Is PTSD caused by traumatic stress?
Sequential subjects (N=103) presenting for pharmacologic treatment of major depression were examined prior to treatment for history of traumatic experiences. Subjects were also examined for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two blinded raters subsequently judged whether subjects' experiences met DSM-IV criteria for trauma (criterion A of PTSD). Among 54 subjects scored by both raters as having experienced trauma, 42 (78%) met all other DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. Among 36 subjects scored by both raters as not having experienced trauma, 28 displayed all other DSM-IV criteria for PTSD--also a rate of 78%. This equivalence suggests that in a treatment-seeking population, caution should be exercised in attributing the PTSD syndrome to trauma.
Bodkin
J Alexander
JA
Clinical Psychopharmacology Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA. abodkin@mclean.harvard.edu
Pope
Harrison G
HG
Detke
Michael J
MJ
Hudson
James I
JI
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents