Ge F, Yuan M, Li Y, Zhang J, Zhang W. Changes in the network structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms at different time points among youth survivors: A network analysis.
J Affect Disord 2019;
259:288-295. [PMID:
31454591 DOI:
10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.065]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Despite considerable studies focused on the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little is understood about how symptoms of PTSD change over time. The study aimed to use a network analysis approach to understand the nature of the association between PTSD symptoms at different time points among children and adolescents who experience an earthquake.
METHODS
A longitudinal study enrolled 1623 youth survivors who completed 3 assessments with the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the Lushan earthquake. The epicentre was Baoxing Country that located in the Ya'an city (Sichuan Province in China). A network analysis approach was used to investigate how symptom networks change at different time points.
RESULTS
A total of 1623 youth survivors (768 male and 855 female) completed three assessments. Different centrality symptoms existed at different time points. Flashback and upset by reminders were centrality symptoms at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. The overall network connectivity was significantly stronger at 3 months than at 2 weeks (5.663 vs. 5.140, s = 0.523, p = 0.000), and significantly stronger at 6 months than at 2 weeks (6.094 vs. 5.663, s = 0.432, p = 0.020).
LIMITATIONS
Participants from a specific region might limit the generalizability of our results. A self-report questionnaire was used to assess PTSD symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Re-experience cluster (flashback and upset by reminders) and their interactions might play a key role in PTSD symptom evolution. Over time, the global connectivity becomes stronger, suggesting that youth survivors are more vulnerable in the chronic phases.
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