Is worst-event trauma type related to PTSD symptom presentation and associated features?. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Hillary L.; Summers, Berta J.; Dillon, Kirsten H.; Cougle, Jesse R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of anxiety disorders. Volume 38(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: PTSD -- Trauma type -- Comorbidity -- Sexual assault; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety Disorders -- Periodicals; Angoisse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.8522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.01.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6185

Abstract

Highlights: We examined most common trauma types in relation to comorbidity and features of PTSD. PTSD following unexpected death of a loved one was linked to comorbid depression. PTSD following non-sexual physical violence was related to comorbid substance use disorder. PTSD following non-sexual physical violence and sexual trauma found to be more severe and chronic. Many associations were accounted for by greater number of different traumas reported. Abstract: 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.