title: Predicting post-traumatic stress disorder following first onset acute coronary syndrome: Testing a theoretical model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research identified which theoretically predicted factors (Joseph, Williams, & Yule, 1997) were associated with the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 1 and 6 months following onset of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Predictor variables included event factors, peri-traumatic distress; and maintaining factors including coping strategies, social support, re-appraisal of event threat, and beliefs about the nature of ACS. Associations with alexithymia were also explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and fifty participants completed questionnaires in hospital and at 1- and 6-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hierarchical multiple regression including both baseline and contemporaneous variables explained 52 and 42% of the variance in PTSD symptoms at each follow-up. At 1-month follow-up, predictors of PTSD symptoms were as follows: peri-traumatic distress, concern over symptoms, illness comprehension, and lack of social support. At 6-month follow-up, predictors were: peri-traumatic distress, lack of social support, use of problem-focused coping, and continued symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Joseph et al. model was generally supported. The data allow some degree of prediction of high risk individuals and suggest some possible interventions.
authors: University of Cardiff, UK.
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Marke
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Bennett
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires