Search Results (562)

Introduction: Hospitalization of a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) is one of the most stressful events, affecting not only the patient but also their close family members. This situation may lead to the development of anxiety and depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, and, in some cases, even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this context, increasing attention is being paid to the importance of psychological resilience—understood as an individual’s ability to effectively adapt to crisis situations and return to a state of relative emotional balance despite adversity. Methods: A scoping review method was used to map terms relevant to the resilience of family members of ICU patients. The aim of this study was to analyze current research on resilience among family members of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), including measurement tools, facilitating factors, and psychological outcomes. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and the PCC framework were used to identify relevant studies. Results: The CD-RISC is the most used tool for assessing resilience in the families of ICU patients. Research suggests that resilience is associated with fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and acute stress. The studies indicate that spirituality, social/medical staff support, and involvement in care may be crucial factors for maintaining and increasing resilience. Some socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, and previous mental disorders, may also influence the level of resilience. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the need to implement measures aimed at strengthening the resilience of families of intensive care unit patients by promoting behaviors such as social/staff support and spirituality. Research suggests that levels of resilience may be associated with fewer psychological symptoms in family members of intensive care unit patients. Full article

Background: Heroin addiction is associated with profound dysregulation of the endogenous opioid and stress response systems, yet current diagnostic frameworks may inadequately capture the traumatising aspects of this condition. This perspective proposes the concept of post-heroin post-traumatic stress spectrum (pH-PTSD/S) as a clinical syndrome emerging from chronic opioid-induced neurobiological and psychosocial dysregulation, even in the absence of Criterion A trauma. Methods: The authors review evidence from neuroendocrinology, behavioural neuroscience, and clinical psychopathology to support a sensitisation-based model of trauma vulnerability in heroin use disorder (HUD). Results: Findings suggest that HUD patients frequently exhibit PTSD-spectrum symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, emotional dysregulation, and altered stress reactivity. Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) may mitigate these symptoms by stabilising HPA axis function and reducing exposure to trauma-related contexts. The pH-PTSD/S construct, measured through a dedicated instrument, identifies patients with subthreshold trauma-related symptoms and greater psychopathological burden. Conclusions: Heroin dependence may constitute a traumatising condition, requiring dimensional diagnostic tools and trauma-informed treatment strategies. Further research is needed to validate the nosological status of pH-PTSD/S, clarify its distinction from protracted withdrawal or complex PTSD, and determine its implications for OAT duration and integrated care pathways. Full article

The death of a loved one has been identified as one of the most commonly reported traumatic experiences among refugees. This phenomenon can lead to the development of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), for which particularly elevated PGD rates were observed among refugees. Currently, there is no treatment specifically designed for refugees with PGD. Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of a newly developed grief-focused cognitive behavioral group therapy (G-CBT) for this population. Four young refugees aged 16 to 18 and suffering from PGD were assessed pre, during and after treatment. We found a high comorbidity of PGD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at baseline. Among completers, clinician-rated PGD symptom severity decreased clinically significantly at posttreatment and remained stable at the three- and six-month follow-ups. The results indicate good feasibility in an outpatient setting with therapists providing positive feedback. However, larger and controlled studies are needed to prove its efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parent caregivers of children with medical complexity experience high levels of chronic stress and trauma symptoms. Despite ongoing and continuous involvement with the healthcare system, parents often do not seek support for their own mental health concerns. Parent mental wellness is a critical component of reducing family distress. This study aimed to explore how various factors such as resilience, coping, and support impacted well-being and trauma symptom severity. Methods: Parents/caregivers from a complex care clinic in a mid-Atlantic children’s hospital were recruited for this study. A total of 125 participants completed the study which included a battery of measures focused on trauma symptoms, well-being, coping, and resilience. Results: PTSD symptom severity was significantly negatively related to resilience and subjective well-being. Significant mediators included informational support, indicating that collaboration between healthcare providers and caregivers/parents is critical. Conclusions: This study highlights potential target intervention areas to promote well-being and reduce trauma symptom severity, such as resiliency promotion and enhancement and increasing informational support provided by healthcare professionals. Full article

Obesity is a major public health concern among police officers, yet the links between occupational stress, disordered eating, and obesity remain unclear. This cross-sectional study examined 496 North Carolina officers to (1) assess severity of occupational stress (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms, anti-police sentiment, fear of victimization), disordered eating (binge eating and loss-of-control eating), and obesity by county type, region, and sex; (2) evaluate associations between occupational stress and disordered eating; and (3) explore relationships between disordered eating and weight-related measures. Officers completed online surveys, and trained staff measured body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, and waist-to-hip ratio. Nearly 60 percent of officers were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), and over 20 percent reported moderate to severe binge eating. Rural officers reported higher PTSD symptoms, binge eating, and loss-of-control eating than those in urban or suburban areas. Coastal Plain and Piedmont officers had higher BMI and larger waist and hip circumferences than those in the Mountain region. Higher occupational stress was linked to more severe disordered eating, which was associated with greater BMI and adiposity, although the effect sizes were modest. Findings support targeted interventions addressing occupational stress and disordered eating to prevent obesity and enhance officer well-being. Full article

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in older adults (≥65 years) is often underestimated, despite being associated with significant morbidity. Age-related vulnerability, comorbidities, and medication use may exacerbate outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of brain health and functional recovery in older adults following mTBI, focusing on acute symptoms, CT imaging findings, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: We analyzed a cohort of 93 older adult patients with mTBI (GCS 13–15) who were prospectively enrolled at a tertiary neurosurgical center. All patients underwent baseline CT, structured clinical assessment, and follow-up at six months with standardized instruments (Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended-GOSE, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (quality-of-life measure)-SF-12, Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire-RPQ, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression measure)-PHQ-9, PTSD (Post Traumatics Stress Disorder) Checklist for DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders)-PCL-5, Timed up and Go Test (mobility measure-TUG test). Multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors of recovery. Results: At six months, 94.9% of older adults achieved functional independence (GOSE ≥ 5), though only 43% attained complete recovery (GOSE = 8). Patients with acute intracranial lesions on CT had worse physical outcomes, including slower mobility (mean TUG 17.6 vs. 16.3 s, p = 0.012). Severe acute headache independently predicted poorer recovery (lower GOSE and SF-12 PCS). Lower educational attainment correlated with worse functional and quality-of-life outcomes, consistent with reduced cognitive reserve. Psychological outcomes (PTSD and depression rates) were not associated with CT findings but were influenced by social support and sex. Prompt anticoagulation reversal in patients on anticoagulants markedly reduced hemorrhagic complications. Discussion: Older adults with mTBI generally maintain independence but experience reduced physical health and mobility compared to younger patients. Predictors of poorer outcomes include severe acute symptoms, CT-detected lesions, advanced age, and lower educational levels. Psychosocial support mitigated mental health complications. Conclusions: mTBI in older adults is not benign. Clinical, imaging, and sociodemographic factors collectively shape recovery. Early identification of high-risk patients and targeted interventions are essential to preserve brain health and independence in this growing population. Full article

People often turn to sweet foods for comfort during times of stress, as energy imbalance is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although acute sucrose consumption may improve cognitive capabilities, its long-term effectiveness has been debated. Objectives: In a widely used mouse model, we examined the effect of sucrose drinking on conditioned fear-induced freezing (as a model of PTSD), with emphasis on the concentrations and timing of the intervention as well as sex differences. We aimed to develop a low-cost, widely accessible therapeutic option. Methods: A short electric foot shock was used for trauma, and freezing was detected 24 h (mimicking acute stress disorder, ASD) or 14 days (PTSD-like symptoms) later in the trauma context and with trauma cues. Results: First, we confirmed that our trauma increased freezing, independent of previous habituation to sucrose drinking. Next, we confirmed that 16% and 32%, but not 2% sucrose drinking for 24 h (but not 3 h) immediately after trauma, diminished freezing behavior the next day. However, the same intervention did not influence behavior 14 days later. Moreover, we could not find any curative effect of 24 h of 16% sucrose consumption before testing remote fear memory 14 days after trauma. Conclusions: Consuming a high-calorie solution immediately following trauma for 24 h may influence ASD but does not necessarily alter the development of PTSD symptoms. Here, we offer a new perspective on energy regulation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Full article

Background: Central sensitization syndromes (CSSs) are associated with a high incidence of traumatic events; however, few studies have examined the potential mechanisms linking post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain. Objectives: The present research aims to clarify this association by exploring the presence of trauma, PTSD, and related clinical variables in participants with CSSs compared to healthy controls and those with medical problems. Methods: A large sample of both sexes of the Spanish general population (n = 1542; aged 18–84 years) completed an online survey assessing the presence of traumatic experiences (psychological trauma, physical trauma, physical and sexual abuse), PTSD, and other clinical measures (central sensitization, pain, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and emotional regulation). Results: The CSS group (n = 467) showed a higher incidence of repeated trauma, PTSD, and dissociative symptoms compared to the medical pathologies (n = 214) and healthy (n = 861) groups. The CSS group also showed greater clinical impairment than the other groups, especially the CSS subgroup with PTSD. In this subgroup, PTSD symptoms were significantly correlated with the remaining clinical measures, and sleep dysfunction, pain catastrophizing, and emotional dysregulation mediated the relationship between PTSD and pain, accounting for 55.3% of the variance. Conclusions: CSS represents a major therapeutic challenge. An integrated treatment addressing both trauma and pain, with an emphasis on sleep quality, pain catastrophizing, and emotional regulation, could improve the effectiveness of the current therapeutic approaches. Full article

This research examines the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of the survivors and their changing social situations after the earthquake and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor’s guilt. It also examines the mediating role of survivor guilt between early maladaptive schemas and PTSD severity. The study involved 127 people exposed to the 6 February 2023, southern and central Türkiye and northern and western Syria earthquake. Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, changing living conditions due to the earthquake, and feelings and thoughts of survivor guilt were evaluated with online data forms. Young Schema-Short Form, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Control Checklist, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were employed. There was a notable connection between survivor guilt, the pessimism schema, and the PTSD severity. Additionally, changes in the participants’ living conditions especially occurring during posttraumatic periods were associated with survivor guilt and PTSD levels. The mediation analysis indicated that survivor guilt partially mediates the relationship between the pessimism schema and PTSD severity. Focusing on the social conditions of survivors, pessimism schema, and survivor guilt will be beneficial in preventive interventions and treatment approaches for PTSD. Full article

Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) are associated with an imbalanced time perspective (TP) as well as with unhealthy substance use. Although neurodevelopmental processes during adolescence may impact PTSS, most etiological models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are derived from studies with adults and neglect possible distinctive characteristics in adolescent PTSD. This study examined possible direct and mediated relations between exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (EPTEs) and PTSS with TP as a potential mediator. In addition, the study investigated the direct and indirect effects of EPTE, TP, and PTSS on cannabis use. The aim of this study was to investigate whether findings from adult studies can be transferred to adolescent PTSD. One hundred and five patients between 14 and 20 years of age were recruited from child and adolescent psychiatric units. They answered questionnaires to assess EPTE, PTSS, TP, and cannabis use. Participants with clinically relevant PTSS showed imbalanced TP with a high orientation to negative past and a low orientation to positive past and future. Higher EPTE was associated with higher level of PTSS, but TP mediated the level of PTSS in this relation. PTSS predicted the frequency of cannabis use. It may therefore be beneficial to consider TP in PTSD therapy with the aim of reducing deviation from balanced TP and PTSS and preventing comorbid substance use. Full article

Research on the post-deployment reintegration needs of women veterans is limited. Non-traditional support may enhance mental health. Relationships with animals and volunteering may aid those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using the biopsychosocial model, we examined whether participation in an 8-week service dog training program (SDTP) affected telomere length (TL), heart rate variability (HRV), PTSD symptom severity, perceived stress, and anxiety in female veterans with PTSD, as well as whether combat exposure influenced these relationships. Female veterans (ages 32–72, M = 45.9, SD = 11.8) with PTSD were randomized to either the SDTP group (n = 13) or a comparison group (n = 15) that received dog training video content. The interventions lasted one hour weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Linear mixed models with random intercepts examined changes from pre- to post-intervention and compared changes by group and combat exposure. TL changes differed [F(1,11.65) = 3.543, p = 0.085] by intervention. In the SDTP group, TL increased, indicating reduced cellular senescence (i.e., slower biological aging), whereas TL decreased in the CI group. Combat exposure moderated these changes [F(1,12.36) = 5.41, p = 0.038]. HRV changed by intervention group [F(1,389.08) = 10.623, p = 0.001]. HRV decreased (stress increased) in the SDTP group but not in the CI group. Combat exposure did not moderate HRV changes. PTSD symptom severity [F(1,48.04) = 19.22, p < 0.001], perceived stress [F(1,48.48) = 14.65, p < 0.001], and anxiety [F(1,47.30) = 6.624, p = 0.013] decreased significantly from pre- to post-interventions; the decreases did not differ by intervention or combat exposure. Full article

Background: The demoralization model of depression suggests that PTSD could lead to depressive symptoms. However, not all people with PTSD have co-occurring depressive symptoms. Objective: To examine the moderating role of nonviolent communication (NVC) behaviors in the relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from a sample of young adults (N = 146) online. They completed validated screening measures of PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and NVC behaviors at baseline (T1), and reported their depressive symptoms again after three months (T2). Results: PTSD symptoms were correlated to depressive symptoms at both T1 (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) and T2 (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). NVC behaviors were also negatively correlated to depressive symptoms at T1 (r = −0.40, p < 0.001) and T2 (r = −0.36, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, childhood trauma, and T1 depressive symptoms, T1 NVC behaviors moderated the effects of T1 PTSD symptoms on T2 depressive symptoms (B = 0.149, p = 0.019). T1 PTSD symptoms predicted T2 depressive symptoms only when the levels of NVC behaviors were low (β = −1.149, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The moderating role of NVC behaviors in the longitudinal relationship between PTSD and depressive symptoms was identified. NVC training programs might be beneficial to individuals with PTSD and depressive symptoms. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs for trauma survivors. Full article

Background: Patients with hematological malignancies undergo intensive treatments, endure prolonged hospitalizations, and face the stress of a life-threatening diagnosis, placing them at high risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related trauma symptoms. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes findings from PubMed-indexed studies examining the prevalence, clinical features, and consequences of PTSD in patients with hematological malignancies. A separate focused search was also conducted to identify PTSD studies in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is a population recognized as being at high psychological risk. Results: Evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of these patients develop full or subthreshold PTSD. Key contributing factors include treatment intensity, fear of relapse, and extended hospital stays. PTSD symptoms are linked to reduced treatment adherence, diminished quality of life, and poorer clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Psychiatric care plays a critical role in addressing PTSD in this population. Routine trauma-informed screening, access to evidence-based pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions, and close interdisciplinary collaboration with hematology teams are essential to improving patient outcomes. Full article

In the current study, we conducted a preliminary test of whether adding evidence-based PTSD treatment may influence intensive ED treatment outcomes by comparing individuals with co-occurring ED-PTSD diagnoses who received PTSD treatment to those who did not. We hypothesized that receiving PTSD treatment would moderate outcomes, such that individuals who received PTSD treatment throughout their course of ED treatment would demonstrate improved outcomes compared to those with PTSD who did not. The participants were 104 adults with DSM-5 EDs and PTSD admitted to a partial-hospital ED program. The participants either completed a course of evidence-based PTSD treatment within the context of intensive ED treatment or completed ED treatment as usual (n = 58 PTSD treatment, n = 46 TAU). Multilevel modeling was used to examine changes in symptoms as moderated by receipt of PTSD treatment over the course of treatment and at follow-up. Models exploring changes in anxiety, depression, clinical impairment, and ED symptoms suggested no differences across groups. The findings indicated that individuals who received PTSD treatment began with higher body dissatisfaction compared to their peers and experienced a significant decrease over the course of treatment. This investigation provides preliminary support for improved body dissatisfaction outcomes when PTSD treatment is incorporated into intensive ED treatment. Full article

Pregnant and postpartum people (PPPs) face heightened risk for HIV acquisition, yet depression and trauma-related symptoms can undermine adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To inform the development of a brief mental health-focused adherence intervention, we explored the impacts of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on PrEP use among PPPs in Cape Town, South Africa. Twenty-eight PPPs with elevated symptoms of depression and/or PTSD and recent PrEP adherence challenges completed qualitative interviews. Six antenatal providers were also interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings with subthemes that deepen exploration of each theme: (1) depression and PTSD symptoms contributed to missed PrEP doses or late pickups by increasing doubt about PrEP efficacy, amplifying pill burden, intensifying avoidance and withdrawal (e.g., hypersomnia and disengagement from providers), and disrupting memory through rumination and emotional overload; (2) most PPPs preferred support from professional counselors, while a minority preferred informal support; and (3) intervention design considerations included aligning patient and provider goals, selecting between individual or group formats, and addressing integration barriers such as staffing and space constraints. Providers affirmed the need for embedded mental health support. Intervention strategies that increase PrEP knowledge and motivation while targeting emotional withdrawal, fatigue, and cognitive overload may improve adherence and reduce HIV risk in this population. Full article