Substantial symptom changes in naturalistic recovery from aversive events.
OBJECTIVE
Researchers have recommended examining trajectories of recovery from aversive events, including sudden gains and spikes. We examined rates, attributions for, and outcomes associated with substantial symptom improvements and brief exacerbations after aversive events.


METHODS
Sixty-three women completed questionnaire measures of mood, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. They used a Life History Calendar (LHC) to draw the trajectory of symptom levels from the event to the present, and were interviewed regarding the course of their symptoms. Based on the LHC and interview, we coded whether each participant experienced substantial improvements and/or brief exacerbations and reasons for them.


RESULTS
Participants frequently experienced substantial improvements and brief exacerbations, most of which they attributed to external events. Substantial improvements-but not substantial brief exacerbations-were associated with significantly lower symptom levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Substantial improvements are similar to sudden gains in therapy samples. Substantial improvements in avoidance and mood have positive, bidirectional effects on each other.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Sadie E
SE
Larsen
Howard
H
Berenbaum
D000328:Adult; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
aversive events; spikes; stressful life events; sudden gains; trauma