Racial discrimination increases the risk for nonremitting posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in traumatically injured Black individuals living in the United States.

Traumatic, life-threatening events are experienced commonly among the general U.S. population, yet Black individuals in the United States (i.e., Black Americans) exhibit higher prevalence rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and more severe symptoms than other populations. Although empirical research has noted a range of symptom patterns that follow traumatic injury, minimal work has examined the role of racial discrimination in relation to PTSD symptom trajectories. The current study assessed racial discrimination and PTSD symptom trajectories at 6 months postinjury across two separate samples of traumatically injured Black Americans (i.e. emergency department (ED)-discharged and hospitalized). Identified PTSD symptom trajectories largely reflect those previously reported (i.e., ED: nonremitting, moderate, remitting, and resilient; hospitalized: nonremitting, delayed, and resilient), although the resilient trajectory was less represented than expected given past research (ED: 55.8%, n = 62; hospitalized: 46.9%, n = 38). Finally, higher racial discrimination was associated with nonremitting, ED: relative risk ratio (RR) = 1.32, hospitalized: RR = 1.23; moderate, ED: RR = 1.18; and delayed, hospitalized: RR = 1.26, PTSD symptom trajectories. Overall, the current findings not only emphasize the inimical effects of racial discrimination but also demonstrate the unique ways in which race-related negative events can impact PTSD symptom levels and recovery across time.

Relationship Between Decreased Cortisol and Development of Chronic Pain in Traumatically Injured.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between pain and stress is widely accepted, yet the underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms are poorly understood. Cortisol secretion during a stress response, may distract attention from a painful stimulus, inhibiting pain. However, when pain is the stressor, cortisol secretion may intensify the pain experience and condition a fear-based memory of pain. This study attempts to determine the relationship between acute pain, chronic pain, and cortisol in the traumatically injured population. METHODS: Secondary analyses of a prospective observational study with participants from a Midwestern Adult Level I Trauma Center post traumatic injury, with interview and serum cortisol taken at hospitalization (baseline) and 6 mo after discharge, was completed using Ward's Method hierarchical cluster analysis, Pearson's correlations, and linear regressions. RESULTS: Two major clusters were identified. The Chronic Pain group were those who had severe pain at discharge and continued to have severe pain as defined by Numeric Pain Score. The Resolved Pain group were those who had moderate pain at discharge and their pain improved or resolved. Pain score at discharge significantly, negatively correlated with baseline cortisol levels (r = -0.142, P = 0.02). Minority status, single individuals, low cortisol at baseline, and greater psychological distress at baseline significantly increased the likelihood of developing chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Low cortisol and greater psychological stress, which are also associated with minority status and single individuals, contribute to chronic pain in the traumatically injured population. Trauma victims without an adequate cortisol response to acute injury and pain are at risk for development of chronic pain after injury.

Validation of Abbreviated Four- and Eight-Item Versions of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 in a Traumatically Injured Sample.

Rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are three times higher in traumatically injured populations than the general population, yet limited brief, valid measures for assessing PTSD symptom severity exist. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a valid, efficient measure of symptom severity, but its completion is time consuming. Subsequently, abbreviated four- and eight-item versions were developed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-7 PTSD module and validated in Veteran samples. This study aimed to validate these abbreviated versions using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), the gold standard for PTSD diagnosis, in a traumatically injured civilian population. Participants were 251 traumatically injured adults (Mage = 42.52 years; 69.3% male; 50.2% Caucasian) recruited from a Level 1 trauma center inpatient unit; 32.3% and 17.9% of participants experienced a motor vehicle crash or gunshot wound, respectively. The CAPS-5 and PCL-5 were administered approximately 6.5 months postinjury. We examined whether compared to the full PCL-5, the abbreviated versions would adequately differentiate between participants with and without a CAPS-5 PTSD diagnosis. The abbreviated versions were highly correlated with the total scale and showed good-to-excellent internal consistency. The diagnostic utility of the abbreviated measures was comparable to that of the total scale regarding sensitivity, suggesting they may be useful as abbreviated screening tools; however, the total scale functioned better regarding specificity. The abbreviated versions of the PCL-5 may be useful screening instruments in the long-term care of traumatic injury survivors and may be more likely to be implemented across routine clinical and research contexts.

Detecting PTSD in a traumatically injured population: The diagnostic utility of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5.

BACKGROUND: The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is among few validated measures of PTSD severity in line with the DSM-5. Validation efforts among veteran samples have recommended cut scores of 33 and 38 to indicate PTSD; cut scores vary across populations depending on factors such as trauma type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of and identify optimal cut scores for the PCL-5 in relation to the gold standard Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) among traumatically injured individuals 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center. METHODS: A total of 251 participants completed the PCL-5 and CAPS-5 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center following traumatic injury. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses detailed diagnostic accuracy of the PCL-5 and identified the optimal cut score via Youden's J index. Cut scores were also broken down by intentional versus nonintentional injury. RESULTS: The PCL-5 produces satisfactory diagnostic accuracy, with adequate sensitivity and specificity, in a traumatically injured population. Estimates indicate the optimal cut score as >30; the optimal cut score for intentional injuries was >34 and >22 for nonintentional injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation provides support for the PCL-5 in detection of PTSD among injured individuals 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center. PCL-5 specificity and sensitivity suggest clinicians working with this population can feel confident in using this measure over more onerous structured interviews (e.g., CAPS-5). This study signifies a move toward ensuring those experiencing mental health difficulties after traumatic injury are identified and connected to resources.

Epidemiological associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and incarceration in the National Survey of American Life.

BACKGROUND: In spite of an elevated prevalence of trauma histories among prisoners, there has been little research examining the relationship between incarceration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); this is especially true for Black Americans. AIMS: To examine relationships between PTSD and incarceration in a nationally representative sample of Black Americans. METHODS: We conducted analysis of data from the National Survey of American Life sample of 5008 Black American adults in the USA. Multivariate logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic factors including age, gender, home region and education were conducted to examine whether incarceration status was independently associated with PTSD. RESULTS: Incarceration was significantly associated with trauma exposure, PTSD in the 12 months prior to interview and lifetime PTSD, even while controlling for demographic covariates. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Incarceration, trauma exposure and PTSD share a significant number of risk factors and co-vary frequently in some populations, including the one of Black Americans investigated in this study. Interventions that can reduce shared risk factors for incarceration and PTSD and/or facilitate successful treatment of the established condition have the potential to make a large positive impact among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.

Personality disorders and the persistence of anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample.

BACKGROUND: Among individuals with anxiety disorders, comorbid personality disorders (PDs) increase cross-sectional symptom severity and decrease functioning. Little is known, however, about how PDs influence the course of anxiety disorders over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PDs on the persistence of four anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample in the United States. METHODS: Two waves of data were collected on 34,653 participants, 3 years apart. At both waves, participants were evaluated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social and specific phobias, and panic disorder. Predictors of persistence included all DSM-IV PDs. Control variables included demographics, comorbid PDs, age at onset of the anxiety disorder, number of prior episodes, duration of the current episode, treatment history, and cardinal symptoms of exclusionary diagnoses for each anxiety disorder. RESULTS: Any PD, two or more PDs, borderline PD, schizotypal PD, mean number of PD criteria met, and mean number of PDs diagnosed predicted the persistence of all four anxiety disorders. Narcissistic PD predicted persistence of GAD and panic disorder. Schizoid and avoidant PDs also predicted persistence of GAD. Finally, avoidant PD predicted persistence of social phobia. Particular patterns of cross-cluster PD comorbidity were strong predictors of the persistence of individual anxiety disorders as well. CONCLUSIONS: In this national sample, a variety of PDs robustly predicted the persistence of anxiety disorders over 3 years, consistent with the results of recent prospective clinical studies. Personality psychopathology should be assessed and addressed in treatment for all patients with anxiety disorders.

Differences in intestinal bacteria in traumatic injury survivors with and without probable posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of traumatic injury, yet certain biological factors contributing to PTSD are poorly understood. The gut microbiome may influence mental health outcomes, but its role in heterogeneous PTSD presentations requires elucidation. METHODS: Bacterial composition was examined in adults 2-4 years post-trauma with probable PTSD (n = 24) versus trauma-exposed controls without probable PTSD (n = 24). 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic tools assessed microbial diversity and abundance. Relationships between taxa and PTSD symptom clusters were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were found in overall microbial community structure between groups. The probable PTSD group exhibited significantly reduced Actinobacteriota and increased Verrucomicrobiota phylum abundance compared to controls. Specific taxa showed notable inverse associations with negative mood/cognition versus hyperarousal symptoms. Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae were negatively associated with negative mood but positively associated with hyperarousal. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate microbial signatures of probable PTSD subtypes, highlighting the microbiome as a potential mediator of heterogeneous trauma psychopathology. Definition of PTSD microbial correlates provides a foundation for personalized psychobiotic interventions targeting predominant symptom profiles.

History of Racial Discrimination by Police Contributes to Worse Physical and Emotional Quality of Life in Black Americans After Traumatic Injury.

BACKGROUND: Black Americans are more likely than their White counterparts to experience traumatic injury and worse functional outcomes. Unfair police treatment has been identified as one specific form of racial discrimination potentially driving these deleterious outcomes. The aim of the investigation was to better understand the relationship between experiences of discrimination by police and trauma-specific quality of life outcomes, including PTSD symptom severity, in Black Americans following traumatic injury. METHOD: Traumatically injured Black American adults (N = 53) presenting to a level 1 trauma center completed a measure of police and law enforcement discrimination at baseline, and quality of life and PTSD were assessed 6 months later. RESULTS: Stepwise regressions results showed more frequent discrimination by police and law enforcement significantly predicted lower emotional and physical well-being 6 months after injury. Further, more frequent police discrimination resulted in more severe PTSD symptoms by 6 months after injury. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore that following an injury not specifically related to discrimination by police, patients' historical, negative police experiences contributed to worse physical and emotional recovery in the present. These findings, in unison with prior investigations, reveal the need to consider patients' history of negative police experiences as a social determinant of health in their recovery.

Psychiatric comorbidity in emergency general surgery patients: a prospective observational study.

Objectives: Annually, approximately 27 million individuals in the United States are admitted to hospitals for emergency general surgery (EGS). Approximately 50% develop postoperative complications and 22% require unplanned readmission within 90 days, highlighting a need to understand factors impacting well-being and recovery. Psychiatric comorbidity can impact medical treatment adherence, cost, and premature mortality risk. Despite the severity of illness in EGS, there is limited research on psychiatric comorbidity in EGS patients. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to characterize EGS patient mental health and to assess its relationship with pain, social support, and healthcare utilization (ie, length of stay, readmission). Methods: Adult EGS patients were screened for participation during hospitalization. Inclusion criteria included: (1) 18 years or older, (2) communicate fluently in English, and (3) assessed within 7 days of admission. Participants (n=95) completed assessment, which included a structured clinical diagnostic interview. Record review captured medical variables, including length of stay, discharge disposition, narcotic prescription, and 90-day readmission rates. Results: Ninety-five patients completed the assessment, and 31.6% met criteria for at least one current psychiatric diagnosis; 21.3% with a major depressive episode, 9.6% with a substance use disorder, and 7.5% with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lower perceived social support and greater pain severity and interference were significantly related to more severe depression and anxiety. Depression was associated with longer length of stay, and those with PTSD were more likely to be re-admitted. Conclusion: The EGS patient sample exhibited psychiatric disorder rates greater than the general public, particularly regarding depression and anxiety. Screening protocols and incorporation of psychological and social interventions may assist in recovery following EGS. Level of evidence: Level II, prognostic.

Facets of emotion dysregulation differentially predict depression and PTSD symptom severity following traumatic injury.

Background: Emotion dysregulation is a hallmark characteristic of psychopathology following trauma. Yet, emotion dysregulation is multifaceted, and little is known about which aspects of emotion dysregulation predict depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity following traumatic injury.Objective: The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate how facets of dysregulation differentially predicted the severity of PTSD symptom clusters and depressive symptoms six months after a traumatic injury requiring medical treatment.Methods: Traumatically injured adults (N = 99) presenting to a Level 1 trauma centre completed a measure of emotion dysregulation 2 weeks post-injury, and PTSD and depression were assessed at 2-weeks and 6 months later.Results: Using stepwise regressions controlling for baseline symptoms, age, gender, race, and injury severity, results showed baseline emotion dysregulation significantly predicted the four symptom clusters of PTSD 6 months post-injury. Notably, hyperarousal symptoms and negative alterations in mood and cognition were predicted by a lack of clarity. On the other hand, depressive symptoms were significantly predicted by difficulty accessing emotion regulation strategies.Conclusion: Results highlight that specific facets of emotion dysregulation predict PTSD and depression symptom severity differentially after injury. Indeed, lack of emotional clarity appears to predict PTSD symptomatology, suggesting a potential mechanism driving worsening symptoms. Lack of clarity could also be detrimental to engagement in PTSD treatment. Conversely, lack of regulation strategies may represent a sense of helplessness in managing depression after trauma. As such, future research should elucidate whether interventions targeting aspects of emotion dysregulation based on symptom presentations are useful in treating PTSD and depression following injury.

Specific facets of emotion dysregulation are differentially associated with PTSD symptom clusters and depression symptom severity after injury.Findings suggest that targeting lack of emotional clarity may be critical for patients with prominent hyperarousal and trauma-related changes in mood and cognitions (i.e. two PTSD symptom clusters).Patients with depressive symptoms following trauma may especially benefit from the development of emotion regulation strategies.

Comprehensive Framework of Firearm Violence Survivor Care: A Review.

Importance: Firearm violence is a public health crisis placing significant burden on individuals, communities, and health care systems. After firearm injury, there is increased risk of poor health, disability, and psychopathology. The newest 2022 guidelines from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma require that all trauma centers screen for risk of psychopathology and provide referral to intervention. Yet, implementing these guidelines in ways that are responsive to the unique needs of communities and specific patient populations, such as after firearm violence, is challenging. Observations: The current review highlights important considerations and presents a model for trauma centers to provide comprehensive care to survivors of firearm injury. This model highlights the need to enhance standard practice to provide patient-centered, trauma-informed care, as well as integrate inpatient and outpatient psychological services to address psychosocial needs. Further, incorporation of violence prevention programming better addresses firearm injury as a public health concern. Conclusions and Relevance: Using research to guide a framework for trauma centers in comprehensive care after firearm violence, we can prevent complications to physical and psychological recovery for this population. Health systems must acknowledge the socioecological context of firearm violence and provide more comprehensive care in the hospital and after discharge, to improve long-term recovery and serve as a means of tertiary prevention of firearm violence.

Exposure to socioenvironmental stress as a predictor of physical and mental health.

The literature demonstrates links between socioenvironmental characteristics, dysregulation of the stress response system, and PTSD, though few studies integrate these factors in one model. In a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected by the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), structural equation modeling evaluated the relationships between socioenvironmental stress, cumulative biological risk (CBR), and PTSD symptom severity. The model hypothesized that exposure to socioenvironmental stress was associated with PTSD and that this relationship is mediated by increased CBR. Indices suggest the model provided a good fit to the data and supported socioenvironmental stress and CBR as valid latent constructs. Although the association between CBR and PTSD was not found to be statistically significant in this study, socioenvironmental stress was a significant predictor of PTSD and CBR. Given the role of socioenvironmental factors on CBR and PTSD symptoms, providers need to better assess and incorporate social stressors within evaluation and treatment.

Racial differences in symptoms, comorbidity, and treatment for major depressive disorder among black and white adults.

OBJECTIVE: Racial differences in the clinical nature of major depressive disorder (MDD) could contribute to treatment disparities, but national data with large samples are limited. Our objective was to examine black-white differences in clinical characteristics and treatment for MDD from one of the largest, national community samples of US adults. METHODS: Non-Hispanic black and white adults (n=32752) from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions produced data on 1866 respondents who met criteria for MDD based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) in the preceding 12 months. Outcome measures were depressive symptoms, comorbid psychiatric and medical disorders, disability, and treatment. RESULTS: Blacks with MDD had significantly higher odds of initial insomnia, early-morning awakening, and restlessness than whites. Odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR), 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-3.14), obesity (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45-2.69), and liver disease (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.20-11.30) were higher among blacks than whites. In unadjusted models, blacks had greater impairment than whites in social and physical functioning. However, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics eliminated these differences. Blacks were less likely than whites to receive outpatient services (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.36-0.72) and be prescribed medications for MDD, but were more likely to receive emergency room and inpatient treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We found few racial differences in depressive symptoms, psychiatric comorbidity, and disability after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Blacks' lower utilization of ambulatory treatment for MDD and greater medical comorbidity, emergency department use, and hospitalization suggests that management of MDD among blacks should be emphasized in primary care or other settings where treatment is more accessible.

Identification of risk for posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters early after trauma.

The current study examined how the injured trauma survivor screen (ITSS), a hospital-administered screener of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, differentially predicted PTSD symptom cluster severity. Participants from a Level 1 trauma center (n = 220) completed the ITSS while inpatient and PTSD symptoms were assessed one-month post discharge. Perceived life threat and intentionality of injury were key predictors of avoidance, re-experiencing, and hyperarousal symptom clusters. However, negative alterations in mood and cognition cluster seemed best predicted by mood and cognitive risk factors. Therefore, the ITSS provides utility in differentially predicting symptom clusters and treatment planning after traumatic injury.

Feasibility of a trauma quality-of-life follow-up clinic.

BACKGROUND: Little effort has been made to address long-term quality of life, chronic pain (CP), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and functional disability in trauma survivors. This quality initiative was developed to determine feasibility of a coordinated, comprehensive, patient-centered follow-up clinic for those at risk for poor long-term outcomes. METHODS: A convenience sample from 649 hospitalized trauma patients at a Midwestern level 1 trauma center between February 2018 and August 2018 was screened for risk of PTSD and CP. Thirty-six patients were randomized into a standard follow-up clinic (standard of care [SOC]) (2-week postdischarge surgical clinic) or a new trauma quality of life clinic (TQOL). The TQOL was developed to provide comprehensive care to patients at high risk for PTSD (Injured Trauma Survivor Score, ≥2) and/or CP (discharge pain score, ≥4). Trauma quality of life clinic included a nurse practitioner or surgeon (physician), psychologist, social worker, and physical therapist at 1-week post discharge. All providers saw the patient independently, developed a care plan collaboratively, and communicated the plan to the patient. The SOC involved a visit only with a nurse practitioner or surgeon (medical doctor). Measures of pain, PTSD, depression, quality of life, physical functioning, and life satisfaction were completed at time of the TQOL/SOC or over the phone. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographics, readmissions, or emergency department visits after discharge between groups. However, no show rates were almost twice as high in SOC (40%) compared with TQOL (22%) and those in TQOL completed 23 additional psychology visits versus one psychology visit in SOC. This clinic structure is feasible for high-risk patients, and TQOL patients demonstrated improved engagement in their care. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive multidisciplinary TQOL addressing issues affecting convalescence for trauma patients at high risk for developing PTSD and CP can improve follow-up rates to ensure patients are recovering successfully. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Influence of a drinking quantity and frequency measure on the prevalence and demographic correlates of DSM-IV alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that adding a quantity/frequency alcohol consumption measure to diagnoses of alcohol use disorders may improve construct validity of the diagnoses for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental and Behavior Disorders (DSM-V). This study explores the epidemiological impact of including weekly at-risk drinking (WAD) in the DMS-IV diagnostic definition of alcohol dependence via 3 hypothetical reformulations of the current criteria. METHODS: The sample was the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample with 43,093 adults aged >18 in the U.S interviewed with the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule IV. The current (DSM-IV) definition of alcohol dependence was compared with 4 hypothetical alcohol dependence reformulations that included WAD: (1) WAD added as an eighth criteria; (2) WAD required for a diagnosis; (3) adding abuse and dependence criteria together, and including WAD with a 3 of 12 symptom threshold; (4) adding abuse and dependence criteria together, and including WAD with a 5 of 12 symptom threshold. RESULTS: The inclusion of at-risk drinking as an eighth criterion of alcohol dependence has a minimal impact on the sociodemographic correlates of alcohol dependence but substantially increases the prevalence of dependence (from 3.8% to 5.0%). At-risk drinking as a required criterion or as part of a diagnosis that combines abuse with dependence criteria with a higher threshold (5+ criteria) decreases prevalence and has a larger impact on sociodemographic correlates. Blacks, Hispanics, and women are less likely to be included in diagnostic reformulations that include WAD, whereas individuals with low-income and education are more likely to remain diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Including WAD as either a requirement of diagnosis or as an additional criterion would have a large impact on the prevalence of alcohol dependence in the general population. The inclusion of a quantity/frequency requirement may eliminate false positives from studies of alcohol disorder etiology and improve phenotype definition for genetic association studies by reducing heterogeneity in the diagnosis, but may also reduce eligibility for treatment services among women and racial/ethnic minorities compared.

Screening and treating hospitalized trauma survivors for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.

Traumatic injury affects over 2.6 million U.S. adults annually and elevates risk for a number of negative health consequences. This includes substantial psychological harm, the most prominent being posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with approximately 21% of traumatic injury survivors developing the disorder within the first year after injury. Posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with deficits in physical recovery, social functioning, and quality of life. Depression is diagnosed in approximately 6% in the year after injury and is also a predictor of poor quality of life. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma suggests screening for and treatment of PTSD and depression, reflecting a growing awareness of the critical need to address patients' mental health needs after trauma. While some trauma centers have implemented screening and treatment or referral for treatment programs, the majority are evaluating how to best address this recommendation, and no standard approach for screening and treatment currently exists. Further, guidelines are not yet available with respect to resources that may be used to effectively screen and treat these disorders in trauma survivors, as well as who is going to bear the costs. The purpose of this review is: (1) to evaluate the current state of the literature regarding evidence-based screens for PTSD and depression in the hospitalized trauma patient and (2) summarize the literature to date regarding the treatments that have empirical support in treating PTSD and depression acutely after injury. This review also includes structural and funding information regarding existing postinjury mental health programs. Screening of injured patients and timely intervention to prevent or treat PTSD and depression could substantially improve health outcomes and improve quality of life for this high-risk population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review, level IV.

Stressful Life Events and Relapse Among Formerly Alcohol Dependent Adults.

We examined associations between stressful life events and relapse among adults in the United States with at least 1 year of remission from DSM-IV alcohol dependence. The sample consisted of individuals in remission from alcohol dependence at the Wave 1 interview (2001-2002) for the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) who also participated in a Wave 2 interview (2004-2005; N 1,707). Associations between stressful life events, demographic variables, = and the binary outcome of alcohol dependence relapse were examined with multiple logistic regression models. After adjustment for potential confounders, respondents who were divorced or separated in the year preceding the baseline assessment (Wave 1) were over two times more likely (OR = 2.32; CI = 1.01-5.34) to have relapsed 3 years later (Wave 2), compared to those not experiencing a divorce/separation in the 12 months prior to Wave 1. No other stressful life event was associated with relapse. Findings suggest that formerly alcohol dependent adults are at increased risk for relapse following divorce/separation. These results highlight the need for social work practitioners to consider the possibility of relapse following a divorce when one or both partners have a history of alcohol dependence.

Psychiatric comorbidity and the persistence of drug use disorders in the United States.

AIMS: DSM-IV drug use disorders, a major public health problem, are highly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, but little is known about the role of this comorbidity when studied prospectively in the general population. Our aims were to determine the role of comorbid psychopathology in the 3-year persistence of drug use disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Secondary data analysis using waves 1 (2001-02) and 2 (2005-05) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. PARTICIPANTS: Respondents with current DSM-IV drug use disorder at wave 1 who participated in wave 2 (n = 613). MEASUREMENTS: Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule IV (AUDADIS-IV) obtained DSM-IV Axis I and II diagnoses. Persistent drug use disorder was defined as meeting full criteria for any drug use disorder between waves 1 and 2. FINDINGS: Drug use disorders persisted in 30.9% of respondents. No Axis I disorders predicted persistence. Antisocial [odds ratio (OR) = 2.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-5.99], borderline (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.06-3.45) and schizotypal (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.42-5.39) personality disorders were significant predictors of persistent drug use disorders, controlling for demographics, psychiatric comorbidity, family history, treatment and number of drug use disorders. Deceitfulness and lack of remorse were the strongest antisocial criteria predictors of drug use disorder persistence, identity disturbance and self-damaging impulsivity were the strongest borderline criteria predictors, and ideas of reference and social anxiety were the strongest schizotypal criteria predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Antisocial, borderline and schizotypal personality disorders are specific predictors of drug use disorder persistence over a 3-year period.