Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults.
OBJECTIVE
Epidemiologic research on traumatic stress is limited in Norway. Prevalence and correlates of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and patterns of comorbidity with DSM-IV Axis I and II disorders were examined in an epidemiologic sample.


METHODS
Demographics, PTEs and resulting PTSD, and comorbid DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed in 2,794 members of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel. The sample comprised 37% male, with an average age of 28.2 years (SD = 3.9).


RESULTS
Approximately, one-quarter of participants had lifetime PTE exposure; most PTEs were more common in men than in women. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 2.6%, and was significantly more common in women than men. Being female and type of PTE (both interpersonal and accidental traumatic events) were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, whereas higher education was associated with lower symptoms. PTSD was related to increased odds of most Axis I and II conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
PTE exposure and PTSD prevalence were lower than in the USA, but comparable to other European countries. Sex differences replicated previous research. The relationship between PTSD and borderline personality disorder was significantly stronger than the relationship between PTSD and any other Axis II conditions.
Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0126, USA. abamstadter@vcu.edu
Ananda B
AB
Amstadter
Steven H
SH
Aggen
Gun Peggy
GP
Knudsen
Ted
T
Reichborn-Kjennerud
Kenneth S
KS
Kendler
D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult