis of the self-medication hypothesis. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CLINICAL SCIENCE 2022; 131:447-456. [PMID: 35587413 PMCID: PMC9233097 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and harmful alcohol use has often been explained through the self-medication hypothesis via coping-related drinking motives. However, the magnitude of the indirect effect of PTSD on harmful alcohol use through coping motives is unclear. This study aggregated this indirect effect using a meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach and explored moderators that influenced the indirect effect. We identified articles from PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, and PROQUEST (through June 22, 2021) containing measures of (a) PTSD symptoms, (b) coping-related drinking, and (c) harmful alcohol use. Thirty-four studies yielding 69 effect sizes were included (mean N = 387.26 participants; median N = 303.5; range = 42-1,896; aggregate sample n = 15,128). Coping motives mediated the relation between PTSD and harmful alcohol use, accounting for 80% of the variance in the total effect. Moderating variables and evidence of publication bias were also found. Findings suggest that coping-related drinking is a strong mediator in the relation between PTSD and harmful alcohol use and that the strength of the indirect effect is meaningfully influenced by measurement approach, sample characteristics, and study design. Additional longitudinal and multivariate studies are needed to establish directionality and account for additional variance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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7
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Palmisano AN, Norman SB, Panza KE, Petrakis IL, Pietrzak RH. PTSD symptom heterogeneity and alcohol-related outcomes in U.S. military veterans: Indirect associations with coping strategies. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 85:102496. [PMID: 34775167 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the role of coping strategies in mediating the relationship between the 7-factor model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and alcohol misuse in veterans. METHODS Data were analyzed from 615 veterans from a nationally representative study of U.S. veterans who met criteria for probable full or subthreshold PTSD. Path analyses examined the role of self-sufficient, socially-supported, and avoidant coping strategies in mediating associations between PTSD symptom clusters and alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related consequences. RESULTS Negative affect PTSD symptoms were associated with AUD through increased use of avoidant coping. Additionally, dysphoric arousal PTSD symptoms were associated with AUD; avoidant coping was associated with AUD and increased alcohol consumption; self-sufficient coping was associated with reduced AUD likelihood anhedonia symptoms with decreased use of self-sufficient coping; and negative affect with decreased use of socially-supported coping and increased use of avoidant coping. CONCLUSIONS Results underscore the importance of avoidant coping strategies as potential mediators of the relation between PTSD symptoms and AUD. Interventions designed to mitigate engagement in avoidant coping strategies, and to bolster engagement in self-sufficient and socially-supported strategies may help reduce alcohol misuse in veterans with full or subthreshold PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Palmisano
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; US Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Sonya B Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA; US Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, White River Junction, VT, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
| | - Kaitlyn E Panza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
| | - Ismene L Petrakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; US Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; US Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Mohr CD, Hammer LB, Brady JM, Perry ML, Bodner T. Can supervisor support improve daily employee well‐being? Evidence of supervisor training effectiveness in a study of veteran employee emotions. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/joop.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie B. Hammer
- Portland State University Oregon USA
- Oregon Health and Science University PortlandOregon USA
| | - Jacquelyn M. Brady
- Oregon Health and Science University PortlandOregon USA
- San José State University California USA
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9
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McCabe CT, Watrous JR, Galarneau MR. Health Behaviors Among Service Members Injured on Deployment: A Study From the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project. Mil Med 2021; 186:67-74. [PMID: 33005930 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Service members (SMs) who are injured on deployment are at risk for myriad long-term health problems that may be ancillary to their physical injury, including high rates of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, and poor health behaviors (e.g., problem drinking, cigarette and tobacco use, poor sleep quality, and sedentary lifestyle). As the specific health behaviors injured SMs engage in have been largely ignored, the primary aim of this study was to compare health behavior patterns among those with and without mental health problems in a large, representative sample of SMs injured on combat deployment.
Materials and Methods
Participants (N = 3,303) completed behavioral health assessments between September 2018 and April 2019 as part of the Wounded Warrior Recovery Project. Multivariate linear regressions and binary logistic regressions were used to evaluate differences between mental health screening status and health behavior outcomes, adjusting for injury severity, age, and years since injury.
Results
Overall, about half of participants screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder and/or depression (49%). Participants reported high rates of alcohol use and problems, cigarette and tobacco use, inadequate sleep and poor sleep quality, and low levels of physical activity. With the exception of number of drinking days and likelihood of current tobacco use, participants who screened positive for a mental health disorder evidenced significantly worse health behavior outcomes.
Conclusions
The results provide a preliminary glance into the mental health and health behaviors of SMs roughly a decade after injury, and underscore the importance of examining the interplay between mental, physical, and behavioral health outcomes among wounded warriors to promote health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron T McCabe
- Operational Readiness Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
- Leidos, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Jessica R Watrous
- Operational Readiness Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
- Leidos, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Michael R Galarneau
- Operational Readiness Directorate, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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10
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Hawn SE, Cusack SE, Amstadter AB. A Systematic Review of the Self-Medication Hypothesis in the Context of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Problematic Alcohol Use. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:699-708. [PMID: 32516487 PMCID: PMC7572615 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur and are associated with many negative public health outcomes. There are several etiological models that explain the overlap between PTSD and AUD, including shared genetic risk and phenotypic causality, but the predominant model of etiologic association is the drinking-to-cope self-medication model. Although the self-medication model is conceptually appealing and has been widely accepted within the literature examining alcohol use and anxiety (e.g., PTSD) phenotypes, the findings are inconsistent and there is a lack of rigorous empirical evidence in support of this model. This review, which was, to our knowledge, the first systematic review of the self-medication model in relation to PTSD to date, aimed to synthesize the current literature on the association between PTSD and problematic alcohol use within the context of the self-medication model. In total, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review and assessed the self-medication hypothesis using a variety of measurement instruments and data analytic approaches, such as mediation, moderation, and regression. Overall, the included studies provide evidence for the self-medication hypothesis but are limited in rigor due to methodological limitations. These limitations, which include issues with the operationalization (or lack thereof) of trauma-related drinking to cope, are discussed, and directions for future research are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage E Hawn
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Shannon E Cusack
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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11
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Hawn SE, Aggen SH, Cusack SE, Dick D, Amstadter AB. Examination of a novel measure of trauma-related drinking to cope. J Clin Psychol 2020; 76:1938-1964. [PMID: 32478444 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study sought to fill a gap in the current literature by developing a concise self-report questionnaire assessing drinking motives specific to coping with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This new four-item questionnaire is called the Trauma Related Drinking questionnaire (TRD). METHOD Using structural equation modeling, the latent structure of the TRD items and how they relate to other variables of interest were explored among a sample of 1,896 college undergraduates from a large public university. RESULTS Broadly, we found evidence to suggest that TRD is a more specific measure of drinking to cope motives compared to the commonly used Drinking Motives Questionnaire coping subscale. Additionally, findings demonstrate support for the external validation of TRD, both with regard to PTSD and alcohol consumption and related problems. CONCLUSIONS Results support the use of TRD in future self-medication research and as a clinically useful screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage E Hawn
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Steven H Aggen
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Shannon E Cusack
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Danielle Dick
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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12
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McCabe CT, Watrous JR, Galarneau MR. Trauma exposure, mental health, and quality of life among injured service members: Moderating effects of perceived support from friends and family. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 32:164-175. [PMID: 38536281 PMCID: PMC10013332 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2019.1691406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Poor mental health and quality of life (QOL) are common among service members exposed to trauma and may be more pronounced among those injured on combat deployment. It is vital to identify factors that attenuate these issues. This study examined whether perceived support from friends and family buffer associations between level of trauma exposure, mental health symptoms (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], depression), and QOL. Military health care records and cross-sectional web-assessment data were collected for 1,643 individuals who were participating in a large-scale surveillance project of patient-reported outcomes of Service members injured on combat deployment. General linear models revealed perceived support from family and friends were independently related to lower depression and PTSD symptoms, and higher QOL. Perceived support from friends buffered associations between trauma exposure and depression symptoms and QOL, but not PTSD symptoms. In contrast, individuals with high family support reported the lowest levels for both PTSD and depression symptoms at low levels of trauma exposure. At high levels of trauma exposure, however, symptoms were similar across levels of family support. A similar trend was observed for QOL. Such evidence reinforces the importance of interpersonal relationships and support for injured service members, and highlights the need to address these topics in existing treatment and rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron T. McCabe
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, & Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Jessica R. Watrous
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, & Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
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