text:
and Physiological
Trauma Research
Seize Your Journeys
Traumatic stress is found in many competent, healthy, strong, good people. No one can completely protect themselves from traumatic experiences. Many people have long-lasting problems following exposure to trauma. Up to 8% of persons will have PTSD at some time in their lives. People who react to traumas are not going crazy. What is happening to them is part of a set of common symptoms and problems that are connected with being in a traumatic situation, and thus, is a normal reaction to abnormal events and experiences. Having symptoms after a traumatic event is NOT a sign of personal weakness. Given exposure to a trauma that is bad enough, probably all people would develop PTSD.
By understanding trauma symptoms better, a person can become less fearful of them and better able to manage them. By recognizing the effects of trauma and knowing more about symptoms, a person will be better able to decide about getting treatment.
Secure Attachments as a Defense Against Trauma
"All people mature and thrive in a social context that has profound effects on how they cope with life's stresses. Particularly early in life, the social context plays a critical role in fuffering an individual against stressful situations, and in building the psychological and biological capacities to deal with further stresses. The primary function of parents can be thought of as helping children modulate their arousal by attuned and well-timed provision of playing, feeding, comforting, touching, looking, cleaning, and resting—in short, by teaching them skills that will gradually help them modulate their own arousal. Secure attachment bonds serve as primary defenses against trauma-induced psychopathology in both children and adults (Finkelhor & Browne, 1984). In children who have been exposed to severe stressors, the quality of the parental bond is probably the single most important determinant of long-term damage (McFarlane, 1988)." van der Kolk, Bessel, Alexander C. McFarlane, and Lars Weisaeth, eds. 1996. Traumatic stress: The effects of overwhelming experience on mind, body, and society. New York and London: Guilford Press. .p. 185
Eating Disorders
"The Eating Disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. This section includes two specific diagnoses, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise. A disturbance in perception of body shape and weight is an essential feature of both Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. An Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified category is also provided for coding behaviors that do not meet criteria for a specific Eating Disorder.
Simple obesity is include in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as a general medical condition but does not appear in DSM-IV because it has not been established that it is consistently associated with a psychological or behavioral syndrome. However, when there is evidence that psychological factors are of importance in the etiology or course of a particular case of obesity, this can be indicated by noting the presence of Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition.
Disorders of Feeding and Eating that are usually first diagnosed in infancy or early childhood (i.e., Pica, Rumination Disorder, and Feeding Disorder of Infancy or Early Childhood) are included in the section "Feeding and Eating Disorders of Infancy or Early Childhood.
Anorexia Nervosa
Diagnostic Features
The essential features of Anorexia Nervosa are that the individual refuses to maintain a minimally normal body weight, is intensely afraid of gaining weight, and exhibits a significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or size of his or her body. In addition, postmenarcheal females with this disorder are amenorrheic. (The term anorexia is a misnomer because loss of appetite is rare.)
The individual maintains a body weight that is below a minimally normal level for age and height (Criterion A). When Anorexia Nervosa develops in an individual during childhood or early adolescence, there may be failure to make expected weight gains (i.e., while growing in height) instead of weight loss.
Criterion A provides a guideline for determining when the individual meets the threshold for being underweight. It suggests that the individual weigh less than 85% of that weight that is considered normal for that person's age and height (usually computed using one of several published versions of the Metropolitan Life Insurance tables or pediatric growth charts.). An alternative and somewhat stricter guideline (used in the ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for research) requires that the individual have a body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms/height in meters2) equal to or below 17.5kg/m2. These cutoffs are provided only as suggested guidelines for eh clinician, since it is unreasonable to specify a single standard for minimally normal weight that applies to all individuals of a given age and height. In determining a minimally normal weight, the clinician should consider not only such guidelines but also the individual's body build and weight history.
Usually weight loss is accomplished primarily through reduction in total food intake. Although individuals may begin by excluding from their diet what they perceive to be highly caloric foods, most eventually end up with a very restricted diet that is sometimes limited to only a few foods. Additional methods of weight loss include purging (i.e., self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxative or diuretics) and increased or excessive exercise.)
Individuals with this disorder intensely fear gaining weight or becoming fat (Criterion B). This intense fear of becoming fat is usually not alleviated by the weight loss. In fact, concern about weight gain often increases even as actual weight continues to decrease.
The experience and significance of body weight and shape are distorted in these individuals (Criterion C). Some individuals feel globally overweight. Others realize that they are thin but are still concerned that certain parts of their bodies, particularly the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs are "to fat." They may employ a wide variety of techniques to estimate their body size and weight, including excessive weighing, obsessive measuring of body parts, and persistently using a mirror to check for perceived areas of "fat." The self-esteem of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa is highly dependent on their body shape and weight. Weight loss is viewed as an impressive achievement and a sign of extraordinary self-discipline, whereas weight gain is perceived as an unacceptable failure of self-control. Though some individuals with this disorder may acknowledge being thin, they typically deny the serious medical implications of their malnourished state.
In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea (due to abnormally low levels of estrogen secretion that are due in turn to diminished pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone [PSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) is an indicator of physiological dysfunction in Anorexia Nervosa (Criterion D.) Amenorrhea is usually a consequence of the weight loss but, in a minority of individuals, may actually precede it. In prepubertal females, menarche may be delayed by the illness.
The individual is often brought to professional attention by family members after marked weight loss (or failure to make expected weight gains) has occurred. If individuals seek help on their own, it is usually because of their subjective distress over the somatic and psychological sequelae of starvation. It is rare for an individual with Anorexia Nervosa to complain of weight loss per se. Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa frequently lack insight into, or have considerable denial of, the problem and may be unreliable historians. It is therefore often necessary to obtain information form parents or other outside sources to evaluate the degree of weight loss and other features of the illness." p. 583-584.
Bulimia Nervosa
"Diagnostic Features
The essential features of Bulimia Nervosa are binge eating and inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain. In addition, the self-evaluation of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa is excessively influenced by body shape and weight. To qualify for the diagnosis, the binge eating and the inappropriate compensatory behaviors must occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months (Criterion C.)
A binge is defined as eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances (Criterion A1.). The clinician should consider the context in which the eating occurred—what would be regarded as excessive consumption at a typical meal might be considered normal during a celebration or holiday meal. A "discrete period of time" refers to a limited period, usually less than 2 hours. A single episode of binge eating need not be restricted to one setting. For example, an individual may begin a binge in a restaurant and then continue it on returning home. Continual snacking on small amounts of food throughout the day would not be considered a binge.
Although the type of food consumed during the binge varies, it typically includes sweet, high-calorie foods such as ice cream or cake. However, binge eating appears to be characterized more by an abnormality in the amount of food consumed than by a craving for a specific nutrient, such as carbohydrate. Although individuals with Bulimia Nervosa consume more calories during an episode of binge eating than persons without Bulimia Nervosa consume during a meal, the fractions of calories derived from protein, fat, and carbohydrate are similar.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa are typically ashamed of their eating problems and attempt to conceal their symptoms. Binge eating usually occurs in secrecy, or as inconspicuously as possible. An episode may or may not be planned in advance and is usually (but not always) characterized by rapid consumption. The binge eating often continues until the individual is uncomfortably, or even painfully, full. Binge eating is typically triggered by dysphoric mood states, interpersonal stressors intense hunger following dietary restraint, or feelings related to body weight, body shape, and food. Binge eating may transiently reduce dysphoria, but disparaging self-criticism and depressed mood often follow.
An episode of binge eating is also accompanied by a sense of lack of control (Criterion A2). An individual may be in a frenzied state while binge eating, especially early in the course of the disorder. Some individuals describe a dissociative quality during, or following, the binge episodes. After Bulimia Nervosa has persisted for some time, individuals may report that their binge-eating episodes are no longer characterized by an acute feeling of loss of control, but rather by behavioral indicators of impaired control, such as difficulty resisting binge eating or difficulty stopping a binge once it has begun. The impairment in control associated with binge eating in bulimia Nervosa is not absolute; for example, an individual may continue binge eating while the telephone is ringing, but will cease if a roommate or spouse unexpectedly enters the room.
Another essential feature of Bulimia Nervosa is the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (Criterion B). Many individuals with Bulimia Nervosa employ several methods in their attempt to compensate for binge eating. The most common compensatory technique is the induction of vomiting after an episode of binge eating. This method of purging is employed by 80%-90% of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa who present for treatment of eating disorders clinics. The immediate effects of vomiting include relief from physical discomfort and reduction of fear of gaining weight. In some cases, vomiting becomes a goal in itself, and the person will binge in order to vomit or will vomit after eating a small amount of food. Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa may use a variety of methods to induce vomiting, including the use of fingers or instruments to stimulate the gag reflex. Individuals generally become adept at inducing vomiting and are eventually able to vomit at will. Rarely, individuals consume syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting. Other purging behaviors include the issue of laxatives and diuretics. Approximately one-third of those with Bulimia Nervosa misuse laxatives after binge eating. Rarely, individuals with the disorder will misuse enemas following episodes of binge eating, but this is seldom the sole compensatory method employed.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa may fast for a day or more or exercise excessively in an attempt to compensate for binge eating. Exercise may be considered to be excessive when it significantly interferes with important activities, when it occurs at inappropriate times or in inappropriate settings, or when the individual continues to exercise despite injury or other medical complications. Rarely, individuals with this disorder may take thyroid hormone in an attempt to avoid weight gain. Individuals with diabetes mellitus and Bulimia Nervosa may omit or reduce insulin doses in order to reduce the metabolism of food consumed during eating binges.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa place an excessive emphasis on body shape and weight in their self-evaluation, and these factors are typically the most important ones in determining self-esteem (Criterion D). Individuals with this disorder may closely resemble those with Anorexia Nervosa in their fear of gaining weight, in their desire to lose weight, and in the level of dissatisfaction with their bodies. However, a diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa should not be given when the disturbance occurs only during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa (Criterion E)." p. 589-591
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 2000. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
LifeSpan Developmental Trauma
Trauma and Middle Age
Title: Comparison for two treatments for traumatic stress: A community-based
study of EMDR and prolonged exposure.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ironson, Gail; Freud, B.; Strauss, J. L.; Williams, J.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology; Vol 58(1) Jan 2002, US: John
Wiley & Sons; 2002, 113-128
Abstract/Review/Citation: This pilot study compared the efficacy of 2 treatments
for postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Eye Movement Desensitization and
Reprocessing (EMDR) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Data were analyzed for 22
patients (aged 16-62 yrs) from a university based clinic serving the outside
community (predominantly rape and crime victims) who completed at least 1
active session of treatment after 3 preparatory sessions. Results showed both
approaches produced a significant reduction in PTSD and depression symptoms,
which were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Successful treatment was faster
with EMDR as a larger number of people (7 of 10) had a 70% reduction in PTSD
symptoms after 3 active sessions compared to 2 of 12 with PE. EMDR appeared to
be better tolerated as the dropout rate was significantly lower in those
randomized to EMDR versus PE (0 of 10 vs 3 of 10). However all patients who
remained in treatment with PE had a reduction in PTSD scores. Finally,
Subjective Units of Distress (SUDS) ratings decreased significantly during the
initial session of EMDR, but changed little during PE. Postsession SUDS were
significantly lower for EMDR than for PE. Suggestions for future research are
Title: Thriving after trauma: The experience of parents of murdered children.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Parappully, Jose; Rosenbaum, Robert; van den Daele, Leland; Nzewi, Esther
Source/Citation: Journal of Humanistic Psychology; Vol 42(1) Win 2002, US: Sage
Publications; 2002, 33-70
Abstract/Review/Citation: Psychological literature on trauma usually focuses on
pathology that results from trauma and pays little attention to positive
outcomes. This article presents a phenomenological inquiry into the
experiences of a profoundly traumatized group of people--parents whose son or
daughter has been murdered--to assess if they were able to experience a
positive outcome resulting from their trauma and to identify associated
processes and resources. Of 65 parents who volunteered, 16 (35-75 yrs old)
were selected to complete a questionnaire and were given in-depth,
semistructured interviews. The interview data, analyzed qualitatively, affirm
positive outcomes for these parents. Four processes--acceptance, finding
meaning, personal decision making, and reaching out to others in
compassion-and six resources--personal qualities, spirituality, continuing
bond with the victim, social support, previous coping experience, and
self-care-facilitate a positive outcome. ========================================
Title: Distinguishing trauma-associated narcissistic symptoms from posttraumatic
stress disorder: A diagnostic challenge.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Simon, Robert I.
Source/Citation: Harvard Review of Psychiatry; Vol 10(1) Jan-Feb 2002, England:
Oxford Univ Press; 2002, 28-36
Abstract/Review/Citation: Individuals with trauma-associated narcissistic
symptoms (TANS) display a discrete cluster of psychological symptoms that can
closely mimic those of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In TANS, the
underlying vulnerability to traumatic stress usually stems from a narcissistic
personality disorder or narcissistic personality traits. However, narcissistic
symptoms associated with an external traumatic event may be reflexively and
erroneously attributed to PTSD, no matter how small or insignificant the
traumatic stressor. Mistaking TANS for PTSD usually results in treatment
failure. In litigation, distinguishing between TANS and PTSD assists the trier
of fact in determining causation and assessing damages. A case illustration of
a 43-yr-old male is discussed.
Title: Traumatic brain injury: A hidden consequence for battered women.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Jackson, Helene; Philp, Elizabeth; Nuttall, Ronald L.; Diller, Leonard
Source/Citation: Professional Psychology: Research & Practice; Vol 33(1) Feb
2002, US: American Psychological Assn; 2002, 39-45
Abstract/Review/Citation: The inability of substantial numbers of battered women
to terminate or extricate themselves from violent relationships is of grave
concern to clinical practitioners. Despite professional intervention, many
victims of domestic violence return to the batterer and to repetitive
battering, demonstrating that, for these women, traditional psychosocial
interventions are ineffective. In a sample of 53 battered women, 92% reported
having received blows to the head in the course of their battering; 40%
reported loss of consciousness. Correlations between frequency of being hit in
the head and severity of cognitive symptoms were significant, strongly
suggesting that battered women should be routinely screened for traumatic
brain injury and postconcussive syndrome. Development of treatment strategies
to address the potentially damaging sequelae of head trauma in this population
is essential.
Title: Epidemiologic study of 203 sibling pairs with Parkinson's disease: The
GenePD study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Maher, N. E.; Golbe, L. I.; Lazzarini, A. M.; Mark, M. H.; Currie, L. J.; Wooten, G. F.; Saint-Hilaire, M.; Wilk, J. B.; Volcjak, J.; Maher, J. E.; Feldman, R. G.; Guttman, M.; Lew, M.; Schuman, S.; Suchowersky, O.; Lafontaine, A. L.
Labelle, N.; Vieregge, P.; Pramstaller, P. P.; Klein, C.; Hubble, J.; Reider, C.; Growdon, J.; Watts, R.; Montgomery, E.; Baker, K.; Singer, C.; Stacy, M.; Myers, Richard H.;
Source/Citation: Neurology; Vol 58(1) Jan 2002, US: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2002, 79-84
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined patterns of familial aggregation and factors
influencing onset age in a sample of 203 sibling pairs with Parkinson's
disease (PD). Standardized family history, medical history, and risk factor
data were collected and analyzed. The mean age at onset was 61.4 yrs and did
not differ according to sex, exposure to coffee, alcohol, or pesticides. Head
trauma was associated with younger onset and multivitamin use with later
onset. Age at onset correlation between sibling pairs was significant and was
larger than the correlation in year of onset. The mean difference in onset age
between siblings was 8.7 yrs (0-30 yrs). Female sex was associated with
increased frequency of relatives with PD. The frequency of affected parents
(7%) and siblings (5.1%) was increased when compared with frequency in spouses
(2%). The greater similarity for age at onset than for year of onset in
sibling pairs with PD, together with increased risk for biological relatives
over spouses of cases, supports a genetic component for PD. Risk to siblings
in this series is increased over that seen in random series of PD cases;
however, patients in this sample have similar ages at onset and sex
distribution as seen for PD generally.
Title: Abuse, health locus of control, and perceived health among HIV-positive
Author(s)/Editor(s): Simoni, Jane M.; Ng, Ming T.Paper Number: 20020206
Source/Citation: Health Psychology; Vol 21(1) Jan 2002, US: American
Psychological Assn; 2002, 89-93
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study of 230 predominantly poor Hispanic and
African American women aged 25 to 61 years living with HIV/AIDS in New York
City revealed high levels of both sexual (39%) and physical (44%) trauma
before the age of 16. Both types of early trauma were correlated with later
trauma, and all forms of trauma were significantly associated with current
perceived health. In multivariate analyses controlling for relevant
covariates, the Powerful Others and Internal Control subscales of the
Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales (K. A. Wallston, B. S.
Wallston, & R. DeVellis, 1978) acted as independent predictors of
perceived health rather than (as hypothesized) mediators of the association
between trauma and perceived health. Findings underscore the importance of
addressing trauma and perceptions of control over one's physical health in the
provision of health services to HIV-positive women. ========================================
Title: Hypnotizability and trauma symptoms after burn injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): DuHamel, Katherine N.; Difede, JoAnn; Foley, Frederick; Greenleaf, Marcia
Source/Citation: International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis;
Vol 50(1) Jan 2002, US: Sage Publications; 2002, 33-50
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study investigated the association of trauma
symptoms and hypnotizability in 43 hospitalized survivors of burn injury (17
women, 27 men, aged 19-58 yrs). In addition, the relation of trauma symptoms
with treatment and physical and demographic variables was studied. Three to 17
days after the injury, participants rated the frequency of intrusive and
avoidance symptoms and were interviewed with the posttraumatic stress disorder
module of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders-III-R. The Hypnotic Induction Profile also was
administered at the postburn, hospital stage of recovery. Results indicate
that when participants were divided into low, mid-range, and high
hypnotizability categories, high hypnotizability was associated with more
intrusive, avoidance, and arousal symptoms. Although causal relations cannot
be assessed in this cross-sectional study, these results suggest that, as
compared to the low and mid-range categories, high hypnotizables may
experience a greater frequency of trauma symptoms after burn injury. ========================================
Title: The alpha-sub-1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin improves sleep and
nightmares in civilian trauma posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Taylor, Fletcher; Raskind, Murray A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; Vol 22(1) Feb 2002, US:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002, 82-85 Description/Edition Info.: Journal Article; 250
Abstract/Review/Citation: Notes that heightened noradrenergic reactivity may be
a contributing factor in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). Prazosin is an alpha-sub-1 adrenoceptor antagonist commonly used as an
antihypertensive agent. Five outpatients (aged 35-58 yrs) with non-combat
related PTSD were consecutively identified and received prazosin in a 6-wk
open-label trial. In each case, the prazosin doses were slowly increased until
optimal benefit was achieved. Change was assessed with the
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV, One Week Symptom Version
(CAPSSX), the Clinical Global Impression of Change Scale (CGIC), and the
Clinical Impression of ChangeNightmares (CIC-Nightmares) score. All 5 patients
experienced moderate to marked improvement on the CGIC. The CAPS-SX PTSD
nightmare and sleep PTSD categories showed at least a 4 point reduction of
those symptoms. All patients reported at least moderate improvement on the
CIC-Nightmare score. Optimal doses of prazosin ranged from 1 to 4 mg/day. The
drug was reasonably tolerated, and there were no drug discontinuations. These
preliminary findings provide a rationale for blind placebo-controlled efficacy
trials of the alpha-sub-1 antagonist prazosin for PTSD. ========================================
Title: Basic assumptions and symptoms of post-traumatic stress among victims of
bullying at work.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mikkelsen, Eva Gemzoe; Einarsen, Stale
Author Affiliation: U Bergen, Norway
Source/Citation: European Journal of Work & Organizational Psychology; Vol
11(1) Mar 2002, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis/Psychology Press; 2002,
Abstract/Review/Citation: Results from several empirical studies suggest that
many victims of bullying suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
However, few researchers have attempted to explain why exposure to bullying
may result in severe trauma. Furthermore, no studies have related these
symptoms to the victims' exposure to other distressing life events. The aims
of this study were therefore to assess the prevalence and intensity of PTSD
analog symptomatology among a group of 118 victims (aged 20-64 yrs old) of
bullying at work. Second, we investigated whether victims of bullying who
report being more affected by other distressing life events than by bullying
were more likely to suffer PTSD analog symptomatology. A third aim was to
investigate whether victims of bullying and non-bullied controls differ in
their basic assumptions of themselves, others, and the world. Based on
self-report measures, 76% of the victims portrayed symptoms indicating
post-traumatic stress disorder. Significant group differences on 6 out of 8
basic assumptions were demonstrated between victims of bullying and
non-bullied controls, indicating that exposure to bullying at work may result
in increased negative views on self, others, and the world. ========================================
Title: Heroes in the nursery: Three case studies in resilience.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rak, Carl F.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology: Special Issue: A second
generation of resilience research.; Vol 58(3) Mar 2002, US: John Wiley &
Sons; 2002, 247-260
Abstract/Review/Citation: This article examines the therapeutic work in three
cases ( an 11 yr old boy, a 17 yr old girl, and an adult male) to study the
impact of a supportive and nurturing parent early in life upon the development
of resilience. The close analysis of the clinical material of each client's
personal narrative is the primary source. The metaphor of "heroes in the
nursery" is posited as a vehicle for enhancing understandings of the
development of resilience and a continuum from defense through adaptation to
resilience. Each case provides additive meaning to recent studies that elevate
the importance of the memories of parents to the development of resilient
responses of children later in life. Each case reveals specific dimensions of
the impact of heroes in the nursery which extend our understandings of
resiliency in children and adolescents as a proactive response to stress,
trauma, and loss.
Title: Effects of guided written disclosure of stressful experiences on clinic
visits and symptoms in frequent clinic attenders.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gidron, Yori; Duncan, Elaine; Lazar, Alon; Biderman, Aya; Tandeter, Howard; Shvartzman, Pesach
Author Affiliation: Glasgow Caledonian U, Dept of Psychology, Glasgow, United
Kingdom Ben-Gurion U, Dept of Behavioral Sciences, Be'er-Sheeba, Israel
Ben-Gurion U, Dept of Family Medicine, Be'er-Sheeba, Israel Ben-Gurion U, Dept
of Family Medicine, Be'er-Sheeba, Israel Ben-Gurion U, Dept of Family
Medicine, Be'er-Sheeba, Israel
Source/Citation: Family Practice; Vol 19(2) Apr 2002, England: Oxford Univ
Press; 2002, 161-166
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the effects of a guided disclosure protocol
(GDP) of past traumas on symptoms and clinic visits among frequent clinic
attenders. 41 frequent clinic attenders (2 visits/3 months; aged 21-65 yrs)
were randomly assigned individually to either a casual content writing control
group or a trauma content writing experimental GDP group. GDP patients wrote
about an upsetting event chronologically (day 1), verbally described their
thoughts and feelings and described the event's impact on life (day 2), and
finally wrote about their current perspective on and future coping with the
event (day 3). Three months later, patients were reassessed blindly for
symptoms and clinic visits, and an average of 15 months later they were
assessed blindly for clinic visits again. Compared with controls, GDP Ss
reported lower symptom levels at 3 months, and made fewer clinic visits during
the 3 and 15 month follow-ups. The percentage of GDP Ss making 10 visits
during the 15 month follow-up was smaller (10%) than among controls (33%).
These results suggest that the GDP may be an inexpensive additional
intervention in primary care for reducing symptoms and clinic visits among
frequent clinic users.
Title: Childhood trauma in obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, and
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lochner, Christine; du Toit, Pieter L.; Zungu-Dirwayi, Nompumelelo; Marais, Adele; van Kradenburg, Jeanine; Seedat, Soraya; Niehaus, Dana J. H.; Stein, Dan J.
Author Affiliation: U Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of Stress & Anxiety Disorders,
Cape Town, South Africa U Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of Stress & Anxiety
Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa U Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of Stress &
Anxiety Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa U Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of Stress
& Anxiety Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa U Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of
Stress & Anxiety Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa U Stellenbosch, MRC
Unit of Stress & Anxiety Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa U
Stellenbosch, MRC Unit of Stress & Anxiety Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
Source/Citation: Depression & Anxiety; Vol 15(2) 2002, US: John Wiley &
Sons; 2002, 66-68
Abstract/Review/Citation: There is relatively little data on the link between
childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive/putative obsessive-compulsive
spectrum disorders. The revised Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), which
assesses physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as physical and
emotional neglect, was administered to 74 patients (mean age 36.1 yrs) with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 36 Ss (mean age 31.8 yrs) with
trichotillomania (TTM), and a group of 31 normal controls (mean age 21.5 yrs).
All of the Ss were females between the ages of 12-71 yrs. The findings showed
a significantly greater severity of childhood trauma in general, and emotional
neglect specifically, in the patient groups compared to the controls. Although
various factors may play a role in the etiology of both OCD and TTM, this
study is consistent with some evidence from previous studies suggesting that
childhood trauma may play a role in the development of these disorders.
Title: Trauma-related emotional patterns and their association with
post-traumatic and somatic symptoms.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Naeaetaenen, Petri; Kanninen, Katri; Qouta, Samir; Punamaeki, Raija-Leena
Author Affiliation: U Helsinki, Applied Div, Dept of Psychology, Helsinki,
Finland U Helsinki, Applied Div, Dept of Psychology, Helsinki, Finland
Source/Citation: Anxiety, Stress & Coping: An International Journal; Vol
15(1) 2002, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis; 2002, 75-94
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined trauma-related emotional-experience patterns
and their association with post-traumatic symptoms (PTS) and somatic symptoms
among 153 male Palestinian political ex-prisoners aged 19-51 yrs. A multilevel
questionnaire developed to depict cognitive appraisals, meta-evaluation,
emotional action readiness and subjective feeling states was completed by all
Ss, except one, in the their homes. Cluster analysis revealed 4 major
emotional patterns: 2 of them, "Integrative" and "Low intensity" were adaptive, and "Ruminating alexithymic" and "Depressive enactant" were maladaptive, when their role in
moderating between trauma and PTS was the criterion. The "Depressive
enacting" men showed generally more somatic symptoms, but the
"Ruminating alexithymic" men were the most vulnerable when exposed
to a high level of trauma. The underlying mechanisms differentiating
maladaptive emotional patterns from adaptive ones were the predominance of
behavioral urges to act, the intensity of negative feelings and a low level of
Title: A clinical investigation and analysis of psychic trauma in patients with
depressive neurosis.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Liu, Suzhen
Source/Citation: Psychological Science (China); Vol 25(1) Jan 2002, China:
Editorial Board of Psychological Science; 2002, 34-36
Abstract/Review/Citation: Analyzed the psychic trauma of patients with
depressive neurosis (DN) according to the patients' age, gender, and education
levels. 69 patients with DN (aged 16-83 yrs) (19 males and 50 females) in
China were investigated for psychic trauma through the reporting of their life
events. The life events in the categories of personal development, family
members' failings, disappointment in love affair, disease, family conflict,
loss of loved one, personal relationships, and childhood trauma were studied
in 3 age groups (< 35 yrs, 35-55 yrs, and > 55 yrs) by gender and
education levels (under or above college). The results found that sensitive
life events occurred in Ss at different ages, of either sex, and with
different levels of education; that some life events relating to personal
development, diseases, loss of loved one, especially family conflicts could
cause psychic traumas; that uncontrollable life events could be the main cause
of psychic trauma of patients with DN. The results indicate that there is a
close connection between DN and psychic trauma; and that Ss at different ages,
of either sex, and with different levels of education have different levels of
experiences of life events and psychic traumas. ========================================
Title: Dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder: Two prospective studies
of road traffic accident survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Murray, James; Ehlers, Anke; Mayou, Richard A.
Author Affiliation: Inst of Psychiatry, Dept of Psychology, London, United
Kingdom U Oxford, Dept of Psychiary, Oxford, United Kingdom Paper Number: 20020424
Source/Citation: British Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 180(4) Apr 2002, England:
Royal Coll of Psychiatrists; 2002, 363-368
Abstract/Review/Citation: Dissociative symptoms during trauma predict
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they are often transient. It is
controversial whether they predict chronic PTSD over and above what can be
predicted from other posttrauma symptoms. This study investigated
prospectively the relationship between dissociative symptoms before, during,
and after a trauma and other psychological predictors, and chronic PTSD. Two
samples of 27 and 176 road traffic accident survivors (aged 17-76 yrs) were
recruited. Patients were assessed shortly after the accident and followed at
intervals over the next 6 mo. Assessments included measures of dissociation,
memory fragmentation, data-driven processing, rumination, and PTSD symptoms.
All measures of dissociation, particularly persistent dissociation 4 wks after
the accident, predicted chronic PTSD severity at 6 mo. Dissociative symptoms
predicted subsequent PTSD over and above the other PTSD symptom clusters.
Memory fragmentation and data-driven processing also predicted PTSD.
Rumination about the accident was among the strongest predictors of subsequent
PTSD symptoms. Thus, persistent dissociation and rumination 4 wks after trauma
are more useful in identifying those patients who are likely to develop
chronic PTSD than initial reactions. ========================================
Title: The latent structure of posttraumatic stress disorder: A taxometric
investigation of reactions to extreme stress.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ruscio, Ayelet Meron; Ruscio, John; Keane, Terence M.
Author Affiliation: Elizabethtown Coll, Dept of Psychology, PA, US Veterans
Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Behavioral Science Div, Boston, MA, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 111(2) May 2002, US:
American Psychological Assn; 2002, 290-301
Abstract/Review/Citation: Mental health professionals have debated whether
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be qualitatively distinguished from
normal reactions to traumatic events. This debate has been fueled by
indications that many trauma-exposed individuals evidence partial
presentations of PTSD that are associated with significant impairment and
help-seeking behavior. The authors examined the latent structure of PTSD in a
large sample of male combat veterans. Three taxometric procedures--MAMBAC,
MAXEIG, and L-Mode--were performed with 3 indicator sets drawn from a clinical
interview and a self-report measure of PTSD. Results across procedures,
consistency tests, and analysis of simulated comparison data all converged on
a dimensional solution, suggesting that PTSD reflects the upper end of a
stress-response continuum rather than a discrete clinical syndrome.
Title: Reliability and validity of the Japanese-language version of the Impact
of Event Scale-revised (IES-R-J): Four studies of different traumatic events.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Asukai, Nozomu; Kato, Hiroshi; Kawamura, Noriyuki; Kim, Yoshiharu; Yamamato, Kohei; Kishimoto, Junji; Miyake, Yuko; Nishizono-Maher, Aya
Author Affiliation: Hyogo Inst for Mental Health Care, Kobe, Japan National Inst
of Mental Health, Ichikawa, Japan National Inst of Mental Health, Ichikawa,
Japan Wakayama City Public Health Ctr, Wakayama, Japan SAS Inst Japan, Tokyo,
Japan Tokyo Inst of Psychiatry, Dept of Stress Disorders Research, Tokyo,
Japan Tokyo Inst of Psychiatry, Dept of Stress Disorders Research, Tokyo,
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 190(3) Mar 2002,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002, 175-182
Abstract/Review/Citation: The authors developed the Japanese-language version of
the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-J) and investigated its reliability
and validity in 4 different groups: 487 workers (aged 18-60 yrs) with lifetime
mixed traumatic events, 61 survivors (aged 12-68 yrs) of an arsenic poisoning
case, 86 survivors (aged 26-86 yrs) of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, and 658
survivors (aged 18-79 yrs) of the Tokyo Metro sarin attack. Evidence includes
retest reliability and internal consistency of the IES-R-J. Posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and partial PTSD cases indicated significantly higher
scores than non-PTSD cases. In analysis of scale structure, the majority of
intrusion and hyperarousal items were subsumed under the same cluster, whereas
avoidance items made up a separate cluster. Female patients indicated higher
scores than male patients. A negative weak correlation between age and the
score was found only among female earthquake survivors. The IES-R-J can be
used as a validated instrument in future international comparative research.
Title: Expressions of Holocaust experience and their relationship to mental
symptoms and physical morbidity among Holocaust survivor patients.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Shmotkin, Dov; Barilan, Y. Michael
Author Affiliation: Meir Hospital, Dept of Internal Medicine B, Kfar Saba, Israel
Source/Citation: Journal of Behavioral Medicine; Vol 25(2) Apr 2002, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2002, 115-134
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explores current expressions of past trauma among
Holocaust survivors. Medical records and extensive interviews were analyzed
for 38 Holocaust survivors (aged 55-86 yrs) who were hospitalized and/or under
ambulatory care. Factors explored included Holocaust background, physical
morbidity; physical malfunctioning (i.e., ability to perform activities of
daily living), psychiatric status, and mental symptoms. Analysis of Ss'
'Expressions of Holocaust Experience' (i.e., distressing thoughts, feelings,
or overt behaviors) yielded 2 factors: Holocaust-as-Present (e.g., feeling the
Holocaust experience as continuing, Holocaust-related somatization) and
Holocaust-as-Past (e.g., avoiding preoccupation with traumatic memories,
feeling unduly stigmatized as a survivor). Mental symptoms and number of
medical diagnoses were positively correlated with Holocaust-as-Present but
negatively correlated with Holocaust-as-Past. However, scoring high on
Holocaust-as-Past related to a higher danger to life as a result of
significant morbidity. The findings suggest 2 differential modes of either
remaining enmeshed in the traumatic experience or attempting to contain the
sequelae of the trauma.
Title: The aetiology of postpsychotic posttraumatic stress disorder following a
psychotic episode.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Shaw, Katharine; McFarlane, Alexander C.; Bookless, Clara; Air, Tracy
Author Affiliation: U Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hosp, Dept of Psychiatry,
Woodville South, SA, Australia U Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hosp, Dept of
Psychiatry, Woodville South, SA, Australia U Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hosp,
Dept of Psychiatry, Woodville South, SA, Australia
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 15(1) Feb 2002, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2002, 39-47
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examines the aetiology of postpsychotic posttraumatic
stress disorder (PP/PTSD) symptoms in 42 people (aged 16-65 yrs) hospitalized
for a psychotic illness were interviewed during recovery to investigate
whether a psychotic episode was associated with PTSD symptomatology. Measures
included the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument, a modified Brief
Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, the Stanford
Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire, and the Impact of Event Scale. All
participants found psychosis and hospitalization highly distressing. PP/PTSD
symptoms were not associated with demographic factors, previous trauma,
treatment, or insight. The PP/PTSD group reported more distress and intrusive
memories associated with illness and treatment experiences and had higher
scores for anxiety and dissociative symptoms. The development of PP/PTSD
phenomenology was associated with the psychological distress of the
Title: The prevalence of potentially traumatic events in childhood and
Author(s)/Editor(s): Costello, E. Jane; Erkanli, Alaattin; Fairbank, John A.; Angold, Adrian
Author Affiliation: Duke U Medical Ctr, Dept of Biostatistics &
Bioinformatics, Durham, NC, US Duke U Medical Ctr, Dept of Psychiatry &
Behavioral Sciences, Developmental Epidemiology Ctr, Durham, NC, US Duke U
Medical Ctr, Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Developmental
Epidemiology Ctr, Durham, NC, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 15(2) Apr 2002, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2002, 99-112
Abstract/Review/Citation: This paper examines exposure to potentially traumatic
events from middle childhood through adolescence, and vulnerability to such
exposure. Analyses are based on the first 4 annual waves of data from a
longitudinal general population study of youth in western North Carolina,
involving 4,965 interviews with 1,420 children and adolescents (aged 9, 11,
and 13 yrs at intake) and their parents or guardians. Participants reported on
DSM extreme stressors ("high magnitude events"), other potentially
traumatic events ("low magnitude events"), and background
vulnerability factors. In this general population sample, one-quarter
experienced at least one high magnitude event by age 16, 6% within the past 3
months. One third experienced a low magnitude event in the past 3 months. The
likelihood of such exposure increased with the number of vulnerability factors.
Title: War-related trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among
adult Kosovar refugees.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ai, Amy L.; Peterson, Christopher; Ubelhor, David
Author Affiliation: U Michigan, Dept of Psychology, Ann Arbor, WA, US U
Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, WA, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 15(2) Apr 2002, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2002, 157-160
Abstract/Review/Citation: Since 1999, almost 16,000 Kosovar refugees have
entered the United States. Few studies have investigated trauma and symptoms
of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population. The authors
conducted a caseworker-assisted survey of 129 Kosovar refugees (aged 18 to 79
years, 55% male). Of these individuals, 78 (60.5%) showed the likely presence
of PTSD. The mean number of war-related traumatic events reported was 15
(SD=4.5). Higher PTSD scores were associated with more traumatic events and
female gender.
Title: Psychopathology following interpersonal violence: A comparison of risk
factors in older and younger adults.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Acierno, Ron; Brady, Kristine; Gray, Matt; Kilpatrick, Dean G.; Resnick, Heidi; Best, Connie L.
Author Affiliation: Alliant International U, Dept of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA,
US Medical U of South Carolina, National Crime Victims Research &
Treatment Ctr, Charleston, SC, US Medical U of South Carolina, National Crime
Victims Research & Treatment Ctr, Charleston, SC, US Medical U of South
Carolina, National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Ctr, Charleston, SC,
US Medical U of South Carolina, National Crime Victims Research &
Treatment Ctr, Charleston, SC, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Geropsychology; Vol 8(1) Jan 2002, US:
Kluwer Academic; 2002, 13-23
Abstract/Review/Citation: A randomly selected sample of 549 women age 55 yrs and
older (mean age 67 yrs) and 2,669 women age 18-34 yrs was interviewed via
telephone to determine prevalences of physical and sexual assault,
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, and depression.
Prevalences of sexual and physical assaults were lower in older compared to
younger women. In addition, given a trauma, prevalences and proportionate risk
of posttraumatic psychopathology and depression were also lower for older,
relative to younger women. Specifically, multivariate analyses revealed that
sexual assault predicted only PTSD avoidance in older adults, but all forms of
PTSD symptomatology and depression in younger adult women. Similarly, physical
assault predicted only PTSD re-experiencing symptoms in older women, but all
forms of PTSD symptoms and depression in younger women. Self-reported health
status was not associated with any increased risk of psychopathology, and low
income predicted increased avoidance and depression only in younger women.
Title: Le mythe de Romeo et Juliette et l'organisation familiale./ The myth of
Romeo and Juliet and family organisation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Vacheret, Claudine
Source/Citation: Revue Francaise de Psychanalyse: Special Issue: Familles
d'aujourd'hui; Vol 66(1) Jan-Mar 2002, France: Presses Universitaires de
France; 2002, 215-225
Abstract/Review/Citation: This text presents the myth of Romeo and Juliet as a
defense in the face of trauma. The subject is a patient (aged 45 yrs) in
analysis who discovers the origin of a family secret hidden behind the myth of
the ideal love of two lovers who die together. Her whole psychic life is
infiltrated with the anxiety of death, with the family group having carefully
repressed, in a pact of denegation, the horror of the traumatic and lethal
truth that lies behind the myth of the Verona lovers. ========================================
Title: Attachment style and bereavement reactions.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wayment, Heidi A.; Vierthaler, Jennifer
Author Affiliation: Northern Arizona U, Dept of Psychology, Flagstaff, AZ, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Loss & Trauma; Vol 7(2) Apr-Jun 2002, United
Kingdom: Taylor & Francis/Brunner Routledge; 2002, 129-149
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored associations between global attachment
styles, attachment to the deceased, suddenness of death, and 3 specific
reactions to bereavement (grief, depression, and somatization) in a sample of
91 adults (21 men and 70 women, aged 21-86 yrs) who had lost a loved one in
the past 18 mo. As predicted, individuals who reported having a closer
attachment to the deceased and had a more sudden loss reported greater levels
of grief. Individuals with an anxious-ambivalent attachment style reported
greater levels of grief and depression. Somatization was more likely to be
reported by those with an avoidant attachment style. The authors also found
that individuals with a secure attachment style reported less depression.
Social desirability responding was associated with reports of more grief. A
greater time since the death and less education were associated with less
depression, and older respondents reported less somatization. Discussion
focuses on the importance of distinguishing grief, depression, and
somatization following bereavement in order to better predict and identify
individuals at risk for adverse bereavement reactions.
Title: Exposure to war trauma, war-related PTSD, and psychological impact of
subsequent hurricane.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Sutker, Patricia B.; Corrigan, Sheila A.; Sundgaard-Riise, Kirsten; Uddo, Madeline; Allain, Albert N.
Author Affiliation: Dept of Veterans Affairs, Medical Ctr, New Orleans, LA, US
Dept of Veterans Affairs, Medical Ctr, New Orleans, LA, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Psychopathology & Behavioral Assessment; Vol
24(1) Mar 2002, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2002, 25-37
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the impact of psychological outcomes to war
on response to subsequent natural disaster. Ss were 312 military personnel
(aged 18-64 yrs) 66% of whom saw Gulf War duty. All were exposed to the 1992
Hurricane Andrew. Ss were compared on reported traumatic events, hurricane
impact responses, and psychological symptoms in subgroups defined by war or no
war exposure prior to hurricane and by presence or absence of war-related
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data were gathered in face-to-face
clinical assessments. War trauma prior to hurricane was associated with more
reported traumatic events, greater fears for safety during the hurricane, and
heightened psychological symptoms. Ss with preexisting war-related PTSD show
more adverse psychological hurricane sequelae and reported more traumatic
events, higher depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD symptoms, and physical
symptoms, and lower self-esteem than those free of diagnoses. Results point to
the negative influence of exposure to one traumatic event on the experience of
and response to a subsequent stressor.
Title: Sleep complaints as early predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder: A
1-Year prospective study of injured survivors of motor vehicle accidents.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Koren, Danny; Arnon, Issac; Lavie, Peretz; Klein, Ehud
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 159(5) May 2002, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2002, 855-857
Abstract/Review/Citation: Disturbed sleep is a common complaint among patients
with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that appears in the reexperiencing
and hyperarousal symptom clusters in Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV). The causal
relationship between sleep complaints and PTSD is unclear. Self-reported
insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness were assessed in 102 victims (aged
18-65 yrs) of motor vehicle accidents and 19 comparison Ss 1 wk and 1, 3, 6,
and 12 mo after the trauma. At 12 mo the Structured Clinical Interview for
Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) was administered to determine
diagnoses of PTSD. 26 of the accident victims but none of the comparison Ss
met the criteria for PTSD. Logistic regression models indicated that sleep
complaints from 1 mo on were significant in predicting PTSD at 1 yr. These
results suggest that on the basis of sleep complaints as early as 1 mo after
the trauma, it is possible to detect subjects who will later develop chronic
Title: Reactions and guidelines for children following trauma/disaster.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gurwitch, Robin H.; Silovsky, Jane F.; Schultz, Shelli; Kees, Michelle; Burlingame, Sarah
Author Affiliation: U Oklahoma, Health Sciences Ctr, Dept of Pediatrics, OK, US
U Oklahoma, Health Sciences Ctr, Dept of Pediatrics, OK, US U Oklahoma, Health
Sciences Ctr, Dept of Pediatrics, OK, US U Oklahoma, Health Sciences Ctr, Dept
of Pediatrics, OK, US
Source/Citation: Communication Disorders Quarterly; Vol 23(2) Win 2002, US: PRO
Abstract/Review/Citation: Presents guidelines and reactions for children
following a traumatic event or disaster. The guidelines are for elementary
school students, middle school students, high school students, and teachers in
all 3 levels of school.
Title: A twin registry study of familial and individual risk factors for trauma
exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Koenen, Karestan C.; Harley, Rebecca; Lyons, Michael J.; Wolfe, Jessica; Simpson, John C.; Goldberg, Jack; Eisen, Seth A.; Tsuang, Ming
Author Affiliation: Boston U, Dept of Psychology, Boston, MA, US Boston U, Dept
of Psychology, Boston, MA, US Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr, Women's
Div, National Ctr for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Boston, MA, US Harvard
Inst of Psychiatric Epidemiology & Genetics, Boston, MA, US Seattle
Veterans AFfairs Epidemiological Research & Information Ctr/Vietnam Era
Twin Registry, Seattle, WA, US St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr,
Research & Medical Services, St. Louis, MO, US Harvard Inst of Psychiatric
Epidemiology & Genetics, Boston, MA, US
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 190(4) Apr 2002,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2002, 209-218
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study examines the association of individual and
familial risk factors with exposure to trauma and posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) in 6,744 male twins (aged 36-55 yrs) from the Vietnam Era Twin
Registry. Independent reports of familial psychopathology from co-twins were
used to avoid the potential biases of the family history method. Risk for
exposure to traumatic events was increased by service in Southeast Asia,
preexisting conduct disorder, preexisting substance dependence, and a family
history of mood disorders whose effects appear to be partly genetic.
Preexisting mood disorders in the individual were associated with decreased
odds of traumatic exposure. Risk of developing PTSD following exposure was
increased by an earlier age at first trauma, exposure to multiple traumas,
paternal depression, less than high school education at entry into the
military, service in Southeast Asia, and preexisting conduct disorder, panic
disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression. Results
suggest the association of familial psychopathology and PTSD may be mediated
by increased risk of traumatic exposure and by preexisting psychopathology.
Title: The role of early adverse experience and adulthood stress in the
prediction of neuroendocrine stress reactivity in women: A multiple regression
Author(s)/Editor(s): Heim, Christine; Newport, D. Jeffrey; Wagner, Dieter; Wilcox, Molly M.; Miller, Andrew H.; Nemeroff, Charles B.
Author Affiliation: Emory U School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry &
Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, US U Trier, Ctr for Psychobiological &
Psychosomatic Research, Trier, Germany Emory U School of Medicine, Dept of
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, US Emory U School of
Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, US Emory
U School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta,
Source/Citation: Depression & Anxiety; Vol 15(3) 2002, US: John Wiley &
Sons; 2002, 117-125
Abstract/Review/Citation: Sought to evaluate the relative role of early adverse
experience vs. stress experiences in adulthood in the prediction of
neuroendocrine stress reactivity in women. A total of 49 women (aged 18-45
yrs; normal volunteers, depressed patients, and women with a history of early
abuse) underwent a battery of interviews and completed dimensional rating
scales on stress experiences and psychopathology, and were subsequently
exposed to a standardized psychosocial laboratory stressor. Outcome measures
were plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol responses to the stress
test. Peak ACTH responses to psychosocial stress were predicted by a history
of childhood abuse, the number of separate abuse events, the number of
adulthood traumas, and the severity of depression. Similar predictors were
identified for peak cortisol responses. Although abused women reported more
severe negative life events in adulthood than controls, life events did not
affect neuroendocrine reactivity. The interaction of childhood abuse and
adulthood trauma was the most powerful predictor of ACTH responsiveness.
Findings suggest that a history of childhood abuse is related to increased
neuroendocrine stress reactivity, which is further enhanced when additional
trauma is experienced in adulthood.
Title: Understanding revictimization among childhood sexual abuse survivors: An
interpersonal schema approach.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cloitre, Marylene; Cohen, Lisa R.; Scarvalone, Polly
Source/Citation: Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy; Vol 16(1) Spr 2002, US:
Springer Publishing; 2002, 91-112
Abstract/Review/Citation: Revictimization among women (aged 31-50 yrs) with a
history of childhood sexual abuse was investigated within the context of a
developmental model of interpersonal schemas. Data from the Interpersonal
Schema Questionnaire (ISQ) revealed contrasting schema characteristics among
sexually revictimized women (n = 26), compared to those only abused in
childhood (n = 18), and those never abused or assaulted (n = 25). Both
revictimized women and never victimized women significantly generalized their
predominant parental schemas to current relationships and differed only in the
content of the schemas. The generalized parental schema of revictimized women
viewed others as hostile and controlling while that of never victimized women
viewed others as warm and noncontrolling. Women who had only been abused in
childhood held schemas of parents as hostile but not controlling and did not
generalize from parental to current schemas. The tendency to generalize
observed in the first two groups suggest that "repetition compulsion' is
not limited to those who were traumatized and are psychologically distressed.
In this article, reasons for the absence of generalization among the childhood
abuse only group are explored and implications for the treatment of childhood
trauma survivors are discussed.
Title: Conflict and trauma in a woman sexually abused as a child.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Robles, Steven D.
Source/Citation: Issues in Psychoanalytic Psychology; Vol 24(1) Spr 2002, US:
Washington Square Inst; 2002, 25-37
Abstract/Review/Citation: Presents the case of a 57 yr old White woman who was
sexually abused by her father. As is commonly found in cases of childhood
abuse and of trauma in general, the patient has little access to the core
affects or memories, but instead remembers peripheral details
often-crystallized in images, which are disconnected from the event and the
affect. In this case for instance the image of an open jar of Vaseline on the
night table, or the memory will be bound in somatic symptoms and sensations
sometimes referred to as body memory. The need for the patient to develop a
sense of safety and trust in the therapist is noted. ========================================
Title: Structured writing and processing major stressful events: A controlled trial.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Schoutrop, Mirjam J.A.; Lange, Alfred; Hanewald, Gerrit; Davidovich, Udi; Salomon, Henriette
Author Affiliation: U Amsterdam, Dept of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam,
Netherlands U Amsterdam, Dept of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam, Netherlands U
Amsterdam, Dept of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam, Netherlands U Amsterdam,
Dept of Clinical Psychology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Source/Citation: Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics; Vol 71(3) May-Jun 2002,
Switzerland: S Karger AG; 2002, 151-157
Abstract/Review/Citation: Tested the effectiveness of writing assignments on
coming to terms with a traumatic experience and investigated the mechanisms
underlying the beneficial effects of the writing assignments. A group of 26
participants (aged 18-49 yrs) were instructed to write about their negative
events during 5 45-min sessions over a period of 2 wks. They were compared at
pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 6-wk follow-up to a waiting-list control
group of 22 Ss. The trauma-writing groups experienced fewer intrusions and
showed less avoidance behavior from pre-treatment to follow-up, whereas the
waiting-list control group did not change significantly. Similar results were
found on depressive symptoms. No effects on mood measures were found.
Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Title: Predicting posttraumatic distress in hospitalized trauma survivors with
acute injuries.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Zatzick, Douglas F.; Kang, Sun-Mee; Mueller, Hans-Georg; Russo, Joan E.; Rivara, Frederick P.; Katon, Wayne; Jurkovich, Gregory J.; Roy-Byrne, Peter
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 159(6) Jun 2002, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2002, 941-946
Abstract/Review/Citation: Interviewed 101 randomly selected survivors (aged
14-65 yrs) of motor vehicle crashes or assaults while hospitalized and 1, 4,
and 12 mo after injury. In the surgical ward, inpatients were screened for
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive, and dissociative symptoms,
for prior trauma, for pre-event functioning, and for alcohol and drug
intoxication. Patient demographic and injury characteristics were also
recorded. Random coefficient regression models were used to assess the
association between these clinical, injury, and demographic characteristics
and PTSD symptom levels over the year after the injury. Of the 101 surgical
inpatients, 73% screened positive for high levels of symptomatic distress
and/or substance intoxication. At 1, 4, and 12 mo after the injury, 30%-40%
reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD. High ward PTSD symptom
levels were the strongest and most parsimonious predictor of persistent
symptoms over the course of the year. Greater prior trauma, stimulant
intoxication, and female gender were also associated with higher symptom
levels. Increasing injury severity, however, was not associated with higher
PTSD symptom levels. It is concluded that effectiveness trials that test
screening and intervention procedures for at-risk inpatients should be
Title: Parental communication of Holocaust experiences and interpersonal
patterns in offspring of Holocaust survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wiseman, Hadas; Barber, Jacques P.; Raz, Alon; Yam, Idit; Foltz, Carol; Livne-Snir, Sharon
Author Affiliation: U Pennsylvania, Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, US U
Haifa, Haifa, Israel U Haifa, Haifa, Israel U Haifa, Haifa, Israel U Haifa,
Haifa, Israel
Source/Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Development; Vol 26(4) Jul
2002, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis/Psychology Press; 2002, 371-381
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the interpersonal problems and central
relationship patterns of Holocaust survivors' offspring (HSO) who were
characterized by different patterns of parental communication of their
parents' Holocaust trauma. 56 adults born to mothers who were survivors of
Nazi concentration camps and 54 adults born to parents who immigrated to
Israel before 1939 with their own parents (non-HSO) were recruited randomly
from an Israeli sample. Ss (aged 30-49 yrs) completed the Inventory of
Interpersonal Problems Circumplex, the Central Relationship Questionnaire, the
Mental Health Index, and the Parental Communication of Holocaust Experiences
Questionnaire. While the groups did not differ in their current mental health,
HSO who reported nonverbal communication with little information about their
mother's trauma endorsed more interpersonal distress than HSO who experienced
informative verbal communication and less affiliation than either HSO who
experienced informative verbal communication or non-HSO. They also differed in
their central relationship patterns with their parents and spouses. Findings
are discussed in the context of the unique dynamics of growing up with the
silent presence of the mother's trauma. ========================================
Title: Neurobehavioral effects following geriatric head injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cisewski, Dawn MariePaper Number: 20020703
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 62(9-B) Apr 2002, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2002, 4213
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study compared the acute neuropsychological
effects of a mild head injury in a geriatric population and a young adult
population. Forty-one young adult individuals (mean age = 23.6 years, s.d. =
3.1) and 29 geriatric individuals (mean age = 67.1 years, s.d. = 4.4) were
evaluated using a standard neuropsychological trauma battery at Allegheny
General Hospital following admission to the trauma unit. This study also
examined the reliability and utility of specific neuropsychological measures
in differentiating between individuals who were diagnosed with a head injury
and those who were not. In addition to the aforementioned groups, the
neuropsychological battery was administered to 10 non-head injured young adult
trauma patients (mean age = 25.1, s.d. = 3.84) and 15 non-head injured
geriatric trauma patients (mean age = 68.7, s.d. = 6.84). Results of the study
indicated significant differences on memory, attention/concentration, and
executive functioning for age. However, no significant differences were found
on these measures for head injured vs. non-head injured, and no interaction
between age and head injury was found. These findings were further supported
by the results of the analyses using age appropriate norms, in which no
significant differences were found for these groups on measures of memory and
attention/concentration. The findings of this study suggest that premorbidly
healthy geriatric populations suffer similar neuropsychological effects
following a mild head injury as a young adult population. This study also
raises the possibility that the assessment and diagnostic procedures of
individuals who are admitted to a hospital following a fall or motor vehicle
accident may need to be refined. The lack of significant differences between
head injured and non-head injured individuals raises the possibility that
factors such as diagnostic criteria, referral procedures, and psychological or
physical distress affected neuropsychological test performance. ========================================
Title: Parental bereavement: The crisis of meaning.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wheeler, Inese
Source/Citation: Death Studies; Vol 25(1) Jan-Feb 2001, US: Taylor &
Francis; 2001, 51-66
Abstract/Review/Citation: This descriptive study used qualitative methods to
look at two aspects of the search for meaning in parental bereavement--the
search for cognitive mastery and the search for renewed purpose. 176 bereaved
parents (aged 22-83 yrs) answered open-ended questions about the experience of
their child's death and the meaning of their life since the death. For most
parents, the child's death precipitated a severe crisis of meaning and
initiated a search for meaning that involved both cognitive mastery and
renewed purpose. Those parents who were able to find meaning in the death
cited connections with people, the memory of the child, and positive gains
resulting from the trauma. The great majority of parents believed that their
lives since the death of the child had meaning. Meaning came from connections
with people, activities, beliefs and values, personal growth, and connections
with the lost child. Implications for grief counseling are discussed.
Title: The grief unheard: A woman's reflection on a men's grief group.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Anderson, Peggy M. L.
Source/Citation: Men coping with grief., Amityville, NY, US: Baywood Publishing
Co, Inc; 2001, (xi, 375), 309-325 Death, value and meaning series.
Source editor(s): Lund, Dale A. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: The author reports on her experiences of setting up an
informal group for men to share their experiences regarding losses in their
lives. A personal tone is evident in this chapter, as the author describes the
content and processes of group discussions and how the men shared and
benefited from their participation. The author discusses how these men were
taught to internalize their feelings and were denied male companionship and
empathy, yet they eventually became expressive, compassionate, and sensitive.
In order for men to share their deepest hurts and losses they must have a few
basic needs met in the group setting men need to: (1) be invited to be present
and to share their losses, (2) sometimes be given explanation as to why grief
work is important, (3) cognitively understand the purpose of the group
meetings, (4) have safe place to meet, (5) be reminded of their losses, (6) be
reminded that grief can be physical, and (7) trust the group process. This
chapter also conveys, through numerous quotes, the diversity of feelings among
these men, their diverse life losses, and their vulnerability. The author
concludes with some practical advice for understanding men's grief and how we
might consider making some changes to facilitate more satisfying grief
Title: Play therapy with traumatized children: A crisis response.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Webb, Pamela
Source/Citation: Innovations in play therapy: Issues, process, and special
populations., Philadelphia, PA, US: Brunner-Routledge; 2001, (xii, 369),
Source editor(s): Landreth, Garry L. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: On the basis of years of observation, L. C. Terr (
1991-15338-001) identified 4 characteristics that children exhibit following
exposure to a traumatic event: (1) recurrent and intrusive, distressing visual
recollections of the event; (2) repetitive behaviors, such as repeated
reenactment of the distressing episode during play or through behavioral
idiosyncrasies; (3) trauma-specific fears; and (4) changed attitudes about
people, aspects of life, and the future. This chapter begins by discussing the
mediating variables of children's reactions to trauma and the melding
principles of play therapy with crisis response. The author then describes her
experience as a play therapist assisting the survivors of the 1995 bombing of
a federal office building in Oklahoma City. She also describes her work as a
school counselor offering grief counseling to students following the death of
a popular middle school teacher.
Title: Thrombosis associated with physical restraints.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hem, E.; Steen, O.; Opjordsmoen, S.
Source/Citation: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica; Vol 103(1) Jan 2001, US:
Munksgaard Scientific Journals; 2001, 73-76
Abstract/Review/Citation: Described two cases of thromboembolic phenomena, one
with a fatal outcome, in association with physical restraint during admission
to an emergency psychiatric ward. The thromboembolic phenonema were diagnosed
in a 29 yr old man with exacerbated chronic paranoid schizophrenia, who was
restrained due to physical agitation, and in a 59 yr old man with bipolar 1
disorder, most recent episode manic, who was admitted because of severe
physical agitation and later collapsed following release from his restraints.
A search of the world literature showed no papers on thrombosis in physical
restraint. It is concluded that immobilization and trauma to the legs while
restraining a patient are adequate explanations for the occurrence of
thrombosis. Special attention should be paid to thrombosis when employing
restraints in psychiatric wards. Further systematic research into physical
restraints in psychiatry is clearly needed. A comment by D. Moussaoui is
Title: Disentangling the link between disrupted families and delinquency.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Juby, Heather; Farrington, David P.
Source/Citation: British Journal of Criminology: Special Issue: ; Vol 41(1) Win
2001, England: Oxford Univ Press; 2001, 22-40
Abstract/Review/Citation: The Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development is a
prospective longitudinal survey of 411 South London males from 8 to 46 yrs
old. Delinquency rates were higher among boys who were living in permanently
disrupted families on their 15th birthday compared to boys living in intact
families. Results were very similar whether juvenile convictions, juvenile
self-reported delinquency or adult convictions were studied. Delinquency rates
were similar in disrupted families and in intact high conflict families. Boys
who lost their mothers were more likely to be delinquent than boys who lost
their fathers, and disruptions caused by parental disharmony were more
damaging than disruptions caused by parental death. Boys from disrupted
families who continued living with their mothers had similar delinquency rates
to boys from intact harmonious families. These results are more concordant
with life course theories than with trauma or selection theories of the
effects of family disruption.
Title: Combat trauma: Trauma with highest risk of delayed onset and unresolved
posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, unemployment, and abuse among men.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Prigerson, Holly G.; Maciejewski, Paul K.; Rosenheck, Robert A.
Paper Number: 20010307
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease: Special Issue: ; Vol
189(2) Feb 2001, US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 99-108
Abstract/Review/Citation: Little is known about the risk and course of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of dysfunction,
associated with combat trauma relative to other traumas. Modified versions of
the Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) PTSD module from the Diagnostic
Interview Schedule and Composite International Diagnostic Interview were
administered to a representative national sample of 5,877 Ss (15-54 yrs old)
in the part 2 subsample of the National Comorbidity Survey. Of the weighted
subsample, 1,703 men reported a traumatic event. The risk of PTSD and other
forms of dysfunction were compared for men who nominated combat as their worst
trauma vs men nominating other traumas as worst, controlling for confounding
influences. Men reporting combat as their worst trauma were more likely to
have lifetime PTSD, delayed PTSD symptom onset, and unresolved PTSD symptoms,
and to be unemployed, fired, divorced, and physically abusive to their spouses
than men reporting other traumas as their worst experience. ========================================
Title: Court-involved battered women's responses to violence: The role of
psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Dutton, Mary Ann; Goodman, Lisa A.; Bennett, Lauren
Source/Citation: Psychological abuse in violent domestic relations., New York,
NY, US: Springer Publishing Co, Inc; 2001, (xxi, 222), 177-195
Source editor(s): O'Leary, K. Daniel (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: This reprinted article originally appeared in
(Violence & Victims, 1999, Vol 14[1], 89-104). (The following abstract of
the original article appeared in record 1999-08235-006.) This study examined
the role of psychological abuse, physical violence, injury, and sexual abuse
in predicting court-involved women's (1) prior attempts to seek help from the
justice system and to leave the battering relationship, (2) use of criminal
prosecution and civil protection orders, and (3) traumatic stress reactions.
Ss were 149 18-58 yr old women who sought assistance from a domestic violence
intake center located in the court. At the univariate level, each abuse
variable was significantly associated with at least one strategic response and
all traumatic responses to violence. Multivariate analyses revealed that
strategic responses were largely predicted by injury and physical assault,
whereas traumatic responses were mainly predicted by psychological abuse.
Findings demonstrate the important role of both physical and psychological
abuse in shaping women's responses to domestic violence.
Title: 'Eloquent chaos' in the oral discourse of killing fields survivors: An
exploration of atrocity and narrativization.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Uehara, Edwina S.; Farris, Martha; Morelli, Paula T.; Ishisaka, Anthony
Source/Citation: Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry: Special Issue: ; Vol 25(1)
Mar 2001, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2001, 29-61
Abstract/Review/Citation: If "narrative" implies a form of discourse
in which sequenced events are meaningfully connected, an
"anti-narrative" is a chaotic discourse form "of time without
sequence, telling without mediation, and speaking about oneself without being
fully able to reflect on oneself" (A. Frank, 1995). This paper examines
narratives and anti-narratives in the oral discourses of 31 survivors (aged
30-60 yrs) of the Cambodian killing fields. Through an extended analysis of
two cases, the authors demonstrate the internal logic and
"eloquence" of anti-narratives--i.e., the ways in which
anti-narrative patterns vividly express and reveal a survivor's complex and
continuing experience of atrocity.
Title: Psychometric evaluation of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder
assessments in persons with severe mental illness.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mueser, Kim T.; Rosenberg, Stanley D.; Fox, Lindy; Salyers, Michelle P.; Ford, Julian D.; Carty, Patricia
Source/Citation: Psychological Assessment: Special Issue: ; Vol 13(1) Mar 2001,
US: American Psychological Assn; 2001, 110-117
Abstract/Review/Citation: Interrater reliability, internal consistency,
test-retest reliability, and convergent validity were examined for the Trauma
History Questionnaire (THQ), the Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) Scale (CAPS), and the PTSD Checklist (PCL) in 30 clients with
severe mental illnesses. Interrater reliability for the THQ and CAPS was high,
as was internal consistency of CAPS and PCL subscales. The test-retest
reliability of the THQ was moderate to high for different traumas. PTSD
diagnoses on the CAPS and PCL showed moderate test-retest reliability. Lower
levels of test-retest reliability for PTSD diagnoses were related to psychosis
diagnoses and symptoms. However, when more stringent criteria for PTSD were
used on the CAPS, it had excellent test-retest reliability across all clients.
CAPS and PCL diagnoses of PTSD showed moderate convergent validity. The
results support the reliability of trauma and PTSD assessments in clients with
severe mental illness.
Title: Adult somatic preoccupation and its relationship to childhood trauma. .
Author(s)/Editor(s): Sansone, Randy A.; Wiederman, Michael W.; Sansone, Lori A.
Source/Citation: Violence & Victims: Special Issue: ; Vol 16(1) Feb 2001,
US: Springer Publishing Co; 2001, 39-47
Abstract/Review/Citation: Somatic preoccupation has been associated with a
variety of comorbid psychiatric conditions including childhood trauma,
personality disorder, and depression. The current study was undertaken to
simultaneously explore the inter-relationship of these psychiatric variables
as conceptualized in a path model. 120 participants (aged 19-54 yrs old), both
men and women, seen for nonemergent health care in a resident-staffed internal
medicine clinic, were given questionnaires exploring the presence of childhood
trauma, borderline personality symptomatology, current depression, worry, and
somatic preoccupation. With one exception, all simple correlation coefficients
among study variables were relatively substantial. By sequencing variables
into an a priori model and using a path analytic approach, several indirect
and direct relationships among variables were evident. Most important,
childhood trauma exhibited a direct effect on somatic preoccupation as well as
indirect effects through borderline personality disturbance and current
depression. These data suggest that childhood trauma may be a precursor for
somatic preoccupation during adulthood. ========================================
Title: The relationship between dissociative tendencies and schizotypy: An
artifact of childhood trauma?
Author(s)/Editor(s): Irwin, Harvey J.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology: Special Issue: ; Vol 57(3) Mar
2001, US: John Wiley & Sons Inc; 2001, 331-342
Abstract/Review/Citation: Previous research has suggested a relationship between
dissociative tendencies and schizotypy. This study sought to extend the
previous work in 2 fundamental respects. First, explicit cognizance was taken
of the multidimensionality of both dissociative tendencies and schizotypy.
Second, the study examined the possibility that the observed correlation
between dissociative tendencies and schizotypy is an artifact of the
association between each of these personality domains and a history of
childhood trauma. 116 Australian adults (aged 18-46 yrs) were administered the
Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Schizatypal Personality Question-Brief,
and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis
revealed that both pathological and nonpathological dissociative tendencies
were predicted by the dimensions of schizotypy, even after the contribution of
childhood trauma had been removed, It is concluded that the relationship
between dissociative tendencies and schizotypy is not an artifact of childhood
abuse, but the clinical significance of this relationship remains to be established.
Title: Optimism and traumatic stress: The importance of social support and
Author(s)/Editor(s): Dougall, Angela Liegey; Hyman, Kelly B.; Hayward, Michele C.; McFeeley, Sheila; Baum, Andrew
Source/Citation: Journal of Applied Social Psychology: Special Issue: ; Vol
31(2) Feb 2001, US: Bellwether Publishing; 2001, 223-245
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the effects of optimism following traumatic
stress and pathways through which optimism may act. 159 18-68 yr old rescue
and recovery workers at the crash site of US Air Flight 427 were studied 2, 6,
9, and 12 mo after the crash to examine optimistic outlook, social support,
coping, and stress. As predicted, a more optimistic disposition was associated
with less self-reported distress, less use of avoidant and wishful thinking
coping strategies, greater use of problem-focused and seeking-social-support
coping, and greater availability of social support. Contrary to expectations,
coping did not account for the relationships observed between optimism and
stress responding. Social support explained some of the effects of optimism on
coping and stress, but these mediational effects varied over time. Findings
suggest that optimism affects stress and coping directly and indirectly by
affecting how much social support is available, ========================================
Title: Attrition in a community treatment program for child sexual abusers.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Craissati, Jackie; Beech, Anthony
Source/Citation: Journal of Interpersonal Violence; Vol 16(3) Mar 2001, US: Sage
Publications Inc; 2001, 205-221
Abstract/Review/Citation: The current preoccupation is with risk prediction in
sexual offenders and the associated emphasis on effective models of treatment.
However, a few studies have identified noncompliance with treatment and
attrition rates as playing an important role in later sexual recidivism. This
study reports on attrition rates in a community treatment project for child
sexual abusers. The researchers have attempted to identify which variables can
predict attendance at and completion of treatment. The findings for the 1st 78
men (aged 20-75 yrs) in treatment for at least 1 yr are that variables
associated with psychological difficulties and childhood trauma are
consistently more important in predicting treatment completion than
offense-related variables. The sexual recidivism rate for the community sample
was so low after an average of 3 yrs at risk that it was not possible to
examine its relationship with compliance in treatment. ========================================
Title: Chronic late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hamilton, James W.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 158(3) Mar 2001, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2001, 502
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by D. V. Jeste et al that presents the case of a man with late-onset paranoid psychosis with later remission. It was noted that the patient had lost his mother when he was a child. The current author contends that nothing is said about the immediate effect of her death on him or its subsequent
influence on his life. It is suggested that it would be surprising if this sever psychological trauma were not a significant factor in the later development of psychosis.
Title: Mental health issues in Tamil refugees and displaced persons.
Counselling implications.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Vries, Jolanda De
Source/Citation: Patient Education & Counseling; Vol 42(1) Jan 2001, US:
Elsevier Scientific Publishers; 2001, 15-24
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the mental health and psychosocial problems
of Sri Lankan Tamils living in refugee camps in South India. 51 Ss (aged 16-67
yrs) completed the Hopkins Symptom Checklist--58 (L. R. Derogatis et al, 1974)
and participated in interviews concerning personal loss, personal traumatic
experiences, negative feelings, living in camps, and the availability of
support. Results show that the mental health of Ss was poor. Living in camps
had resolved most fears of being harmed but Ss suffered from survival guilt,
grief, loss of dignity, shame, uncertainty, and other negative feelings. Those
who had experienced personal trauma scored higher concerning posttraumatic
stress disorder. Findings suggest that easily accessible counseling centers
with counselors who have the same cultural background as the refugees are
Title: Correlates of autobiographical memory specificity: The role of
depression, anxiety and childhood trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wessel, Ineke; Meeren, Masja; Peeters, Frenk; Arntz, Arnoud; Merckelbach, Harald
Source/Citation: Behaviour Research & Therapy; Vol 39(4) Apr 2001, England:
Elsevier Science Ltd; 2001, 409-421
Abstract/Review/Citation: The present study examined the role of childhood
trauma, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorder (AD) in
overgeneral autobiographical memory. Ninety-three outpatients and 24 healthy
controls completed a childhood trauma questionnaire and an autobiographical
memory test (AMT). Results showed that MDD diagnosis rather than trauma
history predicted AMT-performance. Memory specificity was not related to AD
diagnosis, recovered MDD, or self-rated depression severity. The present
findings cast doubts on theories that emphasize the role of childhood trauma
in overgeneral autobiographical memory. ========================================
Title: A preliminary investigation of psychological distress following surgical
management of early pregnancy loss detected at initial ultrasound scanning: A
trauma perspective.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Walker, Tracy M.; Davidson, K. M.
Source/Citation: Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology; Vol 19(1) Feb
2001, United Kingdom: Carfax Publishing Ltd; 2001, 7-16
Abstract/Review/Citation: Notes that recent research has focused on the
occurrence of anxiety symptoms after miscarriage and has suggested that early
pregnancy loss (EPL) should be conceptualized from the perspective of a trauma
experience. It was hypothesized that women who have perceived warning signs of
an EPL will be less psychologically distressed in a 3-wk period after this
pregnancy loss than women with no prior perceived warning signs. The
prevalence of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), posttraumatic stress symptoms,
anxiety and depression was assessed in 40 women (aged 21-43 yrs), who had
experienced an EPL approximately 3 wks beforehand and, with the exception of
ASD, this was also investigated at 3-mo follow-up. Evidence of psychological
distress was expected to decrease over time in all women regardless of whether
they had perceived warning signs or not. It was found that the presence of
perceived warning signs did not determine levels of psychological distress.
The authors ascertained that the experience of EPL itself increased
posttraumatic stress symptoms and anxiety, regardless of perceived warning
signs of a pregnancy complication. Psychological distress subsided over time
with the exception of anxiety, which remained high. ========================================
Title: Frontal lobe dysfunctions, dissociation, and trauma self-reports in
forensic psychiatric patients.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cima, Maaike; Merckelbach, Harald; Klein, Brigitte; Shellbach-Matties, Rolf; Kremer, Karl
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease: Special Issue: Vol
189(3) Mar 2001, US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 188-190
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined to what extent dissociative symptoms (DSs) in
30 male psychiatric prison inmates (aged 19-66 yrs) were associated with
childhood trauma and/or frontal functioning. Information about the traumatic
background of the patients was not only obtained by having the patients fill
out a standardized self-report instrument of childhood trauma but also by
having an independent and blind judge rating patients' records. Patients also
completed a measure on fantasy proneness (FP). This information was obtained
in order to evaluate whether FP might contribute to the link between
dissociation and self-reports of trauma (H. Merckelbach and P. Muris, in
press). Heightened levels of dissociation in criminal offenders were found.
Self-reports of childhood trauma as indexed by the Childhood Trauma
Questionnaire were common. These self-reports correlated significantly with
trauma ratings based on hospital charts. Neither self-reported childhood
traumas nor trauma ratings based on hospital charts were linked to DSs. No
evidence was found to suggest that FP contributes to DSs or trauma
self-reports. Poor frontal functioning as indexed by the Behavioral Assessment
of Dysexecutive Syndrome was linked to DSs. A positive correlation between
frontal functioning and self-reports of trauma was found. ========================================
Title: Attributions of cause and recurrence in long-term breast cancer survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Stewart, D. E.; Cheung, A. M.; Duff, S.; Wong, F.; McQuestion, M.; Cheng, T.; Purdy, L.; Bunston, T.
Source/Citation: Psycho-Oncology; Vol 10(2) Mar-Apr 2001, US: John Wiley &
Sons Inc; 2001, 179-183
Abstract/Review/Citation: Surveyed 35-88 yr old women survivors of breast cancer
(BC) on what they attributed the cause and lack of recurrence of their BC to,
and determined whether these views were associated with specific health
behaviors (HBs). Ss were also asked to estimate their personal risk of cancer
recurrence, report on their HBs, describe what advice they would give to newly
diagnosed women, and what they would change if they had to relive their BC
experience. 378 (75.6%) women responded. 322 Ss who responded to the question
about the cause of BC attributed it to stress (42.2%), genetics (26.7%),
environment (25.5%), hormones (23.9%), don't know (16.5%), diet (15.5%), and
breast trauma (2.8%). 330 women who responded to the question about what
prevented cancer recurrence attributed it to positive attitude (60.0%), diet
(50.0%), healthy lifestyle (40.3%), exercise (39.4%), stress reduction
(27.9%), prayer (26.4%), complementary therapies (11.2%), and tamoxifen
(3.9%). Most Ss felt their recurrence risk was average or below average. Some
attributions of BC cause or lack of recurrence were associated with specific
HBs. Most Ss would advise other women with BC to be positive, and if they had
to relive their cancer experience they would take more control of their
Title: The successful treatment of PTSD through overt cognitive behavioral
therapy in non-responders to EMDR.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Devilly, Grant J.
Electronic Access:http://www.journals.cambridge.org/bin/bladerunner?REQUNIQ=987095824&REQSESS=291
Source/Citation: Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy; Vol 29(1) Jan 2001,
US: Cambridge Univ Press; 2001, 57-70Description/Edition Info.: Journal Article; 250
Abstract/Review/Citation: This research investigated the efficacy of an
operantly cognitive-behavioural trauma treatment protocol (TTP) in 2 cases
that had previously been treated unsuccessfully with Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Ss were a 46-yr-old and a 25-yr-old
female with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In line with previous
research, both participants improved following TTP, to the extent where one of
the participants was asymptomatic at post-treatment and 3 mo follow-up. These
cases also demonstrate the ability of a cognitive-behavioural intervention to
successfully treat childhood sexual abuse victims later in life. ========================================
Title: The relationship between traumatic experiences, dissociation, and
borderline personality pathology among male forensic patients and prisoners. .
Author(s)/Editor(s): Timmerman, Irma G. H.; Emmelkamp, Paul M. G.
Electronic Access:http://fidelio.catchword.com/vl=7610814/cl=19/nw=1/rpsv/cw/guilford/0885579x/v1
Source/Citation: Journal of Personality Disorders: Special Issue: Vol 15(2)
2001, US: Guilford Publications; 2001, 136-149
Abstract/Review/Citation: In the present study the relationship between
traumatic experiences, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder
pathology is examined in a group of 39 male forensic patients and 192 male
prisoners (all Ss aged 20-70 yrs). Sexual and emotional abuse are
significantly more common among forensic patients than among prisoners.
Patients also report a broader range of different kinds of traumas. Prisoners
report significantly more dissociative symptoms. Analyses of the relationship
of type of trauma on the one hand and dissociation and borderline personality
pathology on the other show that sexual abuse is significantly associated with
borderline personality but not with dissociation among the Ss. In the prison
sample these associations are found only for familial but not extrafamilial
sexual abuse. When the Ss are grouped on account of presence or absence of a
borderline personality disorder, highly significant differences on
dissociation are found between both groups. The results lend support to the
hypothesis that sexual abuse is not related to dissociative symptoms but
merely to borderline personality pathology. These findings are not likely to
be confounded by false memories of traumatic events that are recovered by
Title: Testing Cermak's hypothesis: Is dissociation the mediating variable that
links substance abuse in the family of origin with offspring codependency? .
Author(s)/Editor(s): Harkness, Daniel
Source/Citation: Journal of Psychoactive Drugs: Special Issue: Special focus
section: Bridging the gap in San Francisco, the process of integrating harm
reduction and traditional substance abuse services. ; Vol 33(1) Jan-Mar 2001,
US: Haight-Ashbury Publications; 2001, 75-82
Abstract/Review/Citation: This pilot study examined substance abuse in the
family of origin and its relation to offspring dissociation and offspring
codependency. T. Cermak contends that substance abuse in the family of origin
exposes offspring to trauma, that exposure to trauma in the family of origin
engenders offspring dissociation, and that dissociation is the process
underlying offspring codependency. This investigation used direct observation
and self-reported measures of codependent behavior to evaluate Cermak's
hypothesis using a sample (aged 18-65 yrs) that included substance abusers,
spouses of substance abusers, members of codependents Anonymous, US Bureau of
Land Management smoke jumpers, and college students. Although it was found
that substance abuse in the family of origin, offspring dissociation, and
offspring codependency were associated, no support was found for the
prediction that dissociation mediates the relationship between substance abuse
in the family of origin and offspring codependency. ========================================
Title: Pain as a reason to visit the doctor: A study in Finnish primary health care.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Maentyselkae, Pekka; Kumpusalo, Esko; Ahonen, Riitta; Kumpusalo, Anne; Kauhanen, Jussi; Viinamaeki, Heimo; Halonen, Pirjo; Takala, Jorma
Source/Citation: Pain; Vol 89(2-3) Jan 2001, United Kingdom: Elsevier Science
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined pain prevalence as a rationale for seeing
primary care physicians. 2,237 individuals (aged 1-99 yrs) reporting pain
during visits to primary care physicians were assessed for physician visit
rationale, pain-localization information, diagnosis, and sick leave
prescriptions. Ss completed questionnaires concerning sociodemographic
information and pain duration, intensity, and frequency. Results show that
pain was identified as the reason for 40% of the primary care visits. The most
common localizations were in the lower back, abdomen, and head. 21% of Ss had
experienced pain for >6 mo. 50% of pain symptoms were due to
musculoskeletal disease or trauma. Activity limitations were reported in 80%
of Ss. It is concluded that pain is a common reason for visiting primary care
Title: Excitatory and inhibitory corticospinal responses to transcranial
magnetic stimulation in patients with minor to moderate head injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chistyakov, A. V.; Soustiel, J. F. ; Hafner, H.; Trubnik, M.
Levy, G.; Feinsod, M.
Electronic Access:http://www.jnnp.com/cgi/content/abstract/70/5/580
Source/Citation: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry: Special
Issue: Vol 70(5) May 2001, England: BMJ Publishing Group; 2001, 580-587
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined excitatory and inhibitory responses to
transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as attested to by motor evoked
potential (MEP) and silent period (SP) parameters, in 38 Ss (aged 18-60 yrs)
with brain injury. MEPs and SPs were recorded after single pulse TMS 2 weeks
after head trauma. MEP resting threshold, MEP/M wave amplitude ratio, central
motor conduction time (CMCT), SP threshold, interthreshold difference (ITD),
and SP duration (SPD) were assessed. Increased ITD in Ss with mild and
moderate head injury was found. This was associated with a reduction of MEP/M
wave amplitude ratio. The degree of MEP and SP changes depended on severity of
head injury and was not related to type of brain lesion. SPD did not differ
significantly in brain injury groups compared to control group. CMCT was
prolonged in Ss with diffuse and combined brain lesions. Among subjective
complaints only fatigue was significantly related to ITD, MEP, and SP
threshold abnormalities. Results suggest mechanisms involved in MEP and SP
generation are differently affected in head injury, the first being impaired
more severely. Increased ITD with reduction of MEP/M wave amplitude ratio may
reflect a dissociated impairment of inhibitory and excitatory components of
central motor control in head trauma. ========================================
Title: Perceived parental rearing behavior in children of Holocaust survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kellermann, Natan P. F.
Source/Citation: Israel Journal of Psychiatry & Related Sciences: Special
Issue: The Holocaust on child survivors and children of survivors. Vol 38(1)
2001, Israel: Gefen Publishing House Ltd; 2001, 58-68
Abstract/Review/Citation: Notes that Holocaust survivors have often been
described as inadequate parents. It is argued that their multiple losses were
assumed to create child-rearing problems around both attachment and
detachment. Empirical research, however, has yielded contradictory evidence
regarding the parenting behavior of Holocaust survivors when investigated with
classical parenting instruments. This pilot-study investigated parental
behavior with a self-report instrument that also included salient Holocaust
dimensions. The parent perception of 159 adult children (aged 22-54 yrs) of
Holocaust survivors was thus compared with 151 control Ss (aged 19-65 yrs).
Factor analysis of data yielded 4 major kinds of parental rearing behaviors:
transmission; affection; punishing and over-protection. While the
second-generation group rated their parents higher on transmission, other
differences in child-rearing practices were small, if taken as a whole. It was
concluded that these findings largely support the descriptive literature on
transgenerational transmission of trauma while at the same time refuting the
view that Holocaust survivors function more inadequately than other parents do.
Title: Prevalence of dissociative disorders among psychiatric inpatients in a
German university clinic.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gast, Ursula; Rodewald, Frauke; Nickel, Viola; Emrich, Hinderk M.
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease: Special Issue: ; Vol
189(4) Apr 2001, US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 249-257
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the frequency of dissociative disorders among
psychiatric inpatients in Germany and investigated the relationship between
childhood trauma and dissociation. The German version of the Dissociative
Experiences Scale (DES), the Fragebogen fur Dissoziative Symptome (FDS), was
used to screen 115 consecutive inpatients (aged 18-71 yrs) admitted to the
psychiatric clinic of a university hospital. Ss with FDS scores higher than 20
were interviewed by a trained clinician, using the German translation of the
Structured Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) Dissociative
Disorders (SCID-D-R). The German version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire
(CTQ) was administered to investigate prevalence of childhood trauma and
relations between childhood trauma and dissociation in adult life. Results
indicate that 25 of the 115 Ss had a score higher than 20 on the FDS. Of
these, 15 Ss were interviewed with the SCID-D-R. One Ss was diagnosed with a
dissociative identity disorder, 3 with dissociative disorders not otherwise
specified, and 1 with depersonalization disorder. All diagnoses were confirmed
clinically. A significant positive relationship was found between the severity
of childhood trauma and dissociation. ========================================
Title: Examining the delayed grief hypothesis across 5 years of bereavement.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bonanno, George A.; Field, Nigel P.
Source/Citation: American Behavioral Scientist: Special Issue: New directions in
bereavement research and theory. Vol 44(5) Jan 2001, US: Sage Publications
Inc; 2001, 798-816
Abstract/Review/Citation: Traditional bereavement theories emphasize that it is
crucial to work through the emotional meanings of a loss and that the failure
to do so typically results in delayed grief symptoms. This article reports
follow-up data examining these assumptions prospectively across the first 5
years of bereavement among 39 bereaved participants. Based on previous
validity data, elevated symptoms were defined in terms of 6 mo median scores
for each measure. Delayed elevations were observed on isolated measures for 3
(7%) participants. However, these elevations were more parsimoniously
explained by random measurement error. Furthermore, when a weighted
grief-depression composite score was used to maximize the probability of
capturing the true (latent) grief variable, not a single case of delayed
symptom elevations was observed. Finally, data on emotional processing of the
loss at 6 mo failed to support the traditional assumption that minimal
emotional processing of the loss would lead to delayed grief. ========================================
Title: Schizophrenia-like psychosis following traumatic brain injury: A
chart-based descriptive and case-control study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Sachdev, Perminder; Smith, J. S.; Cathcart, S.
Source/Citation: Psychological Medicine: Special Issue: ; Vol 31(2) Feb 2001,
US: Cambridge Univ Press; 2001, 231-239
Abstract/Review/Citation: Head injury (HI) has been reported to increase the
likelihood of the development of schizophrenia-like psychosis (SLP), but its
features and risk factors have been insufficiently investigated. The authors
examined 45 referred patients (aged 18-63 yrs) with SLP following brain
trauma. These Ss were matched with 45 HI Ss without SLP on age (current and at
injury) and gender, and their case records were reviewed systematically. The
groups were compared and logistic regression analyses performed. The psychoses
had a mean age of onset of 26.3 yrs, a mean latency of 54.7 mo after HI,
usually a gradual onset and a subacute or chronic course. Prodromal symptoms
were common and depression was often present at onset. Paranoid delusions and
auditory hallucinations were the predominant features. The SLP group had more
widespread brain damage on neuroimaging, and were more impaired cognitively.
On regression analysis, a positive family history of psychosis and duration of
loss of consciousness were the best predictors of SLP. Findings suggest that
HI-related psychosis is usually paranoid-hallucinatory and subacute or chronic
in its presentation. A genetic predisposition to schizophrenia and severity of
injury with significant brain damage and cognitive impairment may be
vulnerability factors.
Title: Marital violence: Impact on children's emotional experiences, emotional
regulation and behaviors in a post-divorce/separation situation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lee, Mo-Yee
Electronic Access:http://www.wkap.nl/oasis.htm/297338
Source/Citation: Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal: Special Issue: ;
Vol 18(2) Apr 2001, US: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2001, 137-163
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study examined the mediating effects of
children's emotional experiences and regulation strategies on the relationship
between marital violence and children's behavioral problems following
divorce/separation. Ss were 50 children aged 6-12 yrs old. Mothers were 23-50
yrs old. Findings indicated marital violence as reported by the mothers was
associated with children's internalizing problems as measured by the Achenbach
Behavior Checklist. Marital violence was also associated with children's
reported experience of negative emotions, with sadness and anger emerging as
statistical predictors of children's behavioral problems. A weak relationship
was found between emotional regulation strategies and children's behavioral
problems, with the exception that "direct intervention" and the
range of strategies used by children were positively associated with
behavioral problems. Children's reported anger was also found to mediate the
relationship between marital violence and children's total behavioral
problems. Implications of findings for treatment of children and adolescents
from separated, conflicted homes are discussed. ========================================
Title: A warrior prevails.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Botwin, Shari
Source/Citation: Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention:
Special Issue: Vol 9(2) Sum 2001, US: Brunner/Mazel Inc; 2001, 177-183
Abstract/Review/Citation: Becoming a psychotherapist has been compared to
learning a craft or becoming a fine artist. It is not surprising that one of
the most important opportunities for growth is in the therapist's own personal
treatment. This paper is on the internalization of the therapist as an aid to
healing. By internalizing the therapeutic alliance, change occurs in the way
one thinks, feels, and functions in relationships. The article discusses many
components related to the importance of the therapist as an internal object
related to the authors's own work in therapy and in the author's work with her
patients, primarily with women and teens in recovery eating disorders, abuse,
trauma, and loss. As the author recovered from her experiences of childhood
abuse while in therapy, she took what she internalized from her own therapist
as a model to foster connection and healing in her patients. Three vignettes
illustrate how internalization and the creation of paths for change occurred
in individual and group sessions.
Title: Traumatic grief in a convenience sample of victims seeking support
services after a terrorist incident. .
Author(s)/Editor(s): Pfefferbaum, Betty; Call, John A.; Lensgraf, S. Jay; Miller, Peteryne D.; Flynn, Brian W.; Doughty, Debby E.; Tucker, Phebe; Dickson, Warren L.
Electronic Access:http://www.wkap.nl/issuetoc.htm/1040-1237+13+1+2001
Source/Citation: Annals of Clinical Psychiatry: Special Issue: ; Vol 13(1)
2001, US: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2001, 19-24
Abstract/Review/Citation: This report describes traumatic grief in 40
individuals (21-73 yrs old) who suffered losses in the 1995 bombing of the
Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The authors administered a
self-report instrument 6 months after the bombing to assess demographics;
exposure; injury; retrospective report of initial emotional and physiological
reaction; and current posttraumatic stress symptoms, grief, safety concerns,
and functioning. A strong association was found between posttraumatic stress
symptoms and grief. The relationship between grief and difficulty functioning
was stronger at higher levels of posttraumatic stress than at lower levels.
The results support the construct of traumatic grief and have important
implications for the treatment of people exposed to large-scale traumatic
events and for the training of mental health professionals. ========================================
Title: Predictors of posttraumatic stress among victims of motor vehicle
Author(s)/Editor(s): Dougall, Angela Liegey; Ursano, Robert J.; Posluszny, Donna M.; Fullerton, Carol S.; Baum, Andrew
Source/Citation: Psychosomatic Medicine: Special Issue: ; Vol 63(3) May-Jun
2001, US: Williams & Wilkins Co; 2001, 402-411
Abstract/Review/Citation: Identified factors that predict individual
vulnerability to psychological trauma by examining the relationships among
situation and person variables and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) 1, 6 and 12 mo after a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA). Background
characteristics, exposure variables (i.e., injury severity and accident
characteristics), and psychosocial variables (i.e., perceived loss of control,
social support, and coping) were used to predict symptoms of PTSD and recovery
in 115 injured MVA victims (aged 18-64 yrs). All participants were injured
during the MVA and provided data prospectively over the course of a year after
the accidents. Along with background and exposure variables, use of wishful
thinking coping distinguished between victims with and without symptoms of
PTSD. Psychosocial variables such as wishful thinking coping can be used to
identify MVA victims who are at risk of developing chronic posttraumatic
stress and warrant further investigation. ========================================
Title: Trauma and extended separation from family among Latin American and
African refugees in Montreal.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rousseau, Cecile; Mekki-Berrada, Abdelwaheed; Moreau, Sylvie
Source/Citation: Psychiatry: Interpersonal & Biological Processes: Special
Issue: Vol 64(1) Spr 2001, US: Guilford Publications; 2001, 40-59
Abstract/Review/Citation: Surveyed 113 refugees from Latin America and Africa
living in Canada to assess the impact of premigration trauma and prolonged
separation resulting from migration on emotional distress, and the role of
family as an anchor of emotion and identity. Semistructured interviews were
conducted and life stories related by 20 Salvadoran and Congolese Ss were
collected. The emotional profile of the Ss was measured using the Symptom
Checklist. Trauma was assessed to create 3 weighted scores for personal,
family, and global trauma. A content analysis was conducted of the interviews
and life stories of Ss. Data reveal a similar pattern of family separation for
both groups of refugees. The relationship between personal trauma and
psychological distress is reversed when Ss are with all or part of their
families. Severe trauma resulting from armed conflict, under certain
circumstances, strengthened S's ability to face migration and associated
losses. The data also suggest that family trauma is a much more important
issue to African Ss. Data support the clinical literature indicating that
cultural characteristics may modulate the development of various family
strategies for coping with separation and trauma. ========================================
Title: Metabolic recovery following human traumatic brain injury based on
FDG-PET: Time course and relationship to neurological disability.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bergsneider, Marvin; Hovda, David A.; McArthur, David L.
Etchepare, Maria; Huang, Sung-Cheng; Sehati, Nouzhan; Satz, Paul; Phelps, Michael E.; Becker, Donald P.
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: ; Vol
16(2) Apr 2001, US: Aspen Publishers Inc; 2001, 135-148
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationship between metabolic recovery
and neurological recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). 54 patients
(mean age 36 yrs) with mild to severe TBI were examined using
[-sup-1-sup-8F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET); 13
Ss underwent both an acute and delayed FDG-PET examination. Cerebral metabolic
rate of glucose (CMRglc) was calculated for each S and pooled global cortical
CMRglc values were plotted over time. Results show that the intermediate
metabolic reduction phase began to resolve approximately 1 mo following
injury, regardless of injury severity. Correlations observed in the 13 Ss
studied twice was modest. It is concluded that the dynamic profile of CMRglc
following TBI is seemingly stereotypical across a broad range and severity of
injury types.
Title: The occurrence and impact of stressful life events in older adults.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Volbrecht, Marie E.
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 61(7-B) Feb 2001, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2001, 3865
Abstract/Review/Citation: Previous research has demonstrated a connection
between physical and mental health and stressful or traumatic life events.
However, research into life events experienced by older adults has been
plagued by a number of difficulties that limit the generalizability and
usefulness of the information gathered. The purpose of the current study is to
correct and control for some of the previous limitations. In this way, useful
information about the later years in life will be gained and the initial steps
toward the development of a more useful instrument completed. This study is
part of a larger research project being pursued in the Disaster Mental Health
Institute of the University of South Dakota. Four thousand randomly selected
members of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) were mailed a
packet that consisted of a cover letter from AARP encouraging participation, a
cover letter from the researcher explaining the purpose and outlining basic
instructions, the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), and a modified
version of the Life Experiences Survey (LES). The current study primarily
concentrated on the LES. (The STPI is not utilized in the current study.) A
total of 760 individuals chose to participate (a response rate of 19%) and 683
of these were judged to be valid and retained for analysis. Four age groups
were defined for use in analysis: age 50-59 (n = 218), 60-69 (n = 238), 70-79
(n = 169), and 80+ (n = 58). All data were analyzed utilizing SPSS. There were
differences found in frequency of events experienced by the different age
groups. Some of these differences are similar to what previous research has
found, but some finer grained detailed differences are also reported. In
addition, differences in impact and frequency of different types of events
were found between men and women and among the four age groups. In general,
the findings suggest that there is a lower frequency of events overall that
happens in later life. However, there are some categories of events that do
not decrease significantly past the age of 60. It is suggested that future
research continue to elucidate the differences in types of events occurring at
different ages and the impacts these have. Eventually, this line of research
will hopefully be connected to the area of research that is exploring coping
techniques so that adjustment to these stressful events may be better aided.
Title: Childhood trauma and hostility as an adult: Relevance to suicidal
Author(s)/Editor(s): Roy, Alec
Source/Citation: Psychiatry Research: Special Issue: ; Vol 102(1) May 2001, US:
Elsevier Scientific Publishers; 2001, 97-101
Abstract/Review/Citation: The objective of this study is to look for a
relationship between childhood trauma and hostility as an adult. Toward this
end, 294 recently abstinent cocaine or opiate dependent patients (mean age
41.4 yrs) were asked to complete two questionnaires: the Childhood Trauma
Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire
(HDHQ). It was found that there were significant correlations between the HDHQ
total hostility score and scores on the CTQ for childhood emotional abuse,
physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect. Thus,
these results suggest the possibility that childhood trauma may be a
determinant of the personality dimension of hostility as an adult. ========================================
Title: Antinociceptive reflex alteration in acute posttraumatic headache
following whiplash injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Keidel, Matthias; Rieschke, Petra; Stude, Philipp; Eisentraut, Rainer; van Schayck, Rudolf; Diener, Hans-Christoph
Electronic Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science? ob=ArticleURL& udi=B6T0K-433P7PM-1& user=
768839& coverDate=06%2F2001& rdoc=1& fmt=full& orig=browse& srch=%234865%23999079996%23251263!& cdi=4865& sort=d& acct=C000000413& version=1& urlVersion=0& us
Source/Citation: Pain: Special Issue: ; Vol 92(3) Jun 2001, United Kingdom:
Elsevier Science BV; 2001, 319-326
Abstract/Review/Citation: Brainstem-mediated antinociceptive inhibitory reflexes
of the temporalis muscle were investigated in 82 patients (aged 17-55 yrs)
with acute posttraumatic headache (PH) following whiplash injury but without
neurological deficits, bone injury of the cervical spine or a combined direct
head trauma on average 5 days after the acceleration trauma. Latencies and
durations of the early and late exteroceptive suppression (ES1 and ES2) and
the interposed EMG burst (IE) of the EMG of the voluntarily contracted right
ternporalis muscle evoked by ipsilateral stimulation of the second and third
branches of the trigeminal nerve were analyzed and compared to a cohort of 82
normal Ss (aged 21-56 yrs). Highly significant reflex alterations were found
in patients with PH with a shortening of ES2 duration with delayed onset and
premature ending as the primary parameter of this study, a moderate
prolongation of ESI and IE duration and a delayed onset of IE. The latency of
ES1 was not significantly changed. Results indicate that acute PH in whiplash
injury is accompanied by abnormal antinociceptive brainstem reflexes. The
abnormality of the trigeminal inhibitory temporalis reflex is based on a
transient dysfunction of the brainstem-mediated reflex circuit mainly of the
late polysynaptic pathways.
Title: Psychological impact of the hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua in a one-year
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cladera, T.; Palma, L.; Penayo, U.; Kullgren, G.
Electronic Access:http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00127/papers/1036003/10360108.pdf
Source/Citation: Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology: Special
Issue: Vol 36(3) May 2001, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 2001, 108-114
Abstract/Review/Citation: Whereas natural disasters more commonly occur in
low-income countries, almost all studies on psychological consequences have
been conducted in the Western world. In countries where resources are poor it
is of importance to know which groups should be targeted for early
intervention after a disaster. The study aims at assessing the prevalence of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and of post-traumatic symptoms among
people afflicted by hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and at identifying risk
factors for PTSD symptoms 6 mo following a disaster. At four primary health
care centres, 496 consecutive adult patients (aged 15-80 yrs) were interviewed
6 mo after hurricane Mitch regarding PTSD symptoms (Harvard Trauma
Questionnaire), disaster experiences and post-disaster help-seeking. PTSD
represents a serious mental health problem after a disaster. Those with
illiteracy, females and those with previous mental health problems should be
targets for early post-disaster intervention. ========================================
Title: The prevalence and symptom rates of depression after traumatic brain
injury: A comprehensive examination. .
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kreutzer, Jeffrey S.; Seel, Ronald T.; Gourley, Eugene
Electronic Access:http://rosina.catchword.com/vl=32975438/cl=42/nw=1/fm=docpdf/rpsv/catchword/tan
Source/Citation: Brain Injury: Special Issue: ; Vol 15(7) Jul 2001, US: Taylor
& Francis; 2001, 563-576
Abstract/Review/Citation: Differing definitions of depression, limited sample
sizes, and variability in methodologies have contributed to equivocal findings
about the prevalence of depression among persons with traumatic brain injury
(TBI). The present investigation used standardized diagnostic criteria and a
large sample to identify the manifestations of depression after TBI. 722
outpatients (aged 17-82 yrs) with brain injury, referred for comprehensive
assessment at a regional Level I trauma centre, were studied. Depressive
symptoms were characterized utilizing standard DSM-IV criteria and the
Neurobehavioural Functioning Inventory. 42% of patients with brain injury met
the prerequisite number of symptoms for a DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive
disorder. Fatigue (46%), frustration (41%), and poor concentration (38%) were
the most commonly cited manifestations of depression. Many patients with brain
injury are at great risk for developing depressive disorders. Future research
should focus on prognostic factors, developing protocols for identification of
high risk patients, and examining the efficacy of treatment interventions.
Title: Tracheotomy in severe TBI patients: Sequelae and relation to vocational
Author(s)/Editor(s): Keren, Ofer; Cohen, Mario; Lazar-Zweker, Irina; Groswasser, Zeev
Electronic Access:http://pippo.catchword.com/vl=6249231/cl=13/nw=1/rpsv/catchword/tandf/02699052/
Source/Citation: Brain Injury: Special Issue: Vol 15(6) Jun 2001, US: Taylor
& Francis; 2001, 531-536
Abstract/Review/Citation: The aim of the present study was to find the influence
of performing tracheotomy on outcome of severe TBI patients. TBI patients,
many of them intubated during the very acute phase post-injury, who remain
unconscious for more than a few days, undergo tracheotomy to provide a
reliable long-term artificial airway. Tracheotomy, although being a simple
elective surgical procedure, may have a negative influence on the
rehabilitation process. Tracheotomy was performed in 69 severe TBI patients
(aged 6-65 yrs) admitted to the rehabilitation department during 3 yrs. In 7
patients, tracheotomy was performed immediately after injury due to
cranio-facial trauma, in 18 patients due to respiratory disturbances, in 42
patients after prolonged intubation, and in 2 patients due to combined
problems. 45% of patients with tracheotomy suffered from respiratory
disturbances and 8.6% from complications of tracheotomy. Longer periods of
unconsciousness and mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with
respiratory complications. However, presence of tracheotomies per se, did not
affect vocational rehabilitation.
Title: Head injuries in men's and women's lacrosse: A 10 year analysis of the
NEISS database.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Diamond, Paul T.; Gale, Shawn D.
Electronic Access:http://barbarina.catchword.com/vl=93018646/cl=15/nw=1/rpsv/catchword/tandf/0269
Source/Citation: Brain Injury: Special Issue: Vol 15(6) Jun 2001, US: Taylor
& Francis; 2001, 537-544
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined differences in lacrosse-related injuries
between genders and amongst various age groups. Data on lacrosse-related
injuries maintained through the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National
Electronic Injury Surveillance System, In-depth Investigation File, and
Injuries/Potential Injuries File were analysed over 10 yrs January 1990-April
2000). A total of 1,727 cases of lacrosse-related trauma (range 4-59 yrs) were
recorded. Males accounted for 80.5% of cases. The head and face region was the
most common area injured (20.4%). Injuries to the head and face were
significantly more prevalent among females (30.1% of all injuries) than males
(18.0% of all injuries), and often resulted from contact with the ball (33.6%
of incidents). Children aged 4-11 years experienced the highest percentage of
injuries to the head and face. Closed head injuries represented 5.6% of all
lacrosse-related injuries and were slightly more prevalent among females.
Women and children lacrosse players are at risk of serious injury to the head
and face region. The use of protective head/face gear should be encouraged.
Title: Psychological trauma in adolescence: Familial disillusionment and loss of
personal identity.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mishne, Judith Marks
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychoanalysis: Special Issue: The
traumatized adolescent: Theoretical and clinical considerations. Vol 61(1)
Mar 2001, US: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 2001, 63-83
Abstract/Review/Citation: This article presents trauma theory and
characteristics of traumatized adolescents. A case vignette demonstrates the
considerations regarding assessment and treatment strategies in clinical work
with an adolescent girl (aged 12 yrs) who suffered profound trauma, loss of
personal identity, and self-esteem due to familial disillusionment. In
contrast, the author presents the case of a female Holocaust survivor (aged 63
yrs), documenting catastrophic loss, also during adolescence. Irrespective of
the nature and magnitude of trauma, the single most outstanding predictor of
future positive adjustment and resilience was the nature of the parent-child tie.
Title: Outcome after mild-to-moderate blunt head injury: Effects of focal
lesions and diffuse axonal injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wallesch, Claus-W.; Curio, Noreen; Kutz, Susanne; Jost, Stefan; Bartels, Claudius; Synowitz, Hans
Source/Citation: Brain Injury: Special Issue: ; Vol 15(5) May 2001, US: Taylor
& Francis; 2001, 401-412
Abstract/Review/Citation: Compared effects of focal and diffuse axonal injury in
mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a prospective longitudinal
study of 138 consecutive patients (aged 16-70 yrs) suffering from TBI who were
admitted to the Magdeburg University Hospital, 60 could be assessed
neuropsychologically 8-31 days after trauma and 18-45 wks later. The initial
Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly correlated with outcome impairment
of semantic fluency and memory in the Wechsler Similarities and in 2 clinical
scales (Neurobehavioural Rating Scale and Frontal Lobe Score). Presence of
computerized tomography (CT) signs of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) corresponded
with deficits in tasks of response selection and suppression, and presence of
focal contusions corresponded with results in the clinical scales.
Improvements between 1st and 2nd assessments were pronounced in Ss with signs
of DAI.
Title: The health benefits of writing about life goals.
Author(s)/Editor(s): King, Laura A.
Source/Citation: Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin: Special Issue: ;
Vol 27(7) Jul 2001, US: Sage Publications Inc; 2001, 798-807
Abstract/Review/Citation: In a variation on J. W. Pennebaker's (1993) writing
paradigm, a sample of 81 undergraduates (aged 18-42 yrs) wrote about one of
four topics for 20 minutes each day for 4 consecutive days. Participants were
randomly assigned to write about their most traumatic life event, their best
possible future self, both of these topics, or a nonemotional control topic.
Mood was measured before and after writing and health center data for illness
were obtained with participant consent. Three weeks later, measures of
subjective well-being were obtained. Writing about life goals was
significantly less upsetting than writing about trauma and was associated with
a significant increase in subjective well-being. Five months after writing, a
significant interaction emerged such that writing about trauma, one's best
possible self, or both were associated with decreased illness compared with
controls. Results indicate that writing about self-regulatory topics can be
associated with the same health benefits as writing about trauma. ========================================
Title: Acculturation, premigration traumatic experiences, and depression among
Vietnamese Americans.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ngo, Dung; Tran, Thanh V.; Gibbons, Judith L.; Oliver, Joan M.
Source/Citation: Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Special
Issue: Vol 3(3-4) 2001, US: Haworth Press Inc; 2001, 225-242
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the role of acculturation as a mediator
or moderator for premigration traumatic experiences (PTEs) and depression
among Vietnamese Americans. 261 Vietnamese Americans (aged 25-73 yrs)
completed questionnaires regarding level of depression, PTEs, and
acculturation. Results show that acculturation moderated the degree of
negative impact of PTEs on levels of emotional distress. Specifically, PTE
showed a much stronger effect on depression among Ss with lower levels of
acculturation. Data did not support the mediator model of acculturation in the
effects of PTEs on depression.
Title: Patterns of recovery from trauma: The use of intra-individual analysis.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gilboa-Schechtman, Eva; Foa, Edna B.
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology: Special Issue: ; Vol 110(3)
Aug 2001, US: American Psychological Assn; 2001, 392-400
Abstract/Review/Citation: Patterns of recovery from sexual and nonsexual assault
were examined. Two studies containing data from female victims of these
assaults were analyzed. In Study 1, victims (N = 101) underwent 12 weekly
assessments with measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression,
and state anxiety. In Study 2, victims (N = 108) underwent monthly assessments
on the same measures. The authors examined the effects of type of trauma and
time of peak reaction on long-term recovery using intra-individual analysis of
change. In both studies, initial and peak reactions of rape victims were more
severe than were those of nonsexual assault victims on all measures of
psychopathology. Victims with delayed peak reaction exhibited more severe
pathology at the final assessment than did victims with early peak reaction.
Results of Study 2 indicated a slower recovery rate from sexual than nonsexual
assault; in Study 1 a similar pattern of recovery emerged. The advantages of
an individual-focused, longitudinal approach to recovery from a trauma are
Title: Alexithymie et traumatisme psychique--Analyse du recit chez des sujets
souffrant d'etat de stress post-traumatique: Une etude exploratoire./
Alexithymia and psychic trauma: Analysis of the utterances of subjects
suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chahraoui, K.; Besche, C.; Lacassagne, M.-F.
Source/Citation: Encephale: Special Issue: Vol 27(1) Jan-Feb 2001, France:
Doin Editeurs; 2001, 15-21
Abstract/Review/Citation: Studied verbalizations of 11 male and female adults
(aged 25-50 yrs) suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in
France. Ss had suffered trauma many yrs previously due to war, physical abuse,
or accident. Ss were asked to describe the traumatic events and their
immediate and late emotional events. Interview transcripts were evaluated
using qualitative and quantitative discourse analysis techniques. The results
do not reveal lack of ability to verbalize emotions but rather a dissociation
in emotional expression, with emotional words more frequently associated with
symptoms of the traumatic event than with the event itself. The results are
discussed in relation to alexithymia symptoms. ========================================
Title: Event-related potentials in posttraumatic headache.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Alberti, Andrea; Sarchielli, Paola; Mazzotta, Giovanni; Gallai, Virgilio
Source/Citation: Headache: Special Issue: Vol 41(6) Jun 2001, US: Blackwell
Science Inc; 2001, 579-585
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the impairment of cognitive functions
occurring in patients with posttraumatic headache as a consequence of a minor
cranial trauma in the absence of organic damage involving the central nervous
system. 25 Ss (aged 16-55 yrs) were examined between 3 and 6 mo after the
traumatic event. Ss underwent electroencephalography and brain stem auditory
evoked potentials; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to exclude
the presence of cerebral lesions. The mean latency of P300 was increased in
both central electrodes (Cz and Pz) in patients with posttraumatic syndrome
compared with controls; assuming the value of mean +-2 SD was the cutoff point
between normal and abnormal results, the P300 latency results were altered in
13 patients (52%). In the patient group, a significant correlation was
demonstrated between Zung Depression Scale score and P3 and N2 wave latencies
and between Zung Anxiety Scale scores and P3 wave latencies. Data suggest the
usefulness of the P300 event-related potential in evaluating cognitive
disturbances in patients affected by posttraumatic syndrome. Alteration of
cognitive potential in such patients, even in the absence of lesions
detectable by neuroimaging, indicate the functional impairment of specific
cerebral areas that can occur after a traumatic event. ========================================
Title: Determinants of risk behavior for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome in people with severe mental illness.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rosenberg , Stanley D.; Trumbetta, Susan L.; Mueser, Kim T.; Goodman, Lisa A.; Osher , Fred C.; Vidaver, Robert M.; Metzger, David S.
Source/Citation: Comprehensive Psychiatry: Special Issue: Vol 42(4) Jul-Aug
2001, US: WB Saunders & Co; 2001, 263-271
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the prevalence and correlates of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) risk
behaviors in a large sample of severely mentally ill (SMI) patients. Risk
levels were correlated with demographic factors, diagnosis, symptom severity,
trauma history, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder
(SUD), and sexual orientation. 275 SMI clients (aged 18-60 yrs) from urban and
rural settings were assessed regarding HIV/ AIDS risk behaviors, and
hypothesized risk factors. Patients exhibited substantial levels of risky
behavior, particularly sexual risk. Correlates of increased risk included SUD,
trauma, male homosexual orientation, younger age, and symptom severity.
Structural equation modeling identified SUD and sexual orientation as the
primary determinants of both drug and sexual risk behavior. The authors
conclude that specific illness related variables appear to have less impact on
risk behavior among people with SMI than previously hypothesized. Substance
abuse prevention and treatment may be the most effective means of reducing HIV
risk in this population.
Title: Factors influencing families' consent for donation of solid organs for
Author(s)/Editor(s): Siminoff, Laura A.; Gordon, Nahida; Hewlett, Joan; Arnold, Robert M.
Electronic Access:http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v286n1/rfull/joc01883.html
Source/Citation: JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association: Special
Issue: Vol 286(1) Jul 2001, US: American Medical Assn; 2001, 71-77
Abstract/Review/Citation: To explore factors associated with the decision to
donate among families of potential solid organ donors. Data collection was
done via chart reviews, telephone interviews with health care practitioners
(HCPs) or organ procurement organization (OPO) staff, and face-to-face
interviews with family for all donor-eligible deaths at 9 trauma hospitals in
southwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio from 1994 to 1999.
Participants were family members, HCPs, and OPO staff involved in the donation
decision for 420 donor-eligible patients. The main outcome measured was
associated with family decision to donate or not donate organs for
transplantation. A total of 238 of the 420 cases led to organ donation; 182
did not. Univariate analysis revealed numerous factors associated with the
donation decision. Multivariable analysis of associated variables revealed
that family and patient sociodemographics and prior knowledge of the patients'
wishes were significantly associated with willingness to donate. Families who
discussed more topics and had more conversations about organ donation were
more likely to donate, as were families with more contact with OPO staff and
those who experienced an optimal request pattern. Socioemotional and
communication variables acted as intervening variables. ========================================
Title: Contextualizing images in dreams: More intense after abuse and trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hartmann, Ernest; Zborowski, Michael; Rosen, Rachel; Grace, Nancy
Electronic Access:http://www.wkap.nl/issuetoc.htm/1053-0797+11+3+2001
Source/Citation: Dreaming: Journal of the Association for the Study of Dreams:
Special Issue: Vol 11(3) Sep 2001, US: Kluwer Academic Publishers ; 2001,
Abstract/Review/Citation: Notes that a contextualizing image (CI) is a powerful
central image in a dream which can be seen as picturing, or providing a
picture-context for, the dominant emotion of the dreamer. Two sets of dream
data were studied. One "most recent dream" was obtained from each of
306 students (aged 18-52 yrs). The CI score measuring presence and intensity
of a contextualizing image, scored on a blind basis, was higher among Ss who
reported any abuse (physical or sexual, childhood or recent) compared to those
who reported no abuse. Second, dreams were collected from 10 Ss who had
experienced a variety of acute traumas. In 4 of the 10 cases, the CI score was
higher after trauma than before, but the difference was statistically
significant in only 1 case. The CI scores in the 10 trauma Ss overall were
found to be significantly higher than the CI scores in the overall student
group. CI scores in the trauma group were also significantly higher than in an
age and gender matched control subgroup of the students. The emotions rated as
contextualized by the dream images tended towards more negative than positive
emotions. However, this was true in the dreams of students who reported no
abuse, as well as those of students who reported abuse and the dreams of the
group who had experienced trauma. ========================================
Title: Peritraumatic emotional "hot spots" in memory.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Grey, Nick; Holmes, Emily; Brewin, Chris R.
Source/Citation: Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy: Special Issue: ;
Vol 29(3) Jul 2001, US: Cambridge Univ Press; 2001, 367-372
Abstract/Review/Citation: Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
frequently report periods of intense emotional distress ("hot
spots") when asked to describe their traumatic experience in detail.
"Primary" emotions felt during the trauma (i.e., peri-traumatically)
are believed to consist mainly of fear, helplessness and horror. The authors
report a preliminary investigation into the emotions associated with these hot
spots. Eight 26-60 yr old patients with PTSD described a wide variety of
emotions such as anger, humiliation and guilt present at the time of the
trauma. The peri-traumatic cognitions associated with these emotions are also
Title: The journey of recovery after a rape experience.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Smith, Marilyn E.; Kelly, Lillian M.
Source/Citation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing: Special Issue: Vol 22(4)
Jun 2001, US: Taylor & Francis; 2001, 337-352
Abstract/Review/Citation: In this existential-phenomenological investigation 7
women (22-60 yrs old) were interviewed about their experiences of recovering
from rape trauma. The purpose of the study was to discover the meaning of
recovery from the perception of the victim, how recovery is experienced, and
what contributed to the growth and recovery of the woman who has been raped.
Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a hermeneutic process. The thematic
structure of a woman's recovery from rape comprises 3 main themes: reaching
out, reframing the rape, and redefining the self. These findings are important
to professionals working with women who have been raped because it is the
raped woman, rather than the clinician, who is able to define what constitutes
Title: Reconstructing trauma memories: A prospective study of
"amnesic" trauma survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Harvey, Allison G.; Bryant, Richard A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(2) Apr
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 277-282
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated memory for trauma in 79 patients (aged
17-58 yrs) who were initially amnesic of the trauma as a result of mild
traumatic brain injury. Motor vehicle accident survivors who sustained a mild
traumatic brain injury were assessed for their memory within 1-mo posttrauma
and again at 2-yrs post-trauma. Results show that consistent with their brain
injury, all patients reported significant amnesia of their accident at initial
assessment. At 2-yrs posttrauma, 40% were able to remember their accident.
Reporting memory for the trauma was associated with shorter duration of
posttraumatic amnesia. These findings suggest that people reconstruct memories
of trauma in the absence of complete encoding of the experience. Possible
mechanisms for memory reconstruction are considered. ========================================
Title: Child sexual abuse, peer sexual abuse, and sexual assault in adulthood: A
multi-risk model of revictimization.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Maker, Azmaira Hamid; Kemmelmeier, Markus; Peterson, Christopher
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(2) Apr
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 351-368
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the predictors and consequences of sexual
assault occurring after the age of 16 yrs in 131 women (aged 18-43 yrs). All
participants completed a battery of questionnaires. The results indicate that
child sexual abuse occurring before the age of 16 yrs was the only predictor
of later sexual assault among comorbid risk factors. Peer sexual abuse, number
of perpetrators, age at time of sexual abuse, and severity of sexual abuse did
not increase the risk for later sexual assault. Adult sexual assault victims
showed lower levels of mental health functioning than did survivors of child
or peer sexual abuse. A specificity model of revictimization and the
differential effects of child, peer, and adult sexual trauma on the
developmental trajectory of sexual violence and psychosocial functioning is
Title: Role of major lifetime stressors in patients' and spouses' reactions to
Author(s)/Editor(s): Silver-Aylaian, Michele; Cohen, Lawrence H.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(2) Apr
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 405-412
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the role of number of major lifetime
stressors (e.g., rape, abuse), and the perceived resolution of those
stressors, in 54 cancer patients' (mean age 58.7 yrs) and 30 spouses' (mean
age 60.37 yrs) appraisals and current mood. It was hypothesized that a high
number of lifetime stressors, and low resolution ratings, would be associated
with more distress and more negative appraisals of the cancer. Hierarchical
regression analyses show that number of lifetime stressors was a positive
predictor of patients' ratings of the cancer's threat, and a positive
predictor of their spouses' anger. Mean resolution ratings were a significant
positive predictor of spouses' positive affect. The findings suggest that
experience with previous stressors affects an individual's reactions to
Title: Discovering memories of abuse in the light of meta-awareness.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Schooler, Jonathan W.
Source/Citation: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma: Special
Issue: Vol 4(2) 2001, US: Haworth Press; 2001, 105-136
Abstract/Review/Citation: Discovered memories of abuse are often viewed with
marked skepticism due to the relative dearth of well-corroborated evidence for
their occurrence and the absence of a compelling theory to explain them. This
article addresses these concerns by reviewing seven recovered memory cases in
which there was independent corroborative evidence for the alleged abuse. Ss
were a 39-yr-old male, a 40-yr-old female , a 41-yr-old female, a 31-yr-old
female, a 52-yr-old female and a 28-yr-old female. These cases are considered
within the context of a theory of meta-awareness that assumes that
experiential consciousness can be distinct from meta-awareness. In this
context, discovered memories can be understood as involving changes in
individuals' meta-awareness of the abuse. In some cases, discovered memories
may involve the gaining of a different meta-awareness of the meaning of an
experience. The discovery of this new meaning may become confused with the
discovery of the memory itself, leading to the belief that the memory is just
now being accessed for the first time. In other cases, the discovery may
involve the regaining of a prior meta-awareness of the experience that either
deliberately or non-deliberately may have been avoided for some time.
Title: Variables in delayed disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Somer, Eli; Szwarcberg, Sharona
Source/Citation: American Journal of Orthopsychiatry: Special Issue: Vol
71(3) Jul 2001, US: American Orthopsychiatric Assn; 2001, 332-341
Abstract/Review/Citation: In a study of 41 adult survivors (aged 16-56 yrs) of
childhood sexual abuse, the level of childhood traumatization was found to
have contributed to delayed disclosure of the abuse. Other delaying variables
included: belief in the importance of obedience to grownups, mistrust of
people, fear of social rejection, and fear of the criminal justice system.
Variables such as media attention to similar cases and experiences of personal
achievement were inversely related to the age at disclosure. Recommendations
for policy are discussed.
Title: A model for brief assessment of attachment and its application to women
in inpatient treatment for trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Allen, Jon G.; Huntoon, Janis; Fultz, Jim; Stein, Helen; Fonagy, Peter; Evans, Richard B.
Source/Citation: Journal of Personality Assessment: Special Issue: Vol 76(3)
Jun 2001, US: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc; 2001, 421-447
Abstract/Review/Citation: Adapted self-report measures of attachment style to
the psychological assessment of women in specialized inpatient treatment for
trauma-related disorders. This study employed 2 measures of adult attachment
style, the Relationship Questionnaire and the Adult Attachment Scale, as well
as the Current Attachment Relationships questionnaire, which assesses the
extent of social support in secure attachments. These measures were
administered to 99 patients and to a convenience sample of 154 women in the
community. All Ss were 18-63 yrs old. A modest correspondence was found
between the 2 attachment style measures and substantial relations between
attachment styles and range of secure attachment relationships. Ss in the
trauma sample reported insecure attachment styles and relatively few secure
attachment figures. Implications for clinical assessment are discussed. A copy
of the Current Attachment Relationships questionnaire is appended. ========================================
Title: Trauma symptoms in bone marrow transplant survivors: The role of
nonmedical life events.
Author(s)/Editor(s): DuHamel, Katherine N.; Smith, Meredith Y.; Vickberg, Suzanne M. Johnson; Papadopoulos, Esperanza; Ostroff, Jamie; Winkel, Gary; Manne, Sharon; Redd, William H.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(1) Jan
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 95-113
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the association of trauma-related
symptomatology and recent life events in cancer survivors following bone
marrow transplantation. 100 individuals (aged 16.77-56.25) averaging 4.4 years
post-transplant were interviewed. Participants reported their trauma-related
symptomatology regarding cancer and its treatment as well as the number and
valence of recent life events. Results indicate that the more negative life
events a person experienced, the greater his/her trauma-related
symptomatology. The association of trauma-related symptomatology with positive
events varied by the individuals' level of physical functioning. For
individuals with poorer physical functioning, higher levels of trauma-related
symptomatology were associated with a greater number of positive events,
suggesting the greater vulnerability of these individuals to any type of
change in their life.
Title: The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma
and alexithymia in an outpatient sample.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Zlotnick, Caron; Mattia, Jill I.; Zimmerman, Mark
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(1) Jan
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 177-188
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the strength of association between
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alexithymia relative to other
psychiatric disorders in 252 treatment-seeking psychiatric outpatients (mean
age 40.56 yrs). The other aim of this study was to explore which type of
childhood trauma was associated with a greater level of adult alexithymia. All
patients completed questionnaires on alexithymia and child abuse and neglect.
The results show that PTSD and borderline personality disorder were the 2
disorders among selected psychiatric disorders to contribute independently to
a higher degree of alexithymia. Another finding was that a greater severity of
emotional neglect and physical neglect, rather than abuse, was significantly
related to higher levels of alexithymia. The findings also show that among
these variables, borderline personality disorder had the strongest
relationship to alexithymia.
Title: Dreams in the acute aftermath of trauma and their relationship to PTSD.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mellman, Thomas A.; David, Daniella; Bustamante, Victoria; Torres, Joseph; Fins, Ana
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(1) Jan
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 241-247
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed dreams and posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) in 60 injured patients (aged 18-54 yrs) after life-threatening events
and obtained follow-up assessments in 39 of these participants 6 wks later.
Ten of 21 dream reports from morning diaries were rated and described as
similar to the recent traumatic event. The participants reporting these
distressing trauma dreams had more severe concurrent PTSD symptoms than those
reporting other categories of dreams and had more severe initial and follow-up
PTSD than those without dream recall. These findings, along with preliminary
longitudinal observations relating changes in dream patterns to outcome,
suggest a relationship of dream characteristics and early adaptive vs
maladaptive patterns of processing traumatic memory. ========================================
Title: Reports of prior exposure to potentially traumatic events and PTSD in
troops poised for deployment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bolton, Elisa E.; Litz, Brett T.; Britt, Thomas W.; Adler, Amy; Roemer, Lizabeth
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress: Special Issue: Vol 14(1) Jan
2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 249-256
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the exposure to potentially traumatic events
(PTEs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, and the mental
health status of 2,947 military personnel (aged 17-66 yrs) prior to deployment
on a peacekeeping mission. Data were obtained from comprehensive psychosocial
questionnaires. Results show that approximately 74% of the soldiers reported
being exposed to at least 1 traumatic event. The mean number of PTEs reported
was 2.38, most of which did not occur during previous deployments.
Approximately 6% of the participants exceeded the screening criteria for PTSD
and 43% endorsed elevated levels of psychological distress. These findings
document a high rate of exposure to PTEs in soldiers prior to their
deployment. The results also highlight the need to screen for PTEs when
attempting to isolate the rates of PTSD following a specific traumatic event
and to examine the effects of cumulative exposure to PTEs. ========================================
Title: The Traumatic Stress Institute Belief Scale as a measure of vicarious
trauma in a national sample of clinical social workers.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Adams, Kathryn Betts; Matto, Holly C.; Harrington, Donna
Source/Citation: Families in Society: Special Issue: Vol 82(4) Jul-Aug 2001,
US: Families International Inc; 2001, 363-371
Abstract/Review/Citation: Reports on a study of the validity of the Traumatic
Stress Institute Belief Scale (TSI)-Revision L, as a measure of vicarious
trauma in masters' level clinical social workers. The scale purports to
measure disturbed beliefs that may be caused by direct trauma, or by repeated
exposure to clients' traumatic stories. A random sample of 185 social workers
(27-74 yrs old) was surveyed. Results of correlational analyses of the TSI
score with study variables, and exploratory multiple regression analysis on
the TSI score indicate its association with younger age, more reported somatic
symptoms, lower annual salaries, lower perceived social support from friends,
and greater burnout. Results show that TSI scores were not associated with
social workers' personal trauma, amount of face-to-face client contact, or a
self-report of the intrusiveness of client material into the social workers'
lives. TSI scores appear to be measuring perceptions about self and work that,
like burnout, may relate to social workers' general outlook, not necessarily
to traumatic stress, vicarious or otherwise. Significant overlap of the TSI
with burnout scores suggests a lack of clear distinction between burnout and
vicarious trauma.
Title: Topiramate in posttraumatic stress disorder: Preliminary clinical
Author(s)/Editor(s): Berlant, Jeffrey L.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry: Special Issue: Understanding
posttraumatic stress disorder. ; Vol 62(Suppl17) 2001, US: Physicians
Postgraduate Press Inc; 2001, 60-63
Abstract/Review/Citation: This article reviews the effects of the novel
antiepileptic drug topiramate on 3 patients, a 40 yr old male, and two 33 and
45 year old females, meeting Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria for chronic
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these previously treatment-refractory
patients, topiramate had a marked effect: reducing and even eliminating
trauma-related intrusive memories and nightmares and normalizing depressed
mood. Adverse events were effectively controlled with careful drug titration
and discontinuation of concomitant therapies. These findings, together with
observations in more than 30 additional patients (reported elsewhere), suggest
that further study of topiramate as a treatment for PTSD is warranted.
Title: Longitudinal study of psychiatric symptoms, disability, mortality, and
emigration among Bosnian refugees.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mollica, Richard F.; Sarajlic, Narcisa; Chernoff, Miriam; Lavelle, James; Sarajlic Vukovic, Iris; Massagli, Michael P.
Source/Citation: JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association: Special
Issue: Vol 286(5) Aug 2001, US: American Medical Assn; 2001, 546-554
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined whether associations between depression,
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and disability in Bosnian refugees
continue over time and are associated with mortality emigration to another
region. A 3-yr follow-up study was conducted in 1999 among adult Bosnian
refugees (aged 18-65 yrs) originally living in a refugee camp in Croatia.
Depression and PTSD diagnoses, disability, and cause of death, determined by
family interviews with review of death certificates, were assessed. In 1999,
45% of the original Ss who met the Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria for
depression, PTSD, or both, continued to have these disorders and 16% of Ss who
were asymptomatic in 1996 developed 1 or both disorders. 46% of those who
initially met disability criteria remained disabled. Social isolation, male
sex, and older age were associated with mortality. Healthier, better educated
refugees were more likely to emigrate. ========================================
Title: Intrusion, avoidance, and psychological distress among individuals with
Author(s)/Editor(s): Manne, Sharon L.; Glassman, Marc; Du Hamel, Katherine
Source/Citation: Psychosomatic Medicine: Special Issue: Vol 63(4) Jul-Aug
2001, US: Williams & Wilkins Co; 2001, 658-667
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the utility of Creamer's (e.g., M. Creamer et
al, 1990) cognitive processing theory of trauma in Ss undergoing treatment for
cancer. This theory proposes that avoidance is a maladaptive strategy of
dealing with intrusive thoughts about a traumatic experience. The role of
disease-related factors was also examined. 189 patients (aged 29-77 yrs)
undergoing cancer treatment completed questionnaires at 3 time points, spaced
3 mo apart. Intrusive thoughts, functional impairment, and psychological
distress were assessed. The fit of the model was tested separately for Ss with
early-stage and late-stage disease. The mediational role for avoidance was
supported among Ss with advanced stages of cancer but not for Ss with
early-stage disease. Results were inconsistent with predictions about the role
of physical impairment. Among Ss with late-stage cancer, changes in functional
impairment were not predictive of greater avoidance, and impairment had a
significant but weak effect on the change in distress. Among Ss with
early-stage cancer, a deterioration in physical impairment was associated with
increases in avoidance, and deterioration in physical impairment increased
distress. The results of this study were partially consistent with Creamer's
cognitive processing theory.
Title: The plural "self": Group therapy with Bosnian women survivors
of war.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bolibok, Barbara
Source/Citation: Smith College Studies in Social Work: Special Issue: Vol
71(3) Jun 2001, US: Smith College School for Social Work; 2001, 459-472
Abstract/Review/Citation: This theoretical exploration of forms of female
self-representation is based on a qualitative study of group therapy with 7
Bosnian women survivors of war (aged 40-75 yrs). It critiques the
"self-in-relation" theories of female development for their reliance
on a Western conception of selfhood. Borrowing the notion of the plural female
subject from women's theory of autobiography, it provides an account of the
Bosnian women survivors' efforts to heal from trauma that preserves their
cultural integrity ("otherness"). The empirical part of the article
analyzes group process in light of forms of female self-representation. It is
argued that the Bosnian women's experience of healing can only be understood
from the perspective of a collective experience that incorporates the
representations of both "self" and other. Although early in the
stages of recover, the Bosnian women function at the level of an integrated
and developed "communal (group) self." Such a plural conception of
self requires appropriate forms of treatment that question some underlying
assumptions of Western forms of clinical intervention. ========================================
Title: Career development of trauma survivors: Expectations about counseling and
career maturity.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Coursol, Diane H.; Lewis, Jacqueline; Garrity, Lisa
Source/Citation: Journal of Employment Counseling: Special Issue: Vol 38(3)
Sep 2001, US: American Counseling Assn; 2001, 134-140
Abstract/Review/Citation: Trauma survivors include individuals who have been
affected by a severe physically or psychologically threatening experience.
This study investigated the career development of trauma survivors by
comparing expectations for career counseling and level of career maturity
among 48 trauma survivors and 48 nonsurvivors (individuals who have had no
trauma experience) who participated in a program at a US midwestern social
service agency providing assistance to individuals seeking employment or
reentry into the workforce. Prior to their participation in the agency's group
career counseling program, Ss completed the Expectations About
Counseling-Brief Form and the Career Maturity Inventory. The findings indicate
that trauma survivors were more motivated and open to counseling than
nonsurvivors, but expected their counselors to be less empathic. No
significant differences were noted on career maturity. Implications for
counselor training and future research are discussed. ========================================
Title: Risk factors for posttrauma reactions in police officers: A longitudinal
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hodgins, Gene A.; Creamer, Mark; Bell, Richard
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 189(8) Aug 2001,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 541-547
Abstract/Review/Citation: This prospective, longitudinal study investigated risk
factors in the development of psychological ill health and posttraumatic
stress symptoms in a sample of 223 junior police officers (aged 19-51 yrs).
Participants were assessed using a self-report methodology during training and
again 12 mo later on a range of personality, trauma exposure, and symptom
measures. Risk factors for general psychological ill health at phase 2 of the
research were found to comprise mostly stable, preexisting characteristics
such as personality style, gender, and trait dissociation. Conversely,
specific traumatic stress symptoms were more heavily influenced by experiences
in the intervening 12 mo, such as severity of incident exposure and
peritraumatic dissociation. The implications for differential intervention are
Title: Traumatic stress and ways of coping of community residents exposed to a
train disaster.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chung, Man Cheung; Farmer, Steven; Werrett, Julie; Easthope, Yvette; Chung, Catherine
Source/Citation: Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 35(4)
Aug 2001, Australia: Blackwell Science Asia; 2001, 528-534
Abstract/Review/Citation: The aims of this study were to examine the degree of
traumatic stress and the coping strategies employed by community residents who
lived on both sides of a rail track where a train collision occurred. The
hypothesis was that there would be a high level of traumatic stress and that
emotion-focused coping would be the predictor to distress. This was a
cross-sectional survey with a retrospective design in which 66 community
residents (aged 22-91 yrs), who lived between 30 and 100 feet away from the
crash site, were interviewed. The study began approximately 7 months after the
disaster. The Impact of Event Scale, the General Health Questionnaire and the
Ways of Coping Checklists were administered to the residents. The residents
were found to have experienced some intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviour
but their mean scores were significantly lower than those of standardized
samples. Traumatic stress was predicted by both emotion-focused and
problem-focused coping strategies. Although community residents were not on
the train or related to the dead or injured in any way, they could, after
being exposed to a train disaster, manifest traumatic stress symptoms which
had long-lasting effects.
Title: Traumatic Brain Injury Collaborative Planning Group: A protocol for
community intervention.
Author(s)/Editor(s): DePompei, Roberta; Frye, DeAnna; DuFore, Marcia; Hunt, Pamela
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: Vol
16(3) Jun 2001, US: Aspen Publishers ; 2001, 217-237
Abstract/Review/Citation: The Traumatic Brain Injury Collaborative Planning
Group was formed in December 1992 to address service gaps and to use agencies
and their programs better to meet the specialized needs of individuals with
traumatic brain injury (TBI). The group meetings served as the interagency
link between service providers for comprehensive planning and problem solving.
This article focuses on the 3 main tasks of this group: (1) interagency case
planning among participating agencies; (2) provision of training and
networking opportunities for service providers working with this population;
(3) development of creative funding mechanisms for community education and
support services to assist individuals to live and work in the community. Data
collected about the 21 persons served in the past 3 yrs is provided, and
protocol forms are shared. This model of collaboration throughout a countywide
area has been used as a basis for similar development in several other states.
Title: Factors associated with balance deficits on admission to rehabilitation
after traumatic brain injury: A multicenter analysis.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Greenwald, Brian D.; Cifu, David X.; Marwitz, Jennifer H.; Enders, Lisa J.; Brown, Allen W.; Englander, Jeffrey S.; Zafonte, Ross D.
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: ; Vol
16(3) Jun 2001, US: Aspen Publishers; 2001, 238-252
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluate how demographics, measures of injury
severity, and acute care complications relate to sitting and standing balance
in 908 rehabilitation center patients (aged 16-85 yrs) with traumatic brain
injury (TBI). Sitting and standing balance were assessed within 72 hrs of
admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Age less than 50 yrs was associated
with normal sitting and standing balance. Measures of severity of TBI,
including admission Glasgow Coma Score, length of posttraumatic amnesia,
length of coma, and acute care length of stay were each related to impaired
sitting and standing balance ratings. Initial abnormalities in pupillary
response was associated with impairment of sitting but not standing balance.
Incidence of respiratory failure, pneumonia, soft tissue infections, and
urinary tract infections were all related to impaired sitting balance.
Presence of intracranial hemorrhages was not significantly related with either
sitting or standing balance. Intracranial compression had was significantly
related with standing but not sitting balance. A discrimmant function
analysis, which included neuroradiological findings, injury severity, and
medical complications, could not accurately predict impaired balance ratings.
Title: Quantitative PET findings in patients with posttraumatic anosmia.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Varney, Nils R.; Pinkston, James B.; Wu, Joseph C.
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: Vol
16(3) Jun 2001, US: Aspen Publishers ; 2001, 253-259
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated quantitative PET findings, particularly
from orbitofrontal cortex, in 11 head-injured outpatients with severe
posttraumatic anosmia (mean age 47 yrs). All patients had their head injuries
at least 2 yrs before involvement in the study. Quantitative evaluation of PET
findings for anosmic patients as a group showed orbitofrontal hypometabolism
compared with age-matched controls. Decreased activity was also noted in
medial temporal lobe. Activity in subcortical white matter was essentially
identical between groups. Findings strongly suggest that posttraumatic anosmia
is closely associated with hypometabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex and the
medial prefrontal cortex. The results also underscore the importance of
posttraumatic anosmia as a clinical sign of orbitofrontal damage, as has been
shown previously with neuroSPECT (single photon emission computed tomography).
Title: Flexyx neurotherapy system in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: An
initial evaluation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Schoenberger, Nancy E.; Shiflett, Samuel C.; Esty, Mary Lee; Ochs, Len; Matheis, Robert J.
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: Vol
16(3) Jun 2001, US: Aspen Publishers; 2001, 260-274
Abstract/Review/Citation: Conducted a preliminary experimental evaluation of the
potential efficacy of the Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS), an innovative
EEG-based biofeedback therapy used clinically in the treatment of traumatic
brain injury (TBI). 12 Ss (aged 21-53 yrs who had experienced mild to
moderately severe closed head injury at least 12 mo previously and who
reported substantial cognitive difficulties after injury which interfered with
their functioning, were randomly assigned to an immediate treatment group or a
wait-list control group. All Ss received 25 sessions of FNS treatment. Ss were
assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up with standardized
neuropsychological and mood measures. Comparison of the 2 groups on outcome
measures indicated improvement after treatment for depression, fatigue, and
other problematic symptoms, as well as for some measures of cognitive
functioning. Most Ss experienced meaningful improvement in occupational and
social functioning. On the basis of these results, FNS appears to be a
promising new therapy for TBI and merits more extensive evaluation. ========================================
Title: Using talking lights to assist brain-injured patients with daily
inpatient therapeutic schedule.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Burke, David T.; Leeb, Steven B.; Hinman, Rodrick T.; Lupton, Elmer C.; Burke, Joel; Schneider, Jeffrey C.; Abangar, Brian; Simpson, Kristen; Mayer, Eric Auty Kanoalani
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation: Special Issue: Vol
16(3) Jun 2001, US: Aspen Publishers; 2001, 284-291
Abstract/Review/Citation: Tested the ability of 5 inpatients (aged 20-72 yrs)
with acquired brain injury to use a patient locator and minder (PLAM) system
to assist in their adherence to therapy schedules. The number of human prompts
necessary to direct a patient to, and ensure arrival at, a scheduled therapy
destination and the proportion of therapy sessions requiring no prompting was
measured both before and after the introduction of the PLAM system. With the
PLAM system, the average number of human prompts dropped by more than 50%, and
the number of sessions requiring no prompting increased from 7% to 44%.
Findings suggestion that the PLAM system is feasible and useful for patients
with acquired brain injury in assisting them with arrival at their therapy
destinations without the assistance of staff. ========================================
Title: fMRI response during visual motion stimulation in patients with late
whiplash syndrome.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Freitag, Peter; Greenlee, M. W.; Wachter, K.; Ettlin, Th. M.; Radue, E. W.
Source/Citation: Neurorehabilitation & Neural Repair: Special Issue: Vol
15(1) 2001, US: Demos Publications Inc; 2001, 31-37
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined 5 symptomatic patients with late whiplash
syndrome (aged 31-58 yrs), 5 asymptomatic patients after whiplash trauma, and
a control group of 7 volunteers without the history of trauma. Tests for
visual motion perception and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Measurements during visual motion stimulation were performed. Symptomatic
patients showed a significant reduction in their ability to perceive coherent
visual motion compared with controls, whereas the asymptomatic patients did
not show this effect. fMRI activation was similar during random dot motion in
all 3 groups, but was significantly decreased during coherent dot motion in
the symptomatic patients compared with the other 2 groups. Reduced
psychophysical motion performance and reduced fMRI responses in symptomatic
patients with late whiplash syndrome both point to a functional impairment in
cortical areas sensitive to coherent motion. Larger studies are needed to
confirm these clinical and functional imaging results to provide a possible
additional diagnostic criterion for the evaluation of patients with late
whiplash syndrome.
Title: Regional cerebral blood flow correlated with flashback intensity in
patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Osuch, Elizabeth A.; Benson, Brenda; Geraci, Marilla; Podell, Daniel; Herscovitch, Peter; McCann, Una D.; Post, Robert M.
Source/Citation: Biological Psychiatry: Special Issue: ; Vol 50(4) Aug 2001,
US: Elsevier Science Inc; 2001, 246-253
Abstract/Review/Citation: Nuclear imaging studies have examined cerebral blood
flow (rCBF) in Ss with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using symptom
evocation paradigms. To date, no such studies have investigated rCBF as
related to Ss' reports of flashback intensity. Ss (aged 23-56 yrs) with
varying traumatic histories and longstanding PTSD were studied using positron
emission tomography with an auditory script of their traumatic event. Eight Ss
had 3 resting scans followed by their script and additional scans. Heart rate
responses as well as the presence of flashbacks and their intensity were
recorded. rCBF was correlated with flashback intensity in each S's scan.
Combined analysis of all Ss' data yielded common regions related to the
flashback experience. rCBF correlated directly with flashback intensity in the
brainstem, lingula, bilateral insula, right putamen and left hippocampal and
perihippocampal, somatosensory and cerebellar regions. Inverse correlations
with rCBF were found in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal, right fusiform and
right medial temporal cortices. This study correlated flashback intensity and
rCBF in a group of patients with chronic PTSD suggesting involvement of
brainstem, and areas associated with motor control, complex visual/spatial
cues and memory.
Title: The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory: A proposed measure of PTSD
criterion A2.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Brunet, Alain; Weiss, Daniel S.; Metzler, Thomas J.; Best, Suzanne R.; Neylan, Thomas C.; Rogers, Cynthia; Fagan, Jeffrey; Marmar, Charles R.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry: Special Issue: Vol 158(9)
Sep 2001, US: American Psychiatric Assn; 2001, 1480-1485
Abstract/Review/Citation: Meeting criterion A2 for the diagnosis of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) requires
that an individual have high levels of distress during or after the traumatic
event. The authors developed a 13-item self-report measure the Peritraumatic
Distress Inventory, to obtain a quantitative measure of the level of distress
experienced during and immediately after a traumatic event. The
cross-sectional study group comprised 702 police officers and 301 matched
nonpolice comparison subjects varying in ethnicity and gender who were exposed
to a wide range of critical incidents. The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory
was found to be internally consistent, with good test-retest reliability and
good convergent and divergent validity. Even after controlling for
peritraumatic dissociation and for general psychopathology, the authors found
that Peritraumatic Distress Inventory scores correlated with two measures of
posttraumatic stress symptoms. The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory holds
promise as a measure of PTSD criterion A2. Future studies should prospectively
examine the ability of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory to predict PTSD
and its associated biological and cognitive correlates in other trauma-exposed
Title: SPRINT: A brief global assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Connor, Kathryn M.; Davidson, J. R. T.
Source/Citation: International Clinical Psychopharmacology: Special Issue:
Vol 16(5) Sep 2001, US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 279-284
Abstract/Review/Citation: This report describes the reliability, validity,
treatment sensitivity, diagnostic performance and normative values for the
Short Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Rating Interview (SPRINT), a
brief, global assessment for PTSD. The SPRINT was administered to 83
outpatients (aged 18-66 yrs) with PTSD participating in a clinical trial of
PTSD and in a population survey assessing PTSD prevalence. The 8-item SPRINT
includes questions assessing the core symptoms of PTSD, as well as related
aspects of somatic malaise, stress vulnerability and functional impairment.
Validity was assessed against the MINI structured interview, the Davidson
Trauma Scale, Treatment Outcome for PTSD Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience
Scale, Sheehan Stress Vulnerability Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale and
Clinical Global Impressions of Severity and Improvement Scales. Good
test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent and divergent
validity were obtained. The SPRINT was responsive to symptom change over time
and correlated with comparable PTSD symptom measures. In victims of trauma, a
score of 14-17 was associated with 96% diagnostic accuracy, whereas in those
with PTSD, highest efficiency corresponded to a range of 11-13. ========================================
Title: Early predictors of mortality in penetrating compared with closed brain
Author(s)/Editor(s): Peek-Asa, Corinne; McArthur, David; Hovda, David; Kraus, Jess
Source/Citation: Brain Injury; Vol 15(9) Sep 2001, US: Taylor & Francis;
2001, 801-810
Abstract/Review/Citation: Although brain injury incidence rates have been
decreasing, the proportion of these injuries which are penetrating has been
increasing. This study compares mortality amongst persons with penetrating and
closed brain injuries and explores the relationship of early predictors of
mortality. The study included 795 moderately or severely brain injured
individuals (aged 16-50+ yrs) identified through the UCLA Brain Injury
Research Centre. Logistic regression was used to predict mortality by Glasgow
Coma Scale (GCS) level and brain injury type, controlling for age, gender, and
presence of multiple trauma. Of the 795 individuals, 110 had penetrating and
685 had closed brain injury. Case fatality rates were higher for penetrating
than closed injuries for all GCS, gender, age, and cause of injury categories.
When controlling for GCS level at admission, age, gender, and multiple trauma,
those with penetrating injuries were 6.6 times more likely to die. As the pool
of information about survival and recovery from penetrating injuries grows,
decisions regarding clinical care and prevention activities can be more
appropriately focused.
Title: Sexual orientation bias experiences and service needs of gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgendered, and two-spirited American Indians.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Walters, Karina L.; Simoni, Jane M.; Horwath, Pamela F.
Source/Citation: Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services: Issues in
Practice, Policy & Research; Vol 13(1-2) 2001, US: Haworth
Press/Harrington Park Press; 2001, 133-149
Abstract/Review/Citation: Employing both quantitative and qualitative
methodologies, this study examined: sexual orientation bias experiences among
American Indians (AIs) who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or
two-spirited (GLBTT S); service provider attitudes toward AI GLBTT S; and
service barriers and needs with respect to AI GLBTT S at one AI
community-based organization. Participants were aged 18-64 yrs. Among the 14
AI GLBTT S surveyed, the percentages reporting various bias-related
experiences were comparable or greater to those reported for non-AI GLBTT S in
other studies (e.g., 36% had been physically assaulted because of their sexual
orientation). The 22 service providers surveyed revealed generally low levels
of heterosexism, which was inversely related to contact and comfort with AI
GLBTT S as well as understanding of AI GLBTTS terms. Data from 8 focus groups
(7 with service providers and 1 with AI two-spirited men) yielded four main
themes related to problems and barriers to service utilization for AI GLBTT-S
(i.e., invisibility, discrimination, trauma, and identity) as well as ideas
for community-based program planning with this population. ========================================
Title: Association of serotonin and cortisol indices with childhood abuse in
bulimia nervosa.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Steiger, Howard; Gauvin, Lise; Israel, Mimi; Koerner, Naomi; Ng Ying Kin, N. M. K.; Paris, Joel; Young, Simon N.
Source/Citation: Archives of General Psychiatry; Vol 58(9) Sep 2001, US:
American Medical Assn; 2001, 837-843
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the association of serotonin and cortisol
indices with childhood abuse (CHA) in bulimia nervosa. The authors compared 45
bulimic women reporting CHA, bulimic women without CHA, normal eaters with a
history of abuse, and normal eaters with no abuse history on symptom,
5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and cortisol indices. All Ss were aged 18-40 yrs.
It was hypothesized that abuse would coincide with increased eating and
psychological symptoms and decreased 5-HT and cortisol activity. To assess
eating disorder (ED) symptoms, the Eating Disorder Examination interview and
the Eating Attitudes Test were used. Body mass index was computed from
self-reported height and weight. CHA was assessed with the Childhood Trauma
Interview, quantifying the nature, frequency, and duration of childhood
physical and sexual abuse. Results revealed that abuse was reported by 76% of
bulimic Ss and 52% of nonbulimic Ss. Significant bulimic and nonbulimic
differences were indicated for physical abuse, but not for sexual abuse.
Bulimic Ss reporting child abuse showed decreased plasma cortisol levels
relative to nonabused Ss who were normal eaters. Results suggest that bulimia
nervosa and CHA are both generally associated with reduced 5-HT, but CHA may
be more specifically linked to reduced cortisol levels activity. ========================================
Title: The symptom structure of ptsd in child, adolescent, and adult survivors
of sexual assault: Where do symptoms of emotional numbing belong?
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hamblen, Jessica LiebergottPaper Number: 20010926
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 61(9-B) Apr 2001, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2001, 4984
Abstract/Review/Citation: The proposed study attempts to expand on what is known
about the symptom structure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One
current issue that has been raised with regard to the diagnosis of PTSD is
whether avoidance and numbing symptoms should remain grouped together into a
single symptom cluster or be separated into distinct clusters. This question
is addressed in three different age samples of female survivors of sexual
assault and sexual abuse: adults ages 18-65, adolescents ages 11-17, and
children ages 6-10. Four hypotheses are evaluated within each trauma
population, specifically: (1) numbing will comprise a distinct symptom
cluster, (2) trauma survivors will exhibit numbing symptoms, (3) numbing will
discriminate survivors with and without PTSD, and (4) numbing will occur most
often in the presence of high arousal and avoidance. General conclusions about
the cohesiveness of PTSD, especially as it pertains to numbing symptoms are
discussed. Special attention is paid to the issues of generalizability and
developmental differences in response to sexual assault and sexual abuse.
Title: 1/ Feeling trauma and its relationship to alientation, personality values
and psychological disorders among Kuwaiti youth.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Al-Sahel, Rashed; Hanora, Masri
Source/Citation: Journal of the Social Sciences; Vol 29(2) Sum 2001, Kuwait:
Academic Publication Council; 2001, 55-80
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the effects of trauma on Kuwaiti youths'
personality, personal values and alienation. Ss were 1,337 15-40 yr olds, who
completed the Multidimensional Alienation Inventory, Personal Values Check
List, Critical Items of Personality Assessment Inventory and Trauma Feeling
Scale (constructed by the authors). Results show that the Ss who scored the
highest on the Trauma Feeling Scale also had the highest scores on the
alienation scales and psychological disorder measures, and the lowest scores
on personal positive values. These Ss are seen at higher risk for
psychological disorders.
Title: Revictimization and information processing in women survivors of
childhood sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Field, Nigel P.; Classen, Catherine; Butler, Lisa D.; Koopman, Cheryl; Zarcone, Julia; Spiegel, David
Source/Citation: Journal of Anxiety Disorders; Vol 15(5) Sep-Oct 2001, US:
Elsevier Science Inc; 2001, 459-469
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the effect of sexual revictimization on
information processing of trauma-related stimuli in 51 female child sexual
abuse (CSA) survivors (aged 22-72 yrs) diagnosed with posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Ss completed the Sexual Experiences Survey regarding sexual
revictimization in the last 6 mo and performed a modified emotional Stroop
task in which they named the colors of neutral words (e.g., apple), general
threat words (e.g., malignant and death), and sexual/victimization words
(e.g., penis and abuser). As predicted, the revictimized Ss (n = 16) took
significantly longer to color-name sexual/victimization words than did the
nonrevictimized Ss. Results suggest that revictimization serves to prime
preexisting "trauma" memory networks, thereby amplifying the impact
of childhood sexual trauma on selective attention toward trauma-related
Title: Trauma-related sleep disturbance and self-reported physical health
symptoms in treatment-seeking female rape victims.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Clum, Gretchen A.; Nishith, Pallavi; Resick, Patricia A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 189(9) Sep 2001,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 618-622
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of the study was to assess the
relationship between trauma-related sleep disturbance and physical health
symptoms in treatment-seeldng female rape victims. A total of 167 participants
(aged 18-70 yrs) were assessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
symptoms, depression, sleep disturbance, and frequency of self-reported health
symptoms. Results demonstrated that trauma-related sleep disturbance predicted
unique variance in physical health symptoms after other PTSD and depression
symptoms were controlled. The findings suggest that trauma-related sleep
disturbance is one potential factor contributing to physical health symptoms
in rape victims with PTSD.
Title: Theta bursts, closed head injury, and partial seizure-like symptoms: A
retrospective study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Roberts, Richard J.; Franzen, Kris; Varney, Nils R.
Electronic Access:http://alidoro.catchword.com/vl=27768742/cl=44/nw=1/fm=docpdf/rpsv/catchword/er
Source/Citation: Applied Neuropsychology; Vol 8(3) Sep 2001, US: Lawrence
Erlbaum Assoc; 2001, 140-147
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of this retrospective, chart-review study
was to provide additional information on the clinical correlates of paroxysmal
theta activity on EEG and to further examine the previously proposed relation
between episodic symptoms in the context of prior closed-head injury and theta
bursts. Compared with 30 patients (aged 19-88 yrs) with normal EEGs and 30
patients (aged 21-66 yrs) with nonparoxysmal theta-delta slowing, 38
consecutive patients (aged 21-72 yrs) with theta bursts were found to have
significantly more episodic (i.e., partial seizure-like) symptoms documented
in their medical records. History of closed-head trauma was also associated
with increased reporting of episodic symptoms across all three clinical
groups. These findings suggest that, in the presence of theta bursts on EEG,
clinicians may wish to interview systematically for episodic, partial
seizure-like phenomena, especially when paroxysmal theta activity occurs in
the context of prior closed head injury. ========================================
Title: Thought Field Therapy-- Soothing the bad moments of Kosovo.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Johnson, Carl; Shala, Mustafe; Sejdijaj, Xhevdet; Odell, Robert; Dabishevci, Kadengjika
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology: Special Issue: Thought field
therapy: Initial research; Vol 57(10) Oct 2001, US: John Wiley & Sons Inc;
2001, 1237-1240
Abstract/Review/Citation: Much of the ethnic Albanian majority living in Kosovo
was either massacred or tortured by invading Serbian forces in 1999, leaving
widespread posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors. This study
describes the treatment of trauma in Kosovo with Thought Field Therapy (TFT)
during 5 separate trips by members of the Global Institute of Thought Field
Therapy. TFT treatment involves individual diagnosis of required sequences,
followed by precision mechanical stimulation of points on the body's energy
meridians, plus bilateral optical cortical stimulation. This treatment was
given to 105 ethnic Albanian residents of Kosovo (aged 4-78 yrs) with 249
separate traumas. Due to Albanian taboos against emotional suffering,
emotional suffering was measured in terms of the absence or presence of
unwelcome emotion and/or somatic discomfort when thinking about the moment.
Total relief was reported by 103 of the patients, and for 247 of the separate
traumas. Follow-up data (1-9 mo post-treatment) was obtained for 81 of the Ss.
These data showed enduring treatment successes and revealed no instance of
Title: Between search and research: How to find your way around? Review of the
article ' 'Thought Field Therapy-- Soothing the bad moments of Kosovo.'
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rosner, Rita
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology: Special Issue: Thought field
therapy: Initial research; Vol 57(10) Oct 2001, US: John Wiley & Sons Inc;
2001, 1241-1244
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on C. Johnson et al's (see record
2001-18792-009) study of the treatment of trauma in Kosovo with Thought Field
Therapy (TFT). The author argues that this study provides very limited
evidence for the effectiveness of TFT. The author argues that poor study
design and diagnostic procedures applied, or rather the absence of objective
diagnostic procedures following minimum psychometric requirements, do not
allow conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of treatment. ========================================
Title: Secondary traumatic stress, psychological distress, sharing of traumatic
reminisces, and marital quality among spouses of Holocaust child survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lev-Wiesel, Rachel; Amir, Marianne
Source/Citation: Journal of Marital & Family Therapy; Vol 27(4) Oct 2001,
US: American Assn for Marriage & Family Therapy; 2001, 433-444
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the issue of secondary traumatic stress (STS)
among spouses of Holocaust survivors who were children during the World War
II. STS is defined as comprising the same components as posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), except that the person evidencing the symptoms has not
actually been exposed to the traumatic event(s), but has developed them as a
result of caring for someone with PTSD. Participants were 90 couples (aged
44-80 yrs) who completed self-report questionnaires regarding posttraumatic
symptoms, psychological distress, and marital quality. The results showed that
about one-third of the spouses suffered from some degree of STS symptoms.
Secondary traumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress among spouses
were significantly related to hostility, anger paranoia, and interpersonal
sensitivity in the survivor, but unrelated to whether the survivor had shared
his/her reminiscences with the spouse. Female spouses were found to suffer
more distress than male spouses, especially when their partner suffered high
levels of PTSD. The results suggest that STS is, to a large degree, related to
the demands of living with a symptomatic survivor possibly more than to the
empathic element thought to be central to this syndrome. ========================================
Title: Attributions of responsibility and adjustment after a traumatic burn
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lambert, Jennifer Joan Falconer
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 61(10-B) May 2001, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2001, 5569
Abstract/Review/Citation: A severe burn injury is a traumatic stressor
frequently associated with increased depression, anxiety, and acute stress
disorder (ASD) in hospitalized patients. Poor psychological adjustment
in-hospital has been associated with reduced compliance, greater pain reports,
and poorer long-term outcomes. One psychological variable used to predict
adjustment to traumatic events is attribution of blame. Though the adaptive
significance of self- and other-blame has been studied, the results are
equivocal. Nevertheless, these constructs hold promise for explaining
psychological outcomes following trauma. Predicted mediators of the
association between attributions of blame and psychological outcomes include
perceived control and self-esteem. This study examined self- and other-blame,
self-esteem, perceived control, and psychological adjustment (anxiety,
depression, general distress, Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic-Stress
Disorder) in hospitalized burn patients. Participants were 95 male and 47
female inpatients (mean age = 41 + 15; 40% White, 36% Black, 16% Hispanic, 8%
other), with an average body surface area burned equal to 10.4 percent.
Results indicate that in general, self-blame was associated with better
adjustment than other-blame. For example, none of the patients who blamed
themselves met criteria for ASD, compared to 23% of those who blamed others,
and 6% of the self-blame group met criteria for PTSD, compared to 37% of the
other-blame group. In addition, those with other-blame reported more days of
distress in hospital than those with self-blame. As predicted, greater
self-blame was associated with lower self-esteem than was other-blame, and
that lower self-esteem was associated with poorer adjustment in general
(independent of attributions). Perceived control was unrelated to attributions
and adjustment in this population. The results confirm some of the previous
findings regarding the adaptive value of self- and other-blame, but failed to
show the predicted mediation effect. They also point to the importance of
self-esteem as a predictor of adjustment. A challenge for the future will be
to elucidate the clinical significance of these relationships. ========================================
Title: Recovered and continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse: A
quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Stoler, Linda Ribble
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 61(10-B) May 2001, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2001, 5582
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study is an in-depth examination of women who
reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Among a non-clinical sample of 26
women, ages 22-65, 11 reported they had always remembered CSA (continuous
memories) and 15 reported they had forgotten CSA for some period of their
lives (delayed memories). Participants completed a questionnaire which
included demographics, abuse history, therapy history, symptom checklists,
Family Functioning Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and the Adult Sexual
Victimization Scale, and were then interviewed. Eighty-six percent of women
with delayed, and 46% with continuous, memories reported corroboration. Only
one woman reported a therapist was the first to raise the possibility of
abuse. Quantitative comparisons revealed that women with delayed memories were
younger at the time of their abuse and more closely related to their abusers.
Family functioning and dissociative experiences were not significantly
different, due to small n and high variability, but there was a trend towards
more negative but ritualistic family patterns and greater dissociative
tendencies among the women with delayed memories. In qualitative interviews,
women with delayed memories reported that they had more positive or ambivalent
relationships with their abusers, and had, as children, disclosed their abuse
less frequently than those with continuous memories; when they did disclose,
they were disbelieved. While disclosures among women with continuous memories
led to mixed reactions, at least one person had believed them. Recovered
memories were described as generally fragmented and isolated, as physical or
affective sensations, or disconnected visual flashes, qualities which did not
change with therapy. Women with continuous memories described their memories
as clear and visual, and were more able to give a sequential narrative of
abuse incidents. All women reported some distress attributed to the sexual
abuse, including suicidality, which had been more pervasive and severe for
women with delayed memories. Results expand upon previous data, and support
suggestions that young children may forget trauma. Results supported Jennifer
Freyd's betrayal trauma theory, which posits that children who are dependent
upon their abuser-betrayer are more likely to deny the abusive part of their
lives, as a strategy for emotional and physical survival. ========================================
Title: Trauma- and grief-focused intervention for adolescents exposed to
community violence: Results of a school-based screening and group treatment
Author(s)/Editor(s): Saltzman, William R.; Pynoos, Robert S.; Layne, Christopher M.; Steinberg, Alan M.; Aisenberg, Eugene
Source/Citation: Group Dynamics: Special Issue: Group-based interventions for
trauma survivors. Vol 5(4) Dec 2001, US: Educational Publishing Foundation;
2001, 291-303
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study assessed the prevalence of trauma exposure
among middle school students and evaluated the effectiveness of a
school-based, trauma- and grief-focused group psychotherapy protocol in
treating a subset of students with severe exposure, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and functional impairment. Using a stratified screening
procedure, 812 students completed a screening survey; 58 students (7.1% of
those surveyed) met criteria for group treatment, and 26 students participated
in the group. Group participation was associated with improvements in
posttraumatic stress and complicated grief symptoms and in academic
performance. Results suggest that students who are exposed to severe levels of
community violence often may not be identified or treated. The findings also
suggest that severe PTSD in adolescence may be associated with impaired school
functioning, and that a reduction in PTSD symptoms may be related to academic
Title: Factors associated with perceived quality of life many years after
traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Steadman-Pare, Deborah; Colantonio, Angela; Ratcliff, Graham; Chase, Susan; Vernich, Lee
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; Vol 16(4) Aug 2001, US:
Aspen Publishers; 2001, 330-342
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined factors associated with perceived quality of
life (QOL) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). 194 male and 81 female
individuals (aged 23-84 yrs) who had sustained moderate to severe TBI 8-24 yrs
previously and who were discharged from a rehabilitation hospital completed
interviews concerning current QOL. Ss completed the self-rated Quality of Life
Scale. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that perceived mental
health, self-rated health, participation in work and leisure, gender (female
Ss rated QOL higher than did males), and the availability of emotional support
were significantly associated with QOL. The importance of designing ongoing
support programs to further reintegrate TBI survivors several years after
injury is discussed.
Title: Long-term life quality and family needs after traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kolakowsky-Hayner, Stephanie A.; Miner, K. Dawn; Kreutzer, Jeffrey S.
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; Vol 16(4) Aug 2001, US:
Aspen Publishers; 2001, 374-384
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined life quality and long-term family needs of
caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBIs). 57 caregivers
(aged 19-82 yrs) of TBI patients (4 yrs after injury) completed the Virginia
Traumatic Brain Injury Family Needs Assessment Survey and quality of life
questions. Results show a diminished life quality following TBI. Health
Information and Involvement with Care family needs were most often rated as
met, whereas Instrumental Support and Professional Support needs were most
often rated as not met.
Title: Strategies d'adaptation des victimes d'abus sexuels resilientes et
toxicomanes./ Adaptation strategies for resilient and drug-addicted victims of
sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Dufour, Magali H.; Corbiere, Marc; Nadeau, Louise
Source/Citation: Revue Quebecoise de Psychologie; Vol 22(1) 2001, Canada: Revue
Quebecoise de Psychologie; 2001, 149-162
Abstract/Review/Citation: Studied coping strategies used by 20 female adult
victims of sexual abuse (aged 22-48 yrs) with a history of drug abuse and 20
female adult victims of sexual abuse (aged 22-48 yrs) with no history of drug
addiction (resilient). Data on sociodemographic variables, clinical and
psychological symptoms, and drug consumption history were obtained by
semistructured interview. The Quebec Health Index of Psychological Distress
(M. Preville, 1992), The Trauma Symptom checklist (J. Briere et M. Runtz,
1989), the Self-Esteem Scale (E. F. Vallieres et R. J. Vallerand, 1990), the
Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Interview (A. Bifulco et al, 1994) and
the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (S. Folkman and R. S. Lazarus, 1988) were
administered. Cluster analysis and other statistical tests were used to
analyze data. The results indicate that both drug-addicted and resilient Ss
used social support and positive reappraisal and planning problem-solving
techniques but that 70 percent of drug-addicted Ss used distancing and
avoidance strategies while 70 percent of resilient Ss used low avoidance
strategies. Implications for developing intervention programs are discussed.
Title: Cognitive-behavioral approaches to PTSD.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Zoellner, Lori A.; Fitzgibbons, Lee A.; Foa, Edna B.
Source/Citation: Treating psychological trauma and PTSD., New York, NY, US: The
Guilford Press; 2001, (xii, 467), 159-182
Source editor(s): Wilson, John P. (Ed); Friedman, Matthew J. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: This chapter argues that several cognitive-behavioral
treatments are effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
related symptoms and that prolonged exposure may have some advantage over
other programs. In an attempt to explain natural recovery and treatment
efficacy, the authors focus on 3 psychological factors that are involved in
the successful processing of a traumatic event: emotional engagement with the
trauma memory, organization and articulation of the trauma narrative, and
modification of basic core beliefs about the world and about oneself. To
illustrate the process of exposure therapy and the mechanisms involved in its
success, they present 2 case examples, one describing recovery and the other
failure to benefit from treatment. These cases also demonstrate the complexity
and intricacy inherent in delivering this seemingly straightforward treatment
Title: Group psychotherapy for PTSD.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Foy, David W.; Schnurr, Paula P.; Weiss, Daniel S.; Wattenberg, Melissa S.; Glynn, Shirley M.; Marmar, Charles R.; Gusman, Fred D.
Source/Citation: Treating psychological trauma and PTSD., New York, NY, US: The
Guilford Press; 2001, (xii, 467), 183-202
Source editor(s): Wilson, John P. (Ed); Friedman, Matthew J. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: In this chapter the authors present an overview of 3
types of group therapy--supportive, psychodynamic, and
cognitive-behavioral--currently used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Preliminarily, the historical development of group treatment
for PTSD is briefly reviewed, including several advantages offered by group
therapy, followed by an overview of evidence providing empirical support for
group treatment. Next, for each type of group therapy the treatment rationale
and description of procedures are presented, along with a case example.
Considerations for offering group therapy as a primary mode of therapy are
enumerated. Finally, the authors discuss matching criteria for use in
selecting the type of group intervention that best fits a particular client,
and areas of necessary further investigation are identified. ========================================
Title: Treatment of persons with complex PTSD and other trauma-related
disruptions of the self.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Pearlman, Laurie Anne
Source/Citation: Treating psychological trauma and PTSD., New York, NY, US: The
Guilford Press; 2001, (xii, 467), 205-236
Source editor(s): Wilson, John P. (Ed); Friedman, Matthew J. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: Discusses complex posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), the sequelae of early childhood abuse and neglect. Complex PTSD
includes dissociation, relationship difficulties, revictimization,
somatization, affect dysregulation, and disruptions of identity. The author
provides a theoretical framework for understanding the clinical observations
that are collectively termed complex PTSD. An approach to treatment has grown
out of constructivist self development theory, which the author describes as
it applies to the adaptations. She then applies that approach to case examples
of 3 survivors of childhood trauma. In the process, she delineates some
hypothetical mechanisms of change in psychotherapies with survivors of severe
and early trauma. The author's intent is that the chapter will provide a
clinical and theoretical basis for future research into these mechanisms and
treatment approaches.
Title: Cross-cultural treatment of PTSD.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kinzie, J. David
Source/Citation: Treating psychological trauma and PTSD., New York, NY, US: The
Guilford Press; 2001, (xii, 467), 255-277
Source editor(s): Wilson, John P. (Ed); Friedman, Matthew J. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: This chapter discusses the challenges and complexities
of treating patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from other
cultures. The American clinician is likely to encounter 3 broad types of PTSD
patient from other cultures or minorities: the minority American citizen, the
foreign refugee, and the asylum seeker, who is often an illegal immigrant. The
treatment of psychiatric disorders across cultures begins with the complex
issue of assessment. The complexity develops because each culture can define
normality and psychopathology differently from other cultures. Guidelines are
suggested for the optimal cross-cultural care of patients with PTSD. It is
suggested that these guidelines are often impossible to put totally into
practice and should represent an ideal which must be adjusted as the clinical
setting, practical matters, finances, availability of interpreters, medical
services, and legal pressures dictate. Since optimal treatment requires a
fully developed program, the author describes that first, followed by
individual therapeutic considerations. ========================================
Title: Case history analysis of the treatments for PTSD: Lessons learned.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lindy, Jacob D.; Wilson, John P.; Friedman, Matthew J.
Source/Citation: Treating psychological trauma and PTSD., New York, NY, US: The
Guilford Press; 2001, (xii, 467), 385-408
Source editor(s): Wilson, John P. (Ed); Friedman, Matthew J. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: The book from which this
chapter comes casts a broad net over the field of trauma therapy. In this
chapter, the authors attempt a synthesis through the more narrow view of the
27 case histories in this book. These case histories provide illustrations
which teach how practitioners of the differing core approaches think about
their patients and what it is in their approach that works. The authors
discuss what is unique about each method, how the interventions of the
different modes work, how entry into the complex world of posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) through one portal leads the patient and clinician to discover
other aspects of the disorder, and how the different approaches work together,
either adjunctively or sequentially. In the concluding section of the chapter
the authors look at the same case histories to examine common underlying
features among the core approaches, discussing whether there are similar ways
in which patients feel improved, and whether there are common ways in which
clinicians work.
Title: Work absence as a function of a national traumatic event: The case of
Prime Minister Rabin's assassination.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kushnir, Talma; Fried, Yitzhak; Malkinson, Ruth
Electronic Access:http://pippo.catchword.com/vl=2404176/cl=44/nw=1/rpsv/catchword/tandf/02678373/
Source/Citation: Work & Stress; Vol 15(3) 2001, US: Taylor & Francis;
2001, 265-273
Abstract/Review/Citation: Most research on absenteeism has focused on the
effects of individual and work-related factors, to the exclusion of the
effects of societal and political events external to the individual and his or
her specific work conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
relationship between the emotional reaction to the assassination of Prime
Minister Rabin in Israel and work absenteeism during the period following the
assassination. It was hypothesized that: emotional reaction is positively
related to absenteeism; this relationship is stronger among female employees
than among male employees; and this relationship is stronger for individuals
who are pessimistic about the future as opposed to those who are optimistic.
These hypotheses were supported by data collected from a random sample of 199
working adults (aged 22-65 yrs).
Title: What does it take to collaborate with families affected by brain injury?
A preliminary model.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Sohlberg, McKay Moore; McLaughlin, Karen A.; Todis, Bonnie; Larsen, Jennifer; Glang, Ann
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; Vol 16(5) Oct 2001, US:
Aspen Publishers; 2001, 498-511
Abstract/Review/Citation: Reports on a preliminary model for collaboration
procedures for rehabilitation professionals working in clinical and
educational settings with individuals with brain injury and their families.
Collaboration is a process in which family expertise is acknowledged and used
to direct selection, implementation, and evaluation of treatment plans. The
authors conducted a 2-yr, qualitative study with 8 families of injured
individuals who were 16 to 50 yrs old. This led to the development of this
accessible model and a prescriptive manual for applying collaborative
principles to practice. The model divided the therapeutic process into 3
overlapping phases (the initial interview, the identification and
prioritization of goals, and monitoring change and revisiting goals). Although
collaboration has been frequently considered an ideal relationship between
professionals and families, many rehabilitation and education professionals
have traditionally emphasized the role of the professional as responsible for
client change. The collaborative model here does not introduce new concepts,
but the data reinforces existing reports that collaboration with clients'
families improves treatment outcomes, and the model delineates practice
procedures. An Appendix includes an interview guide. ========================================
Title: Women's views on breast cancer risk and screening mammography: A
qualitative interview study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Silverman, E.; Woloshin, S.; Schwartz, L. M.; Byram, S. J.; Welch, H. G.; Fischhoff, B.
Source/Citation: Medical Decision Making; Vol 21(3) May-Jun 2001, US: Sage
Science Press; 2001, 231-240
Abstract/Review/Citation: The authors sought to learn how women (aged 40-70+
yrs) view breast cancer (BC), their personal risk of BC, and how screening
mammography affects that risk. 41 open-ended semistructured interviews with Ss
selected by quota sampling to ensure a wide range in demographics of the Ss
were conducted. Almost all Ss viewed BC as a uniformly progressive disease
that begins in a silent curable form and, unless treated early, invariably
grows, spreads, and kills. Some women felt that any abnormality found must be
treated, even if it was not malignant. None had heard of potentially
nonprogressive cancers, and when informed, most felt that the uncertain
prognosis of such lesions reinforced the need to find and treat disease as
soon as possible. Ss expressed a wide range of views about their personal risk
of BC. Although some saw BC as a central threat to their health, many others
cited heart disease, other cancers, violence, and trauma as greater concerns.
Most recognized the importance of "uncontrollable" factors for BC
such as age, sex, family history, and genetics. However, other
"controllable" factors with little or no demonstrated link to BC
were given equal or greater prominence suggesting that many women feel
considerable personal responsibility for their level of BC risk. ========================================
Title: The effect of dissociation at encoding on intrusive memories for a
stressful film.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Brewin, Chris R.; Saunders, Julie
Source/Citation: British Journal of Medical Psychology; Vol 74(4) Dec 2001,
England: British Psychological Society; 2001, 467-472
Abstract/Review/Citation: The occurrence of memory intrusions after a trauma has
been linked to peri-traumatic dissociation. In this study, the authors
attempted to induce dissociation experimentally and investigate the impact on
intrusive memories. A total of 39 undergraduates (aged 18-40 yrs) were
randomly assigned to watch a stressful film under standard conditions or under
a dual-task condition in which they simultaneously performed a tapping task.
They rated their distress post-film and again after 2 weeks, and kept a diary
of intrusive memories. Contrary to prediction, there were no differences in
levels of distress or explicit memory between the two conditions, and the
dual-task condition was followed by significantly fewer memory intrusions.
Dual-task conditions may not provide a good analogue to naturally occurring
dissociation. The possible preventive effects of the tapping task are
discussed in terms of the dual-representation theory of post-traumatic stress
Title: Applying psychoanalysis to couple therapy: The treatment of a couple with
sexualized persecutory internal objects resulting from trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Scharff, David E.
Source/Citation: Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies; Vol 3(4) Oct 2001,
US: Kluwer Academic; 2001, 325-351
Abstract/Review/Citation: The application of psychoanalytic theory and technique
to the treatment of couples has been relatively overlooked despite the long
history of concern by psychoanalysts with the role of marriage in individual
development and suffering. This paper uses an example of marital and sex
therapy to illustrate the application of psychoanalytic object relations
theory to couple therapy, and describes the way that in-depth treatment of the
couple's persecutory object relations that follow severe trauma can be
effectively conducted. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of issues
of shame and guilt in psychoanalytic theory and their relevance to this
Title: The Crisis Support Scale: Psychometric qualities and further validation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Elklit, Ask; Pedersen, Susanne Schmidt; Jind, Lise
Source/Citation: Personality & Individual Differences; Vol 31(8) Dec 2001,
England: Elsevier Science; 2001, 1291-1302
Abstract/Review/Citation: The objective of the present study was to provide a
further validation of the Crisis Support Scale, which is a short scale for
measuring social support after a crisis has occurred. The data from eleven
trauma studies of 4,213 Ss (age 12-80 yrs) were used to investigate the
psychometric properties of the scale and the differences that emerge due to
age, gender, and type of trauma. The scale appears to be very robust. Some
aspects of crisis support seem to decrease as time goes by while others
increase. Women survivors report less support than men both right after the
trauma and later on. The younger survivors tend to report the least support in
the acute phase although this picture is reversed later on. The various types
of trauma have different item profiles, which supports the concurrent validity
of the scale.
Title: Psychological distress reported by patients undergoing limb
reconstruction surgery: Implications for psychological interventions.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Scott, Shonagh R. H.; Kent, Gerry; Rowlands, Alison
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings; Vol 8(4)
Dec 2001, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 301-305
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated levels of psychological distress in
adults undergoing limb reconstruction as a result of traumatic injury, to
examine which variables could account for any variations in distress during
and after treatment, and to ascertain the potential relevance of psychological
interventions. A cross-sectional sample of 107 patients (69 men and 38 women,
aged 17-90 yrs) completed measures of psychological distress, posttraumatic
symptomatology, coping, social support, pain, and disability. Self-reported
levels of psychological distress and posttraumatic symptoms were high but did
not tend to vary across stage of treatment, suggesting that distress is not
solely attributable to limb reconstruction treatment per se but to other
factors. Both medical variables and psychological variables accounted for a
significant percentage of the variance in scores. These results suggest that
both medical and psychological interventions have potential for reducing
distress and increasing well-being in an orthopaedic population who are
experiencing high levels of emotional distress. ========================================
Title: Psychometric study of a brief screen for PTSD: Assessing the impact of
multiple traumatic events.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Carlson, Eve B.
Source/Citation: Assessment; Vol 8(4) Dec 2001, US: Psychological Assessment
Resources Inc; 2001, 431-441
Abstract/Review/Citation: Notes the most measures of posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) symptoms are limited in that they focus on a single traumatic
event and cannot be used to assess symptoms in persons who report no traumatic
events. The utility of the brief PTSD measures that do not key to a single
trauma is limited by lengthiness and high reading levels. The Screen for
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) is a brief, self-report screening
instrument for PTSD symptoms that overcomes these limitations by assessing
PTSD symptoms using a low reading level and without keying them to a specific
traumatic event. This article describes the development of the SPTSS and its
psychometric properties in a sample 136 psychiatric inpatients (aged 30-45
yrs). Ss completed the SPTSS, the Dissociative Experiences Scale, a 10-item
Anxiety subscale from the Symptoms Checklist-90-revised, and structured
interviews to measure PTSD and violent physical and sexual abuse experiences.
Results indicate that the SPTSS showed good internal consistency, a high
sensitivity rate, and a moderate specificity rate. The concurrent and
construct validity of the SPTSS were supported by strong correlations with
symptom and trauma experience measures and by comparisons of SPTSS scores of
groups with different trauma histories. ========================================
Title: Interaction between family violence and mental retardation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Strickler, Heidi L.
Source/Citation: Mental Retardation; Vol 39(6) Dec 2001, US: American Assn on
Mental Retardation; 2001, 461-471
Abstract/Review/Citation: Reviews the relationship between family violence and
mental retardation and discusses the characteristics that make individuals
with mental retardation more vulnerable to family violence in the areas of
child, adult, and sexual abuse. The author provides a case study of a
40-yr-old woman with moderate mental retardation, who has experienced various
forms of abuse as both a child and an adult, to illustrate themes found in
relevant literature. She also explores common psychological effects of this
trauma followed by implications for practice. The author concludes that
because family violence and mental retardation are both societal as well as
personal issues, intervention and prevention efforts must occur at both a
direct service level and a community/macro service level. With such
intervention and prevention efforts, persons with mental retardation will
receive superior service when dealing with issues related to family violence.
Title: The effects of group intervention for battered women in Korea.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kim, Sunah; Kim, Joohyung
Source/Citation: Archives of Psychiatric Nursing; Vol 15(6) Dec 2001, US: WB
Saunders; 2001, 257-264
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study developed a group intervention model
appropriate for battered women in Korea and tested its effectiveness. The
development of group intervention was based on A. R. Roberts and S. Burman's
(1998) Seven-Stage Crisis Intervention Model. 30 Ss (aged 23-43 yrs)
participated in the experimental group, and 30 Ss (aged 28-52 yrs) in the
control group. At the time of posttreatment data collection, there were 16 Ss
in the experimental group and 17 controls. The sessions in the group
intervention were formatted to stress the following topics: assess trauma,
identify major problems, deal with feelings, understand self, identify
batterer's characteristics, improve stress management strategies, develop
action plans, and promote empowerment. The major finding was that the trait
anxiety scores of the 16 battered women in the experimental group
significantly decreased after the intervention. The change in levels of state
anxiety, self-esteem, and depression in the experimental group were not
significantly different from those of the 17 subjects in the control group.
Title: Childhood trauma and adult somatic preoccupation by body area among women
in an internal medicine setting: A pilot study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Sansone, Randy A.; Gaither, George A.; Sansone, Lori A.
Source/Citation: International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine; Vol 31(2)
2001, US: Baywood Publishing; 2001, 147-154
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the relationship between 3 types of abuse in
childhood and their relationship to somatic preoccupation, in general and by
body area, in adulthood. 85 women aged 19-55 yrs in an internal medicine
clinic completed self-report measures of childhood sexual, physical, and
emotional abuse as well as the Bradford Somatic Inventory. Using simple
correlations, all 3 types of abuse were positively related to current somatic
preoccupation. Using multiple regression analysis, the researchers analyzed
education and age and the 3 forms of childhood abuse; only the demographic
variables and sexual abuse were found to be uniquely predictive of somatic
preoccupation. To determine the relationship between childhood abuse and
somatic symptoms based on body area (head, chest, stomach, throat) and
fatigue, a series of multiple regression analyses were performed. The chest
and throat areas were significant, but no abuse variable was uniquely
predictive. It is concluded that, among females in adulthood, all studied
forms of abuse in childhood appear to contribute to general somatic
preoccupation, as well as specific somatic symptoms in the chest and throat
areas. Sexual abuse, specifically, is a unique predictor for general somatic
preoccupation, but not necessarily for specific body areas. ========================================
Title: Paroxetine in the treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder:
Results of a placebo-controlled, flexible-dosage trial.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Tucker, Phebe; Zaninelli, Rocco; Yehuda, Rachel; Ruggiero, Lee; Dillingham, Kerry; Pitts, Cornelius D.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; Vol 62(11) Nov 2001, US:
Physicians Postgraduate Press; 2001, 860-868
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the efficacy and safety of paroxetine in
outpatients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 307 18-78 yr olds with
PTSD and had baseline scores of 50 or greater on the Clinician Administered
PTSD Scale (CAPS-2) were randomly assigned to treatment with paroxetine (PTG)
or placebo (PG) for 12 wks. The primary efficacy variables were the change
from baseline to the 12-wk endpoint in the CAPS-2 total score and the
proportion of Ss on the Clinical Global Impressions-Global Improvement scale.
Additional key outcome measures were the change from baseline scores of the
CAPS-2 and in the total scores of the Treatment Outcome PTSD Scale and the
patient-rated Davidson Trauma Scale and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). The
proportion of Ss achieving response and remission was also determined. At week
12 the PTG showed greater reduction of PTSD symptoms on both of the primary
and all of the secondary outcome measures. Greater improvement on the CAPS-2
total score was observed for the PTG from week 4, and greater proportions of
PTG achieved response and remission by week 12. Functional improvement at the
study endpoint was greater in the PTG in all 3 domains of the SDS. The
frequency and type of adverse events recorded for the PTG corresponded to the
known safety profile of this medication. ========================================
Title: Predictors of normal and traumatic grief for parents who have experienced
the death of a child.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Keesee, Nancy Jordan
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 62(2-B) Aug 2001, US: Univ Microfilms International;
2001, 1086
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe
the bereavement process of mothers and fathers who have lost children. This
study investigated parental bereavement by collecting pertinent demographic
data in conjunction with two quantitative measures; Core Bereavement Items
(CBI) and Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG). Data were also collected on
self-reported sense making, benefit finding, and change in identity.
Theoretically, the study employed a constructivist model for understanding
parental bereavement and the death of a child. It investigated variation in
the intensity of parental grief experienced over the loss of a child, as
measured by the CBI and ICG, that can be explained individually and jointly by
the presence of surviving children, elapsed time since death, and type of
death. This study also investigated any increase in the amount of explained
variation in the intensity of parental grief over the loss of a child, beyond
the variation explained by the presence of surviving children, elapsed time
since death and type of death that could be accounted for by self-reported
sense making, benefit finding and change in identity. Lastly, this study
investigated the correlation of the CBI to the ICG using responses of bereaved
parents following the loss of a child. Participants included 128 mothers and
29 fathers between the ages of 25 and 77 who were from 32 states and 3 foreign
countries. Results indicated that while elapsed time since death significantly
influenced CBI scores and ICG scores, it appeared to have the most effect in
light of the amount of sense making reported. Also, a strong correlation was
found when comparing the ICG and CBI scores of bereaved parents. Significant
and non-significant findings are discussed in light of the current literature
and with regard to research and clinical application in the field of
counseling psychology.
Title: Sexual trauma and personality: Developmental vulnerability and additive
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wonderlich, Stephen A.; Crosby, Ross D.; Mitchell, James E.; Thompson, Kevin; Smyth, Joshua M.; Redlin, Jennifer; Jones-Paxton, Maisley
Source/Citation: Journal of Personality Disorders; Vol 15(6) Dec 2001, US:
Guilford Publications; 2001, 496-504
Abstract/Review/Citation: Two types of sexual trauma, sexual abuse in childhood
and rape in adulthood, were investigated in terms of possible effects on
personality. Four groups of participants (aged 20-55 yrs) were studied: 26
women who had experienced sexual abuse in childhood, 21 women who had
experienced rape as adults, 25 women who had experienced both of these sexual
traumas, and a control group of 25 women who had experienced no sexual trauma.
Personality functioning was assessed using the Dimensional Assessment of
Personality Pathology. Groups who had experienced childhood sexual abuse
displayed the highest degree of personality disturbance; however, the additive
effects of repeated sexual trauma were limited. These findings may reflect the
outcome of specific adversity in childhood on the psychobiological constructs
underlying personality.
Title: Dissociation and sexual trauma in prostitutes: Variability of responses.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cooper, Barry S.; Kennedy, M. Alexis; Yuille, John C.
Source/Citation: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation; Vol 2(2) 2001, US:
Haworth Medical Press; 2001, 27-36
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relation between a history of sexual
assaults (both prior to and during involvement in prostitution) and
dissociative experiences in sex trade workers. It was hypothesized that
results would support the findings of previous research showing a correlation
between dissociation and childhood sexual abuse. In particular, a significant
relationship was expected between adult dissociative experiences and the
number of the prostitute's reported past sexual assault experiences. As part
of a larger exploratory study investigating the impact of trauma on memory, 33
female prostitutes (aged 19-59 yrs) were interviewed regarding the frequency
of their past sexual assault experiences (both before and during their
involvement in prostitution) and current dissociative experiences. Extreme
variability was evident regarding the Ss' dissociative experiences and their
reported number of sexual assaults. Implications concerning the relation
between a history of earlier trauma and adult dissociation are discussed.
Title: Symptoms of acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder
following exposure to disastrous flooding.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Waelde, Lynn C.; Koopman, Cheryl; Rierdan, Jill; Spiegel, David
Source/Citation: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation; Vol 2(2) 2001, US:
Haworth Medical Press; 2001, 37-52
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to threat and loss
during a major flood. 131 Ss (aged 18-73 yrs) from 2 towns that were among the
most devastated completed an initial survey from 1-3 mo post-flood assessing
ASD symptoms and exposure to flood-related threat and losses; 74 of these Ss
completed a 1-yr follow-up assessing PTSD symptoms. Results show that threat
and loss were both significantly related to ASD symptoms. Exposure to losses
and ASD symptoms, but not threat, predicted the development of PTSD symptoms.
These results suggest that stressor characteristics, such as loss and threat,
may be differentially related to shorter and longer-term trauma responses.
These results extend previous research by showing that ASD symptoms predict
those of PTSD among disaster survivors and that stressor characteristics
together with acute symptoms predict long-term distress. ========================================
Title: Validation of the Hebrew version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale
(H-DES) in Israel.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Somer, Eli; Dolgin, Michael; Saadon, Meir
Source/Citation: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation; Vol 2(2) 2001, US:
Haworth Medical Press; 2001, 53-65
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the validity of the concept of dissociation
as measured by a Hebrew version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale (H-DES)
in Israel. Exp 1 examined the reliability and validity of the H-DES by
assessing 340 patients (aged 15-70 yrs) consecutively admitted to an
outpatient clinic and 290 non-clinical Ss (aged 16-52 yrs) sampled from
university students and faculty. Exp 2 explored the construct validity of the
concept of dissociation by studying relationships between reported past
traumatization and current levels of dissociation among a different cohort of
70 female outpatients (aged 16-55 yrs). Results show that the H-DES has good
test-retest and split-half reliability in clinical and non-clinical Ss, and is
internally consistent. Its convergent validity with the MMPI-2 Phillips
Dissociation Scale is good, and it has good criterion-related validity with
Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) dissociative disorder diagnoses. It is concluded
that the concept of dissociation as measured in Israel by the H--DES has high
reliability and validity. These findings, along with studies in North America,
support dissociation as a valid psychological construct with widespread
cross-cultural applicability. This study contradicts claims that dissociation
is merely a passing North American professional fashion. ========================================
Title: Imaginal confrontation for resolving child abuse issues.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Paivio, Sandra C.; Hall, Imogen E.; Holowaty, Karen A. M.; Jellis, Jerry B.; Tran, Nancy
Source/Citation: Psychotherapy Research; Vol 11(4) Win 2001, US: Oxford Univ
Press; 2001, 433-453
Abstract/Review/Citation: This process-outcome study is a follow-up to an
outcome study evaluating emotion-focused therapy for adult survivors of
childhood abuse. The contributions of the therapeutic alliance, initial
engagement in the primary imaginal confrontation intervention (IC), overall
dosage of IC (Quality X Frequency), and client predisposing variables were
examined with 37 Ss (aged 19-72 yrs). The Levels of Engagement Scale (LES) was
developed to measure the quality of client engagement in IC. LES ratings were
stable across therapy, but early engagement was only marginally related to
subsequent dosage of IC. A strong alliance predicted improvements in
self-esteem and resolution of abuse issues; early engagement in IC predicted
abuse resolution; dosage additionally contributed to reduced global and
trauma-specific symptomatology and interpersonal problems. Finally, severity
of childhood trauma and current trauma symptoms were unrelated to therapy
processes but were linked with poorer outcome on some dimensions. ========================================
Title: Contextual treatment of dissociative identity disorder: Three case
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gold, Steven N.; Elhai, Jon D.; Rea, Bayard D.; Weiss, Donna; Masino, Theodore; Morris, Staci Leon; McIninch, Jessica
Source/Citation: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation; Vol 2(4) 2001, US:
Haworth Medical Press; 2001, 5-36
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evidence for the effectiveness of contextual therapy,
an approach for treating adult survivors of prolonged child abuse, is provided
via case studies of 3 women (aged 48, 54, and 48 yrs old) with Dissociative
Identity Disorder (DID). The primary focus of this treatment approach is on
developing capacities for feeling and functioning better in the present,
rather than on extensive exploration and processing of the client's trauma
history or, in the case of DID, of identity fragments. Treatment of the 3
cases presented ranged from 8 mo to 2 and one-half yrs' duration, and
culminated in very positive outcomes. The women's reports of achievements,
such as obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, greater
self-sufficiency, and the establishment of more intimate and gratifying
relationships, indicated marked improvements in daily functioning. Objective
test data obtained at admission and discharge, and in 1 case, at follow-up,
documented substantial reductions in dissociative, posttraumatic stress,
depressive, and other symptoms.
Title: Comparing the social service utilization, exposure to violence, and
trauma symptomology of domestic violence female "victims" and female
Author(s)/Editor(s): Abel, Eileen Mazur
Source/Citation: Journal of Family Violence; Vol 16(4) Dec 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 401-420
Abstract/Review/Citation: Although some authors have suggested that women
"batterers" may really be self-defending victims, to date, no research has been initiated to empirically support this assertion. This paper describes the design and outcomes of a research project that investigated the similarities and differences between 19-67 yr old women adjudicated as domestic violence "batterers" and those identified as domestic
violence "victims." Findings indicated group similarities in the areas of exposure to violence and social service utilization. Although both groups reported high levels of trauma symptomology, "victim" scores were significantly higher.
Title: Preliminary explorations of the effects of prior trauma and loss on risk
for psychiatric disorders in recently widowed people.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Silverman, Gabriel K.; Johnson, Jeffrey G.; Prigerson, Holly G.
Source/Citation: Israel Journal of Psychiatry & Related Sciences; Vol
38(3-4) 2001, Israel: Gefen Publishing House; 2001, 202-215
Abstract/Review/Citation: Compared the relative influence of childhood and
adulthood adversities on current diagnoses of major depressive episode (MDE),
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic grief (TG) among recently
widowed adults. 85 widowed individuals (aged 28-81 yrs) completed interviews
2-34 mo after experiencing spouse loss concerning the childhood adversities of
parental death, abuse, and death of a sibling, and the prior adulthood
adversities of death of a child, nonbereavement traumatic event, and death of
a sibling. Results show that childhood abuse and death of a parent were
significantly associated with TG and, secondarily, MDE. Nonbereavement
traumatic event and death of a child during adulthood were only significantly
associated with PTSD. Childhood adversities remained predictive even after
controlling for psychiatric disorders comorbidity. It is concluded that there
is a vulnerability to TG rooted in childhood experiences explicitly, with more
recent traumas having a stronger influence on PTSD secondary to widowhood.
Title: Coping with tangible and intangible traumatic losses in prisoners of war.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Neria, Yuval
Source/Citation: Israel Journal of Psychiatry & Related Sciences; Vol
38(3-4) 2001, Israel: Gefen Publishing House; 2001, 216-225
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the effects of coping, precaptivity traumatic
loss, and social support at homecoming on short and long-term impact of
tangible and intangible traumatic losses of war captivity. The cases of 2 male
prisoners of war (aged 46 and 48 yrs) who were imprisoned during the 1973 Yom
Kippur War suggest that the use of active coping enabled good adjustment. In
contrast, emotion-focused, passive coping strategies, precaptivity unresolved
loss, and perceived negative social support at homecoming led to an enduring
and painful psychological toll.
Title: Life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Corrigan, John D.; Bogner, Jennifer A.; Mysiw, W. Jerry; Clinchot, Daniel; Fugate, Lisa
Source/Citation: Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; Vol 16(6) Dec 2001, US:
Aspen Publishers; 2001, 543-555
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated correlates of life satisfaction after
traumatic brain injury (TBI). 218 15-86 yr old patients in a specialized
inpatient TBI rehabilitation unit were interviewed 1 and/or 2 yrs after injury
(112 interviewed both years, 58 at 1 yr only, 48 at 2 yrs only). The main
outcome measure was the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Results show that
stepwise multiple regressions accounted for statistically significant, but
small, proportions of variance. Not having a preinjury history of substance
abuse and having gainful employment at the time of follow-up were associated
with higher life satisfaction both 1 and 2 yrs after injury. Motor
independence at rehabilitation discharge was also associated at 1 yr. Current
social integration and the absence of depressed mood were associated at 2 yrs.
Life satisfaction was relatively stable between years. Change that did occur
was associated with marital status and depressed mood 2 yrs after injury. It
is concluded that life satisfaction after TBI seems to be related to attaining
healthy and productive lifestyles.
Title: Sleep difficulties and alcohol use motives in female rape victims with
posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Nishith, Pallavi; Resick, Patricia A.; Mueser, Kim T.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 14(3) Jul 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 469-479
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the relationship between sleep difficulties
and drinking motives in female rape victims with posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). 74 participants (aged 18-72 yrs) were assessed for PTSD symptoms,
depression, sleep difficulties, and drinking motives. Results demonstrate that
neither PTSD symptoms nor depression are related to any motives for using
alcohol. On the other hand, after controlling for education, sleep
difficulties are significantly related to drinking motives for coping with
negative affect, but not pleasure enhancement or socialization. The findings
suggest that sleep difficulties may be an important factor contributing to
alcohol use in rape victims with PTSD.
Title: The effect of relocation after a natural disaster.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Najarian, Louis M.; Goenjian, Armen K.; Pelcovitz, David; Mandel, Francine; Najarian, Berj
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 14(3) Jul 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 511-526
Abstract/Review/Citation: 25 women remaining in a city devastated by an
earthquake were compared with 24 relocated survivors and 25 comparison women
(mean age range 36-38 yrs). The women were administered a structured
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interview, the Hamilton Depression Scale,
and Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). The women in both exposed groups showed
significantly more symptoms of avoidance, arousal, and total PTSD than the
comparison group. The women in the relocated city had significantly higher
depression scores than the women in the earthquake city. On the SCL-90-R,
relocated women were most symptomatic and comparison group women were least
symptomatic. Relocation after a disaster appears to be associated more with
risk for depression than with PTSD in situations where recovery is delayed
following the trauma.
Title: Major depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder comorbidity in female
victims of intimate partner violence.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Stein, Murray B.; Kennedy, Colleen
Source/Citation: Journal of Affective Disorders; Vol 66(2-3) Oct 2001,
Netherlands: Elsevier Science Publishers BV; 2001, 133-138
Abstract/Review/Citation: Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often
develop psychiatric disorders. We examined the extent and correlates of
comorbidity between two of the disorders most frequently linked to
trauma--major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)--in a group of 44 women (aged 19-49 yrs old) who were victims of IPV
within the preceding 2 years. MDD (68.2%) and PTSD (50.0%) were highly
prevalent on a lifetime basis in female victims of IPV. On a current basis,
MDD (18.2%) and IPV-related PTSD (31.8%) were more frequently comorbid (42.9%
of cases of current IPV-related PTSD also had MDD) than would be expected by
chance. Most cases of current MDD occurred in persons who also had current
IPV-related PTSD. Severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms was highly
correlated. Although women with PTSD were significantly more disabled than
women without PTSD, persons with comorbid PTSD and MDD were not significantly
more disabled than those with PTSD alone. Conclusions suggest PTSD and MDD
symptoms are frequently seen in the aftermath of IPV, and often co-occur. The
usefulness of the distinction between PTSD and MDD in this context remains to
be determined, both in terms of diagnostic classification and prognostic
Title: Self-reported life event patterns and their relation to health among
recently resettled Iraqi and Kurdish refugees in Sweden.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Soendergaard, Hans Peter; Ekblad, Solvig; Theorell, Toeres
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 189(12) Dec 2001,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001, 838-845
Abstract/Review/Citation: This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal
study of life events in refugees belonging to different language groups from
Iraq. 86 individuals (aged 18-48 yrs) were included in the study. Data
regarding life events and self-reported health measurements were collected
after baseline assessment with 3-monthly intervals on 3 occasions.
Posttraumatic stress disorder was diagnosed by means of a structured interview
at baseline. The results indicate that the subjects were influenced to a great
extent by political events and the situation of significant others in the home
country. Further, the number of negative life events in the host country
showed a significant association with self-rated deteriorated health. In
subjects with posttraumatic stress disorder, the effects of certain life
events were more pronounced.
Title: Psychophysiological reactivity in female sexual abuse survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): McDonagh-Coyle, Annmarie; McHugo, Gregory J.; Friedman, Matthew J.; Schnurr, Paula P.; Zayfert, Claudia; Descamps, Monica
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 14(4) Oct 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 667-683
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study examined psychophysiological reactivity in
37 female childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors (aged 18-62 yrs). After
assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric comorbidity,
and trauma history, the authors conducted a psychophysiological assessment of
forehead muscle tension, electrodermal activity, and heart rate during a
mental arithmetic task and 4 script-driven imagery tasks (neutral, consensual
sex, pleasant, and trauma). PTSD symptom severity correlated positively with
psychophysiologic changes and negative emotions during the trauma imagery
task. During mental arithmetic, PTSD symptom severity correlated negatively
with autonomic changes and positively with negative emotions. These results
extend earlier PTSD research showing trauma-specific increased
psychophysiological reactivity related to CSA in women with PTSD. They further
suggest a negative association between PTSD severity and autonomic reactions
to mental arithmetic.
Title: Cognitive functioning and the early development of PTSD.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bustamante, Victoria; Mellman, Thomas A.; David, Daniella; Fins, Ana I.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 14(4) Oct 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 791-797
Abstract/Review/Citation: Cross-sectional studies of chronic posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) reveal deficits in verbal memory. The authors studied
cognitive functioning and its relationship to current and subsequent PTSD
severity during an early phase of trauma response. 38 participants (aged 20-64
yrs) with traumatic injuries and only posttrauma incident psychopathology were
evaluated shortly after admission to a Level I Trauma Center.
Neuropsychological measures were obtained at baseline and assessment of PTSD
and other psychiatric disorders was conducted at baseline and follow-up, 6
weeks later. Significant negative correlations were found for follow-up PTSD
severity with delayed recall and retroactive interference. These relationships
were not significant for, and were independent of, baseline PTSD severity.
Relative deficits in select areas of verbal memory after a trauma may confer
greater risk for developing PTSD.
Title: The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire in a community sample: Psychometric
properties and normative data.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Scher, Christine D.; Stein, Murray B.; Asmundson, Gordon J. G.; McCreary, Donald R.; Forde, David R.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 14(4) Oct 2001, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001, 843-857
Abstract/Review/Citation: Interpretation of research on the prevalence and
adulthood sequelae of childhood trauma and abuse has been hindered by the use
of assessment instruments with unknown psychometric properties. Thus, the
authors examined the psychometric properties of a new childhood trauma
measure, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The CTQ has demonstrated
strong psychometric properties in clinical samples; limited information exists
on its psychometric properties in community samples. Therefore, this article
explored the factor structure and reliability of the CTQ in a community sample
of adults aged 18-65 yrs and calculated normative data. Consistent with
previous literature, a 5-factor model best described the CTQ, with a
hierarchical model also providing excellent fit. Additionally, the CTQ
demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Overall, findings suggest that
the CTQ is appropriate for use in a community sample.
