Showing papers in "Journal of Traumatic Stress in 1996"
TL;DR: The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory as mentioned in this paper is an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events, which includes factors of New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life.
Abstract: The development of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events, is described. This 21-item scale includes factors of New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life. Women tend to report more benefits than do men, and persons who have experienced traumatic events report more positive change than do persons who have not experienced extraordinary events. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is modestly related to optimism and extraversion. The scale appears to have utility in determining how successful individuals, coping with the aftermath of trauma, are in reconstructing or strengthening their perceptions of self, others, and the meaning of events.
3,946 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate not only that victimization and revictimization experiences are frequent, but also that the level of trauma specific symptoms are significantly related to the number of different types of reported victimization experiences.
Abstract: The present study investigated the relationship between trauma symptoms and a history of child sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, and physical abuse by a partner as an adult. While there has been some research examining the correlation between individual victimization experiences and traumatic stress, the cumulative impact of multiple victimization experiences has not been addressed. Subjects were recruited from psychological clinics and community advocacy agencies. Additionally, a nonclinical undergraduate student sample was evaluated. The results of this study indicate not only that victimization and revictimization experiences are frequent, but also that the level of trauma specific symptoms are significantly related to the number of different types of reported victimization experiences. The research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
507 citations
TL;DR: The ecological model proposes a multidimensional definition of trauma recovery and suggests that the efficacy of trauma-focused interventions depends on the degree to which they enhance the person-community relationship and achieve "ecological fit" within individually varied recovery contexts.
Abstract: This paper presents an ecological view of psychological trauma and trauma recovery Individual differences in posttraumatic response and recovery are the result of complex interactions among person, event, and environmental factors These interactions define the interrelationship of individual and community and together may foster or impede individual recovery The ecological model proposes a multidimensional definition of trauma recovery and suggests that the efficacy of trauma-focused interventions depends on the degree to which they enhance the person-community relationship and achieve “ecological fit” within individually varied recovery contexts In attending to the social, cultural and political context of victimization and acknowledging that survivors of traumatic experiences may recover without benefit of clinical intervention, the model highlights the phenomenon of resiliency, and the relevance of community intervention efforts
435 citations
TL;DR: A three-group quasi-experimental design contrasted the responses of rescue workers to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake Interstate 880 freeway collapse with responses to critical incident exposure of Bay Area Controls and San Diego Controls.
Abstract: A three-group quasi-experimental design contrasted the responses of rescue workers to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake Interstate 880 freeway collapse (n = 198) with responses to critical incident exposure of Bay Area Controls (n = 140) and San Diego Controls (n = 101). The three groups were strikingly similar with respect to demographics and years of emergency service. The I-880 group reported higher exposure, greater immediate threat appraisal, and more sick days. The three groups did not differ on current symptoms. For the sample as a whole EMT/Paramedics reported higher peritraumatic dissociation compared with Police. EMT/Paramedics and California road workers reported higher symptoms compared with Police and Fire personnel. Nine percent of the sample were characterized as having symptom levels typical of psychiatric outpatients. Compared with lower distress responders, those with greater distress reported greater exposure, greater peritraumatic emotional distress, greater peritraumatic dissociation, greater perceived threat, and less preparation for the critical incident.
205 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and symptoms of a newly proposed complex posttraumatic stress disorder or disorder of extreme stress not otherwise specified (DESNOS), and found that 74 survivors of sexual abuse showed increased severity on DESNOS symptoms of somatization, dissociation, hostility, anxiety, alexithymia, social dysfunction, maladaptive schemas, self-destruction and adult victimization.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and symptoms of a newly proposed complex posttraumatic stress disorder or disorder of extreme stress not otherwise specified (DESNOS). Compared to 34 women without histories of sexual abuse, 74 survivors of sexual abuse showed increased severity on DESNOS symptoms of somatization, dissociation, hostility, anxiety, alexithymia, social dysfunction, maladaptive schemas, self-destruction, and adult victimization. In addition, a logistic regression found that a complex of symptoms representing DESNOS was significantly related to a history of sexual abuse. Consistent with other studies, the results of this study provide support for the idea that symptoms of DESNOS characterize survivors of sexual abuse.
186 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that most firefighters felt that their safety had been threatened and experienced significant levels of posttraumatic stress, although many respondents attributed their stress to personal events Posttraumatic stress was associated with multiple and recent critical incidents and the need for appropriate intervention.
Abstract: Volunteer firefighters in NSW were surveyed for experiences of posttraumatic stress Firefighters were asked to describe their experiences of stress and indices were obtained of psychological disturbance Findings indicated that most firefighters felt that their safety had been threatened One-quarter of firefighters indicated that they experienced significant levels of posttraumatic stress, although many respondents attributed their stress to personal events Posttraumatic stress was associated with multiple and recent critical incidents Findings are discussed in terms of etiological factors of posttraumatic stress and the need for appropriate intervention
155 citations
TL;DR: Recent victims with a history of childhood sexual abuse were significantly more dissociative than those who did not report such a history, and these results are discussed with regard to vulnerability factors for developing PTSD subsequent to a criminal assault.
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative experiences in a sample of 158 recent female assault victims (74 rape, 84 nonsexual assault) and 46 comparison subjects who had not been assaulted within the last year. Results indicated that victims had elevated scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) as compared to the comparison subjects, but that this elevation was not as high as for other traumatized samples. The level of dissociation reported by assault victims declined significantly over the three month course of the study. DES scores were related to PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, but only among nonsexual assault victims. In rape victims, there was no correlation between dissociation and PTSD. Recent victims with a history of childhood sexual abuse were significantly more dissociative than those who did not report such a history. These results are discussed with regard to vulnerability factors for developing PTSD subsequent to a criminal assault.
149 citations
TL;DR: There was a higher prevalence of adult sexual assault among women reporting only physical abuse or physical and sexual abuse than those reporting only sexual abuse, indicating the significance of physical abuse as a potential risk factor for adultSexual assault.
Abstract: The relationship between a history of childhood abuse and subsequent sexual assault was assessed among 409 consecutive female inpatient admissions. A total of 45% of the sample reported a history of some form of childhood abuse and 22% reported at least one adulthood sexual assault. A hierarchical logistic regression indicated that, after controlling for sociodemographic and diagnostic variables, women with a history of childhood abuse were 3.1 times more likely to have experienced an adult sexual assault compared to those without abuse. There was a higher prevalence of adult sexual assault among women reporting only physical abuse or physical and sexual abuse than those reporting only sexual abuse, indicating the significance of physical abuse as a potential risk factor for adult sexual assault.
147 citations
TL;DR: There was no evidence of an improved rate of recovery among those helpers who were debriefed, even when level of exposure and helping-related stress were taken into account.
Abstract: Stress debriefing has been used extensively following traumatic events; however, there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This paper reports the effects of stress debriefing on the rate of recovery of 195 helpers (e.g., emergency service personnel and disaster workers) following an earthquake in Newcastle, Australia (62 debriefed helpers and 133 who were not debriefed). Post-trauma stress reactions (Impact of Event Scale) and general psychological morbidity (General Health Questionnaire: GHQ-12) were assessed on four occasions over the first 2 years postearthquake. There was no evidence of an improved rate of recovery among those helpers who were debriefed, even when level of exposure and helping-related stress were taken into account. More rigorous investigation of the effectiveness of stress debriefing and its role in posttrauma recovery is urgently required.
134 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the psychometric properties of a revised 30-item version of the civilian form of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) developed by Keane, Caddell, and Taylor (1988).
Abstract: Examined in two studies the psychometric properties of a revised 30-item version of the civilian form of the Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) developed by Keane, Caddell, and Taylor (1988). Study 1, whose sample was composed of 37 bilingual adults who had experienced a variety of traumatic events, was undertaken primarily to examine the linguistic equivalence of a Spanish translation of the scale. High cross-language stability was demonstrated, and both English and Spanish versions showed high internal consistency. Study 2, which used a sample of 404 victims of Hurricane Andrew, provided additional evidence of scale reliability and also showed that the scale correlates in meaningful ways with known traumatic stressors. Together the results indicate that the scale is applicable to different populations and events and constitutes a valid and reliable self-report measure of PTSD.
127 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the nature of psychiatric morbidity in previously non-ill subjects from the area most affected by Hurricane Andrew was investigated at 6-12 months posthurricane, and preliminary associations of morbidity with personal and event-related risk factors were also determined.
Abstract: The nature of psychiatric morbidity in previously non-ill subjects from the area most affected by Hurricane Andrew was investigated at 6–12 months posthurricane. Preliminary associations of morbidity with personal and event-related risk factors were also determined. Fifty one percent (31/61) met criteria for a new-onset disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 36%, major depression (MD) in 30%, and other anxiety disorders in 20%. Thirty four subjects (56%) had significant symptoms persisting beyond 6 months. Having sustained “severe damage” was the risk factor most strongly associated with outcome. Our data underscore the range of psychiatric morbidity related to a natural disaster, and suggest a relationship to chronic stressors.
TL;DR: In this paper, a sample of 595 men were administered self-report assessments of childhood sexual and physical abuse, perpetration history, gender rigidity and emotional constriction, including noncontact forms of sexual abuse.
Abstract: A sample of 595 men were administered self-report assessments of childhood sexual and physical abuse, perpetration history, gender rigidity and emotional constriction. Including noncontact forms of sexual abuse, 11% of the men reported sexual abuse alone, 17% reported physical abuse alone, and 17% reported both sexual and physical abuse. Of the 257 men in the sample who reported some form of childhood abuse, 38% reported some form of perpetration themselves, either sexual or physical; of the 126 perpetrators, 70% reported having been abused in childhood. Thus, most perpetrators were abused, but most abused men did not perpetrate. Both sexually and physically abused men who perpetrated manifested significantly more gender rigidity and emotional constriction than abused nonperpetrators. Men who reported abuse but not perpetration demonstrated significantly less gender rigidity, less homophobia and less emotional constriction than nonabused men.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that intrusion and avoidance responses to trauma are mediated by different patterns of injury-related and response-related factors.
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress was assessed in 114 motor vehicle accident (MVA) victims within 2 weeks of hospital admission. Approximately one third of patients reported high levels of posttraumatic stress and anxiety. Intrusion symptoms were best predicted by fear of the MVA and absence of head injury. Avoidance symptoms were best predicted by fear of the accident and recent stressful events. Findings indicate that intrusion and avoidance responses to trauma are mediated by different patterns of injury-related and response-related factors.
TL;DR: PTSD subjects exhibited greater MSP interference to high threat words than both comparison groups, and a liberal response bias toward recognizing military-related words, which supported several predictions derived from information-processing models of PTSD.
Abstract: Vietnam combat veterans with current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with other Axis-I disorders, or with no Axis-I disorders completed a series of tasks designed to elucidate the psychophysiological parameters of information-processing in PTSD. These tasks included a modified Stroop procedure (MSP), a standard Stroop procedure, a recognition memory task, and a threat rating task. Physiological responses were recorded throughout the study. Our data supported several predictions derived from information-processing models of PTSD. PTSD subjects exhibited greater MSP interference to high threat words than both comparison groups, and a liberal response bias toward recognizing military-related words. PTSD symptoms and threat reactions contributed to MSP interference effects for high-threat words after controlling for medications, depression, and baseline physiological activity.
TL;DR: The voluntary helpers reported significantly more intrusion and avoidance on the IES at 1 month than professional helpers, and for avoidance the voluntary helpers still evidenced a significantly higher score thanprofessional helpers at 13 months.
Abstract: Forty-three rescuers responding to a bus crash that killed 12 children and 4 adults and injured many more answered questionnaires at 1 and 13 months following the crash. This study compared the responses of the voluntary and professional helpers, using the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). For all helpers taken together, the decline in IES-intrusion and IES-total scores was significant from 1 to 13 months. The voluntary helpers reported significantly more intrusion and avoidance on the IES at 1 month than professional helpers, and for avoidance the voluntary helpers still evidenced a significantly higher score than professional helpers at 13 months. The GHQ scores at 13 months reflected that the long-term negative impact of the event was low.
TL;DR: Adversity of homecoming and shame about one's experience in Vietnam were significant predictors of current level of social anxiety over and above the effects of pre-military anxiety and severity of combat exposure.
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most prevalent psychological disorder experienced by Vietnam veterans. However, there are many other disorders and problems of adjustment, like social anxiety and social phobia, that have not been fully investigated in this population. This study examined the prevalence of social phobia and the comorbidity of social phobia and PTSD, and tested out a theory of the etiology of social anxiety in trauma victims. Forty one Vietnam combat veterans were interviewed and completed self-report measures assessing PTSD and social phobia. Adversity of homecoming was also assessed. Using a conservative multi-method assessment approach, 32% of the sample were found to be positive for both social phobia and PTSD. Veterans with PTSD were significantly more likely to carry an additional diagnosis of social phobia as compared to veterans without PTSD. Adversity of homecoming and shame about one's experience in Vietnam were significant predictors of current level of social anxiety over and above the effects of pre-military anxiety and severity of combat exposure. These observations suggest that social anxiety and social phobia may be significant problems among individuals with PTSD. Further, these findings offer preliminary support for the theory that posttrauma environment may impact upon the later development of social anxiety.
TL;DR: Sixty patients, with a history of torture or other repressive state violence, newly referred to two psychiatrists, were assessed using a standard instrument and one met the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 21 met the criteria for MDD.
Abstract: Sixty patients, with a history of torture or other repressive state violence, newly referred to two psychiatrists, were assessed using a standard instrument. Thirty one met the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 21 met the criteria for MDD. Relationships between these diagnoses and history of trauma, loss of health, and social losses were investigated. Sexual torture is associated with an avoidance reaction.
TL;DR: The relationship between the nature and severity of experiences of torture and ill-treatment and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was studied in 550 male non-help-seeking Palestinian political ex-prisoners from the Gaza Strip as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The relationship between the nature and severity of experiences of torture and ill-treatment and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was studied in 550 male nonhelp-seeking Palestinian political ex-prisoners from the Gaza Strip. Results showed that the more a prisoner had been exposed to physical, chemical and electric torture, psychological ill-treatment, and sensory deprivation or bombardment, the more he subsequently suffered from intrusive reexperiencing, withdrawal and numbness, and hyperarousal. Existential problems were not related to torture experiences. Furthermore, duration of imprisonment, health problems during the imprisonment, harassment during arrest and after release, family, marriage and economic difficulties all predicted intrusive reexperiences of trauma. Also, ex-prisoners who continued to be harassed by military authorities and had economic problems suffered more from withdrawal, numbness, and hyperarousal than others.
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of an open 12-week clinical trial utilizing sertraline (mean dose 105 mg) in the treatment of adult female rape victims with chronic PTSD are presented.
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem following rape, yet reports on the efficacy of pharmacological agents in this population are lacking. The results of an open 12-week clinical trial utilizing sertraline (mean dose 105 mg) in the treatment of adult female rape victims with chronic PTSD are presented. The five completers were, on average, 41.6 years old and 15.6 years postassault. Sertraline reduced PTSD and related symptoms in these rape victims. The mean Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) scores decreased by 53%, with four out of five participants responding positively to treatment. These preliminary results support the need for systematic assessment of sertraline in this population.
TL;DR: The relationship of traumatic events to physical health was examined in a randomized community survey (N = 2,364) of Los Angeles residents, 16% of whom had experienced a lifetime traumatic event.
Abstract: The relationship of traumatic events to physical health was examined in a randomized community survey (N = 2,364) of Los Angeles residents, 16% of whom had experienced a lifetime traumatic event. This study tested hypotheses that individuals experiencing traumatic events have poorer physical health and that the negative impact of traumatic events on physical health is greater among disadvantaged sociodemographic groups. Regression analyses showed that respondents with a traumatic event history indicated poorer perceptions of their physical health, more chronic limitations in physical functioning, and more chronic medical conditions compared with respondents without such a history, while controlling for demographics, psychiatric history, and other stressful life events. The association of traumatic events with poorer physical health among vulnerable sociodemographic groups was partially supported.
TL;DR: This article examined differences between compensation seeking (CS) veterans and non-compensation seeking (NCS) veterans on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and other psychological measures in 142 combat veterans evaluated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at an outpatient Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital PTSD clinic.
Abstract: Examined differences between compensation seeking (CS) veterans and noncompensation seeking (NCS) veterans on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and other psychological measures in 142 combat veterans evaluated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at an outpatient Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital PTSD clinic. Patients were grouped on the basis of their compensation seeking status, with 69% classified as CS for PTSD. The CS veterans achieved significantly more pathological scores across a wide range of psychological inventories and MMPI-2 validity indices, although they did not differ in frequency of PTSD diagnoses from NCS veterans. Implications of these findings are discussed, and clinicians are advised to be aware of the compensation seeking status of combat-veterans being evaluated for PTSD.
TL;DR: These cases indicate that amnesic head injured patients can suffer pseudomemories that are phenomenologically similar to flashbacks observed in PTSD, and implications for understanding the nature of flashbacks are discussed.
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is rarely diagnosed in patients with significant head injury. This paper reviews two patients who were amnesic for events surrounding their motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) but developed delayed-onset PTSD. Symptoms included vivid images of the MVAs that were based on information learnt following the trauma. These cases indicate that amnesic head injured patients can suffer pseudomemories that are phenomenologically similar to flashbacks observed in PTSD. Implications for understanding the nature of flashbacks are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, 25 veterans suffering from combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder were studied for 1-4 nights with all-night polysomnography and all subjects had sleep complaints.
Abstract: Twenty-five veterans suffering from combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder were studied for 1-4 nights with all-night polysomnography. All subjects had sleep complaints. Analysis reveals that nineteen (76%) of the patients were found to have clinically significant periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMs) by the second night of study. PLMs are associated with sleep complaints in normals. For this reason the common assumption that sleep complaints in posttraumatic stress disorder are related only to the psychiatric disorder itself are challenged.
TL;DR: The need for improved clergy-mental health professional collaboration in the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is addressed.
Abstract: This article addresses the need for improved clergy-mental health professional collaboration in the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tens of millions of North Americans with personal problems seek the counsel of clergy. There is an absence of research on the function of clergy as helpers with the traumatized and on the psychological dynamics of religious coping among the traumatized. Psychological trauma presents the mental health and religious communities with unique opportunities to work together in the best interest of those they serve.
TL;DR: Higher retrospective ratings of crisis support received in the immediate aftermath of the disaster were found to predict lower levels of posttraumatic symptomatology as assessed by the Impact of Event Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at a later period.
Abstract: Crisis support was assessed with survivors of the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry sinking at 3 and 6 years postdisaster. It was found that reported levels of support received from family and friends decreased over the first 3 years after the event but increased over the subsequent 3 years. In addition, higher retrospective ratings of crisis support received in the immediate aftermath of the disaster were found to predict lower levels of posttraumatic symptomatology as assessed by the Impact of Event Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory at a later period. The results replicate earlier findings following the Jupiter Cruise ship disaster and are thought to have implications for the assessment and treatment of survivors at high risk of disturbance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between dissociative symptoms experienced in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm and contact with the fire, life events, demographic variables, and actions taken after learning about the fire.
Abstract: This study examined relationships between dissociative symptoms experienced in the immediate aftermath of the Oakland/Berkeley firestorm and contact with the fire, life events, demographic variables, and actions taken after learning about the fire. One hundred eighty-seven participants completed self-report measures about their experiences during and immediately following the fire. Dissociative symptoms were significantly related to contact with the fire, sex, and stressful life events. Also, dissociative symptoms were significantly related to engaging in certain activities, such as trying to get closer to the fire and going into blocked-off areas and crossing police barricades. These results suggest that dissociative symptoms may merit special attention in intervention focusing on the immediate aftermath of disaster.
TL;DR: In this article, historical clinical reports that preceded the development of criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and influenced the formation of PTSD in DSM-IV were described.
Abstract: The authors describe historical clinical reports that preceded the development of criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and influenced the formation of PTSD in DSM-IV. These reports were identified from extensive search of 19th- and 20th-century American and European medical literature. Relevant findings from the most representative reports are described and discussed. Since the mid-19th century, clinical syndromes resembling PTSD have been described. However, understanding of PTSD has been complicated by questions of nomenclature, etiology, and compensation. Nomenclature placed PTSD syndromes under existing psychiatric disorders: traumatic hysteria, traumatic neurasthenia, or traumatic neurosis. Etiological issues have been concerned often solely with organic factors, pre-existing personality impairments, intrapsychiatric conflicts, and social factors. Only after World War II and the concentration camp experiences did the role of severe trauma in PTSD become recognized. Even though controversy remains, much progress in understanding PTSD has been made.
TL;DR: In this paper, psychological tests were administered to 24 participants of an inpatient posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program both immediately before and following completion of treatment, and responses were compared to a treatment/wait list comparison group composed of 24 subjects awaiting entry into the program.
Abstract: Psychological tests were administered to 24 participants of an inpatient posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program both immediately before and following completion of treatment. Responses were compared to a treatment/wait list comparison group composed of 24 subjects awaiting entry into the program. All treatment/wait list comparison group subjects received weekly PTSD outpatient group therapy. Significant improvements were found in the inpatient treatment group in areas of hopelessness, feelings of guilt and shame, loneliness, and emotional expressiveness. Other indices of psychological functioning, including interpersonal skills, gender role stress, anxiety, anger, and PTSD symptomatology did not change significantly in response to treatment. No positive changes in any area of psychological function occurred in the treatment/wait list comparison group. Implications for treatment of PTSD and areas of future research are discussed.
TL;DR: The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was given to 125 older combat veterans, along with a computerized variant of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R for PTSD, the SCID-DTREE as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A study of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among older combat veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict was conducted. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was given to 125 older combat veterans, along with a computerized variant of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R for PTSD, the SCID-DTREE. (The SCID-DTREE was itself validated against the full SCID). Results showed the CAPS to be a good discriminator of PTSD: Out of the 125 cases, only 9 were misclassified using the SCID-DTREE as the base measure, a 93% efficiency. An alpha on the full CAPS was .95. This suggests that the CAPS is an appropriate scale for use with older combat veterans.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that visual imagery ability may be associated with PTSD flashbacks, and of the need for further investigation of the role that imagery plays in posttraumatic adjustment.
Abstract: Visual imagery is reported to play a central role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This pilot investigation examined visual imagery ability in patients with varying degrees of posttraumatic stress. Eighty one survivors of motor vehicle accidents with either (a) diagnosed PTSD, (b) diagnosed Specific Phobia, or (c) no psychiatric diagnosis and low anxiety were assessed on a measure of vividness of visual imagery. Low Anxiety subjects displayed superior visual imagery compared to PTSD and Specific Phobic subjects. Incidence of flashbacks and nightmares, however, was associated with visual imagery ability in PTSD subjects. Findings suggest that visual imagery ability may be associated with PTSD flashbacks. These results are discussed in terms of use of imagery-based treatments with traumatized patients, and of the need for further investigation of the role that imagery plays in posttraumatic adjustment.