Social support may protect against development of posttraumatic stress disorder: findings from the Heart and Soul Study.
OBJECTIVE
No prospective studies have examined the association of poor social support and development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with chronic illness. This study addresses this knowledge gap.


METHODS
This prospective study examines the relationship of social support to the subsequent development of PTSD during a 5-year period.


METHODS
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.


METHODS
A total of 579 participants with cardiovascular disease did not have PTSD at baseline and returned for the 5-year follow-up examination.


METHODS
PTSD measured by Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV. Social support measured by Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL).


METHODS
Unconditional ordered logistic regression analyses were performed to yield the odds ratio of developing PTSD for a one-standard-deviation change in ISEL score.


RESULTS
Of 579 participants who did not have PTSD at baseline, approximately 6.4% (n = 37) developed PTSD. Higher baseline perceived social support was strongly protective against development of PTSD (OR = .60, p = .001). Results remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, race, income, and depression (OR = .69, p = .04). Of social support types examined, the "tangible" and "belonging" domains were most strongly associated with future PTSD status.


CONCLUSIONS
Social support may impact development of PTSD. Interventions that optimize social support may be part of a PTSD prevention program designed to help individuals at risk of developing PTSD.
Robert Eric
RE
Dinenberg
Shannon E
SE
McCaslin
Michael N
MN
Bates
Beth E
BE
Cohen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires