Is worst-event trauma type related to PTSD symptom presentation and associated features?

Author: Smith, H.L.; Summers, B.J.; Dillon, K.H.; Cougle, J.R.

Description: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is generally assessed with reference to a “worst-event” (index) trauma, though little research has examined whether symptom presentation and comorbidity differ across worst-events. Data from individuals meeting lifetime PTSD criteria in the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (N=398) were used to examine relations between PTSD presentation and comorbidity with the three most commonly reported “worst-event” trauma types: sexual trauma, non-sexual physical violence, and unexpected death of a loved one. Sexual trauma and non-sexual physical violence were associated with more symptomatic presentation of PTSD and lifetime trauma types compared to other worst-events. Non-sexual physical violence was associated with comorbid substance use disorder, and unexpected death of a loved one was associated with comorbid depression. Inclusion of number of lifetime trauma types as a covariate rendered most, but not all associations non-significant. These findings suggest worst-event trauma type is related to some important differences in PTSD presentation.

Subject headings: Comorbidity; PTSD; Sexual assault; Trauma type

Publication year: 2016

Journal or book title: Journal of Anxiety Disorders

Volume: 38

Pages: 55-61

Find the full text: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618516300093

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Type: Journal Article

Serial number: 1300