Showing papers in "Journal of Traumatic Stress in 1994"
TL;DR: Subjects who had experienced trauma reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptomatology than nontraumatized subjects, and these symptoms were more intense in subjects who experienced multiple traumas.
Abstract: The lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and their psychological impact were assessed in 440 undergraduate students. Eighty-four percent of the subjects reported experiencing at least one event of sufficient intensity potentially to elicit Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One-third of the sample had experienced four or more traumatic events. Subjects who had experienced trauma reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptomatology than nontraumatized subjects, and these symptoms were more intense in subjects who experienced multiple traumas. Events that were particularly negative in their impact included unwanted sexual experiences and events that subjects reported were too traumatic to discuss openly. Males and females differed in their probability of experiencing some types of events and in the psychological response to certain events.
628 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a household probability sample of 229 adults was interviewed four to seven months after the Sierra Madre earthquake (June 28, 1991; Los Angeles County) and three major hypotheses were supported: resource loss was positively associated with psychological distress, resource loss predicted psychological distress when other predictors were statistically controlled, and resource loss associated with mild to moderate elevations in of psychological distress.
Abstract: A household probability sample of 229 adults was interviewed four to seven months after the Sierra Madre earthquake (June 28, 1991; Los Angeles County). The study predicted psychological distress from these variables: demographics, traumatic event history, low magnitude event history, earthquake related threat perceptions, and earthquake related resource loss. Based on the Conservation of Resources (COR) stress model, it was predicted that resource loss would be central in predicting psychological distress. Three major hypotheses were supported: (1) resource loss was positively associated with psychological distress; (2) resource loss predicted psychological distress when other predictors were statistically controlled; and (3) resource loss was associated with mild to moderate elevations in of psychological distress. The findings support COR stress theory. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
325 citations
TL;DR: This report presents an update of psychosocial research in the traumatic stress field, presenting an overview of recent studies in several areas: the epidemiology of traumatic events and of PTSD in the general adult population, other diagnoses associated with trauma exposure and PTSD, the course and longevity of PTSD symptomatology, and risk factors for the diagnosis.
Abstract: This report presents an update of psychosocial research in the traumatic stress field, presenting an overview of recent studies in several areas: the epidemiology of traumatic events and of PTSD in the general adult population, other diagnoses associated with trauma exposure and PTSD, the course and longevity of PTSD symptomatology, and risk factors for the diagnosis. Other areas of increasing interest and focus are briefly noted.
277 citations
TL;DR: This report presents an update of psychosocial research in the traumatic stress field, presenting an overview of recent studies in several areas: the epidemiology of traumatic events and of PTSD in the general adult population, other diagnoses associated with trauma exposure and PTSD, the course and longevity of PTSD symptomatology, and risk factors for the diagnosis.
Abstract: This report presents an update of psychosocial research in the traumatic stress field, presenting an overview of recent studies in several areas: the epidemiology of traumatic events and of PTSD in the general adult population, other diagnoses associated with trauma exposure and PTSD, the course and longevity of PTSD symptomatology, and risk factors for the diagnosis. Other areas of increasing interest and focus are briefly noted.
236 citations
TL;DR: Autobiographical interviews with 26 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed to identify common psychological themes.
Abstract: Autobiographical interviews with 26 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed to identify common psychological themes. Approximately equal numbers of men were abused by male and female perpetrators, almost half came from disrupted or violent homes and a majority had a history of substance abuse. Fifteen psychological themes were identified: Anger, Betrayal, Fear, Homosexuality Issues, Helplessness, Isolation and Alienation, Legitimacy, Loss, Masculinity Issues, Negative Childhood Peer Relations, Negative Schemas about People, Negative Schemas about the Self, Problems with Sexuality, Self Blame/Guilt and Shame/Humiliation. The themes are discussed and illustrated with examples drawn from the transcripts.
226 citations
TL;DR: The authors evaluated the validity of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder subscale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90) as continuous and dichotomous measures of PTSD in a mixed military and civilian group of 70 subjects in the United Kingdom.
Abstract: The authors evaluated the validity of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) subscale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90) as continuous and dichotomous measures of PTSD in a mixed military and civilian group of 70 subjects in the United Kingdom. The MMPI-PTSD and the IES are designed specifically as measures of PTSD and the Global Symptom Index of the SCL-90 is a general measure of neurosis. All measures produced significant positive correlations with scores from the Clinician Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS-1) and with each other. The IES was the most useful dichotomous measure. The optimum cut-off score for the IES producing the highest Positive Predictive Value and the lowest Apparent Total Misclassification Error Rate has been determined.
202 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined one premilitary variable, childhood physical abuse history, and found that forty-five percent of veterans with PTSD were recipients of abusive physical punishment during childhood.
Abstract: Current literature on the etiology of combat-related PTSD strongly implicates combat trauma exposure as a primary etiological factor. However, studies of premilitary variables have produced conflicting results, perhaps in part due to methodological inconsistencies and failure to employ standardized measures. The present study examines one premilitary variable, childhood physical abuse history. Using a standardized measure developed by child abuse researchers, forty-five percent of veterans with PTSD were identified as recipients of abusive physical punishment during childhood. A positive correlation between physical abuse history and severity of combat-related PTSD was found. These preliminary findings set the stage for further investigation of the child abuse variable and underscore the need for treatment of veterans with combat-related PTSD which addresses developmental traumagenic events.
152 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined some chronic, stressful conditions and some acute, traumatic events which may place youths at risk for specific types of psychopathology and found that both exposure to violence and family dysfunction were significantly associated with PTSD symptomatology.
Abstract: This study examined some chronic, stressful conditions and some acute, traumatic events which may place youths at risk for specific types of psychopathology. Ninety one delinquent adolescents with histories of serious and repeated crimes were assessed for their exposure to 11 different types of trauma. The subjects were also tested using measures which assess family functioning, and frequency and intensity of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results indicated that 24% of the subjects tested met full DSM III-R criteria for PTSD. Both exposure to violence and family dysfunction were significantly associated with PTSD symptomatology. These findings suggest that juvenile offenders may constitute a high risk group for exposure to multiple types of trauma and the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms related to such exposure. This study provides a rationale for future cross-trauma research both within the juvenile offender population and between it and other identified trauma groups.
152 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare vocal and written expressions of feeling about interpersonal traumatic and trivial events in 20-min sessions over a 4-day period, and find that similar emotional processing was produced by vocal and writing expression of feelings about traumatic events.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare vocal and written expression of feeling about interpersonal traumatic and trivial events in 20-min sessions over a 4-day period. Similar emotional processing was produced by vocal and written expression of feeling about traumatic events. The painfulness of the topic decreased steadily over the 4 days. At the end, both groups felt better about their topics and themselves and also reported positive cognitive changes. A content analysis of the sessions suggested greater overt expression of emotion and related changes in the vocal condition. Finally, there was an upsurge in negative emotion after each session of either vocal or written expression. These results suggest that previous findings that psychotherapy ameliorated this negative mood upsurge could not be attributed to the vocal character of psychotherapy.
131 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that the basic symptom picture in this group was similar to that observed in U.S. trauma survivors, with high levels of all symptoms along with statistically significant relationships between each symptom measure and the amount of trauma experienced.
Abstract: Despite a growing literature of cross-cultural research on mental illness, little is known about the universality of most psychiatric disorders. This study was designed to determine whether people from a very different culture have the same symptoms in response to traumatic experiences as do trauma survivors in the United States. We were also interested to find out if the severity of the current symptoms is related to the amount of trauma experienced. Furthermore, we gathered information about the perceived severity of traumatic experiences among refugees. Fifty Cambodian refugees living in the U.S. were asked about their traumatic experiences and their current symptoms of posttraumatic stress, dissociation, depression, and anxiety. High levels of all symptoms were found along with statistically significant relationships between each symptom measure and the amount of trauma experienced. We conclude that the basic symptom picture in this group was similar to that observed in U.S. trauma survivors.
114 citations
TL;DR: The present study examined the evolution of the diagnostic criteria from the early writings of Sigmund Freud to the current DSM-IV, finding it evident from his lectures in 1917–1918 that he understood the interrelatedness of what today is the four diagnostic categories in the DSM- IV.
Abstract: The present study examined the evolution of the diagnostic criteria from the early writings of Sigmund Freud to the current DSM-IV. Freud's original model of neurosis, known as Seduction Theory, was a post-traumatic paradigm which placed emphasis on external stressor events. In 1897, due to a confluence of factors, he shifted his paradigm to stress intrapsychic fantasy as the focus of analytic treatment for traumatic neurosis. Freud's thinking influenced both the DSM-I and II classification of stress response syndromes as transient reactive processes. However, it is evident from his lectures in 1917–1918 that he understood the interrelatedness of what today is the four diagnostic categories in the DSM-IV.
TL;DR: The relative values of imaginal and real-life exposure exercises were tested by randomizing 14 patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD at least 6 months after the initiating trauma to one of two groups, and live exposure yielded more improvement than imaginal exposure whether given first or second.
Abstract: The relative values of imaginal and real-life exposure exercises were tested in this study by randomizing 14 patients who met DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD at least 6 months after the initiating trauma to one of two groups. Group 1 (n = 7) had four, weekly, hour-long sessions of imaginal exposure followed by four, weekly, hour-long sessions of live exposure. Group 2 (n = 7) had the reverse order of four live exposure sessions followed by four imaginal exposure sessions. both groups improved significantly on both PTSD-specific measures and measures of general health post-treatment, and significantly further on 7 out of 12 measures at follow up 12 months post-treatment. Clinical improvement was in the older of 65-80% reduction in target symptoms. On one measure only (problem 2--phobic avoidance), live exposure yielded more improvement than imaginal exposure whether given first or second. The importance of both live and imaginal exposure to all relevant cues, behavioral and cognitive, is discussed, together with the value of self-exposure homework for patients with PTSD.
TL;DR: Examination of battered women's cognitive schema in relation to their cognitions about violence, post-traumatic reactions to violence, and sexual victimization histories points to the importance of assessing the impact of traumatic experiences on core cognitive beliefs as a component in the constellation of post- traumatic sequelae.
Abstract: This study examined battered women's cognitive schema in relation to their cognitions about violence (i.e., the “meaning” attached to the violence), post-traumatic reactions to violence, and sexual victimization histories. Seventy-two battered women seeking help from an outpatient family violence clinic were subjects. The meaning of the violence (e.g., expectations of recurrent violence and of severe/lethal violence, causal attribution) was found to explain variance in cognitive schemata about SAFETY, SELF, AND OTHER (McCann and Pearlman, 1990a). All measures of cognitive schemata were significantly related to various global and specific measures of posttraumatic stress (GSI, MMPI-PTSD, IES). No differences were found for cognitive schemata based on histories of sexual victimization. Results point to the importance of assessing the impact of traumatic experiences on core cognitive beliefs as a component in the constellation of post-traumatic sequelae.
TL;DR: Results indicated greater levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in the spill residents in addition to greater environmental worry and lower perceived social support.
Abstract: Psychological, psychosocial, and psychophysiological sequelae were studied in a community which had experienced a railroad chemical spill of 19,000 gallons of the toxic pesticide metam sodium. Two hundred twenty exposed residents were compared to 114 controls and paired on age, education, gender, race, and number of children. A clinical interview and physiological measurements (blood pressure, pulse, and cortisol level) were taken, the MMPI-2, IES Scale, Mood Scale, Environmental Worry, Perceived Social Support, and Perceived Control Scale and a questionnaire were administered. Results indicated greater levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in the spill residents in addition to greater environmental worry and lower perceived social support. Spill residents had higher blood pressure and less fluctuation of cortisol levels than controls. No difference on litigation status was obtained except on the IES, Intrusion and the POMS scales. Chemical disasters are associated with a wide variety of psychological, psychosocial, and physiological distress.
TL;DR: The authors argue that the stress imposed on families by Desert Shield/Storm was not analogous to that of routine deployments and that the call to duty was unexpected, disruptive, and "hazardous" which places it in the category of a catastrophic stressor as defined by McCubbin and Figley (1983).
Abstract: Because the war was relatively brief, casualties relatively light, and the Nation sanctioned the war socially, veterans of Desert Shield/Storm and their families were not anticipated to suffer symptoms of trauma or re-entry stress beyond that expected in routine peacetime military deployments. However, the authors argue that the stress imposed on families by Desert Shield/Storm was not analogous to that of routine deployments. The call to duty was unexpected, disruptive, and “hazardous” (i.e., highly dangerous) which places it in the category of a “catastrophic” stressor as defined by McCubbin and Figley (1983). The deployment was a call to war, which creates unique stress beyond those experienced during peacetime deployments. The deployment also carried with it prolonged “anticipation of trauma.” For these reasons, the authors argue, the deployment to Desert Shield/Storm created a situation of “family trauma” for veterans and their families. Suggestions are offered for education, prevention and treatment for families undergoing unexpected wartime military deployments.
TL;DR: It is seen that violence is very much a part of the lives of the homeless, and it seems to be part of a broader picture of problems associated with risk for and experience of homelessness.
Abstract: The present study is a random, systematic study of 900 homeless subjects in St. Louis that describes violence in their lives, both in terms of victimization, by specific violent traumatic events, and victimizing with recognized aggressive behaviors. Many subjects had experienced a traumatic event, and post-traumatic stress disorder was very common. Substance abuse and other Axis I disorders were associated with a history of a traumatic event. The majority of men and a substantial proportion of women also had a history of physically aggressive behaviors, often beginning in childhood. Aggressive adult behavior was associated with substance abuse and major depression. The aggressive behaviors usually predated homelessness, and about half continued after the individual had become homeless. Therefore, it is seen that violence is very much a part of the lives of the homeless, and it seems to be part of a broader picture of problems associated with risk for and experience of homelessness.
TL;DR: A model of combat-related guilt is described that distinguishes guilt types on the basis of specific false assumptions and errors of logic that are frequently associated with different kinds of traumatic circumstances.
Abstract: Dysfunctional guilt is a prominent feature of combat-related, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present article describes a model of combat-related guilt that distinguishes guilt types on the basis of specific false assumptions and errors of logic that are frequently associated with different kinds of traumatic circumstances. Two common types of combat-related guilt based on this conceptualization are described and cognitive relabeling treatment strategies which have a “type” specific focus are outlined. The needs for research on guilt assessment among trauma survivors and for interventions that focus explicitly on guilt management are discussed.
TL;DR: Results showed that the students reported minimal exposure to the hurricane and psychological distress variables approximated national norms, but as exposure increased, adolescents reported increased symptoms of psychological distress; i.e., anger, depression, anxiety, and global mental distress.
Abstract: To ascertain the effects of a natural disaster on adolescents, 1482 South Carolina high school students who were exposed to Hurricane Hugo were surveyed 1 year after the disaster. Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire measuring Hugo exposure, nonviolent and violent life events, social support, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Results showed that the students reported minimal exposure to the hurricane and psychological distress variables approximated national norms. As exposure increased, adolescents reported increased symptoms of psychological distress; i.e., anger, depression, anxiety, and global mental distress. Females and white students experienced higher levels of distress. In most cases, other stressful life events were at least as strong a predictor of psychological distress as was exposure to the hurricane. Self-efficacy and social support were protective.
TL;DR: This study attempts to examine the impact of disaster-related stress on helpers offering psychological support to victims of two major disasters, and to identify potential moderating factors.
Abstract: Limited available evidence suggests that disaster support work may have negative effects. This study attempts to examine the impact of disaster-related stress on helpers offering psychological support to victims of two major disasters, and to identify potential moderating factors. Sixty-seven social workers were surveyed, measures being taken of psychological symptomatology and wellbeing, personality variables, social support, life events, and various aspects of disaster support work. Comparison with normative data suggested that subjects were experiencing significant levels of stress. Two major sources of disaster-related stress were identified: role-related difficulties and contact with clients' distress. Approximately one third of the variance in helper response could be explained by variables reflecting coping style, prior life events and the aforementioned aspects of disaster support work. Follow-up data at 12 months demonstrated persisting high levels of stress.
TL;DR: There was an expected increase in depressive mood during the period of SCUD missile attacks and a quick return to base-line levels following the hostilities.
Abstract: We examined Israelis' reactions to the Gulf War and SCUD missile attacks. Four national samples of Israelis (n=3,204) were interviewed as to depressive mood on four occasions—prior to the Gulf Crisis, as the war approached, during the SCUD missile attacks, and after cessation of hostilities. There was an expected increase in depressive mood during the period of SCUD missile attacks and a quick return to base-line levels following the hostilities. Less educated and older individuals reported higher base-line levels of depressive mood and were at higher risk for clinical depression. Women and men did not differ in depressive mood before or after the SCUD missile attacks. However, women experienced a marked increase in depressive mood when the SCUD missile attacks occurred.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the training and experience of these firefighters did not prepare them for major disaster work and the implications of schema theory for the design of training programs is discussed.
Abstract: This study evaluates the applicability of the training and operational practices of a group of firefighters to disaster search and rescue duties. Using schema theory it is hypothesized that training effectiveness could be evaluated by assessing the incidence with which event characteristics are perceived as stressors. A comparison of the propensity of a group of firefighters and a group of predominantly nonemergency service volunteers (who were specifically trained for disaster relief work) to define event characteristics as stressors provided the means of testing the hypothesis. The results suggest that the training and experience of these firefighters did not prepare them for major disaster work. The difference in stressor susceptibility serves as a basis for identifying training and response factors that appeared to promote an adaptive response. The implications of schema theory for the design of training programs is discussed.
TL;DR: The data did not support the idea that emergency workers are hardier than most, or have particular coping styles, and the association between volunteer emergency work experience, personality, and reactions to a past traumatic incident was examined.
Abstract: The present study examined the association between volunteer emergency work experience, personality, and reactions to a past traumatic incident. Participants from randomly selected State Emergency Services and Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Units in New South Wales (Australia) completed four questionnaires. The data did not support the idea that emergency workers are hardier than most, or have particular coping styles. Length of volunteer emergency service was associated with both severity and length of reaction to a past traumatic incident. The number of emergency callouts and current general symptom severity were associated with severity of reaction to a past incident.
TL;DR: One year follow-up for veterans diagnosed with PTSD and newly admitted to a comprehensive 90-day inpatient treatment program showed a return to pretreatment levels on the PTSD symptom measures employed in this study.
Abstract: Veterans diagnosed with PTSD (PTSD in-treatment,N=39), newly admitted to a comprehensive 90-day inpatient treatment program, were tracked at 4-week intervals from admission to discharge. Two control groups were also tracked over 12-week periods — one of previously PTSD diagnosed and treated veterans (PTSD out-of-treatment,N=26), and a second that combined non-PTSD Vietnam era veterans (N=17) and non-veterans (N=16) (non-PTSD nontreatment). As measured by the Penn Inventory for PTSD, 48% of those who completed treatment showed some or substantial gains, 39% showed no gain, and 13% reported some increase in symptoms at the time of discharge. Several patterns were observed on other assessment measures. One year follow-up for those who completed treatment showed a return to pretreatment levels on the PTSD symptom measures employed in this study. These results are discussed in relation to other treatment program outcome studies as a baseline for further research.
TL;DR: Sexually abused men reported significantly greater difficulties than nonabused men at all levels of education: grade school, high school and college, and reported more negative job experiences and more negative experiences in relationships.
Abstract: Ninety men (mean age 26) at an urban Northeastern university were administered a self-report assessment of their early sexual and physical abuse experiences, and their educational, occupational, relationship, and substance abuse histories. Subjects were classified as sexually abused according to criteria used by Wyatt (1985) and Finkelhor (1979). Sixteen men (17.8%) experienced sexual abuse alone, 22 men (24.4%) physical abuse alone, 15 men (16.7%) both sexual and physical abuse, and 37 men (41.1%) were classified as nonabused. Of the 31 men who reported sexual abuse, 24 (77.4%) were contact, the rest noncontact. Sexually abused men reported significantly greater difficulties than nonabused men at all levels of education: grade school, high school and college. They also reported more negative job experiences and more negative experiences in relationships. Physically abused men showed a similar but less pervasive pattern of difficulties. Substance abuse was significantly more prevalent among both sexually and physically abused men than among nonabused subjects.
TL;DR: The data suggest that depressive symptoms in individuals who have been severely traumatized are more severe when associated with a concurrent PTSD, and groups suffering different types of trauma may show similarities in psychological dimensions of depression.
Abstract: The present study was designed to explore several aspects of depressive phenomenology, including current symptoms, dependency (anaclitic) and self-criticism (introjective) themes, and issues of self-efficacy, in Holocaust survivors with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Depressive Subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) were administered to 23 Holocaust survivors and 18 demographically-matched controls. Holocaust survivors with PTSD scored significantly higher on the SCL-90 depression scale, and portrayed more self-criticism on the DEQ, than Holocaust survivors without PTSD and demographically-matched non-exposed subjects. The data suggest that depressive symptoms in individuals who have been severely traumatized are more severe when associated with a concurrent PTSD. Furthermore, groups suffering different types of trauma may show similarities in psychological dimensions of depression.
TL;DR: This paper examined how cultural beliefs (cultural constructions about women) about women influence how women survivors of rape make sense of their traumatic experience and highlighted the ways in which cultural beliefs about women, sexuality, and rape become salient to women, and are accessed by them as they struggle to bring meaning to the experience of being raped.
Abstract: This paper examines how cultural beliefs (cultural constructions) about women influence how women survivors of rape make sense of their traumatic experience. A thematic content analysis of interviews with female survivors of rape was undertaken to provide a systematic description of the phenomenology of the experience. This paper reports on one major finding which highlighted the ways in which cultural beliefs about women, sexuality, and rape become salient to women, and are accessed by them as they struggle to bring meaning to the experience of being raped. The nature of these beliefs and their implications for response and recovery are discussed.
TL;DR: The results of this study add useful information to the literature concerning the impact of disaster among children and adolescents and provide a methodological framework for future efforts in this area.
Abstract: This study examined the extent of children's and adolescents' psychosocial maladjustment associated with a natural disaster, namely, wildfire. The course of psychopathology was assessed six weeks after a major wildfire destroyed 420 homes. Victims' functioning relative to a comparison group from the same community, matched for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and fire insurance was examined. The major goal of this study was to assess systematically the short-term mental health consequences of a wildfire disaster among children and adolescents. This goal was achieved through the use of standardized assessment procedures. The results of this study add useful information to the literature concerning the impact of disaster among children and adolescents and provide a methodological framework for future efforts in this area.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the cynical hostility literature has considerable relevance for study of PTSD and suggest that PTSD veterans may have heightened risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Abstract: The personality construct of cynical hostility, as measured by the Cook-Medley scale (an MMPI subscale), has been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A literature review suggests that Vietnam veterans exhibit many cynical hostility-like characteristics. We examined the association between Cook-Medley scores and PTSD among Vietnam and other-era veterans. Study 1 involved analyses of data from 1293 MMPIs administered at Department of Veterans Affairs in Honolulu between 1986–1991. Cook-Medley scores were highly correlated with MMPI PTSD scores, and Vietnam Era veterans obtained higher scores than veterans from other eras. In Study 2, twenty nine Vietnam veterans with PTSD disability ratings obtained very high Cook-Medley scores which were higher than Vietnam Era veterans without rated PTSD. Findings indicate that the cynical hostility literature has considerable relevance for study of PTSD and suggest that PTSD veterans may have heightened risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Several directions for future research are suggested.
TL;DR: Almost half of the sample met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and diagnosis of this disorder was strongly associated with evidence of depressive and substance abuse disorders.
Abstract: This clinical report describes symptoms of psychological and physical distress and psychiatric disorders in 24 Army Reservists who served war zone graves registration duty in support of Operation Desert Storm. Troops underwent comprehensive assessment for evidence of psychopathology that might be associated with war zone duty as one component of a debriefing protocol scheduled during regular drill exercises eight months after their return to the United States. Troops endorsed items suggestive of high war zone stress exposure, common symptoms of anxiety, anger, and depression, and multiple health and somatic concerns. Almost half of the sample met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and diagnosis of this disorder was strongly associated with evidence of depressive and substance abuse disorders. The gruesome aspects of body recovery and identification in a war zone setting were cited as stressor elements of significant negative impact.
TL;DR: An 11-item version of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD has good internal consistency, good correspondence with the full scale, significant sensitivity to change in symptom severity, and significant relationships between change and clinicians' ratings of improvement after 1 year, number of treatment sessions received and number of months in treatment.
Abstract: In large-scale surveys or program evaluations, investigators most often wish to assess multiple domains of functioning, while at the same time minimizing the overall length of the data collection protocols. In addition, studies of treatment interventions require instruments which offer the greatest opportunity of detecting change in the variables of interest. Toward these ends, we present an 11-item version of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD. The sample was composed of 436 war zone veterans who received specialized outpatient treatment for PTSD, and who were followed up in 4-month intervals for 1 year. Items were identified for inclusion in a short scale on half of the sample. The scale was then cross-validated on the other half. This short form of the Mississippi Scale has good internal consistency, good correspondence with the full scale, significant sensitivity to change in symptom severity, and significant relationships between change and clinicians' ratings of improvement after 1 year, number of treatment sessions received and number of months in treatment.