title: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder's Underlying Dimensions and Their Relation With Impulsivity Facets.
abstract: Research indicates a significant relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impulsivity (Kotler, Julian, Efront, and Amir, J Nerv Ment Dis 189:162-167, 2001; Ledgerwood and Petry, J Trauma Stress 19:411-416, 2006). The present study assessed relations between PTSD symptom clusters and impulsivity subscales in an effort to assess the specific impulsivity component most related to PTSD's alterations in arousal/reactivity and alterations in mood/cognitions symptoms. In the current study, the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, and the UPPS Impulsivity Scale were administered to a sample of 412 nonclinical subjects with a trauma history. Results indicated that PTSD's alterations in arousal/reactivity and mood/cognition factors were most related to impulsivity's sensation-seeking tendency compared with other impulsivity components. Results highlight the importance of assessing and addressing (1) sensation-seeking tendencies and (2) urges to act impulsively when experiencing negative affect in trauma treatment. Furthermore, it is possible that sensation-seeking tendencies are primarily driving the comorbidity between PTSD and certain impulsive behaviors.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, OH; †Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI; ‡School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Coleraine Campus, Londonderry, Ireland; §Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and ∥Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo, Ruppert Health Center, OH.
authors.forename: Ateka A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Contractor
authors.forename: Cherie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Armour
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.forename: Jon D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Elhai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult