Induced arousal and reexperiencing in acute stress disorder.
This study investigated the relationship of hyperarousal and intrusive symptoms in acute stress disorder (ASD). Civilian trauma survivors with ASD (n = 18) and without ASD (n = 14) completed a hyperventilation provocation test (HVPT) and then completed the Physical Reactions Scale. All participants provided a narrative describing their hyperventilation experience that was audiotaped and independently coded. Individuals with ASD reported greater numbers of intrusive memories and reported greater distress than non-ASD participants. More ASD than non-ASD participants experienced a flashback-type reaction during the hyperventilation. Intrusive symptoms were significantly correlated with elevated arousal following the HVPT. The findings provide evidence that reexperiencing is directly associated with elevated states of arousal.
Nixon
Reginald D V
RD
School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia.
Bryant
Richard A
RA
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology; D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006985:Hyperventilation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D040701:Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D013637:Tape Recording; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology