PTSD symptom trajectories: from early to chronic response.
This study aimed to identify posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom trajectories across the first 12 months following traumatic injury. Three hundred and seven consecutively admitted injury survivors were assessed for severity of PTSD symptoms just prior to discharge, and at 3 and 12 months postinjury. Growth modeling was used to determine the curve that best fit the trajectory for each symptom cluster over the 12-month period. Individuals with 12-month PTSD showed significantly higher re-experiencing, arousal, and avoidance symptoms at eight days posttrauma relative to those without, and these symptoms escalated over time. Those without PTSD maintained their relatively low symptom levels. These findings highlight that individuals who will go onto develop PTSD have a distinctly different symptom course than those who recover.
O'Donnell
Meaghan L
ML
Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville Vic. 3052, Australia. mod@unimelb.edu.au
Elliott
Peter
P
Lau
Winnie
W
Creamer
Mark
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003722:Dental Alloys; D018450:Disease Progression; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology
D003722:Dental Alloys; C074540:Cluster admixed alloy