Unveiling the traumatic impact of cyber dating abuse and offline intimate partner violence: exploring the mediating role of adult attachment.

Cyber Dating Abuse (CDA) corresponds to a traumatic experience involving controlling and harassing behavior by a partner through modern technologies. This study aimed to assess the frequency of CDA, explore its connection to offline violence (specifically Intimate Partner Violence-IPV), and investigate attachment's mediating role in the relationship between various violence forms (cyber and offline) and trauma symptoms. Two groups were recruited for the study: one comprising 342 individuals who reported encountering offline IPV within the previous year and another group of 334 individuals who did not have such experiences. Both groups exhibited CDA, with the IPV-experienced group showing statistically significant higher prevalence. This supports literature indicating a relationship between online and offline violence. Additionally, attachment anxiety mediated CDA controlling, offline IPV, and subsequent PTSD symptoms, while attachment avoidance mediated only between offline IPV and PTSD symptoms. The findings seemed to validate the importance of acknowledging attachment as a mediator for PTSD, both in clinical practice and research.

Childhood-related PTSD: the role of cognitions in EMDR and imagery rescripting.

Background: The relationship between trauma-related negative cognitions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has been studied frequently. Several studies found a mediating effect of trauma-related negative cognitions on symptom reduction in studies on different psychotherapeutic treatments, however, this relationship has never been studied in imagery rescripting (ImRs) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).Objective: To analyse the role of trauma-related negative cognitions in the treatment of PTSD due to childhood trauma with EMDR and ImRs.Method: N = 155 patients with PTSD due to childhood trauma aged between 18 and 65 (M = 38.54) participated in a randomized clinical trial and were treated with either EMDR or ImRs in Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands between October 2014 and June 2019. We analysed the relationship between PTSD symptoms (Clinician-administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, CAPS-5 and Impact of Event Scale revised; IES-R, completed twice for index trauma and for all other traumas) and trauma-related negative cognitions (Post-Traumatic Cognitions Inventory, PTCI) using Granger Causality analyses with linear mixed models on person-centered variables. Assessments were conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment (12 sessions in 6 weeks), eight weeks post-treatment, and one year after the pre-treatment assessment.Results: Changes in negative cognitions (PTCI) preceded changes in PTSD symptoms (unidirectional) as measured by the CAPS and the IES-R for index trauma. For the IES-R related to all other traumas, a unidirectional relationship was found in which changes in PTSD symptoms preceded changes in negative cognitions. No moderating effect of treatment was found. On the level of PTCI subscales only changes in cognitions about oneself preceeded changes in PTSD symptoms.Conclusions: The results support the idea of a general role of trauma-related negative cognitions in the treatment of PTSD. The analyses should be replicated with a higher frequency of assessments.

We studied the role of trauma-related negative cognitions in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with either EMDR or ImRs.Within-person changes in trauma-related negative cognitions preceded changes in PTSD symptoms, except for self-reported PTSD symptoms of all other trauma's than the index trauma, where the opposite relationship was found.We found no moderation by treatment condition, this supports the idea of a general role of trauma-related negative cognitions in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Hunger, Satiety, and Their Vulnerabilities.

The psychological states of hunger and satiety play an important role in regulating human food intake. Several lines of evidence suggest that these states rely upon declarative learning and memory processes, which are based primarily in the medial temporal lobes (MTL). The MTL, and particularly the hippocampus, is unusual in that it is especially vulnerable to insult. Consequently, we examine here the impact on hunger and satiety of conditions that: (1) are central to ingestive behaviour and where there is evidence of MTL pathology (i.e., habitual consumption of a Western-style diet, obesity, and anorexia nervosa); and (2) where there is overwhelming evidence of MTL pathology, but where ingestive behaviour is not thought central (i.e., temporal lobe epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder). While for some of these conditions the evidence base is currently limited, the general conclusion is that MTL impairment is linked, sometimes strongly, to dysfunctional hunger and satiety. This focus on the MTL, and declarative learning and memory processes, has implications for the development of alternative treatment approaches for the regulation of appetite.

Neural processing of audiovisual and painful analogue trauma and its relationship with subsequent audiovisual and pain intrusions.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder and medically unexplained pain frequently co-occur. While pain is common during traumatic events, the processing of pain during trauma and its relation to audiovisual and pain intrusions is poorly understood.Objective: Here we investigate neural activations during painful analogue trauma, focusing on areas that have been related to threat and pain processing, and how they predict intrusion formation. We also examine the moderating role of cumulative lifetime adversity.Methods: Sixty-five healthy women were assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging. An analogue trauma was induced by an adaptation of the trauma-film paradigm extended by painful electrical stimulation in a 2 (film: aversive, neutral) x 2 (pain: pain, no-pain) design, followed by 7-day audiovisual and pain intrusion assessment using event-based ecological momentary assessment. Intrusions were fitted with Bayesian multilevel regression and a hurdle lognormal distribution.Results: Conjunction analysis confirmed a wide network including anterior insula (AI) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) being active both, during aversive films and pain. Pain resulted in activation in areas amongst posterior insula and deactivation in a network around ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Higher AI and dACC activity during aversive>neutral film predicted greater audiovisual intrusion probability over time and predicted greater audiovisual intrusion frequency particularly for participants with high lifetime adversity. Lower AI, dACC, hippocampus, and VMPFC activity during pain>no-pain predicted greater pain intrusion probability particularly for participants with high lifetime adversity. Weak regulatory VMPFC activation was associated with both increased audiovisual and pain intrusion frequency.Conclusions: Enhanced AI and dACC processing during aversive films, poor pain vs. no-pain discrimination in AI and dACC, as well as weak regulatory VMPFC processing may be driving factors for intrusion formation, particularly in combination with high lifetime adversity. Results shed light on a potential path for the etiology of PTSD and medically unexplained pain.

AI and dACC play a common role for both trauma- and pain-processing.In combination with high lifetime adversity, higher AI and dACC aversive film processing was associated with higher audiovisual intrusion frequency, whereas weaker AI and dACC pain discrimination enhanced the chance for pain intrusions.Weak regulatory VMPFC activity in aversive situations increased both audiovisual and pain intrusion formation.

A guided single session intervention to reduce intrusive memories of work-related trauma: a randomised controlled trial with healthcare workers in the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Intrusive memories of psychologically traumatic events bring distress both sub-clinically and clinically. This parallel-group, two-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated the effect of a brief behavioural intervention on reducing intrusive memories in frontline healthcare workers exposed to traumatic events during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Participants with at least two intrusive memories of work-related trauma in the week before recruitment were randomised 1:1 to an imagery-competing task intervention (n = 73) or attention-based control task (n = 71). The number of intrusive memories was assessed at baseline and 5 weeks after the guided session (primary endpoint). RESULTS: The intervention significantly reduced intrusive memory frequency compared with control [intervention Mdn = 1.0 (IQR = 0-3), control Mdn = 5.0 (IQR = 1-17); p < 0.0001, IRR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.17-0.53] and led to fewer post-traumatic stress-related symptoms at 1, 3 and 6 month follow-ups (secondary endpoints). Participants and statisticians were blinded to allocation. Adverse events data were acquired throughout the trial, demonstrating safety. There was high adherence and low attrition. CONCLUSIONS: This brief, single-symptom, repeatable digital intervention for subclinical-to-clinical samples after trauma allows scalability, taking a preventing-to-treating approach after trauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 2020-07-06, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04460014.

Neuroimaging evidence of disturbed self-appraisal in posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The experience of self-hood in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is altered cognitively and somatically. Dysfunctional negative cognitions about the self are a central mechanism of PTSD symptomatology and treatment. However, while higher-order brain models of disturbances in self-appraisal (i.e., cognitive processes relating to evaluating the self) have been examined in other psychiatric disorders, it is unclear how normative brain function during self-appraisal is impaired in PTSD. METHODS: This paper presents a PRISMA systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies (n = 5), to establish a neurobiological account of how self-appraisal processes are disturbed in PTSD. The review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023450509). RESULTS: Self-appraisal in PTSD is linked to disrupted activity in core self-processing regions of the Default Mode Network (DMN); and regions involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation, salience and valuation. LIMITATIONS: Because self-appraisal in PTSD is relatively under-studied, only a small number of studies could be included for review. Cross-study heterogeneity in analytic approaches and trauma-exposure history prohibited a quantitative meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This paper proposes a mechanistic account of how neural dysfunctions may manifest clinically in PTSD and inform targeted selection of appropriate treatment options. We present a research agenda for future work to advance the field.

Underlying mechanisms of change in the effects of cognitive behavior therapy on posttraumatic stress disorders among Chinese children: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for the effectiveness of group-based trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) has existed, but little is known about how group-based TF-CBT works in the treatment of children with PTSD. The purpose of the present study is to explore the mediators for the reduction of PTSD severity in group-based TF-CBT. METHOD: We analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial conducted in China. In this trial, 234 children with PTSD were randomly assigned to the TF-CBT group or the treatment as usual (TAU) group. The primary outcome (reduction in severity of PTSD symptoms) and possible mediators (trauma memory quality, emotion regulation strategies, and resilience) were assessed at baseline and posttreatment. The mediation analysis was performed to investigate the indirect effects of possible mediators on treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The mediation model revealed that changes in trauma memory quality, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and resilience mediated the relationship between the group (TF-CBT vs. TAU) and PTSD at post-treatment. Adaptive emotion regulation strategies were not a key mechanism underlying PTSD reduction in group-based TF-CBT. CONCLUSION: Group-based TF-CBT might affect PTSD by reducing risk factors, like trauma memory quality and maladaptive emotion strategies. Group-based TF-CBT also might affect PTSD by increasing protective factors, like resilience. Thus, monitoring these mediators throughout treatment might be an important factor in optimizing treatment outcomes.

Grief on pain and quality of life in combat veterans with PTSD.

Background: Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) comprises a set of grief symptoms that are often linked to other psychological conditions such as PTSD and depression, may be prevalent in Veterans with combat experience, and may also impact general health.Objective: This study investigated the association between grief and sleep, pain, PTSD, and depression, among Veterans participating in a clinical trial for PCBD treatment.Method: Data from 155 Veterans receiving treatments for PCBD were analysed to explore the association between PCBD and symptoms of sleep pain, PTSD, and depression. Veterans experiencing grief reported symptoms related to physical health, emotional problems, energy, and fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, presence of pain, and general health. PCBD appeared to have a specific association with pain and physical functioning, independent of other variables.Conclusions: This study examined the potential independent association of PCBD on physical and mental health in Veterans with PTSD. PCBD appeared to have a very specific and significant association with pain and physical functioning. In other words, the pain of grief was related to ratings of physical pain. Future research on PCBD should address the potentially bidirectional association with bodily pain, particularly chronic pain, in relation to loss, with specific attention to potential mechanisms underlying this relationship.

This study explored the distinct relationship of PCBD on aspects of physical, as well as mental health among Veterans with Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD).Findings underscore the importance of addressing comorbid conditions of PCBD, such as PTSD, emphasising the need for tailored approaches that consider this intricate interaction between grief and other mental health and even physical health conditions.This study calls for further research into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between PCBD and bodily pain and physical functioning as the most affected areas associated with PCBD.

Effectiveness of Imagery Rescripting for Trauma-Affected Voice Hearers: An Open Trial.

OBJECTIVE: People who hear voices (auditory verbal hallucinations) often have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) have yielded inconsistent findings when treating voices and PTSD symptoms in voice hearers. Preliminary evidence suggests imagery rescripting (ImRs) is associated with large reductions in voice hearing and PTSD symptoms. This study replicated past studies using a larger sample to examine the effectiveness of ImRs in reducing such symptoms. METHOD: Participants (N = 49; 65.3% female; Mage = 35.86) were clients at an Australian transdiagnostic clinic for voice hearers. A one-arm open trial design was used with three pre-treatment baselines and a mid-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow up assessments of PTSD symptoms (Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5), voices (Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia Voices Questionnaire) and emotional symptoms (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-21). Five single-item measures were administered weekly to explore the trajectories of change in trauma intrusions, voice-related distress, voice frequency and positive and negative voice valance. RESULTS: ImRs was associated with very large reductions in PTSD symptoms and voices (both emotional and physical characteristics of voices) and emotional symptoms at post-treatment and follow-up (η2 p = 0.24-0.44). There were medium-large to large reductions in weekly symptoms of intrusions, voice-related distress, voice frequency and negative voices (η2 p = 0.12-0.16) and a non-significant increase in positive voices (η2 p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence that ImRs is an effective treatment for voices and PTSD symptoms in voice hearers with a range of diagnoses. Randomised controlled trials are needed to compare the efficacy of ImRs to CBT protocols.

Patient Perspectives on Adapting Collaborative Care for Opioid Use Disorder With Depression and/or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with opioid use disorder and cooccurring mental health concerns experience heightened consequences and lower rates of treatment access. Engaging patients as research partners alongside health systems is critical for tailoring care for this population. Collaborative care is promising for the treatment of co-occurring disordersObjectives: We used a community-participatory partnered research1 approach to partner with patients, providers, and clinic administrators to adapt and implement a collaborative care intervention for co-occurring disorders in primary care. METHODS: We conducted qualitative interviews with patients to assess their feedback on the proposed collaborative care model before intervention implementation. A first round of interviews was conducted to obtain patient feedback on our adaptation ideas (n = 11). The team then incorporated these suggestions, beta-tested the intervention with participants (n = 9), and assessed participant feedback. Data were analyzed using rapid content analysis and then implemented by health systems. RESULTS: Patient feedback underscored the need for the care coordinator (CC) to be trained in patient engagement and stigma reduction and to provide assistance around socioeconomic barriers and relapse. Patients shared that it was helpful to have the CC address co-occurring disorders, emphasized the need for the CC to be flexible, and expressed that tele-health was acceptable. Patient feedback was integrated in subsequent CC training with health systems. CONCLUSIONS: The present research demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of incorporating patient perspectives into treatment design and implementation in health systems using community-participatory partnered research .

Pathway linking attachment styles to post-traumatic growth among recovered COVID-19 patients: testing the mediating role of coping styles.

Background: Research on post-disaster mental health shows that people have unique resources to undergo positive changes like posttraumatic growth (PTG) after facing adversities.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and PTG in COVID-19 survivors, with a focus on exploring the mediating role of coping strategies. Through examining these dynamics, the study seeks to contribute to deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying growth in individuals recovering from the pandemic.Method: A total of 210 participants were enrolled from the hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, in January 2021, and completed self-report questionnaires. PTG, attachment styles, and coping strategies were assessed using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediation models.Results: The direct effects of secure (ß = 0.22, p < .001), and ambivalent-anxious attachment (ß = -0.22, p < .001) on PTG were significant. Also, task-oriented coping significantly predicted PTG (ß = .60, p < .001). The direct path from secure (ß = 0.16, p < .05) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (ß = -0.38, p < .001) to task-oriented coping was significant, as was direct impact of secure (ß = -0.18, p < .01) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (ß = 0.37, p < .001) to emotion-oriented coping. The association between secure attachment and PTG is significantly mediated by task-oriented coping (ß = 0.1, (95% CI: 0.01-0.18)). Also, task-oriented coping was a significant negative mediator between ambivalent-anxious attachment and PTG (ß = -0.24, (95% CI: -0.33 - -0.15)).Conclusions: Results support the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between attachment styles and PTG. It emphasizes the importance of interventions for improving coping resources in individuals with life-threatening illnesses, focusing on improving problem-focused coping and reducing maladaptive strategies.

Individuals with secure attachment styles demonstrate significant positive posttraumatic growth following COVID-19 recovery.Problem focused coping plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between secure attachment style and posttraumatic growth in people who recovered from COVID-19.The findings suggest the importance of developing interventions to enhance coping resources for traumatized populations to facilitate posttraumatic growth.

Still in there-citizens' well-being and PTSD after Seoul Halloween crowd crush in Korea: a cross-sectional study.

The October 29, 2022, Seoul Halloween Crowd Crush (SHCC) caused the loss of 159 lives, making it the deadliest global mass-gathering disaster between 2018 and 2022. Despite the fact that years have passed since the incident, there remains a significant gap in research addressing the mental health of citizens to evaluate their recovery progress. Therefore, in this study, a survey was conducted to assess citizens' anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and well-being after the SHCC. The data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlations, a Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc tests. The citizens' well-being differed significantly by victimization status, with direct victims showing languishing well-being (p = .036). PTSD severity level was higher in victims and direct witnesses (p < .001). Victims and direct witnesses exhibited worse outcomes in subjective, social, and psychological well-being as well as in PTSD (p < .001). Well-being exhibited a significant negative correlation with PTSD (r = - .247, p < .001). The results of the analysis suggest the SHCC's psychological impact has endured not only for victims and direct witnesses but also for media-exposed citizens. Offering continuous psychological support and fostering positive self-perceptions and social interactions are crucial for their recovery and well-being enhancement.

The bridge relationships of PTSD and depression symptoms among snakebite victims: a cross-sectional community-based survey.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is higher in snakebite victims. However, the present state and contributing factors of depression and PTSD among Chinese snakebite victims remain unclear. METHODS: A representative sample of 6837 snakebite victims were assessed with the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (Civilian Version) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariate analyses, including network analysis, evaluated the contributing factors of PTSD and depression symptoms caused by snake bites, as well as the bridge symptoms of comorbidity networks. RESULTS: Among 6,837 snakebite victims, 79.5% reported PTSD symptoms and 81.4% reported depression symptoms. Comorbidity of PTSD and depression symptoms was found in 75.1%. Key factors included the presence sequelae after snakebite (ORPTSD = 2.31, ORDepression = 1.89), time to medical facilities (6-8 h: ORPTSD = 3.17, ORDepression = 2.46), and marital status (divorced/widowed: ORPTSD = 1.78, ORDepression = 1.76). Symptoms I1 ("Repeated disturbing memories") and D1 ("Bothered by things that don't usually bother me") bridged PTSD and depression networks. CONCLUSION: The primary psychological challenges for snakebite victims in China are PTSD and depression symptoms, which is concerning. Standardized diagnosis and treatments, timely medical care, and stable marital relationships can reduce risks. Additional psychological support and management of negative memories, especially for those with severe bridge symptoms, can be beneficial. Further research should concentrate on understanding victims' psychological states and developing effective interventions.

Effects of One-to-One Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Sessions on Psychological Symptoms and Interoception over 6 Months.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious health condition that adversely affects the mind and body. Current first-line treatment for PTSD tends to focus on the mind and overlook the impacts of trauma on the body. Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based adjunctive therapy for complex trauma and PTSD that uses a body-based approach to trauma healing. Although designed to be used in group or individual contexts, previous studies have focused only on TCTSY facilitated in groups. The present study examined the effects of one-to-one TCTSY (i.e., one participant receiving TCTSY services, not in a group TCTSY context) on anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, interoception, substance use, and sleep over time. Using an observational approach, all certified TCTSY facilitators received the study invitation to share with clients who were enrolled in one-to-one TCTSY services. Ten clients participated in the study across four countries (women n = 8; mean age 44.80 ± 11.91; PTSD diagnosis n = 9). Clients completed Qualtrics surveys at TCTSY sessions in June-December 2022. Linear mixed-model analyses found that anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, attention regulation, self-regulation, and body listening significantly improved over time. There were no significant changes in sleep or substance use from pre- to post-study. TCTSY is a somatic approach for managing trauma symptoms and enhancing interoceptive awareness. Extensions of the present study are warranted to further understand the effects of one-to-one TCTSY for trauma care.

Interdisciplinary CBT treatment for patients with odontophobia and dental anxiety related to psychological trauma experiences: a case series.

BACKGROUND: While cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-established treatment for odontophobia, research is sparse regarding its effect on patients with dental anxiety related to psychological trauma experiences. This study aimed to evaluate changes in symptoms and acceptability of interdisciplinary Torture, Abuse, and Dental Anxiety (TADA) team treatment for patients with odontophobia or dental anxiety. We also wanted to describe the sample's oral health status. The TADA teams offer targeted anxiety treatment and adapted dental treatment using a CBT approach. METHODS: The study used a naturalistic, case series design and included 20 consecutively referred outpatients at a public TADA dental clinic. Pre- and post-treatment assessments included questionnaires related to the degree of dental anxiety, post-traumatic stress, generalized anxiety, and depression. Patients underwent a panoramic X-ray before treatment. Before dental restoration, patients underwent an oral health examination to determine the mucosal and plaque score (MPS) and the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). Patients were referred to dentist teams for further dental treatment and rehabilitation (phase 2) after completing CBT in the TADA team (Phase 1). Results from the dental treatment in phase 2 is not included in this study. RESULTS: All patients completed the CBT treatment. There were significant improvements in symptoms of dental anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression and moderate changes in symptoms of generalized anxiety. Dental statuses were heterogeneous in terms of the severity and accumulated dental treatment needs. The TADA population represented the lower socioeconomic range; 15% of patients had higher education levels, and half received social security benefits. All patients were referred to and started adapted dental treatment (phase 2). CONCLUSIONS: TADA treatment approach appears acceptable and potentially beneficial for patients with odontophobia and dental anxiety related to psychological trauma experiences. The findings suggest that further research, including larger controlled studies, is warranted to validate these preliminary outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the regional ethical committee in Norway (REK-Midt: 488462) and by the Data Protection Board at Møre and Romsdal County Authority.

Frequency of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors Among Survivors of Van Avalanche: 6-Month Follow-up Study. / Van Çig Afetinden Kurtulan Kisilerde Travma Sonrasi Stres Bozuklugu Sikligi ve Iliskili Faktörler: 6 Aylik Izlem Çalismasi.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the frequency of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to determine the risk factors, and to monitor the change of symptoms after 6 months among individuals who survived the avalanche disaster in Van. METHOD: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 35 people who were rescued from two consecutive avalanche disasters in Van 2 months and 6 months after the avalanche disaster. The socio-demographic and clinical data of the cases were evaluated. The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale-Self Report version (PSS-SR) and clinical interviews were used for PTSD diagnosis. The level of trauma was assessed by using the Impact of Event Scale (IES). RESULTS: All participants were rescuers who went to the avalanche site for rescue mission. Of the cases, 16 were volunteers from the local community and 19 were professional rescuers. The frequency of PTSD was 71.4% in the early assessment, and 57.1% in the long term. Staying in avalanche for more than 30 minutes, the absence of a history of disaster exposure and being in the group of volunteers were found to increase the risk for PTSD development. CONCLUSION: There is a high risk of developing PTSD as a result of an avalanche. People who will intervene with the disasters should be educated and prepared in terms of preventing negative psychological consequences of the disaster. The relationship between the severity of trauma and PTSD was replicated in our study.

Amygdala Cannabinoid 1 Receptor, Pain Response, and Emotional Numbing in Trauma-Exposed Individuals.

This case-control study assesses associations of amygdala cannabinoid 1 receptor availability with amygdala response to shock-induced pain and severity of emotional numbing symptoms of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Medically unexplained symptoms and experiences with healthcare among emerging adults exposed to multiple types of potentially traumatic events.

Experiencing multiple types of traumatic events can increase the risk of developing somatic and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), or somatic symptoms that lack a distinct medical explanation, often coexist with PTSS in emerging adults and may be due to common underlying mechanisms. Coping strategies have been associated with PTSS, but have not been studied in trauma-exposed individuals with MUS. The current study examined the relationship between the number of types of potentially traumatic events experienced and MUS among emerging adults, considering the influence of PTSS and engagement and disengagement coping. A sample of 363 emerging adults (Mean = 18.91) completed self-report measures of trauma history, PTSS, MUS, experiences with healthcare providers, and coping strategies. Dissatisfaction with healthcare providers was reported by 11.3% of participants reporting MUS, with over half (52.8%) feeling their concerns were dismissed. Hierarchical linear regression showed that the number of types of traumatic events experienced did not predict MUS after accounting for PTSS. Moderation hypotheses linking traumatic events and coping strategies were not supported. Results suggest that PTSS explains the relationship between exposure to different traumatic events and MUS. Findings may have diagnostic and treatment implications for healthcare providers working with emerging adults who have experienced trauma.