The impact of item order on the factor structure of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5.

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is the most widely used self-report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is frequently modeled as having four correlated factors consistent with the DSM-5 symptom structure. Some researchers have argued that item order may influence factor structure. Although two studies have examined this, they were both based on DSM-IV criteria, and neither utilized a randomized design. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether item order impacts the factor structure of the PCL-5, using two independent samples of community participants (N = 347, 67.7% female, 85.3% White) and veterans (N = 409, 83.6% male, 61.9% Black/African American). Approximately half of each sample was randomized to receive the PCL-5 in the original fixed order, whereas the other half received a uniquely randomized version. We compared the DSM-5 four-factor model to several theoretically relevant models and found improved model fit in the seven-factor hybrid model, community sample: ∆χ2 = 153.87, p < .001; veterans: ∆χ2 = 152.61, p < . 001. Consequently, the DSM-5 four-factor and seven-factor hybrid models were retained for invariance testing. Across both samples, measurement invariance was examined between the randomized and fixed-order groups. Configural invariance, partial metric invariance, and partial scalar invariance were achieved in both samples, ps = .054-.822, suggesting that the fit of the DSM-5 four-factor structure and the seven-factor hybrid model, as measured using the PCL-5, are not due to order effects. These findings support the continued use of the PCL-5 in a fixed fashion.

A Comparison of Mental Health Symptoms among Adults Who Vape Nicotine, Cannabis, or Both.

OBJECTIVES: Dual use of combustible cannabis and nicotine is related to worse mental health symptoms (MHS); however, little is known about MHS among those who vape cannabis and nicotine. The current study aimed to determine if dual use of cannabis and nicotine vapes is associated with worse MHS compared to single use and to identify correlates of MHS for dual users. METHODS: We used Amazon Mechanical Turk to survey adults (N = 492) who used nicotine or cannabis vapes in the past 30 days on stress, anxiety, depression, vape use behaviors and sociodemographic information. We conducted hierarchical linear regressions to compare MHS between dual vs. single substance vape use and to identify correlates of MHS, including sociodemographic variables and vape use characteristics. RESULTS: The final sample was 37.6% female, 87.6% White, and 11% Hispanic/Latinx with a mean age of 34.15 years. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and combustible product use, dual users had significantly higher mean MHS severity than single users. For dual users, younger age and being married were associated with higher symptoms of depression and stress. Holding a medical cannabis card was associated with higher anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that dual use of cannabis and nicotine vapes is associated with worse MHS severity compared to single substance use.

Heterogeneity in Short-Term Suicidal Ideation Trajectories: Predictors of and Projections to Suicidal Behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about suicidal ideation stability, including whether stability is heterogeneous or homogeneous between individuals. Studies of this kind are necessary to understand the progression from suicidal ideation to action. METHOD: This study examined suicidal ideation trajectories, using growth mixture modeling, in a sample of 359 past/current military service members (M age = 32.1 years, SD = 7.7; 88.3% male). Self-reported suicidal ideation information was collected at baseline and follow-up sessions at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Following extraction of the best-fitting solution, predictors of trajectory status were examined and trajectory status was used to predict suicidal behavior between baseline and month 12 assessments. RESULTS: Results revealed four trajectories, Low-Stable (n = 125), Moderate-Stable (n = 101), High-Stable (n = 76), and High-Rapidly Declining (n = 57). In general, the High-Stable trajectory had the highest levels of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, PTSD symptoms, and drug use. The High- and Moderate-Stable trajectories had the highest rates of suicidal behavior between baseline and month 12. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation, even in individuals with elevated ideation, is not a homogeneous construct over time. Stability of suicidal ideation might be an important risk factor, even if ideation is only moderately elevated.