Tag: PTSD

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Predictors & Mechanisms of Adolescent PTSD

Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Trauma Exposure

Interventions: Behavioral: Repeated imaginal exposure: Script Driven Imagery (SDI) task

Sponsors: Medical University of South Carolina; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Not yet recruiting
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Unmasking deep-rooted trauma: long-term effects of childhood adversities on posttraumatic stress disorder in healthcare workers facing acute multi-trauma

PurposeIn recent years, healthcare workers (HCWs) in Lebanon have encountered compounded traumatic exposures, including the Beirut Port blast, COVID-19, and an ongoing economic crisis, often preceded by early-life adversities such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Understanding how these acute stressors interact with early adversities is crucial for assessing their long-term psychological impact. Accordingly, this study examines the extent to which these combined factors predict the development of full and subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) over time.MethodsA cohort study was conducted following 296 HCWs from Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, with assessments at two timepoints: 6–7 months and 2–2.5 years after the Beirut Blast. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PCL-5, applying both full-threshold criteria and six definitions of subthreshold PTSD. Bivariable and multivariable analysis were conducted.ResultsAt 6–7 months, acute stressors (financial hardship, Beirut Blast, and COVID-19) were significantly associated with PTSD across most definitions. However, by 2–2.5 years, ACEs became the strongest and most consistent predictor of both full-threshold and subthreshold PTSD, while the impact of acute stressors diminished.ConclusionThe impact of acute trauma on the risk of PTSD fades over time, while early-life adversity has an enduring impact. The findings highlight the importance of including developmental trauma histories in PTSD assessments. In concordance with stress sensitization and neurobiological models, the results indicate a marked temporal shift, where the diminishing effects of acute stressors give way to the enduring role of early life adversity in shaping PTSD symptom trajectories.
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A Digital Cognitive Intervention for Intrusive Memories After Trauma

Conditions: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Intrusive Memories of Traumatic Event(s)

Interventions: Behavioral: Pre-selected Trauma-related Cue Images with Eye Movement; Behavioral: Patient-provided Trauma-related Cue Images with Eye Movement; Behavioral: Neutral Images with Eye Movement

Sponsors: Zhu Zijian

Not yet recruiting
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Nonlinear relationships between fatigue, fear of COVID-19, and PTSD among mental health professionals: the findings of a multi-site survey in China

BackgroundMental health professionals (MHPs) are susceptible to fatigue, particularly during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined nonlinear relationships between fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fear of COVID-19 (FOC) among MHPs.MethodsA multi-site survey was conducted from January to February 2023. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), PTSD with the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C), and FOC with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Data were analyzed using logistic regression and restricted cubic splines to explore non-linear associations.ResultsOf the 9,858 COVID-recovered MHPs, the prevalence of significant PTSD symptoms (PCL-17 ≥ 50) was 6.85% (95% CI: 6.35% – 7.35%), while significant fear of COVID-19 (FOC ≥ 16) was observed in 61.28% (95% CI: 60.32% – 62.24%). Higher fatigue levels were significantly associated with increased odds for exacerbated PTSD symptomatology (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.65 – 1.86, p < 0.001) and FOC severity (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16 – 1.21, p < 0.001). Restricted cubic splines analysis revealed nonlinear relationships. Specifically, as fatigue rose towards an inflection point of 5.00, its association with PTSD symptoms strengthened, while its association with FOC showed a decelerating growth.ConclusionThis study underscored fatigue as a factor significantly associated with COVID-recovered MHPs, particularly regarding the presence of PTSD and FOC. However, due to the cross-sectional study design, the direction of causality between fatigue, PTSD, and FOC could not be determined. Regular monitoring and targeted interventions are crucial for managing fatigue during public health crises. Healthcare organizations should provide appropriate work-rest schedules and supportive policies during such periods.