Title: Breast cancer screening and trauma history.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Farley, Melissa; Minkoff, Jerome R.; Barkan, Howard
Source/Citation: Women & Health; Vol 34(2) 2001, US: Haworth Press; 2001,
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the effects of traumatic events on the
prevalence of mammography screening. 615 females (aged 52-75 yrs) who had or
had not undergone mammogram screening in the previous 2 yrs completed
questionnaires concerning involvement in such traumatic events as physical or
sexual assault, robbery, stalking, accident, family violence, natural
disaster, and sudden loss of loved one. Results show that Ss with no history
of mammography screening reported more experience with all categories of
traumatic events except loss of a loved one, particularly domestic violence,
witnessing of physical assault, sexual assault after age 13, and motor vehicle
accidents. 11% of Ss who had not been screened for mammography met criteria
for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ========================================
Title: Psychotherapy for massively traumatized refugees: The therapist variable.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kinzie, J. David
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychotherapy; Vol 55(4) 2001, US: Assn for
the Advancement of Psychotherapy; 2001, 475-490
Abstract/Review/Citation: In the treatment of severe posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), much emphasis is put on techniques, especially behavioral
therapies. Such techniques negate the importance of the therapist as an
individual in the treatment of complex PTSD as presented in severely
traumatized refugees. The specific difficulties encountered by this population
and the therapist responses are discussed: the need to tell the trauma story
and the therapist's ability to listen; the patient's need for constancy and
therapist's ability to stay; the patient's need to give and the therapist's
ability to receive; the patient's problem with evil and the therapist's
ability to believe. Case examples illustrate the approach and then discuss how
generalizable this experience is to other populations. Research implications
are suggested.
Title: Enhancing self-belief with EMDR: Developing a sense of mastery in the
early phase of treatment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Shapiro, Shanti
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychotherapy; Vol 55(4) 2001, US: Assn for
the Advancement of Psychotherapy; 2001, 531-542
Abstract/Review/Citation: Deep inside each of us is a seed that holds our vision
of truth, peace, and happiness. Our early childhood attachments, societal
influences, and innate capacity determine how well that seed is nurtured and
the deepest inner vision is set free. This article is about the ways that
vision becomes clouded by attachment deficits, trauma, and subsequent
symptoms. The deep inner wish to heal allows for transformation, and
approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and
hypnotherapy can assist in creating a more rapid acceleration of trauma
resolution and transformation of self. ========================================
Title: Life situation and posttraumatic symptoms: A follow-up study of refugees
from the former Yugoslavia living in Sweden.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kivling-Boden, Gunilla; Sundbom, Elisabet
Source/Citation: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 55(6) 2001, Norway:
Scandinavian Univ Press; 2001, 401-408
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the life situation and posttraumatic symptoms
of refugees from the former Yugoslavia living in Sweden. 27 adult refugee
outpatients (aged 29-61 yrs) from the former Yugoslavia who had been
traumatized by organized violence and ethnic persecutions completed
questionnaires concerning labor market situation, social contacts, and
knowledge of the Swedish language. Ss completed questionnaires at baseline and
at 23-49-mo follow-up after a 1+ mo treatment period. Results show no
significant change in average symptom levels at follow-up. 17 Ss met criteria
for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) both a baseline and at follow-up.
However, 5 Ss who met the PTSD criteria at baseline did not do so at
follow-up, and the opposite was true for another 5 Ss. 15 Ss reported contact
with psychiatric care during the previous yr. Unemployment and dependence on
social welfare were high at follow-up, but comparable to that of the whole
Bosnian labor force in Sweden. Social contacts with the majority population
were as common as with compatriots. ========================================
Title: Current attachment representations of incarcerated offenders varying in
degree of psychopathy.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Frodi, Ann; Dernevik, Mats; Sepa, Anneli; Philipson, Johanna; Bragesjoe, Maria
Source/Citation: Attachment & Human Development: Special Issue: Attachment
in mental health institutions.; Vol 3(3) Dec 2001, United Kingdom: Taylor
& Francis/Routledge; 2001, 269283
Abstract/Review/Citation: The present study sought to examine the current mental
representations of early attachment relationships in 24 psychopathic male
criminal offenders (aged 20-48 yrs), incarcerated in a forensic psychiatric
hospital or a medium-security prison. The participants had been assessed on R.
D. Hare's Psychopathy Checklist, Revised: Screening Version (PCL-R, sv, 1997)
and scored either high or low. They were interviewed with the Adult Attachment
Interview (1998) and completed the EMBU, a Swedish self-report questionnaire
tapping memories of the parent's rearing techniques. The results pointed to an
extensive over-representation of individuals who were dismissing of attachment
and attachment-related experiences (close to three times as many as in the
normal population), no secure individuals, and with the remainder being either
unclassifiable or unresolved with regard to severe early abuse/trauma. In
addition, an examination of the EMBU data revealed an association between a
higher psychopathy score and a family constellation of a rejecting father and
an emotionally very warm (idealized) mother. The discussion focuses on the
unique discourse of the dismissing individuals and on clinical implications.
Title: Attachment style and broken attachments: Violence, pregnancy, and
Author(s)/Editor(s): Allanson, Susie; Astbury, Jill
Author Affiliation: Fertility Control Clinic, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia Paper Number: 20020515
Source/Citation: Australian Journal of Psychology; Vol 53(3) Dec 2001,
Australia: Australian Academic Press; 2001, 146-151
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationships between women's experiences
of violence, pregnancy and abortion and their adult attachment style. Ss were
96 16-43 yr old women attending a clinic for early pregnancy termination.
Attachment style was correlated with psychosocial variables, including
education and past experience of assault or violence (physical/sexual),
previous number of pregnancies and abortions, and prior emotional problems.
Findings indicate a general pattern of anxious women reporting the most
adverse life circumstances, and physiologically and psychologically demanding
experiences, including the highest incidence of violence, pregnancy, abortion,
emotional problems, and poor education. Secure attachment demonstrated the
least association with such experiences. Secure attachment was associated with
fewer pregnancies and abortions, a lower incidence of both violence and
emotional problems, and higher educational attainment. It is suggested that
pregnancy may be uniquely placed to highlight more complex attachment
processes. Links between insecure attachment, maternal ambivalence, multiple
models, and trauma/violence may best be pursued via a collaboration of
attachment and posttraumatic stress frameworks. ========================================
Title: The effects of early trauma on autobiographical memory and schematic
Author(s)/Editor(s): Reviere, Susan L.; Bakeman, Roger
Author Affiliation: Georgia State U, Dept of Psychology, Atlanta, GA, US Paper Number: 20020403
Source/Citation: Applied Cognitive Psychology: Special Issue: Trauma, stress,
and autobiographical memory.; Vol 15(7) Dec 2001, United Kingdom: John Wiley
& Sons; 2001, S89-S100
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated clinical assumptions regarding deficits
in autobiographical memory and schematic self-representation associated with
early interpersonal trauma. 110 female undergraduates (aged 17-51 yrs)
completed a protocol involving interviews and questionnaires related to trauma
history, early autobiographical memory, and other clinical factors not used in
the immediate study. An adult autobiographical memory coding scheme was
developed to determine degree of elaboration of memories. It was hypothesized
that in a group positive for trauma history as compared with non-trauma
controls, deficits in the elaboration of autobiographical memory would be
found and that such deficits would be a basis for impairments in schematic
self-representation. No differences were found between trauma and no-trauma
groups on most major variables. One of 3 dimensions of self-representation, a
factor named identity integration, was significantly related to trauma
severity, suggesting that greater severity is related to less integration of
identity. In an exploratory analysis of the memory narratives, there was 1
additional significant finding suggesting that memories that participants
self-labeled as traumatic were more elaborated than all other memories.
Title: The role of cardiac rehabilitation in dealing with psychological loss
among survivors of a cardiac event.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hudson, Joanne; Board, Elizabeth Mary; Lavallee, David
Author Affiliation: U Teesside, Middlesbrough, England U Teesside,
Middlesbrough, England
Source/Citation: Journal of Loss & Trauma; Vol 6(4) Oct-Dec 2001, United
Kingdom: Taylor & Francis/Brunner Routledge; 2001, 301-312
Abstract/Review/Citation: The aim of the current study was to examine the
experiences of 12 male cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients (aged 46-78 yrs)
within the framework of psychological loss. All participants in this study
reported experiencing losses of some nature, some of which were tangible and
others less so. However, these do not appear to be strictly independent from
each other in that tangible losses, such as loss of income, were underpinned
by intangible losses, such as loss of self-esteem. For CR patients, it seems
that the losses reported are experienced at more than one level.The first is
an externally visible and objectively quantifiable level (for example, loss of
occupation) , whereas the second is a more symbolic, phenomenologically based
level (for example, loss of purpose as previously defined through one's
occupational role). The CR program examined in this study helped patients to
effectively deal with these losses and to experience additional developmental
Title: Emplotting the traumatic self: Narrative revision and the construction of
Author(s)/Editor(s): Stewart, Alan E.; Neimeyer, Robert A.
Author Affiliation: U Memphis, Memphis, TN, US
Source/Citation: Humanistic Psychologist; Vol 29(1-3) Spr-Fal 2001, US:
Humanistic Psychologist; 2001, 8-39
Abstract/Review/Citation: In this article the authors provide a
constructivist-narrative conceptualization of the origins and
psychotherapeutic methods for treating trauma. The authors believe that the
experience of trauma ensues when lived events outpace peoples' abilities to
emplot or narrate these events from the perspective of dominant life
narratives. The sights, sounds, and smells associated with traumatic events
preclude such emplotment. The therapeutic objectives of narrative therapy
include finding ways to develop meanings for the trauma and subsequently to
integrate these with the dominant narrative. Two case studies (males of 42 and
48 yrs, respectively) are provided to illustrate the authors'
conceptualization and therapeutic approach. ========================================
Title: Dissociative experiences, response bias, and fantasy proneness in college
Author(s)/Editor(s): Merckelbach, Harald; Muris, Peter; Horselenberg, Robert; Stougie, Suzanne
Source/Citation: Personality & Individual Differences; Vol 28(1) Jan 2000,
England: Elsevier Science Ltd.; 2000, 49-58
Abstract/Review/Citation: Two studies with a total of 112 undergraduates (aged
16-43 yrs) examined the connection between dissociative experiences as
measured by the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and memory distortions.
In the 1st study, DES scores of 42 female students were not found to be
related to reality monitoring failures. There was, however, a significant
association between DES and false positive memory failures, suggesting a
response bias in participants scoring high on the DES. In the 2nd study, 70
students (58 females) completed the DES, a measure of fantasy proneness, and
the Life Events Inventory (LEI). The LEI lists a large number of discrete
events and requires respondents to indicate whether these events have happened
to them before the age of 10 yrs. A positive connection between DES and LEI
was found, such that higher DES scores were accompanied by more positive
answers to the LEI. The connection between DES and positive response
tendencies to LEI items was evident for both neutral and negative items and
was carried by fantasy proneness. Taken together, the data indicate that high
DES scores are related to a positive response bias tendency. This may have
substantial implications for retrospective studies that attempt to link high
DES scores to traumatic antecedents. ========================================
Title: Women survivors of childhood abuse: The impact of traumatic stress on
education and work.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hall, Joanne M.
Source/Citation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing; Vol 21(5) Jul-Aug 2000, US:
Taylor & Francis; 2000, 443-471
Abstract/Review/Citation: A disempowering after-effect of childhood abuse that
is not well-researched in nursing is the inability of many women abuse
survivors to perform successfully in adulthood tasks such as working, managing
money, and parenting. A critical/feminist interview study involved 20 urban
low-income female abuse survivors (aged 22-47 yrs), who were mostly women of
color. Participants were recovering cocaine misusers who had suffered multiple
forms of childhood maltreatment. This article reports on a secondary analysis
of narratives given by survivors, focused on learning and work difficulties.
Findings were grouped into 5 broad domains: (1) school as problematic, (2)
lack of adult life skills, (3) problems with academic and health literacy, (4)
legitimate and illicit forms of work, and (5) means of help. ========================================
Title: Individual predictors of traumatic reactions in firefighters.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Regehr, Cheryl; Hill, John; Glancy, Graham D.
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 188(6) Jun 2000,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 333-339
Abstract/Review/Citation: Increasingly, theorists and researchers in the area of
trauma are pointing to the importance of individual differences in resilience
and vulnerability as key determinants of the intensity and duration of
trauma-related symptoms. Determining the relative influence of individual
predictors is important for the further development of theoretical models for
understanding trauma responses and for the subsequent development of
intervention strategies that are sensitive to individual differences. This
study explores the influence of individual factors and social support on
traumatic reactions in firefighters exposed to tragic events in the line of
duty. A total of 164 Australian firefighters (aged 16-63 yrs) completed
questionnaires targeting locus of control, self-efficacy, patterns of
interpersonal relating, social support and level of emotional distress (Beck
Depression Inventory and Impact of Event Scale). Results indicate that
individuals with feelings of insecurity, lack of personal control, and
alienation from others were more likely to experience higher levels of
depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms subsequent to exposure to
traumatic events on the job.
Title: Blindness and high suicide risk?
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hine, Trevor J.; Pitchford, Nikki J.; Kingdom, Fred A. A.; Koenekoop, Robert
Source/Citation: Psychosomatics; Vol 41(4) Jul-Aug 2000, US: American
Psychiatric Press, Inc.; 2000, 370-371
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by D. De Leo et al which concludes that loss of sight can lead to psychological
distress that can lead to suicide. In this comment, the authors state that the
data, characteristics of the sample, gender distributions, and case summaries
presented do not substantiate the claims of the study. In particular, the
authors see no compelling reasons for the conclusion that psychopathology,
which can be linked solely to sight loss or fear of sight loss, is more likely
to lead to suicide than psychopathology caused by any other physical or
psychological trauma.
Title: Using Study Circles in the workplace as an educational method of
facilitating readjustment after a traumatic life experience.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Barski-Carrow, Barbara
Source/Citation: Death Studies; Vol 24(5) Jul-Aug 2000, US: Taylor &
Francis; 2000, 421-439
Abstract/Review/Citation: While employees who have undergone a traumatic life
experience (TLE) are often referred for counseling and therapy, most
organizations do not prepare managers and co-workers for the issues posed by
TLE employees when they 1st return to work. The author introduces the Study
Circle, a "democratic," interactive adult learning format that
educates managers and co-workers about the various stages in the trauma
recovery process and teaches them how to facilitate a TLE employee's re-entry
to the workplace. Two groups of Study Circles included employees and managers
(aged 45-64 yrs) in the research project. The 1st Group A included 8 Ss, and
Group B included 11 Ss. Each Study Circle program consisted of 3 sessions
where participants, managers, and returning TLE employees engaged in open
dialogue and discussed questions pertaining to that session's theme. The
author found that Group A was more concerned with getting a result and giving
guidance on how a re-entry person's job could be handled better. Conversely,
Group B Ss were swayed by the experts in the session, who seemed most
concerned about teaching communication and listening skills, not about
solutions. However, every S in both groups reported that the educational goals
of the Study Circle were accomplished. ========================================
Title: Schematic change as a result of an intensive group-therapy day-treatment
Author(s)/Editor(s): Welburn, Ken R.; Dagg, Paul; Coristine, Marjorie; Pontefract, Amanda
Source/Citation: Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training; Vol 37(2)
Sum 2000, US: Division of Psychotherapy, A.P.A.; 2000, 189-195
Abstract/Review/Citation: Treatment effects of a 12-wk day-treatment program
were explored on measures of psychiatric distress (Brief Symptom Inventory)
and maladaptive schemas (Schema Questionnaire Short Form; J. Young, 1990). 84
program completers (aged 22-57 yrs) showed significant pre-post change in
psychiatric distress and on 3 of 15 schema: vulnerability to harm, social
alienation, and defectiveness. Other schema did not change over the 12 wks. 15
waiting-list controls demonstrated no improvement in either distress level or
in any of the 15 schema while waiting to be admitted to the program. Only 1 of
the 15 schema, abandonment, predicted treatment outcome on changes in
psychiatric distress level.
Title: The link between childhood trauma and later violent offending: A case
Author(s)/Editor(s): Renn, Paul
Source/Citation: Violent children and adolescents: Asking the question why.,
London, England: Whurr Publishers, Ltd; 2000, (xx, 230), 71-90 Source editor(s): Boswell, Gwyneth (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: Illustrates the application of an integrated
relational perspective through a case study of a 48-yr-old male on probation.
The main intention of this case study is to emphasize the connection between
childhood trauma and subsequent violent offending. In line with G. Boswell's
(1998) advocacy of research minded practice, this study seeks to demonstrate
the vital importance of asking offenders about their traumatic backgrounds at
the point of assessment. It is argued that such pertinent information is
fundamental to one of the key principles of effective practice, that of
matching the offender's risk, needs and style of learning to an appropriate
method of intervention.
Title: The role of pre-injury IQ in the determination of intellectual impairment
from traumatic head injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gao, Beilin; Jiang, Shaoai; Wang, Xiaoping; Chen, Jingdong
Source/Citation: Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences; Vol
12(3) Sum 2000, US: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.; 2000, 385-388
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the contribution of considering preinjury IQ
scores in the neuropsychiatric determination of intellectual impairment from
traumatic head injury. The Ss were 17 18-53 yr old head trauma patients whose
preinjury IQ and postinjury IQ scores on the Chinese Revised Version of the
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-RC) were collected and analyzed. All
patients had a neuroradiological imaging study. Changes in IQ scores were
compared with neuroradiological findings and clinical determinations on the
presence or absence of intellectual impairment from head trauma that were made
by neuropsychiatrists: without knowledge of preinjury IQ scores. 13 patients
were clinically determined not to have suffered intellectual impairment,
primarily because their postinjury IQs on the WAIS-RC were higher than 70.
However, 3 of the 13 had significantly higher preinjury IQ scores, and they
also showed brain damage on CT or MRI. Consideration of preinjury IQ can
improve the determination of intellectual impairment from head injury.
Title: Childhood trauma, dissociation, and self-harming behaviour: A pilot study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Low, Gail; Jones, David; MacLeod, Andrew; Power, Mick; Duggan, Conor
Source/Citation: British Journal of Medical Psychology: Special Issue: Cognitive
analytic therapy.; Vol 73(Pt2) Jun 2000, England: British Psychological
Society; 2000, 269-278
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the mediating mechanisms between
childhood traumas and subsequent deliberate self-harm (DSH) in a sample of 50
mentally disordered women (aged 18-51 yrs) in a high security setting. The 50
women were classified in three groups: non-harmers, infrequent harmers, and
frequent harmers. These three groups were then compared on several measures
believed to be associated with DSH. The frequency of DSH was related to low
self-esteem, increased dissociation, anger (both inwardly and outwardly
directed), impulsivity, and a history of sexual and physical abuse. When these
variables were entered into a path analytic model exploring the relationship
between childhood trauma and subsequent DSH, two paths emerged: one major path
which linked childhood sexual abuse to DSH via increased dissociation and
another, more minor association, linked childhood sexual abuse via reduced
self-esteem. This study shows a strong association between high levels of
dissociation and an increased frequency of self-harming behavior. This
association is theoretically plausible and has therapeutic implications.
Title: Lack of efficacy for fluoxetine in PTSD: A placebo controlled trial in
combat veterans.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hertzberg, Michael A.; Feldman, Michelle E.; Beckham, Jean C.; Kudler, Harold S.; Davidson, Jonathan R. T.
Source/Citation: Annals of Clinical Psychiatry; Vol 12(2) Jun 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic; 2000, 101-105
Abstract/Review/Citation: 12 male veterans (aged 44-48 yrs) with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) were enrolled in a 12 wk double-blind evaluation of
fluoxetine and placebo. Mean fluoxetine dose at endpoint (wk 12) was 48 mg/day
with a range of 10 mg to 60 mg. One fluoxetine patient responded and 2 of the
6 placebo patients responded. Fluoxetine patients did not show a greater
response than placebo patients in this small sample of male combat veterans
with severe, chronic PTSD. The reasons for the low response rate to fluoxetine
in this study is unknown and will await further study examining variables
other then symptoms that might influence outcome, such as gender, comorbidity,
prior treatment history, trauma type, severity and chronicity. ========================================
Title: Coping style and psychological trauma after road accidents.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Jeavons, Sue; Horne, D. J. de L.; Greenwood, K. M.
Source/Citation: Psychology, Health & Medicine; Vol 5(2) May 2000, US:
Carfax Publishing Ltd; 2000, 213-221
Abstract/Review/Citation: This prospective study aimed to follow a cohort of
road accident victims for 6 mo and to examine changes in psychological trauma
and coping styles over this time. It also aimed to examine the relationship
between initial coping style and subsequent psychological trauma. 72
consecutive hospital attendees (aged 18-62 yrs) were assessed using the
General Health Questionnaire, Impact of Event Scale, Posttraumatic Stress
Disorder Interview and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Results
showed that there was little change in reported coping style over the 6 mo but
there was a significant decrease in scores on trauma symptom measures. Initial
emotion-focused coping style and to a lesser extent avoidance had strong
positive relationships with later trauma scores. ========================================
Title: The effects of trauma among kidnap victims in Sardinia, Italy.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Favaro, A.; Degortes, D.; Colombo, G.; Santonastaso, Paolo
Source/Citation: Psychological Medicine; Vol 30(4) Jul 2000, US: Cambridge
University Press; 2000, 975-980
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the general health status and the presence of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (MDD) in a sample of
kidnap victims. The authors also focused attention on dissociative experiences
and on the development of the Stockholm syndrome during captivity. The authors
investigated the traumatic experiences and reported general health status of
24 kidnap victims (aged 27-80 yrs) using a semistructured interview. The
Structured Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) was used to
assess the presence of PTSD and MDD. The Dissociative Experiences Scale was
also administered. The lifetime frequency of PTSD and MDD were 45.9% and 37.5%
respectively. The Stockholm syndrome had been present in 50% of the sample
during captivity. The presence of PTSD can be predicted by the number of
violent experiences, whereas the number of humiliating or deprivation
experiences predicts the development of the Stockholm syndrome. Ss with both
PTSD and the Stockholm syndrome reported a greater number of physical
complaints at the interview. There was no significant connection between PTSD
and the Stockholm syndrome.The presence of both syndromes appears to have a
detrimental effect on physical health. ========================================
Title: Responses to traumatic stress among community residents exposed to a
train collision.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chung, Man Cheung; Werrett, Julie; Farmer, Steven; Easthope, Yvette; Chung, Catherine
Source/Citation: Stress Medicine; Vol 16(1) Jan 2000, US: John Wiley & Sons
Inc; 2000, 17-25
Abstract/Review/Citation: Describes the degree of traumatic stress of community
residents who resided in an area of a train collision. The article also
describes their traumatic responses at the time and during the aftermath of
the collision. The authors hypothesized that there was a significant degree of
traumatic stress among these residents and that the greater the impact of the
collision they experienced, the more severe their traumatic stress became. 49
22-91 yr-old residents participated in the study and were assessed using the
Impact of Event Scale (IES), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the
Stafford train crash questionnaire. The results indicate that among the whole
sample, the residents experienced more intrusive thoughts than avoidance
behavior, but their scores were significantly lower than those of the
standardized stress clinic samples. 41% of the residents scored at or above
the cutoff point of the GHQ. Two groups, high symptom and low/medium symptom
groups, were then divided, according to the cutoff of the IES, and compared.
The results show that the high symptom group scored significantly higher in
the sub-scales of the IES, and the GHQ. There was a tendency that the greater
the impact of the collision residents experienced, the more severe the
distress was.
Title: Evaluation of an anger management therapy programme following acquired
brain injury: A preliminary study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Medd, Jessica; Tate, Robyn L.
Source/Citation: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation; Vol 10(2) Apr 2000, United
Kingdom: Psychology Press; 2000, 185-201
Abstract/Review/Citation: Problems with anger management after traumatic brain
injury are one of the most frequent changes in the long term reported by
relatives on injured people. This study evaluated a cognitive-behavioral
intervention for anger management difficulties following acquired brain
injury. 28 brain injured Ss (aged 16-60 yrs) with post-trauma onset of
problems in anger management were screened and randomly allocated to either a
treatment group (TREAT) or waiting list group (WAIT). Each participant in
TREAT received approximately 6, hourly individual sessions of anger-management
therapy while those in WAIT monitored their anger daily. Changes in anger
expression were measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAXI).
Additionally, Ss were assessed for generalisation aspects of the treatment
programme to self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and self-awareness. 16
participants proceed through the final stages of the study. A significant
decrease in anger on the STAXI was found for TREAT in comparison with WAIT at
post-treatment. Repeated-measures analyses for TREAT showed significant
improvements between pre- and post-treatment measures (immediate and 2-mo
follow-up) on the STAXI.
Title: Staff perceptions of emotional distress in paitents with burn trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Adcock, Rebecca J.; Goldberg, Myron L.; Patterson, David R.; Brown, Paul B.
Source/Citation: Rehabilitation Psychology; Vol 45(2) May 2000, US: Educational
Publishing Foundation; 2000, 179-192
Abstract/Review/Citation: Objective: To compare staff and patient perceptions of
patients' emotional distress after acute burn trauma. Design: Staff ratings
of patients' psychological states on 6 dimensions of emotional functioning
were compared with patient self-report. Results: Staff as a whole and by
discipline tended to overestimate depression and underestimate optimism in
patients. Moreover, the more experienced (more than 2 years of burn care
experience) nurses and occupational/physical therapists were less accurate in
estimating depression and optimism than their less experienced counterparts.
Conclusion: Consistent with results from spinal cord injury research, findings
from the current study indicate a distinct tendency on the part of burn care
staff to overestimate their patients' emotional distress and underestimate
their positive outlook, supporting the notion that staff may be imposing a
'requirement for mourning' on their patients. ========================================
Title: Implications of traumatic brain injury for survivors of sexual abuse: A
preliminary report of findings.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Reeves, Russell H.; Beltzman, David; Killu, Kim
Source/Citation: Rehabilitation Psychology; Vol 45(2) May 2000, US: Educational
Publishing Foundation; 2000, 205-211
Abstract/Review/Citation: The authors' purpose for presenting these cases is to
report on some clinical observations that may have relevance for a subgroup of
individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Specifically, the
authors observe that a group of patients who reported histories of childhood
sexual trauma and then sustained a TBI as adults are experiencing a
reemergence of intrusive recollections and other symptoms related to the
abuse. Further, the appearance of these posttraumatic stress-type
symptoms--sometimes after years of nonoccurrence--frequently proves disruptive
to the patient's rehabilitation process. Possible structural, chemical, and
phenomenological factors are discussed. The authors' observations raise the
possibility that individuals who have made the best recoveries from childhood
sexual trauma are the most vulnerable to the reemergence of posttraumatic
stress disorder symptoms subsequent to the TBI. These provisory observations
would suggest that sensitive inquiry regarding abuse history should be
considered as part of any clinical interview with patients who have sustained
neurological trauma.
Title: Compulsive cybersex: The new tea room.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Schwartz, Mark F.; Southern, Stephen
Source/Citation: Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: Special Issue: Cybersex:
The dark side of the force; Vol 7(1-2) 2000, US: Brunner/Mazel; 2000, 127-144
Abstract/Review/Citation: Cybersex has become the new tea room for meeting
anonymous partners and engaging in a fantasy world in which survivors of
childhood abuse escape the demands of daily life as well as the pain and shame
of past trauma. Compulsive cybersex is described as a survival mechanism
involving dissociative reenactment and affect regulation. Descriptive data
from a clinical population of cybersex abusers (aged 17-66 yrs) were reviewed
to construct four subtypes of cybersex addiction: male cybersex addicts,
female cybersex addicts, loner cybersex addicts, and paraphiliac cybersex
addicts. Treatment strategies for each of the subtypes are recommended.
Title: Cognitive factors in traumatic stress reactions: Predicting PTSD symptoms
from anxiety sensitivity and beliefs about harmful events.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Fedoroff, Ingrid C.; Taylor, Steven; Asmundson, Gordon J. G.; Koch, William J.
Source/Citation: Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy; Vol 28(1) Jan 2000,
US: Cambridge Univ Press; 2000, 5-15
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluated the relative importance of different
cognitive factors (anxiety sensitivity and trauma-related beliefs) in
predicting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and
treatment-related changes in these symptoms. 81 victims (aged 18-64 yrs) of
motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) completed self-report measures of PTSD
symptoms, anxiety sensitivity (AS), MVA-related beliefs and control variables
(e.g., medication use, pain severity). A subsample of 28 patients, who
received cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD, completed these measures pre
and posttreatment. For the combined sample, regression analyses indicated that
AS and pain severity were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, whereas
MVA-related beliefs were not. For patients completing treatment, regression
analyses indicated that reductions in AS and pain severity were significant
predictors of reductions in PTSD symptoms. MVA-related beliefs did not
significantly predict symptom reduction once AS, pain severity and medication
status was controlled for. These findings suggest that AS is a significant
cognitive risk factor for exacerbating and maintaining PTSD symptoms.
Treatment implications are discussed. ========================================
Title: Sexual trauma, substance abuse, and treatment success in a sample of
African American women who smoke crack cocaine.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Young, Amy M.; Boyd, Carol
Source/Citation: Substance Abuse; Vol 21(1) Mar 2000, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum
Publishers; 2000, 9-19
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationship among sexual trauma,
severity of substance use, and treatment success for African American women
who smoke crack cocaine. 208 Ss (aged 19-48 yrs) were interviewed for 2-4 hrs
and asked a variety of questions about their health, relationships, sexuality,
and drug use. Women with a history of sexual trauma reported being addicted to
more substances than women who had not been sexually traumatized, despite the
fact that the 2 groups did not differ on the number of substances used.
Differences in the self-reported level of substance abuse was corroborated
with external evidence of group differences in substance abuse severity. Women
with a history of sexual trauma were admitted to the hospital or emergency
room more often for health issues related to their substance use and were more
likely to be negligent in caring for their children because of their drug use.
The authors also found evidence to suggest that there are differences in
treatment success between the 2 groups; women with a history of sexual trauma
reported having been to substance abuse treatment programs more often than
women without such a history. These findings are discussed in light of the
particular treatment needs of women with a history of sexual trauma. ========================================
Title: Examining patterns of vulnerability to domestic violence among African
American women.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wyatt, Gail E.; Axelrod, Julie; Chin, Dorothy; Carmona, Jennifer Vargas; Loeb, Tamra Burns
Source/Citation: Violence Against Women; Vol 6(5) May 2000, US: Sage
Publications, Inc; 2000, 495-514
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the relationship between child abuse and
neglect, other traumatic events, background variables, and HIV status as they
relate to the continuum of conflict in adulthood, specifically verbal conflict
and physical abuse that can increase women's risk for domestic violence. 135
African American women, aged 19-61, of mixed HIV serostatus were interviewed.
Almost half of the women reported both physical and verbal conflict and
moderate to severe levels of physical abuse with current or recent intimate
partners. Simple correlations and multiple regressions revealed that women
with histories of child abuse were more likely to experience partner violence
as adults. Other traumatic events were not associated with partner violence.
Income and HIV status were related to specific patterns of partner violence.
The influence that early experiences have on African American women eventually
entering abusive adult intimate relationships is discussed. ========================================
Title: The role of media and hospital exposure on Rorschach response patterns by
patients reporting satanic ritual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Leavitt, Frank; Labott, Susan M.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Forensic Psychology; Vol 18(2) 2000, US:
American Coll of Forensic Psychology; 2000, 35-55
Abstract/Review/Citation: Patients reporting satanic ritual abuse (SRA) draw on
a perceptual information base that differs from that used by other psychiatric
patients. In Study 1, Rorschach content shared by 131 female Ss alleging
exposure to satanic cults discriminated the SRA group from 92 female Ss with
(but not alleging satanic involvement) and 92 female Ss without a history of
childhood sex abuse. The mean number of satanic content produced was 6.74,
1.71 and 0.88 responses, respectively. In Study 2, the shared satanic content
was examined as an artifact of exposure to (1) media materials on SRA and (2)
a hospital milieu specializing in sexual trauma in 82 female patients
reporting histories of satanic abuse and those sexually abused. High exposure
to these two variables was not associated with increased production of satanic
response in sexually abused Ss who are non-SRA. In the group reporting satanic
abuse, however, less media exposure was paradoxically associated with
significantly higher numbers of satanic responses. Hospital exposure was not
associated with more satanic response in this group. The best predictor of
satanic content on the Rorschach was low media exposure and a patient report
of satanic experience.
Title: Communication with police supervisors and peers as a buffer of
work-related traumatic stress.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Stephens, Christine; Long, Nigel
Source/Citation: Journal of Organizational Behavior; Vol 21(4) Jun 2000, US:
John Wiley & Sons Inc; 2000, 407-424
Abstract/Review/Citation: In this study, specific types of social support
predicted to buffer the psychological and physical health effects of trauma
are drawn from theory and empirical evidence in the area of post-traumatic
stress. Social support, measured as the content of communication, and the ease
of talking about trauma was tested with 527 21-62 yr old working police
officers who responded to a questionnaire survey. Hierarchical regression
analysis shows that the communication variables contributed to the variance in
post-traumatic stress disorder and physical symptoms with differential effects
for different aspects of communication. Analysis of the effects of traumatic
stress on symptoms for sub-groups at different levels of communication show
that some types of communication, such as the ease of talking about trauma or
positive communications about work, moderate the effects of stress for police
officers, in that higher levels are associated with a weaker trauma-strain
relationship. However, some types of communication buffered stress only at
moderate levels and other types may not be protective. These results are
discussed in terms of the types and sources of social support that are likely
to buffer post-traumatic stress at work. ========================================
Title: Defense styles and posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Birmes, Philippe; Warner, Barbara Ann; Callahan, Stacey; Sztulman, Henry; Charlet, Jean-Paul; Schmitt, Laurent
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 188(5) May 2000,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 306-308
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluated defense styles that may indicate risk for
the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after
exposure to trauma among 25 trauma victims (aged 16-69 yrs). Ss were assessed
by a specific psychiatric trauma team. Ss completed the Traumatic Stress
Inventory Scale at Week 1. At the 2nd assessment during Week 2, the Ss
completed the 40-item Defense Style Questionnaire and the Impact of Event
Scale. Victims with PTSD had mature, neurotic, and immature defense scores not
significantly different from those without PTSD. However, the complete
assessment of each defense style showed that Ss with PTSD were significantly
more likely to use reaction formation than Ss without PTSD. ========================================
Title: Symptom structure of PTSD following breast cancer.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cordova, Matthew J.; Studts, Jamie L.; Hann, Danette M.; Jacobsen, Paul B.; Andrykowski, Michael A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 13(2) Apr 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 301-319
Abstract/Review/Citation: Identification of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
symptoms and diagnoses in survivors of cancer is a growing area of research,
but no published data exist regarding the symptom structure of PTSD in
survivors of malignant disease. Findings from investigations of the PTSD
symptom structure in other trauma populations have been inconsistent and have
not been concordant with the re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, and arousal
symptom clusters specified in the Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV). The present
study employed confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the extent to which
the implied second-order factor structure of PTSD was replicated in a sample
of 142 breast cancer survivors. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD
Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Fit indices reflected a moderate fit of
the symptom structure implied by the DSM-IV These findings provide some
tentative support for the DSM-IV clustering of PTSD symptoms and for the
validity of cancer-related PTSD.
Title: Accident cognitions and subsequent psychological trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Jeavons, Sue; Greenwood, Kenneth M.; de L. Horne, David J.
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 13(2) Apr 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 359-365
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined a sample of 72 consecutive attendees (aged
18-62 yrs) to hospital following motor vehicle accidents. The study assessed
the relationship between demographic variables, details of the accident and
cognitions about the accident recorded soon afterward, and degree of
psychological trauma 3 and 6 months later Psychological trauma was assessed
using the General Health Questionnaire, Impact of Event Scale, and
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Interview. A structured interview was used to
gain information about demographic, accident, and accident cognition
variables. Results showed that initial cognitions such as perceived threat to
life, rather than demographic or accident variables, had the strongest
relationships to subsequent trauma. ========================================
Title: Emotional processing in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A
comparison with traumatized and normal controls.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Amdur, Richard L.; Larsen, Randy; Liberzon, Israel
Source/Citation: Journal of Anxiety Disorders; Vol 14(3) May-Jun 2000, US:
Elsevier Science Inc; 2000, 219-238
Abstract/Review/Citation: Emotional numbing (EN) symptoms are an important but
poorly understood component of the response to trauma. To try to demonstrate
EN, this laboratory study examined subjective and psychophysiological emotion
responses to standardized visual stimuli in Vietnam veterans with
combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat veterans without
PTSD, and nontraumatized controls. PTSD Ss showed no evidence of generalized
reduction in subjective or psychophysiological emotion responses. In response
to a subset of more evocative stimuli, PTSD Ss reported less experience of
Positive Emotions, and more experience of Negative Emotions than controls. For
controls, valence and arousal were uncorrelated, while they were negatively
correlated for PTSD Ss. Verbal and nonverbal subjective emotion measures were
positively correlated for all subject groups, but there was little correlation
between subjective emotion measures and psychophysiological indices. Viewing
time was positively correlated with Positive Emotions for PTSD Ss, and with
Negative Emotions for combat controls. ========================================
Title: The effect of prior trauma exposure on the development of PTSD following
spinal cord injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Radnitz, Cynthia L.; Schlein, Ilana S.; Hsu, Louis
Source/Citation: Journal of Anxiety Disorders; Vol 14(3) May-Jun 2000, US:
Elsevier Science Inc; 2000, 313-324
Abstract/Review/Citation: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in only a
subset of individuals who sustain traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
Several previous studies have examined the effects of additive trauma on the
development of PTSD and found that a history of prior trauma increases the
risk for later development of PTSD. The present study examines additive trauma
by investigating the effects of previous combat exposure on the development of
PTSD following spinal cord injury in 123 male veterans (mean age 49).
Significant differences in prevalence rates for current PTSD were found for
the comparisons of war theater (both combat and noncombat) versus non-war
theater veterans but not for the comparison between combat and noncombat war
theater veterans. Moreover, for all the comparisons, no significant
differences were found in lifetime PTSD diagnoses. This implies that veterans
with SCI who served in a war zone have increased difficulty recovering from
their PTSD following a spinal cord injury than do non-war theater veterans.
Title: Relationships between different types of maltreatment during childhood
and adjustment in adulthood.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Higgins, Daryl J.; McCabe, Marita P.
Source/Citation: Child Maltreatment: Journal of the American Professional
Society on the Abuse of Children; Vol 5(3) Aug 2000, US: Sage Publications
Inc; 2000, 261-272
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluated the interrelationships among 5 different
types of child maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological
maltreatment, neglect, witnessing family violence) in a community sample of
175 women and men (aged 15-64 yrs). The relationships between the reported
experience of these forms of maltreatment in childhood, family characteristics
during childhood, and current psychological adjustment (trauma symptomatology
and self-depreciation) were assessed. As hypothesized, family characteristics
predicted maltreatment scores and adjustment, and maltreatment scores
predicted adjustment after controlling for family environment. There were high
correlations between scores on the 5 maltreatment scales. Results highlight
the need to assess all forms of maltreatment when looking at relationships of
maltreatment to adjustment and the importance of childhood familial
environment for the long-term adjustment of adults. ========================================
Title: A holocaust hozzajarulasa a tudattalan tanulmanyozasahoz./ Contribution
of the Holocaust to the study of the unconcious.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Terez, Virag
Source/Citation: Psychiatria Hungarica; Vol 15(3) 2000, Hungary: Magyar
Pszichiatriai Tarsasag; 2000, 298-310Description/Edition Info.: Journal Article; 250
Abstract/Review/Citation: The paper demonstrates through case histories the
contribution of the therapeutic observations made with Holocaust survivors to
the psychoanalytic theory and the therapeutic practice. In the introduction it
gives a brief account of the developments through which the therapists
encountered first the specific neurotic and psychotic symptoms of the first
generation survivors, and later gradually the symptom formation of the second
and third generation descendants. In the case of Holocaust survivors the
neurotic symptoms are rooted basically in the life-endangering social trauma,
and not in the disorders of the sexual life of the patient. The paper presents
the characteristics of the Holocaust syndrome through 3 case histories. Julia
(64) is first generation survivor, came to therapy showing panic syndrome. Job
(50) belongs to the second generation and has been treated after having
developed psychotic episodes. Noemi (20) represents the third generation of
survivors; her Holocaust syndrome presented itself in obesity, mobility
deprivation and sense of shame due to her overweight. During the therapy it
became clear how the painful memories of the past are interconnected with the
symptom formation.
Title: More questions about recovered memories.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Good, Michael I.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1345-1346
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by J. A. Chu et al (see record
1999-13809-011) which investigated the relationship between self-reported
childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms and amnesia. It is noted that in a
key but methodologically problematic finding, "[a] majority of
participants were able to find strong corroboration of their recovered
memories." The present author contends that this "strikingly
high" corroboration rate was based on self-reported information recalled
by the participants and accepted as recounted. ========================================
Title: "Memories of childhood abuse: Dissociation, amnesia, and
corroboration": Comment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Piper, August Jr.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1346
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by J. A. Chu et al which investigated the relationship between self-reported
childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms and amnesia. The present author
argues that the article suffers from several methodological deficiencies. It
is concluded that Chu et al failed to prove their participants were amnestic.
Title: "Memories of childhood abuse: Dissociation, amnesia, and
corroboration": Comment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Merckelbach, Harald
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1346-1347
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by J. A. Chu et al which investigated the relationship between self-reported
childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms and amnesia. The present author
contends that the findings reported by Chu et al are difficult to interpret
because all their pertinent comparisons and correlations involved individuals
with high scores on the Dissociative Experiences Scale. It is suggested that
studies like that of Chu et al would allow for more convincing conclusions if
they included a measure of response bias. ========================================
Title: "Memories of childhood abuse: Dissociation, amnesia, and
corroboration": Comment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Powell, Russell A.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1347-1348
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by J. A. Chu et al which investigated the relationship between self-reported
childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms and amnesia. The present author
contends that it remains plausible that the vast majority of recovered
memories reported by the Ss in Chu et al were never corroborated. It is
concluded that the study by Chu et al does little to alleviate concerns that
recovered memories of abuse are often false. ========================================
Title: "Memories of childhood abuse: Dissociation, amnesia, and
corroboration": Comment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Merskey, D. M.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1348
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by J. A. Chu et al which investigated the relationship between self-reported
childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms and amnesia. The present author
argues that the article by Chu et al stretches credibility by describing a
remarkable skewed clinical population. It is contended that Chu et al
misrepresents the literature, misunderstands the nature of proof, and mistakes
belief for evidence.
Title: "Memories of childhood abuse: Dissociation, amnesia, and
corroboration": Reply.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chu, James A.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(8) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1348-1349
Abstract/Review/Citation: Responds to M. I. Good, A. Piper, H. Merckelbach, R.
A. Powell, and H. Merskey's comments on J. H. Chu et al's article which investigated the
relationship between self-reported childhood abuse and dissociative symptoms
and amnesia. The present author addresses the comments concerning the
methodological difficulties of the use of participant self-reports in the
research and notes that these limitations were acknowledged in the study. It
is argued that the results should not be dismissed for methodological reasons.
The author concludes that although the Chu et al study cannot be described as
conclusive or definitive, it does underscore the presence and aftereffects of
the still underreported and often-denied reality of child abuse in American
Title: Pituitary-adrenal and autonomic responses to stress in women after sexual
and physical abuse in childhood.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Heim, Christine; Newport, D. Jeffrey; Heit, Stacey; Graham, Yolanda P.; Wilcox, Molly; Bonsall, Robert; Miller, Andrew H.; Nemeroff, Charles B.
Source/Citation: JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association; Vol 284(5)
Aug 2000, US: American Medical Assn; 2000, 592-597
Abstract/Review/Citation: Hypothesized that stress early in life results in a
persistent sensitization or hyperactivity of CNS corticotropin-releasing
factor (CRF) systems to even mild stress in adulthood, contributing to the
development of mood and anxiety disorders. 49 females (aged 18-45 yrs)
completed the Early Trauma Inventory. For the induction of stress, the authors
used a standardized psychosocial stress protocol. Hormone and heart rate data
were analyzed. Maximum adrenocorticotropic hormone responses minus baseline
were more than 6-fold higher in abused women with depression. Abused women
with current depression exhibited higher cortisol responses than all other
Title: "Marrying my rapist?!": The cultural trauma among Chinese rape
Author(s)/Editor(s): Luo, Tsun-Yin
Source/Citation: Gender & Society; Vol 14(4) Aug 2000, US: Sage Publications
Inc; 2000, 581-597
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study conceptualizes rape trauma as embedded in
the cultural construction of rape and consequently manifested in the
psychological process of individual rape survivors. The author conducted
in-depth interviews with 35 female rape survivors (aged 14-43 yrs) in Taiwan
to examine their self-reported traumatic experiences in relation to the
cultural meaning of rape in Chinese society. In analyzing the interview
accounts, this study identified several kinds of trauma predominantly
experienced among the interviewed rape survivors. This study found that the
psychological trauma among individual rape survivors in Taiwan, although
similar to rape trauma symptoms documented in Western literature, seems to
manifest a relatively distinct cultural construction of rape in Chinese
society. Study implications for rape-related educational and treatment
programs in Taiwan are suggested in the context of Chinese cultural
construction of rape. A table of demographic and assault information of study
participants is appended.
Title: Cognitive processing of trauma cues in adults reporting repressed,
recovered, or continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): McNally, Richard J.; Clancy, Susan A.; Schacter, Daniel L.; Pitman, Roger K.
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 109(3) Aug 2000, US:
American Psychological Assn.; 2000, 355-359
Abstract/Review/Citation: Psychologically traumatized people exhibit delayed
color naming of trauma words in the emotional Stroop task. Four groups of
participants were asked to color name positive words, neutral words, and
trauma words; these groups included 15 women who believed that they harbored
repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), 13 women who reported
recovered memories of CSA, 15 women who had never forgotten their CSA, and 12
women who had never been abused. Repressed-memory participants exhibited
patterns of interference indistinguishable from those of the nonabused control
group participants. Irrespective of group membership, the severity of
self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms was the only significant
predictor of trauma-related interference, r(48) = .30 , p < .05.
Title: Parallel selves as the end of grief work.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Liiceanu, Aurora
Source/Citation: Loss and trauma: General and close relationship perspectives.,
Philadelphia, PA, US: Brunner-Routledge; 2000, (xxv, 415), 112-120
Source editor(s): Harvey, John H. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: The material for this chapter is drawn from a larger
study of collective and personal memory and the reciprocal nurturing function
in a small village community during the last 50 yrs. Among the life stories
collected, one refers to the death of 2 boys and the process of identity
change of their mother. She is about 60 yrs old and the death happened quite a
long time ago--15 yrs. Bereavement as a central part of her life story seems
to be a normal human experience, out of grief complications or pathology.
My purpose was to capture the intersection between the presence of the other
as helping agent and the individual subject to the experience of the
children's death. The psychology of loss needs to focus not only on people's
perceptions and stories of loss, but also on how their perceptions and stories
change over time. As R. A. Neimeyer (1998) shows, recent research makes
emergent the idea that meaning reconstruction in response to a loss is the
central process in grieving. The experience of grieving, even treated as a
private act, does not happen outside the context of interpersonal
interactions. In such contexts, sometimes, the other can strongly contribute
to restoration-oriented coping.
Title: Posttraumatic stress disorder, dissociation, and trauma exposure in
depressed and nondepressed veterans.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wilkeson, Adele; Lambert, Michael T.; Petty, Frederick
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 188(8) Aug 2000,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 505-509
Abstract/Review/Citation: Increasing evidence indicates that exposure to
traumatic events predisposes individuals to depressive symptoms as well as to
emotional and psychophysiological symptoms covered under the diagnostic
criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma exposure history and
PTSD symptoms would, therefore, be expected to be more common in a depressed
population than in a nondepressed group. To examine the association between
trauma exposure (trauma load), dissociation, and depression, the authors
administered clinical interviews and an assessment package derived from
existing instruments (including the Dissociative Experiences Scale; DES) to
101 veteran patients (mean age 47 yrs) with histories of clinically
significant depression and a comparison group of 49 medical patients with no
history of depression. The depression group had experienced significantly
higher numbers of traumatic incidents, had higher average DES scores, and more
frequently met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The findings support the argument
for a causal or predisposing effect of trauma in the expression of clinically
significant depression.
Title: Traumatized psychotherapists.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Miller, Laurence
Source/Citation: Cognitive-behavioral strategies in crisis intervention (2nd
ed.)., New York, NY, US: The Guilford Press; 2000, (xxii, 470), 429-445
Source editor(s): Dattilio, Frank M. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: This chapter describes the particular stresses and
intervention strategies for psychotherapists who are often on the front lines
of crisis intervention: emergency mental health clinicians and trauma
therapists. A case study of a 55-yr-old psychologist and a 29-yr-old social
worker is presented.
Title: Does a visual perceptual disturbance characterize trauma-related anxiety
Author(s)/Editor(s): Tym, Robert; Dyck, Murray J.; McGrath, Gaye
Source/Citation: Journal of Anxiety Disorders: Special Issue: Current clinical
challanges in the treatment of anxiety disorders; Vol 14(4) Jul-Aug 2000, US:
Elsevier Science Inc; 2000, 377-394
Abstract/Review/Citation: The i-test was developed to assess the
visual-perceptual disturbances (VPDs) frequently reported by anxious patients.
Persons with the disturbance report a specific abnormal illusion of movement
when they maintain a fixed gaze at the i-test stimulus. Base rates for
positive responses to the i-test and for reports of a "recurrent specific
memory" (RSM) of a fear experience were obtained in a psychiatric
outpatient (n = 301) and community (n = 128) samples (aged 12-82 yrs). In each
case, approximately one fifth of participants had a positive response to the
i-test and one fifth of participants reported an RSM of fear. When psychiatric
patients with both an abnormal illusion of movement response and an RSM of
trauma are treated with eye movement desensitization, both symptoms are
removed in 70% of cases; when these patients undergo some other form of
treatment, both symptoms are removed in 30% of cases. These results indicate
that the i-test is an effective way of identifying VPDs associated with
psychopathologic conditions; the association between the abnormal illusion of
movement and reports of recurrent specific memories of fear experiences
suggests that the VPD may be a marker of traumatic stress syndromes. ========================================
Title: Collusion and denial of childhood sexual trauma in traditional societies.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Yueksel, Sahika
Source/Citation: International handbook of human response to trauma., New York,
NY, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, (xvi, 477), 153-162 The
Plenum series on stress and coping.
Source editor(s): Shalev, Arieh Y. (Ed)
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the occurrence and the nature of child sexual
abuse (CSA) in Turkey in help-seeking patients to evaluate the dimensions of
the problem and to help those who survived. Ss included 96 female patients
(aged 14-45 yrs) referred for psychiatric treatment who reported a history of
CSA before the age of 16. The Ss' cases were evaluated in terms of
sociodemographic features, histories of physical and sexual trauma, patterns
of family relationships, psychopathology, and other long-term adjustments
problems. Clinical diagnoses were made on the basis of Mental
Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria. Beyond formal diagnoses, other
adjustment problems were also investigated. Most of the Ss asked for help long
after the incident. Only 12% came during the time of abuse, and 15% in the 3
mo following it. The duration of the abuse ranged from 1-17 yrs. Most of the
Ss' mothers were housewives, and the others were unskilled workers; Ss'
fathers tended to have higher educational levels than mothers, and most of
them had regular jobs. posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the most
frequent diagnosis. The results indicate that CSA is frequent in Turkey. The
supporting of traumatized individuals within the specific constraints of the
Turkish culture is discussed.
Title: Using a metaphor in working with disaster survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Carmichael, Karla D.
Source/Citation: Journal for Specialists in Group Work; Vol 25(1) Mar 2000, US:
Sage Publications Inc; 2000, 7-15
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the metaphorical use of the story of The
Wizard of Oz in counseling tornado disaster survivors in a small US
community. A 3-hr introductory session was attended by 30 residents (aged
8-late 50s), approximately a quarter of the community. In the last hr a
counselor educator began group telling of the story, metaphorically
interpreting various aspects, including Dorothy's shoes as inner strength, the
dog as significant people, and the Yellow Brick Road as the trauma recovery
process. Discussion progressed to residents offering their personal
interpretations, allowing them to indirectly and less painfully express their
perspectives. Members then began directly discussing their experiences, with
the story providing a common reference point. It is concluded that The Wizard
of Oz was an effective intervention with these tornado disaster survivors,
serving the 3 functions of remembrance, teaching, and motivation. ========================================
Title: Acute stress disorder scale: A self-report measure of acute stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bryant, Richard A.; Moulds, Michelle L.; Guthrie, Rachel M.
Source/Citation: Psychological Assessment; Vol 12(1) Mar 2000, US: American
Psychological Assn.; 2000, 61-68
Abstract/Review/Citation: The Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) is a
self-report inventory that (a) indexes acute stress disorder (ASD) and (b)
predicts posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ASDS is a 19-item,
inventory that is based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria.
The ASDS possessed good sensitivity (95%) and specificity (83%) for
identifying ASD against the ASD Interview on 99 civilian trauma survivors.
Test-retest reliability of the ASDS scores between 2 and 7 days was strong (r
= .94). The ASDS predicted 91% of bushfire survivors who developed PTSD and
93% of those who did not; one third of those identified by the ASDS as being
at risk did not develop PTSD, however. The ASDS shows promise as a screening
instrument to identify acutely traumatized individuals who warrant more
thorough assessment for risk of PTSD.
Title: The alpha-sub-1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin ameliorates combat trauma
nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A report of 4 cases.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Raskind, Murray A.; Dobie, Dorcas J.; Kanter, Evan D.; Petrie, Eric C.; Thompson, Charles E.; Peskind, Elaine R.
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; Vol 61(2) Feb 2000, US:
Physicians Postgraduate Press Inc; 2000, 129-133
Abstract/Review/Citation: CNS adrenergic hyperresponsiveness may be involved in
the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, 4
consecutively identified combat veterans (aged 50-75 yrs) with chronic PTSD
and severe intractable combat trauma nightmares participated in an 8-wk open
trial of escalating-dose prazosin, an alpha-sub-1-adrenergic antagonist.
Nightmare severity response was rated using the nightmare item of the
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (D. D. Blake et al, 1995) and the Clinical
Global Impressions-Change scale (E. Lehmann, 1984). The 2 Ss who achieved a
daily prazosin dose of at least 5 mg were markedly improved, with complete
elimination of trauma nightmares and resumption of normal dreaming. The 2 Ss
limited to 2 mg of prazosin to avoid excessive blood pressure reduction were
moderately improved with at least 50% reduction in nightmare severity. These
clinical observations, together with neurobiological evidence for
alpha-sub-1-adrenergic regulation of CNS neurobiological systems relevant to
PTSD, provide rationale for placebo-controlled trials of prazosin for PTSD
combat trauma nightmares.
Title: Postraumatic stress dysfunction and other reactions of the victims of
house burglary.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Caballero, Miguel Angel; Ramos, Luciana; Saltijeral, Maria Teresa
Source/Citation: Salud Mental; Vol 23(1) Feb 2000, Mexico: Revista Salud Mental;
2000, 8-17
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the psychological effects in Mexicans,
derived from their experience of being burglarized at home. Tape recorded
interviews were made in 20 informants (aged 20-68 yrs) 1 mo and 6 mo after the
burglary. The analyses were done according to the characteristics of the
house-burglary and the reactions developed by it, including the symptoms of
such disorder. Results show that house burglary is experienced mainly as a
severe violation or intrusion of their intimacy. The more common symptoms were
the memories and the psychological distress when exposed to similar
situations. Ss usually avoid thoughts and feelings related to the experienced
burglary. Another frequent reaction is their concern for the future, and the
prevalence of irritability and hypervigilance. Most of the victims experienced
sadness and blue feelings. The comparison of the symptoms 1 mo and 6 mo after,
showed that although in general most of the reaction decreased with time, some
of them persisted, producing much distress in the informants. The duration of
some reactions and the suffering related to them are emphasized and discussed.
Title: The lived experience of adult male survivors who allege childhood sexual
abuse by clergy.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Fater, Kerry; Mullaney, Jo Ann
Source/Citation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing; Vol 21(3) Apr-May 2000, US:
Taylor & Francis; 2000, 281-295
Abstract/Review/Citation: Phenomenological study that describes the essential
structure of the lived experience of adult male survivors of childhood sexual
abuse by clergy. A purposive sample of seven survivors (aged 28-48 yrs old)
related their subjective experiences in semistructured interviews. P.
Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method was used for data analysis.
Survivors describe a bifurcated rage and spiritual distress that pervades
their entire "lifebeing." Learning about adult survivors of
childhood sexual abuse by clergy will assist nurses to identify potential risk
factors, design prevention strategies, and enhance empathy for a healing
Title: Prevalence and patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder in abused and
postabused women.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Woods, Stephanie J.
Source/Citation: Issues in Mental Health Nursing; Vol 21(3) Apr-May 2000, US:
Taylor & Francis; 2000, 309-324
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study examined the prevalence and patterns of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in abused and postabused
women. A convenience sample of 53 abused, 55 postabused, and 52 nonabused
women (ages 18-67 yrs old) completed measures related to physical and
emotional abuse by an intimate partner, risk of homicide, and PTSD. Results
indicated that PTSD symptoms were present in both the abused and postabused
women and were positively correlated with the severity of abuse and risk of
homicide that the women experienced. The postabused women were out of the
abusive relationship an average of nine years, yet continued to experience
PTSD symptoms. The results of this investigation provides direction for future
research needed to examine the association between lifetime exposure to
violent trauma and PTSD symptomatology in women who have been abused by
intimate partners.
Title: Emotional outbursts and post-traumatic stress disorder during
intracarotid amobarbital procedure.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Masia, S. L.; Perrine, K.; Westbrook, L.; Alper, K.; Devinsky, Orrin
Source/Citation: Neurology; Vol 54(8) Apr 2000, US: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2000, 1691-1693
Abstract/Review/Citation: Severe emotional outbursts (SEOs) during intracarotid
amobarbital procedures (IAP) rarely jeopardize preoperative language and
memory testing. All 4 epileptic patients (female 13, 36, and 43 yr olds and a
male 40 yr old) with outbursts in this study had experienced significant
emotional trauma (3 were raped and 1 witnessed a decapitation), compared with
26 of 546 patients (4.8%) without outbursts. Evocative injections were
ipsilateral to seizure focus. IAP may disrupt emotional balance in some
traumatized patients; however, counseling may prevent SEOs. ========================================
Title: Stay-leave decision making in battered women: Trauma, coping and
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lerner, Christine Fiore; Kennedy, Linda Thomas
Source/Citation: Cognitive Therapy & Research; Vol 24(2) Apr 2000, US:
Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 215-232
Abstract/Review/Citation: Most often, for battered women, the decision to stay
or leave is not made at a single point in time with finality, but instead
unfolds over time, and represents the most fundamental and difficult decision
women may face. In order to increase knowledge of the complex factors involved
in stay-leave experiences for women in violent relationships, this study
focused on explicating multiple variables relevant to battered women who were
either in a violent relationship or who had left a violent relationship. Five
relationship status groups were examined to better understand the potential
differences in in women's experiences at different points in time: (1) women
in violent relationships; (2) women out of a violent relationship for up to 6
mo; (3) women out of a violent relationship from 6 mo to 1 yr; (4) women out
of a violent relationship 1-3 yrs; (5) women out of a violent relationship 3
yrs or more. One hundred ninety-one women (aged 18-58 yrs) participated in
this study. Results indicated that dynamic psychological variables such as
self-efficacy, trauma symptoms, and coping varied depending on whether women
were in or out of the relationship and how long it had been since they had
left the relationship.
Title: Fluvoxamine reduces physiologic reactivity to trauma scripts in
posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Tucker, Phebe; Smith, Kurt L.; Marx, Brian; Jones, Dan; Miranda, Robert Jr.; Lensgraf, Jay
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; Vol 20(3) Jun 2000, US:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 367-372
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the effect of open-label fluvoxamine
treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and
physiologic arousal to trauma cues. Baseline psychometric ratings and
physiologic assessments of heart rate and blood pressure responses to
individualized, taped trauma scripts were determined for 16 18-65 yr old
patients with PTSD and 16 mentally healthy age- and gender-matched control Ss
exposed to at least 1 serious trauma. Patients with PTSD had greater autonomic
reactivity than control Ss at baseline, with physiologic measures correlating
with the severity of the PTSD for the combined groups. Discriminant analyses
indicated that systolic blood pressure best classified patients with PTSD and
control Ss, with a stepwise discriminant analysis showing that combined
physiologic variables correctly classified 75% of patients with PTSD and 100%
of control Ss. After 10 wks of fluvoxamine treatment, patients' PTSD,
depression, and physiologic reactivity improved significantly. Medicated
patients with PTSD could not be distinguished statistically from untreated
control Ss in any physiologic measure. ========================================
Title: Systematic assessment of mental health following various types of
posttrauma support.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Larsson, Gerry; Michel, Per-Olof; Lundin, Tom
Source/Citation: Military Psychology; Vol 12(2) 2000, US: Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates; 2000, 121-135
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluated the influence of different forms of support
(peer support, ventilation or defusing led by the ordinary group leader, and
more formal debriefing sessions led by an external counselor) on mental health
following traumatic experiences, using a prospective study design. The sample
consisted of a 510 members of a Swedish batallion in Bosnia (20-53 yrs of
age), who was part of NATO's implementation force in 1996. Preservice
assessment was made of personality, sense of coherence, and mental health.
One-third of the soldiers experienced traumatic situations during their
service. Results showed that poor mental health after service was related more
to preservice mental health and sense of coherence than to trauma exposure and
posttrauma support. Peer support followed by a defusing session had a positive
effect on postservice mental health, although this did not apply to the
individuals with the worst preservice mental health. The value of formal
debriefings could not be evaluated due to insufficient data. ========================================
Title: Urinary catecholamines and cortisol in recent-onset posttraumatic stress
disorder after motor vehicle accidents.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hawk, Larry W.; Dougall, Angela Liegey; Ursano, Robert J.; Baum, Andrew
Source/Citation: Psychosomatic Medicine; Vol 62(3) May-Jun 2000, US: Williams
& Wilkins Co.; 2000, 423-434
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined relationships among stress hormone levels,
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and symptoms, and gender
shortly after a common civilian trauma. Levels of catecholamines and cortisol
in 15-hr urine samples were examined in 31 female and 24 male 18-65 yr olds
who had been in serious motor vehicle accidents and in 22 age-matched
controls. Results show that catecholamines were related to PTSD diagnosis and
symptoms, but only among men: PTSD-symptomatic men who had been in an accident
exhibited elevated levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine 1 mo after the
accident and had higher epinephrine levels 5 mo later. Intrusive thoughts
predicted catecholamine levels at 1 mo, and avoidance of trauma-relevant
stimuli was associated with higher epinephrine levels 5 mo later. These
effects were not significant among women. Urinary cortisol was also elevated
among PTSD-symptomatic men, but not women, and only immediately (1 mo) after
the accident. For men and women, greater emotional numbing predicted a lower
cortisol level 6 mo after the accident. ========================================
Title: Impaired social response reversal. A case of 'acquired sociopathy'.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Blair, R. J. R.; Cipolotti, L.
Source/Citation: Brain; Vol 123(6) Jun 2000, England: Oxford Univ Press; 2000,
Abstract/Review/Citation: Presents the case of a male patient with acquired
sociopathy following trauma to the right frontal region, including the
orbitofrontal cortex. J. S. (aged 56 yrs) fulfilled the criteria for
Antisocial Personality Disorder and was rated at average or above on a number
of intelligence measures. J. S. showed no reversal learning impairment, but
showed severe difficulty in emotional expression recognition, autonomic
responding, and social cognition. He displayed difficulty in identifying
violations of social behavior. J. S.'s performance was contrasted with another
patient who also presented with a grave dysexecutive syndrome but no socially
aberrant behavior, and with 5 prison inmates with developmental psychopathy.
Results show that acquired sociopathy is distinguishable from developmental
psychopathy and need not be associated with general reversal learning
impairments. It is not an inevitable result of executive dysfunction. It is
concluded that multiple neurocognitive systems are involved in social cognition.
Title: Psychological debriefing for road traffic accident victims: Three-year
follow-up of a randomised controlled trial.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mayou, R. A.; Ehlers, A.; Hobbs, M.
Source/Citation: British Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 176 Jun 2000, England: Royal
College of Psychiatrists; 2000, 589-593
Abstract/Review/Citation: Psychological debriefing is widely used for trauma
victims, but there is uncertainty about its efficacy. The authors previously
reported a randomized controlled trial (M. Hobbs et al, 1996) which concluded
that at 4 mo it was ineffective. This study evaluated the 3-yr outcome in a
randomized controlled trial of debriefing for consecutive Ss (aged 16-65 yrs)
hospitalized following a road traffic accident. Patients were assessed while
in the hospital by methods including the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Brief
Symptom Inventory (BSI), and were reassessed at 3 mo and 3 yrs. The
intervention was psychological debriefing. The intervention group had a
significantly worse outcome at 3 yrs in terms of general psychiatric symptoms
(BSI), travel anxiety when being a passenger, pain, physical problems, overall
level of functioning, and financial problems. Patients who initially had high
intrusion and avoidance symptoms (IES) remained symptomatic if they had
received the intervention, but recovered if they did not receive the
intervention. Findings suggest that psychological debriefing is ineffective
and has adverse long-term effects, and thus is not an appropriate treatment
for trauma victims.
Title: Exploring the counselor's experience of working with perpetrators and
survivors of domestic violence.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Iliffe, Gillian; Steed, Lyndall G.
Source/Citation: Journal of Interpersonal Violence; Vol 15(4) Apr 2000, US: Sage
Publications Inc; 2000, 393-412
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the professional and personal impact on
counselors from working with domestic violence (DV) clients. Semi-structured
interviews with 18 counselors (mean age 45.8 yrs) having case loads of more
than 50% DV clients yielded themes including initial impact of DV counseling,
personal impact of hearing traumatic material, changes to cognitive schema,
challenging issues for DV counselors, burnout, and coping strategies. Ss
described classic symptoms of vicarious trauma, and reported changes in
cognitive schema, particularly in regard to safety, world view, and gender
power issues. Challenging aspects of DV counseling included changes in
counseling practice to meet the unique needs of DV clients, difficulties with
confidentiality, and feelings of isolation and powerlessness. 12 Ss reported
feelings of burnout. Reported adaptive strategies included monitoring client
caseloads, debriefing, peer support, self-care and political involvement for
social change.
Title: Cocaine dependence with and without posttraumatic stress disorder: A
comparison of substance use, trauma history and psychiatric comorbidity.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Back, Sudie; Dansky, Bonnie S.; Coffey, Scott F.; Saladin, Michael E.; Sonne, Susan; Brady, Kathleen T.
Source/Citation: American Journal on Addictions; Vol 9(1) Win 2000, US: Taylor
& Francis; 2000, 51-62
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationship between substance use
severity, trauma history, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
psychiatric comorbidity in a treatment-seeking sample of 91 cocaine dependent
individuals (aged 18-55 yrs). Structured clinical interviews revealed that
42.9% of the sample met Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria for
lifetime PTSD. Comparisons between individuals with and without lifetime PTSD
revealed that individuals with PTSD had significantly higher rates of exposure
to traumatic events, earlier age of 1st assault, more severe symptomatology,
and higher rates of Axis I and Axis II diagnoses. The results illustrate a
high incidence of PTSD among cocaine dependent individuals. Routine assessment
of trauma history and PTSD may assist in the identification of a subgroup of
cocaine users in need of special prevention and treatment efforts. ========================================
Title: The timing, triggers and qualities of recovered memories in therapy.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Andrews, Bernice; Brewin, Chris R.; Ochera, Jenny; Morton, John; Bekerian, Debra A.; Davies, Graham M.; Mollon, Phil
Source/Citation: British Journal of Clinical Psychology; Vol 39(1) Mar 2000,
England: British Psychological Society; 2000, 11-26
Abstract/Review/Citation: Reports descriptive data on memory recovery of
traumatic material including degree of prior amnesia, triggers to recovery,
qualities of the memory and length of time taken to recover different types of
memory. Practitioners who reported having clients with recovered memories were
contacted for an in-depth interview in which they each provided information on
up to 3 such clients. Using telephone interviews with 108 therapists, 236
detailed accounts of clients recovering a traumatic memory were examined.
Results show that the degree of amnesia varied widely according to therapists:
some clients bad prior total amnesia, others a prior vague sense or suspicion,
and others prior partial memories. Time in therapy before first recall was
longer for memories involving child sexual abuse than for memories of other
traumas. The majority of the memories, but not all, were similar to those
reported by patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): they were
fragmented, accompanied by high levels of emotion, and experienced as a
reliving of the original event. On the basis of current understanding of
memory processes, several mechanisms may be needed to explain all the data,
including disruptions to the encoding and retrieval of traumatic events and
errors in the attribution of the source of specific memories. ========================================
Title: Relationships among trauma exposure, chronic posttraumatic stress
disorder symptoms, and self-reported health in women: Replication and extension.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kimerling, Rachel; Clum, Gretchen A.; Wolfe, Jessica
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 13(1) Jan 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 115-128
Abstract/Review/Citation: 52 women (mean age 48.7 yrs) who served during the
Vietnam era were assessed for war-zone exposure, traumatic life events,
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and self-reported health status.
Symptoms of PTSD were examined as mediators in the relationship between
traumatic exposure and subsequent reports of health problems. Results showed
that PTSD symptoms accounted significantly for variance in health problems
reported by women with prior traumatic stressor exposure. When the cardinal
symptom domains of PTSD (reexperiencing, numbing, avoidance, hyperarousal)
were analyzed separately, the symptom cluster representing hyperarousal
accounted uniquely for the variance associated with health complaints, beyond
that contributed by other symptom clusters. Discussion of the results focuses
on mechanisms underlying the relationship between specific symptoms of PTSD
and self-reported health. Implications for intervention within the medical
system are also considered.
Title: "Amnesia" for summer camps and high school graduation: Memory
work increases reports of prior periods of remembering less.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Read, J. Don; Lindsay, D. Stephen
Source/Citation: Journal of Traumatic Stress; Vol 13(1) Jan 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 129-147
Abstract/Review/Citation: Claims regarding amnesia for childhood sexual abuse
have often been based on studies of adults' responses to questions of the
form, "Was there ever a period of time when you remembered less of the
abuse than you do now?" In this experiment, 43 adults (aged 27-69 yrs)
rated their current and prior memories of several nontraumatic
childhood/adolescent events. Reports of prior periods of less memory were
fairly common. Ss then engaged in "reminiscence" or
"enhanced" retrieval activities directed toward remembering more
about a selected target event. Following retrieval, 35% of the reminiscence
condition Ss reported prior poor memory for the target event, as did 70% of
the enhanced condition Ss. Results highlight the need for appropriate control
conditions in retrospective studies of amnesia for childhood trauma. ========================================
Title: Neurological findings in complex regional pain syndromes--analysis of 145
Author(s)/Editor(s): Birklein, Frank; Riedl, B.; Sieweke, N.; Weber, M.; Neundoerfer, B.
Source/Citation: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica; Vol 101(4) Apr 2000, US:
Munksgaard Scientific Journals; 2000, 262-269
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examines the neurological symptoms which characterize
complex regional pain syndromes (CRPSs). Diagnoses for CRPSs were made for 145
patients aged 15-80 yrs. CRPSs followed limb trauma, surgery, and lesion, and
all Ss were assessed clinically. Pain was quantified using the McGill pain
questionnaire, skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermometer, and a
subgroup of 57 Ss was retested in order to determine thermal thresholds (QST).
In a structured interview, 61 Ss reported serious life events in a close
relationship to the onset of CRPS and 60 Ss had a history of chronic pain
before CRPS. The latter group of Ss gave a higher rating of CRPS pain, and the
major symptoms were pain at rest in 77% and hyperalgesia in 94%. Typical pain
was deep in the limb having a tearing character, and Ss getting physical
therapy had significantly less pain than those without. Autonomic signs were
frequent (98%) and often changed with the duration of CRPS. Skin temperature
was warmer in acute and colder in chronic stages. Also, edema had a higher
incidence in acute stages. There was no correlation found between pain and
autonomic dysfunction. Motor dysfunction was present in 97% of Ss. QST
revealed increased warm perception thresholds and decreased cold pain
thresholds of the affected limb.
Title: Residual catatonic state following neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Caroff, Stanley N.; Mann, Stephan C.; Keck, Paul E. Jr.; Francis, Andrew
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; Vol 20(2) Apr 2000, US:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 257-259
Abstract/Review/Citation: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is usually a
self-limited disorder, with most cases resolving within 2 wks after
antipsychotic drug discontinuation. However, the course of NMS may not always
be short-lived. This report describes 5 patients (aged 21-78 yrs) with
dementia, mental retardation, or head trauma who developed a residual
catatonic state that persisted after acute hyperthermic symptoms of NMS had
subsided and compares them with 27 similar cases in the literature. Two of the
patients recovered gradually with supportive treatment. Three patients were
treated with ECT. Of these, 2 showed a positive response, although 1 died
later of intercurrent pneumonia. A 3rd patient did not respond to ECT, but
recovered gradually thereafter. Although dopamine agonists or benzodiazepines
have been advocated for the treatment of residual symptoms in previous case
reports, ECT was the treatment most often associated with a rapid response and
no mortality, even in patients refractory to pharmacotherapy. It is concluded
that catatonic and parkinsonian symptoms of NMS may persist as a residual
state lasting for weeks to months after more fulminant acute symptoms abate.
These residual symptoms may be more likely to develop in patients with
preexisting structural brain disorders. ========================================
Title: Multimodal early onset stimulation (MEOS) in rehabilitation after brain
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gruener, M. Lippert; Terhaag, D.
Source/Citation: Brain Injury; Vol 14(6) Jun 2000, US: Taylor & Francis;
2000, 585-594
Abstract/Review/Citation: An early and consistent administration of the correct
rehabilitation programme is of crucial importance for the restoration and
improvement of cerebral function, as well as social reintegration. This has
led to the development of a multimodal onset stimulation therapy (MEOS), which
the neurosurgical intensive care unit administers during an early phase of
rehabilitation of patients who have been in a coma for more than 48 hours
after trauma. This study, which was carried out over a period of 2 years,
focuses on 89 patients aged 16-65 years suffering from severe brain injury. 16
of these fulfill the criteria required to start the MEOS. The authors were
able to identify significant changes in 2 of the patients' vegetative
parameters (e.g.,. heart and respiratory frequencies), even in cases of deep
coma. The most significant changes were caused by tactile and acoustic
stimulation. Standardized behavioural assessment turned out to be particularly
advisable in cases of medium coma. Here, too, a stimulation of the tactile and
acoustic senses resulted mainly in head and eye movements. ========================================
Title: Interactive psychoeducational group therapy in the treatment of authority
problems in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lubin, Hadar; Johnson, David Read
Source/Citation: International Journal of Group Psychotherapy; Vol 50(3) Jul
2000, US: Guilford Publications; 2000, 277-269
Abstract/Review/Citation: The use of interactive psychoeducational group therapy
to ameliorate authority problems of Vietnam veterans with combat-related
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is described. Despite the common
occurrence of authority problems in this population, and the degree of damage
they have caused in family, work, and legal domains, they are rarely
specifically targeted by treatment interventions. A conceptual framework
linking psychological trauma with distortions in authority relations is
presented, followed by the format, procedures, and case examples of this form
of group therapy. By uncovering the distorted beliefs associated with
traumatic schemas as they emerge in the group interaction, the group therapist
can first help the clients question their assumptions about authority, and
then explore more adaptive behaviors. The need to examine in greater detail
the causes and impact of authority problems among clients with posttraumatic
stress disorder is emphasized.
Title: Relationship to perpetrator and posttraumatic symptomatology among sexual
abuse survivors.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Lucenko, Barbara A.; Gold, Steven N.; Cott, Melissa A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Family Violence; Vol 15(2) Jun 2000, US: Kluwer
Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2000, 169-179
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the association of several dimensions of
relationship to perpetrator of childhood sexual abuse to posttraumatic
symptomatology (PTS) in adulthood. A structured clinical interview, the Impact
of Event Scale, and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 were administered to 67
women survivors (aged 18-58 yrs) seeking psychotherapy. The t-tests for
significant differences indicated that Ss whose perpetrators were not
caretakers experienced higher levels of PTS in adulthood than those abused by
caretakers. No significant differences were found in traumatic symptomatology
between those whose perpetrators were family members and those whose
perpetrators were not or between those abused by someone in the home and those
abused by someone outside the household. Implications for future research and
clinical practice are explored.
Title: Terminal illness and schizophrenia.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kelly, Brendan D.; Shanley, David
Source/Citation: Journal of Palliative Care; Vol 16(2) Sum 2000, Canada:
Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Center for Bioethics; 2000, 55-57
Abstract/Review/Citation: Presents the case of a 59-yr-old man with a background
of paranoid schizophrenia and a terminal brain tumor. To meet the needs of
this patient and of his family, the psychiatry and palliative hospital care
teams provided combined care. The S was admitted to a psychiatry unit because
his symptoms were related to an exacerbation of his psychiatric illness
attributable to his malignancy, because the S was familiar with the staff of
the psychiatry unit, and because the unit was attached to a general hospital
with an active palliative care team. The S's existing psychiatric symptoms
were worsened by his physical illness and by the trauma of hospital admission
and investigation. The successful management of psychosis created optimal
conditions for palliative care intervention and gave the patient the
opportunity to speak with his family between psychotic episodes. ========================================
Title: Profiling the trauma related symptoms of Bosnian refugees who have not
sought mental health services.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Weine, Stevan M.; Razzano, Lisa; Brkic, Nenad; Ramic, Alma; Miller, Ken; Smajkic, Amer; Bijedic, Zvezdana; Boskailo, Esad; Mermelstein, Robin; Pavkovic, Ivan
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 188(7) Jul 2000,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 416-421
Abstract/Review/Citation: The objective of this study was to profile
trauma-related psychiatric symptoms in a group of refugees not seeking mental
health services. The study involved research assessments of 2 groups of
Bosnian refugees (aged 19-89 yrs): those who have not presented for mental
health services and those who have. A total of 28 of 41 nonpresenters (70%)
met symptom criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. All
service presenters (N = 29) met symptom criteria for PTSD diagnosis. The group
that did not present for services reported substantial but lower trauma
exposure, PTSD symptom severity, and depression symptom severity. They had
significant differences on all subscales of the MOS SF-36 (J. E. Ware and C.
D. Sherbourne, 1992), indicating better health status. The authors concluded
that those who do not seek services have substantial symptom levels, but their
self-concept appears to be less oriented toward illness and help seeking.
Innovative access, engagement, and preventive interventions are needed to
address those who have symptoms but do not readily seek help for trauma mental
health services.
Title: "Disability associated with psychiatric comorbidity and health
status in Bosnian refugees living in Croatia": Commentary.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Coyne, James C.; Kagee, Ashraf
Source/Citation: JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association; Vol 283(1)
Jan 2000, US: American Medical Assn; 2000, 55
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by R. F. Mollica about the disability associated with psychiatric comorbidity and health status in Bosnian refugees living in Croatia. Here, J. C. Coyne and A. Kagee question both Mollica et al's conclusion that the survey of Bosnian refugees supports the "ubiquitousness of comorbid psychiatric illness in traumatized refugees,' and the attribution of substantial disability to the
described psychiatric conditions. Coyne and Kagee comment on the problems in
self-reporting and other methodological procedures used in the Mollica et al
study. Also expressed is the notion that an overestimation of the prevalence
of psychiatric morbidity, and a misattribution of physical disability to
psychiatric conditions are likely to lead to a misallocation of scarce
Title: "Disability associated with psychiatric comorbidity and health
status in Bosnian refugees living in Croatia": Commentary.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Karcic, Arsad A.; Karcic, Edin
Source/Citation: JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association; Vol 283(1)
Jan 2000, US: American Medical Assn; 2000, 55-56
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by R. F. Mollica et al about the disability associated with psychiatric comorbidity and health status in Bosnian refugees living in Croatia. The present authors criticize Mollica et al's narrow definition of trauma used in the article as one which fails to include prewar or postwar trauma, focusing
instead on open warfare aspects such as shelling, snipers, and torture. The
fact that data from only a single refugee camp was analyzed could prevent
reliable conclusions about all Bosnian refugees. ========================================
Title: Trauma exposure and alcohol use in battered women.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Clark, Alicia H.; Foy, David W.
Source/Citation: Violence Against Women; Vol 6(1) Jan 2000, US: Sage
Publications, Inc; 2000, 37-48
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of the present study was to examine the
relationship between battering severity and alcohol use among battered women.
The study used multiple regression analyses to examine predictive
relationships between 3 forms of trauma exposure--childhood physical and
sexual abuse and domestic violence-and alcohol use. A sample of 78 battered
women (aged 18-55 yrs) drawn from both shelter and nonresidential community
agencies. Ss completed a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Abuse Exposure
Questionnaire, the Assessing Environments III, and the Conflict Tactics
Scales. Both battering severity and childhood sexual abuse were positively
correlated with alcohol use. Multiple regression analysis showed that
childhood sexual abuse was the stronger predictor when collinearity was
Title: Dissociation, psychopathology, and abusive experiences in a nonclinical
Latino university student group.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Martinez-Taboas, Alfonso; Bernal, Guillermo
Source/Citation: Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology; Vol 6(1)
Feb 2000, US: Educational Publishing Foundation; 2000, 32-41
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the possible relationship between different
types of traumatic experiences and the self-report of dissociative
experiences, depressive symptoms, and general psychopathology in a sample of
198 Puerto Rican undergraduate students between the ages of 17 and 42 yrs
through the application of several psychological testing instruments. The
study also examined the psychometric properties of the Dissociative
Experiences Scale (DES) in a Latino sample. Results support the hypothesis
that those individuals who report frequent and severe traumatic experiences
are also the most likely to experience psychological malaise. Those reporting
frequent and severe traumatic experiences scored higher on the DES.
Psychometric characteristics of the DES are consistent with those reported in
the United States and other countries. The authors conclude that individuals
with a marked history of trauma and abuse are more likely to use dissociative
defenses as a coping response.
Title: Deployment and the probability of spousal aggression by U.S. Army soldiers.
Author(s)/Editor(s): McCarroll, James E.; Ursano, Robert J.; Liu, Xian; Thayer, Laurie E.; Newby, John H.; Norwood, Ann E.; Fullerton, Carol S.
Source/Citation: Military Medicine; Vol 165(1) Jan 2000, US: Assn. of Military
Surgeons of the U.S.; 2000, 41-44
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored the relationship between length of soldier
deployment (0 vs <3 vs 3-6 vs 6-12 mo) in the past year and self-report of
moderate and severe spousal violence. The Conflict Tactics Scale was used to
measure self-reports of behaviors exhibited in marital conflict. Surveys were
administered to a 15% random sample of 26,835 deployed and nondeployed married
active duty US Army men and women in the US during 1990-1994. The multinomial
logistic regression model showed that percentage of Ss endorsing moderate and
severe aggression increased with length of deployment. After controlling for
demographic variables, probability of severe aggression was significantly
greater for Ss who had deployed in the past year than in Ss who had not
deployed, and that probability increased for each length of deployment.
Title: Predictors of comorbid personality disorders in patients with panic
disorder with agoraphobia.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Latas, Milan; Starcevic, Vladan; Trajkovic, Goran; Bogojevic, Goran
Source/Citation: Comprehensive Psychiatry; Vol 41(1) Jan-Feb 2000, US: WB
Saunders & Co; 2000, 28-34
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined predictors of comorbid personality disorders
in patients with panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDAG). 60 outpatients (aged
21-53 yrs) with PDAG were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for
DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II). Logistic regressions were used
to identify predictors of any comorbid personality disorder, any DSM-IV
cluster A, B, or C personality disorder. Independent variables were gender,
age, duration of panic disorder (PD), severity of PDAG, and patients'
perception of their parents, childhood separation anxiety, and traumatic
experiences. High levels of parental protection on the Parental Bonding
Instrument (PBI) emerged as the only statistically significant predictor of
any comorbid personality disorder. This finding was attributed to the
association between parental overprotection and cluster B personality
disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder. The duration of PD
was a significant predictor of any cluster B and any cluster C personality
disorder. Any cluster B personality disorder was also associated with younger
age. The findings of suggest some specificity for the association between
parental overprotection in childhood and personality disturbance in PDAG
patients, particularly cluster B personality disorders. ========================================
Title: Women's experience of traumatic stress in cancer treatment.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hampton, Mary Rucklos; Frombach, Inger
Source/Citation: Health Care for Women International; Vol 21(1) Jan-Feb 2000,
US: Taylor & Francis; 2000, 67-76
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated gender differences in the prevalence and
predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of cancer
patients. 87 patients (59 women and 28 men) recruited from a local cancer
clinic completed measures of individual coping style, social support
resources, symptoms of PTSD, and the nature of the trauma associated with
these symptoms. PTSD symptoms were more frequently reported by women (27% vs
10%). Predictors of PTSD for women were (1) perceived intensity of cancer
treatment; (2) problems with health care professionals; and (3) cognitive
avoidant coping style. For men, the sole predictor of elevated PTSD scores was
behavioral avoidance. Women reported significantly higher levels of treatment
intensity, greater numbers and types of treatment, and more problems with
health care professionals. Interpersonal and relational aspects of their
illness were reported as most stressful, compared with men who were more
concerned with work and finances. These differences may, in part, reflect an
androcentric model of cancer treatment, which women experience as particularly
Title: Delay in disclosure of childhood rape: Results from a national survey.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Smith, Daniel W.; Letourneau, Elizabeth J.; Saunders, Benjamin E.; Kilpatrick, Dean G.; Resnick, Heidi S.; Best, Connie L.
Source/Citation: Child Abuse & Neglect; Vol 24(2) Feb 2000, US: Elsevier
Science Inc; 2000, 273-287
Abstract/Review/Citation: Gathered representative data regarding the length of
time women who were raped before age 18 delayed prior to disclosing such
rapes, whom they disclosed to, and variables that predicted disclosure within
1 mo. Data were gathered from 3,220 Wave II respondents from the National
Women's Study, a nationally representative telephone survey of women's experiences with trauma and mental health. Of these, 288 retrospectively reported at least 1 rape prior to their 18th birthday. Details of rape experiences were analyzed to identify
predictors of disclosure within 1 mo. Fully 28% of child rape victims reported
that they had never told anyone about their child rape prior to the research
interview; 47% did not disclose for over 5 yrs post-rape. Close friends were
the most common confidants. Younger age at the time of rape, family
relationship with the perpetrator, and experiencing a series of rapes were
associated with disclosure latencies longer than 1 mo; shorter delays were
associated with stranger rapes. Logistic regression revealed that age at rape
and knowing the perpetrator were independently predictive of delayed
Title: Neurologic soft signs in chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Gurvits, Tamara V.; Gilbertson, Mark W.; Lasko, Natasha B.; Tarhan, Alexandra S.; Simeon, Daphne; Macklin, Michael L.; Orr, Scott P.; Pitman,
Roger K.
Source/Citation: Archives of General Psychiatry; Vol 57(2) Feb 2000, US:
American Medical Assn; 2000, 181-186
Abstract/Review/Citation: Attempted to replicate previous findings reporting
more neurologic soft signs (NSSs) in a sample of male Vietnam War combat
veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with male Vietnam
veterans without PTSD (T. V. Gurvits et al, 1993). Ss were 21 females exposed
to childhood sexual abuse (CSA), of whom 12 had PTSD and 9 did not, and 38
male Vietnam War combat veterans, of whom 23 had PTSD and 15 did not. Ss were
given the protocol for evaluating NSSs in which 41 NSSs were scored.
Information about neurologic and medical conditions, past head injury, and
neurodevelopmental problems was elicited. All Ss completed the Michigan
Alcoholism Screening Test and the Wender Utah Rating Scale. Veterans completed
an abbreviated version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence ScaleRevised (WAISR)
and the Combat Exposure Scale. Results replicate and extend previous findings
of neurologic compromise in persons with chronic PTSD, as revealed by a more
frequent history of neurodevelopmental problems and a greater number of
objective NSSs in Ss with PTSD compared with trauma-exposed controls. The
individual NSS items that best discriminated Ss with PTSD from those without
were copying 2- and 3-dimensional figures and rhythmically and sequentially
touching the thigh with the fist, then the palm, then the side of the left
hand for 15 repetitions.
Title: Risk factors associated with PTSD and major depression among Cambodian
refugees in Utah.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Blair, Robert G.
Source/Citation: Health & Social Work; Vol 25(1) Feb 2000, US: National Assn
of Social Workers; 2000, 23-30
Abstract/Review/Citation: The study reported in this article is a secondary
analysis of data collected from a random sample of 124 Cambodian adults (aged
18 -76 yrs). Participants were interviewed about their mental health status
and factors associated with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) or major depression. From analysis of the data, the following risk
factors were identified with PTSD and depression: experiencing a greater
number of war traumas increased the risk of both PTSD and major depression;
experiencing a greater number of resettlement stressors during the past year
increased the risk of both PTSD and major depression; and having financial
stress increased the risk of major depression. ========================================
Title: Hypersomnia after head-neck trauma: A medicolegal dilemma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Guilleminault, Christian; Yuen, K. M.; Gulevich, M. G.;
Karadeniz, D.; Leger, D.; Philip, P.
Source/Citation: Neurology; Vol 54(3) Feb 2000, US: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2000, 653-659
Abstract/Review/Citation: Evaluated the severity of daytime sleepiness in
patients with a history of head trauma who complained of daytime somnolence,
investigated polygraphic abnormalities during sleep, and determined whether
daytime sleepiness was the cause or consequence of head trauma. The authors
performed a systematic evaluation of 184 patients (aged 18-54 yrs) comprised
of clinical interviews, sleep disorders questionnaires, sleepiness and
depression scales, medical and neurologic evaluations, sleep logs with
actigraphy, nocturnal polysomnography, and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test
(MSLT). Post-traumatic complaint of somnolence was associated with variable
degrees of impaired daytime functioning in more than 98% of patients. Ss who
were in a coma for 24 hrs, who had a head fracture, or who had immediate
neurosurgical interventions were likely to have scores >16 points on the
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and <=5 minutes on the MSLT. Pain at night
was an important factor in nocturnal sleep disruption and daytime sleepiness.
Extensive evaluation of pretrauma behavior supported the conclusion that the
onset of symptomatic sleep-disordered breathing was associated with the
trauma. Ss who showed a "compulsive presleep behavior" were severely
impaired in performing their daily activities. ========================================
Title: Are neurological abnormalities in schizophrenic patients and their
siblings he result of perinatal trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cantor-Graae, Elizabeth; Ismail, B.; McNeil, T. F.
Source/Citation: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica; Vol 101(2) Feb 2000, US:
Munksgaard Scientific Journals; 2000, 142-147
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the role of perinatal trauma in the etiology
of neurological abnormality. Obstetric information obtained from hospital
records for 55 schizophrenic patients (aged 19-35 yrs) and 19 non-psychotic
siblings (mean age 17-51 yrs) was scored blindly and separately from a
neurological assessment of hard and soft signs. Obstetric complications (OCs)
were significantly increased in patients but not in siblings compared to their
respective neonatal control groups. Neurological abnormalities were related to
OCs in siblings but not in patients. Neurological abnormalities in patients
were negatively related to reduced neonatal head circumference. Early somatic
trauma may increase the probability of neurological abnormality in individuals
who are genetically 'at risk.'
Title: Prior interpersonal trauma: The contribution to current PTSD symptoms in
female rape victims.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Nishith, Pallavi; Mechanic, Mindy B.; Resick, Patricia A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 109(1) Feb 2000, US:
American Psychological Assn.; 2000, 20-25
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of the current study was to disentangle
the relationship of childhood sexual abuse and childhood physical abuse from
prior adult sexual and physical victimization in predicting current
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in recent rape victims. The
participants were a community sample of 117 adult rape victims assessed within
1 month of a recent index rape for a history of child sexual abuse, child
physical abuse, other adult sexual and physical victimization, and current
PTSD symptoms. Results from path analyses showed that a history of child
sexual abuse seems to increase vulnerability for adult sexual and physical
victimization and appears to contribute to current PTSD symptoms within the
cumulative context of other adult trauma. ========================================
Title: Emotional processing in posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Litz, Brett T.; Orsillo, Susan M.; Kaloupek, Danny; Weathers, Frank
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 109(1) Feb 2000, US:
American Psychological Assn.; 2000, 26-39
Abstract/Review/Citation: The emotional deficits associated with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) are the least understood and the most understudied
aspect of the syndrome. In this study, the connection was evaluated between
trauma-context reactivity and subsequent emotional deficits in PTSD. Combat
veterans with PTSD and well-adjusted veteran control participants were exposed
to reminders of combat, after which their emotional behavior was assessed in
response to a series of emotionally evocative images. Under the neutral
condition, both groups exhibited emotional behavior modulated by stimulus
valence. Partially consistent with the conceptual model described by B. Litz
(1992), the PTSD group exhibited suppressed expressive-motor responses to
positively valenced images, in comparison with the control group, only after
being exposed to a trauma-related prime. Contrary to expectations, the PTSD
group showed no augmentation of emotional response to negatively valenced cues
after being exposed to trauma reminders. However, the PTSD group responded to
all images, in both prime conditions, with higher heart rate reactivity,
suggesting an automatic preparation for demand or threat in any uncertain
emotional context. Possible causes and consequences of these results are
Title: The epidemiology of major depression: Implications of occurrence,
recurrence, and stress in a Canadian community sample.
Author(s)/Editor(s): De Marco, Richard R.
Source/Citation: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 45(1) Feb 2000, Canada:
Canadian Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 67-74
Abstract/Review/Citation: Studied the effects of stress process variables on the
prevalence of major depression (MD) and explored the factors related to its
onset and recurrence, using comprehensive measures of stress and disorder.
Data were collected from a randomly selected community sample of 1,393 adult
respondents in Toronto. Depression was measured using the Composite
International Diagnostic Interview. Demographic and stress process correlates
of MD and the effects of childhood experiences on lifetime MD were examined.
Multivariate analysis tended to show agreement with established findings.
Results using a subsample of people with lifetime depression to predict
recurrence tended to mirror results using the full sample, except with respect
to gender, birthplace, and stress differences. Finally, childhood traumas and
early childhood experiences involving parental substance abuse and mental
health problems were significant predictors of the onset of MD. ========================================
Title: Emergency cesarean section: 25 women's experiences.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ryding, E. L.; Wijma, K.; Wijma, B.
Source/Citation: Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology; Vol 18(1) Feb
2000, United Kingdom: Carfax Publishing Limited; 2000, 33-39
Abstract/Review/Citation: Investigated the possibility: (1) To record women's
individual experiences of emergency cesarean section according to a
time-spatial model. (2) To categorize the narratives of the event into
different groups, based on different patterns displayed. (3) To demonstrate
relations between features of the patterns described and a traumatic delivery
experience, as well as posttraumatic intrusive stress reactions. 25
consecutive women (aged 23-42 yrs) were interviewed a few days and 1-2 months
after emergency cesarean section. The occurrence of a traumatic delivery
experience and of posttraumatic intrusive stress reactions 6 wks postpartum in
various categories was assessed. The narratives of the women were be
categorized as follows: Pattern 1--confidence whatever happens; Pattern
2--positive expectations turning into disappointment; Pattern 3--fears that
come true; and Pattern 4--confusion and amnesia. In the 2nd and 3rd groups all
women had experienced the delivery as traumatic. The women in the 2nd group
had the highest prevalence of posttraumatic intrusive stress reactions 6 wks
after the emergency cesarean section. ========================================
Title: Intrusive traumatic recollections and comorbid posttraumatic stress
disorder in depressed patients.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Carlier, Ingrid V. E.; Voerman, Bert E.; Gersons, Berthold P. R.
Source/Citation: Psychosomatic Medicine; Vol 62(1) Jan-Feb 2000, US: Williams
& Wilkins Co.; 2000, 26-32
Abstract/Review/Citation: Recent studies have found evidence of the presence and
role of intrusive traumatic memories in depressed patients. This study
attempted to replicate these findings by examining a full range of early and
later traumatic events, as well as comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) in 24 male and 45 female depressed outpatients (aged 21-81 yrs). Ss
completed a semistructured interview inquiring about traumatic events they had
experienced. Reexperiencing of the traumatic events in question, as well as
avoidance and hyperarousal, were recorded by means of a structured interview
operationalizing Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria for PTSD. 75% of Ss
were found to have had one or more early and/or more recent traumatic
experience(s), The symptom category of reexperiencing was diagnosed in 48% of
these trauma-exposed Ss. Comorbid PTSD was diagnosed in 13% of the total
sample. Ss with the reexperiencing symptom of acting/feeling as if trauma were
recurring suffered a greater number of depressive episodes. No significant
associations appeared between the total reexperiencing category and either
intensity of depression or number of depressive episodes. Findings show that
depressed patients are highly likely to have experienced traumatic events and
to suffer from intrusive traumatic recollections. ========================================
Title: Blood and love.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Herzog, James
Source/Citation: International Journal of Psychoanalysis; Vol 81(2) Apr 2000,
England: Institute of Psychoanalysis; 2000, 263-272
Abstract/Review/Citation: In this clinical presentation both transgenerationally
transmitted and directly inflicted trauma are examined as constituents in the
psychic life of a gifted little girl called Natalia. Her attempts to eroticise
and thus modulate those aspects of her experience which have deformed her play
processes are described and the ways in which the analysis served to help her
both recognise and regulate this material is detailed. The paper is organised
around material from the opening phase of the work, the play which
characterised the middle of the analysis and the examination of an essay which
the patient wrote in the closing phase. The central role of affect for each
participant in the analytic work is stressed as a pivotal component of the
play process.
Title: Childhood trauma and dissociative symptoms in panic disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Marshall, Randall D.; Schneier, Franklin R.; Lin, Shu-Hsing; Simpson, H. Blair; Vermes, Donna; Liebowitz, Michael
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(3) Mar 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 451-453
Abstract/Review/Citation: Childhood trauma has been associated with increased
risk for both panic disorder and dissociative symptoms in adulthood. The
authors hypothesized that among individuals with a primary diagnosis of panic
disorder, those experiencing depersonalization/derealization during panic
attacks would be more likely to have a history of childhood trauma. Rates of
traumatic events were compared between 34 panic disorder patients with and 40
without prominent depersonalization/derealization during panic attacks.
Symptom severity in the 2 groups was also examined. Contrary to the authors'
hypothesis, no evidence was found that depersonalization/derealization during
panic attacks was associated with childhood trauma. Minimal differences in
severity of illness were found between patients with dissociative symptoms and
those without such symptoms.
Title: Sleep in a community sample of elderly war veterans with and without
posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Engdahl, Brian E.; Eberly, Raina E.; Hurwitz, Thomas D.; Mahowald, Mark W.; Blake, Julee
Source/Citation: Biological Psychiatry; Vol 47(6) Mar 2000, US: Elsevier Science
Inc; 2000, 520-525
Abstract/Review/Citation: Studied sleep in a community sample of war veterans
with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 59 elderly males (aged
61-80 yrs) exposed to war trauma 28-50 years ago and free from sleep-affecting
medications and disorders other than PTSD completed 3 nights of
polysomnography. Of these Ss, 30 met criteria for current PTSD; 3 were
receiving supportive outpatient psychotherapy. Two significant differences
were observed: Those with PTSD had a higher percentage of REM sleep and fewer
arousals from non-REM sleep. The perceptions of sleep quality among the Ss
with PTSD were lower than the perceptions of non-PTSD Ss. Although Ss with
untreated obstructive sleep apnea and sleep movement disorders were not
included in the sample, many cases were detected on initial screening.
Treatment resulted in improved sleep and increased feelings of well being.
Alterations in REM and arousals characterized PTSD in this sample. When
comorbid sleep disorders were ruled out, sleep was clinically similar across
the groups. Trauma-related sleep disturbances that Ss reported as arising
early in the course of the disorder appear to have declined over time.
Title: Serotonergic blunting to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) highly
correlates with sustained childhood abuse in impulsive and autoaggressive
female borderline patients.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rinne, Thomas; Westenberg, Herman G. M.; den Boer, Johan A.; van den Brink, Wim
Source/Citation: Biological Psychiatry; Vol 47(6) Mar 2000, US: Elsevier Science
Inc; 2000, 548-556
Abstract/Review/Citation: Tests the hypothesis that sustained traumatic stress
in childhood affects the responsivity of the postsynaptic serotonergic (5-HT)
system of traumatized borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients.
Following Axis I, Axis II, and trauma assessment, a neuroendocrine challenge
test was performed with the postsynaptic serotonergic agonist
meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) in 12 impulsive and autoaggressive female
patients with BPD and 9 matched healthy volunteers (aged 18-45 yrs). The
cortisol and prolactin responses to the m-CPP challenge in BPD patients were
significantly lower compared to those in controls. Within the group of
patients with BPD, the net prolactin response showed a high inverse
correlation with the frequency of the physical and sexual abuse. These data
suggest that severe and sustained traumatic stress in childhood affects the
5-HT system and especially 5-HT-sub-1-sub(A ) receptors. The blunted prolactin
response to m-CPP appears to be the result of severe traumatization and
independent of the BPD diagnosis. ========================================
Title: Similarity of prior trauma exposure as a determinant of chronic stress
responding to an airline disaster.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Dougall, Angela Liegey; Herberman, Holly B.; Delahanty, Douglas L.; Inslicht, Sabra S.; Baum, Andrew
Source/Citation: Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology; Vol 68(2) Apr
2000, US: American Psychological Assn; 2000, 290-295
Abstract/Review/Citation: The cumulative effects of trauma were examined in 108
workers at the site of a major air disaster at 4 time points over a year
following the crash. The influence of trauma history on chronic distress and
physiological arousal associated with the crash were examined. Stress levels
were expected to differ on the basis of the similarity of prior trauma
exposure to work at the crash site. Prior traumatic exposure that was
"dissimilar" to this type of work was associated with greater
vulnerability to crash-related stress, that is, more distress and
crash-related intrusions during the year following the crash. Accumulation of
a variety of different traumatic experiences appeared to sensitize workers to
the new stressor and to perpetuate chronic stress. Understanding the role of
trauma history is important for improving intervention efforts aimed at
alleviating stress following a trauma. ========================================
Title: Ethical considerations in research participation among acutely injured
trauma survivors: An empirical investigation.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Ruzek, Josef I.; Zatzick, Douglas F.
Source/Citation: General Hospital Psychiatry; Vol 22(1) Jan-Feb 2000, US:
Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc; 2000, 27-36
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined ethical considerations in research
participation among 117 physically injured, hospitalized, motor vehicle
accident and assault survivors (aged 14-61 yrs). Immediately following a 1-hr
research interview, Ss responded to 10 questions assessing the experience of
research participation. The majority of study Ss found participating in the
protocol a positive experience. Most of the hospitalized patients reported
that they experienced control over initiation and discontinuation of the
protocol and that they derived benefit from their research participation. A
minority of participants reported that they experienced unwanted thoughts and
unanticipated upset during the protocol and that they felt they could not
refuse participation. However, over 95% of patients reported that the benefits
of protocol participation outweighed the costs and that in retrospect they
would again agree to participate. These results suggest that while a minority
of participants may have difficulties with specific aspects of protocol
enrollment, overall research participation is well tolerated by the majority
of acutely injured, hospitalized, trauma survivors. ========================================
Title: Two-year prospective evaluation of the relationship between acute stress
disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder following mild traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Harvey, Allison G.; Bryant, Richard A.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(4) Apr 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 626-628
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the ability of acute stress disorder to
predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by determining the relationship
between acute stress disorder and PTSD over the 2 yrs following mild traumatic
brain injury. 79 survivors of motor vehicle accidents who sustained mild
traumatic brain injuries were assessed for acute stress disorder within 1 mo
of the trauma. 63 survivors were assessed for PTSD at 6 mo and 50 at 2 yrs
posttrauma (aged 17-58 yrs). Acute stress disorder was diagnosed in 14% of the
patients. Among the patients who participated in all 3 assessments, 80% of the
Ss who met the criteria for acute stress disorder were diagnosed with PTSD at
2 yrs. Of the total initial group, 73% of those diagnosed with acute stress
disorder had PTSD at 2 yrs. This study provides further support for the
utility of the acute stress disorder diagnosis as a predictor of PTSD but
indicates that the predictive power of the diagnostic criteria can be
increased by placing greater emphasis on reexperiencing, avoidance, and
arousal symptoms.
Title: Posttraumatic stress disorder after severe traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bryant, Richard A.; Marosszeky, Jeno E.; Crooks, Jenelle; Gurka, Joseph A.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(4) Apr 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 629-631
Abstract/Review/Citation: Indexed the profile of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) after severe traumatic injury to the brain. 96 patients (aged 16-71
yrs) who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury were assessed for PTSD 6 mo
after the injury with the PTSD Interview, a structured clinical interview
based on Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria. PTSD was diagnosed
in 26 (27.1%) of the patients. While only 5 (19.2%) of the patients with PTSD
reported intrusive memories of the trauma, 25 (96.2%) reported emotional
reactivity. Intrusive memories, nightmares, and emotional reactivity had very
strong positive predictive values for the presence of PTSD. These findings
indicate that PTSD can develop after severe traumatic brain injury. The
predominance of emotional reactivity and the relative absence of traumatic
memories in patients with PTSD who suffered impaired consciousness during
trauma suggest that traumatic experiences can mediate PTSD at an implicit
Title: De novo conditioning in trauma-exposed individuals with and without
posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Orr, Scott P.; Metzger, Linda J.; Lasko, Natasha B.; Macklin, Michael L.; Peri, Tuvia; Pitman, Roger K.
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 109(2) May 2000, US:
American Psychological Assn.; 2000, 290-298
Abstract/Review/Citation: Differential conditioning was assessed in 15
medication-free individuals meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria
for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 18 trauma-exposed
individuals who never developed PTSD (non-PTSD). Conditioned stimuli (CSs)
were colored circles, and the unconditioned stimulus was a "highly
annoying" electrical stimulus. Individuals with PTSD had higher resting
heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) levels and produced larger SC
orienting responses. During conditioning, the PTSD group showed larger
differential SC, HR, and electromyogrant responses to the reinforced vs.
nonreinforced stimuli (CS+ vs. CS-) compared with the non-PTSD group. Only
PTSD participants continued to show differential SC responses to CS+ vs. CS-
during extinction trials. Results suggest that individuals with PTSD have
higher sympathetic nervous system arousal at the time of conditioning and are
more conditionable than trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD. ========================================
Title: A prospective study of psychophysiological arousal, acute stress
disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Bryant, Richard A.; Harvey, Allison G.; Guthrie, Rachel M.; Moulds, Michelle L.
Source/Citation: Journal of Abnormal Psychology; Vol 109(2) May 2000, US:
American Psychological Assn.; 2000, 341-344
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study investigated the role of acute arousal in
the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hospitalized
motor-vehicle-accident survivors (n = 146) were assessed for acute stress
disorder (ASD) within 1 month of the trauma and were reassessed (n = 113) for
PTSD 6 months posttrauma. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were
assessed on the day of hospital discharge. Participants with subclinical ASD
had higher HR than those with ASD and no ASD. Participants who developed PTSD
had higher HR in the acute posttrauma phase than those without PTSD. Diagnosis
of ASD and resting HR accounted for 36% of the variance of the number of PTSD
symptoms. A formula composed of a diagnosis of ASD or a resting HR of >90
beats per minute possessed strong sensitivity (88%) and specificity (85%) in
predicting PTSD. These findings are discussed in terms of acute arousal and
longer term adaptation to trauma. ========================================
Title: Ferenczi's "Confusion of Tongues" theory and the analysis of
the incest trauma.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Rachman, Arnold Wm.
Source/Citation: Psychoanalytic Social Work; Vol 7(1) 2000, US: Haworth Press
Inc; 2000, 27-53
Abstract/Review/Citation: The tender-mother transference of S. Ferenczi's
humanistic analytic orientation was as important an advance in pioneering
times as was H. Kohut's selfobject transference in contemporary
psychoanalysis. Ferenczi's clinical theory and method began a focus on
pre-oedipal experiences, which eventually became an alternate to the oedipal
theory. Freud was critical of Ferenczi's formulation, leading a successful
attempt to suppress his work and remove it from mainstream psychoanalysis
because he believed it was "regressive." In actuality, Ferenczi's
"Confusion of Tongues" theory and relaxation therapy were prophetic
and pioneering attempts to understand and treat the incest trauma (ironically
the clinical data upon which Freud founded psychoanalysis 100 yrs ago). In the
case of Miss T., a 40-yr-old woman who was abused during childhood, Ferenczi's
ideas are applied to the contemporary analysis of the incest trauma. ========================================
Title: Surviving roots of trauma: Prevalence of silent signs of sex abuse in
patients who recover memories of childhood sex abuse as adults.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Leavitt, Frank
Source/Citation: Journal of Personality Assessment; Vol 74(2) Apr 2000, US:
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 2000, 311-323
Abstract/Review/Citation: Explored whether victimization imagery is chronically
accessible in sex-abused populations, and if it is helpful in distinguishing
them from nonabused populations. Eight categories of victimization imagery
were selectively activated by Rorschach stimuli. 265 women (19-62 yrs old)
with or without history of sexual abuse took part in the study . Eight
sex-abuse signs were replicated in a new sample of 36 patients with continuous
memory of sex abuse. Classification accuracy was 83%. By contrast, these signs
were present in only 4% (5 of 115) of the protocols of nonabused patients.
Taken together, the 2 studies confirm reasonably high sensitivity of the 8
signs for sex-abused populations and high specificity for nonabused
populations. The 8 signs were also differentially salient for patients who
recovered memory of childhood sexual trauma as adults. The Rorschach protocols
of 59 of 114 patients with delayed recall of sexual abuse possessed signs of
sex abuse. There was no linkage between therapy and recovered- memory cases
with and without sex-abuse signs. Emergence of trauma memories was not
uniquely traceable to treatment. Memories arose outside of the context of
therapy in over 56% of the cases. Implications for the false-memory debate are
Title: Reverse Othello syndrome subsequent to traumatic brain injury.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Butler, Peter V.
Source/Citation: Psychiatry: Interpersonal & Biological Processes; Vol 63(1)
Spr 2000, US: Guilford Publications; 2000, 85-92
Abstract/Review/Citation: Delusional syndromes that occur following head injury
are frequently ascribed directly to the consequences of organic insult and
seen as empty of psychological significance. The presence of an organic
factor, however, does not necessarily indicate that delusional ideation is a
direct product of that factor. In this article a detailed report is given of
Reverse Othello syndrome (a delusional belief in the fidelity of a romantic
partner) appearing in a 49-yr-old male following extremely severe traumatic
brain injury. This case report highlights the interaction and interpenetration
of a complex array of biological, psychological, and social factors in the
crystallization of a delusion system. It is argued, following K. Jaspers
theory (1946/1963), that the emergence of erotically themed delusions
following trauma may represent an active attempt to regain intrapsychic
coherence and to confer meaning on otherwise catastrophic loss or emptiness.
Title: Foreign accent syndrome following a catastrophic second injury: MRI
correlates, linguistic and voice pattern analyses.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Carbary, Timothy J.; Patterson, Janet P.; Snyder, Peter J.
Source/Citation: Brain & Cognition; Vol 43(1-3) Jun-Aug 2000, US: Academic
Press Inc; 2000, 78-85
Abstract/Review/Citation: Presents a case of foreign accent syndrome (FAS)
following head and throat trauma from a physical assault, with discussion of
anatomical localization of injury and comparisons of pre- and postinjury
linguistic, phonetic, and acoustic speech characteristics. Because the 51 yr
old male patient's injury and symptoms were unrelated to a previously injured
left frontal cortex, the authors suggest that FAS has a primary subcortical
involvement. This case was also accompanied by a deficit in linguistic, but
not affective, prosodic expression. The foreign quality of the FAS speech is a
perceptual impression of the listener and not inherent in the patient's
Title: The revictimization of child sexual abuse survivors: An examination of
the adjustment of college women with child sexual abuse, adult sexual assault,
and adult physical abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Messman-Moore, Terri L.; Long, Patricia J.; Siegfried, Nicole J.
Source/Citation: Child Maltreatment: Journal of the American Professional
Society on the Abuse of Children: Special focus section: Repeat
victimization.; Vol 5(1) Feb 2000, US: Sage Publications Inc; 2000, 18-27
Abstract/Review/Citation: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with greater
vulnerability to victimization in adulthood. Such experiences may have a
cumulative effect. This study compared the adjustment of 633 women (aged 17-49
yrs) experiencing revictimization, multiple adult victimizations, single adult
victimization, CSA only, or no victimization. Ss completed the Life
Experiences Questionnaire, Modified Sexual Experiences Survey, Conflict
Tactics Scale, and SCL-90-R. Somatization, depression, anxiety, interpersonal
sensitivity, hostility, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
symptomatology were examined. Results support the cumulative effect of trauma
but do not indicate differential effects for child to adult revictimization.
Women with revictimization and multiple adult assaults reported more
difficulties compared to women with only one form of adult abuse or no
victimization. Women with CSA only reported similar symptoms as revictimized
women and women with multiple adult assaults reported higher levels of
distress than nonabused women and appeared somewhat more likely to experience
anxiety and PTSD-related symptoms as compared to women with only adult abuse.
Women with adult assault only and no abuse reported similar levels of distress.
Title: Transmission of response to trauma? Second-generation Holocaust
survivors' reaction to cancer.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Baider, Lea; Peretz, Tamar; Hadani, Pnina Ever; Perry, Shlomit; Avramov, Rita; De-Nour, Atara Kaplan
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(6) Jun 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 904-910
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined cancer patients who were 2nd-generation
Holocaust survivors in an attempt to determine whether they react to their
illness with the high distress found to be a characteristic of Holocaust
survivors. In a study population of women with breast cancer, 106
2nd-generation Holocaust survivors (mean age 48.4 yrs) were compared to 102
women whose parents were not in the Holocaust. Background information was
obtained by interviews. In addition, all patients completed 3 self-reports:
the Mental Attitude to Cancer Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the
impact of Event Scale. The 2 groups had identical mean scores on the Mental
Attitude to Cancer Scale. The offspring of Holocaust survivors had scores on
the Brief Symptom Inventory and the Impact of Event Scale that were
substantially and significantly higher and in the range of psychopathology.
Within the group, married women and women whose mothers were still alive were
even more distressed. Other independent variables shed little light on why the
2nd-generation Holocaust survivors suffered from extreme distress. It was
concluded that 2nd-generation Holocaust survivors are particularly vulnerable
to psychological distress and, when faced with a trauma such as breast cancer,
react with extreme psychological distress. ========================================
Title: Prospective study of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive
reactions after earthquake and political violence.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Goenjian, Armen K.; Steinberg, Alan M.; Najarian, Louis M.; Fairbanks, Lynn A.; Tashjian, Madeline; Pynoos, Robert S.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(6) Jun 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 911-916
Abstract/Review/Citation: Assessed the severity and longitudinal course of
posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive reactions among 2 groups of
adults differentially exposed to severe and mild earthquake trauma (mean ages
43 and 29 yrs, respectively) and a 3rd group exposed to severe violence (mean
age 44 yrs). In addition, interrelationships among these reactions and
predictors of outcome and compared posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
symptom category profile and course between those exposed to earthquake and
those exposed to violence was examined. 78 non-treatment seeking Ss were
assessed with self-report instruments approximately 1.5 and 4.5 years after
the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia and the 1988 pogroms against Armenians
in Azerbaijan. The results show that the 2 groups that had been exposed to
severe trauma (earthquake or violence) had high initial and follow-up PTSD
scores that did not remit over the 3 yr interval. Overall, depressive symptoms
subsided. Posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depressive reactions were highly
intercorrelated within and across both time intervals. It is concluded that
after exposure to severe trauma, either an earthquake or violence, adults are
at high risk of developing severe and chronic posttraumatic stress reactions
that are associated with chronic anxiety and depressive reactions. ========================================
Title: Battered women's dynamic change process: Examining self-efficacy, trauma
symptoms, anger, and coping in relationship status groups. (women victims).
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kennedy, Linda Thomas
Source/Citation: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering; Vol 60(7-B) Feb 2000, US: Univ. Microfilms International;
2000, 3569
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of this study was to increase our
understanding of variables relevant to battered women's stay-leave decision
making process and readiness for behavioral change. With a research design
drawn from the transtheoretical model stage construct of readiness for change
(Prochaska & DiClemente, 1984), participants' data were grouped according
to their relationship status at the time of the study and measured for
differences in self-reports of trauma symptoms, anger, coping, and
self-efficacy for leaving a violent relationship. Self-efficacy (Bandura,
1997a), an important component of behavior change, was further submitted to
regression analyses to examine the predictive value of trauma, coping, abuse
and demographics variables. The participants were a community sample of 191
women, 18 to 58 years of age, experiencing severe physical violence in a
current or past marital, cohabitating, or dating relationship. Each woman
completed an individually scheduled interview and ten measures including the
Trauma Symptom Checklist (Briere & Runtz, 1989), a measure of anger at
their partners (brief, project measure), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire
(Folkman & Lazarus, 1985, 1988), and the Confidence/Temptation Scales
measuring self-efficacy for leaving (Kennedy, 1996). The results of one-way
ANOVAs indicated that women out of their relationships less than six months
reported greater dissociation, similar high levels of emotion-focused coping
and low levels of confidence for leaving, but less temptation to stay with
their partners than women currently in violent relationships. In stepwise
regressions, variables predicting women's temptation to stay or return were
emotion-focused coping, adult sexual abuse, and education. Emotion-focused
coping remained as a unique predictor. Confidence for leaving was predicted by
emotion-focused coping, depression, adult sexual and psychological abuse, and
post-sexual abuse trauma-accounting for 37% of the shared variance, with
emotion-focused coping and depression remaining as unique predictors. These
results add to the developing picture of battered women's dynamic change
process. A greater understanding of this process may assist professionals to
systematically direct interventions for their most effectiveness. ========================================
Title: Personality disorders, history of trauma, and posttraumatic stress
disorder in subjects with anxiety disorders.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Shea, M. Tracie; Zlotnick, Caron; Dolan, Regina; Warshaw, Meredith G.; Phillips, Katherine A.; Brown, Pamela; Keller, Martin B.
Source/Citation: Comprehensive Psychiatry; Vol 41(5) Sep-Oct 2000, US: WB
Saunders & Co; 2000, 315-325
Abstract/Review/Citation: The purpose of the study was to examine the
association of personality disorders, history of trauma, and posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) in 3 groups with a total of 622 Ss (mean age 38.3-43.9
yrs) with anxiety disorders. Categorical and continuous indices of personality
disorders were compared in 3 groups from the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Disorders
Research Project (HARP): Ss with no history of trauma, Ss with a history of
trauma but no history of PTSD, and Ss with a current or past diagnosis of
PTSD. Ss with PTSD were more likely to meet criteria for borderline or
self-defeating personality disorder than Ss in the other two groups. PTSD Ss
also had higher scores on the continuous measures (total number of criteria
met) for borderline and self-defeating personality disorder than the other two
groups. The findings suggest that a diagnosis of PTSD rather than a history of
trauma is associated with borderline and self-defeating personality disorder
features. Alternative conceptualizations of axis II features in individuals
with PTSD are discussed.
Title: Rorschach correlates of sexual abuse: Trauma content and aggression
Author(s)/Editor(s): Kamphuis, Jan H.; Kugeares, Susana L.; Finn, Stephen E.
Source/Citation: Journal of Personality Assessment; Vol 75(2) Oct 2000, US:
Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc; 2000, 212-224
Abstract/Review/Citation: Compared Rorschach records of nondissociative
outpatients with histories of (1) definite sexual abuse (n = 22; mean age 35.2
yrs), (2) suspected but unconfirmed sexual abuse (n = 13; mean age 53.6 yrs),
or (3) no sexual abuse (n = 43; mean age 33.9 yrs) on selected variables
hypothesized to be associated with sexual abuse. As predicted, clients with
definite sexual abuse scored significantly higher than clients known not to be
sexually abused on J. G. Armstrong and R. J. Loewenstein's (1990) Trauma
Content index (TC/R). Contrary to prediction, there was no significant
difference in the frequency of their Aggressive Past (AgPast; C. B. Gacono
& J. R. Meloy, 1994) scores. AgPast scores, however, did positively
correlate with sexual abuse that was violent or sadistic. As a test of
discriminant validity, the authors hypothesized that 2 Rorschach variables
(PER and Sc ) would be unrelated to sexual abuse. This was supported by the
data. Although TC/R was strongly associated with the presence and severity
of sexual abuse, it could not discriminate sexually abused from nonsexually
abused clients with great accuracy. The TC/R score is 1 factor among many
that can be used to assess the validity of clients' claims of past sexual
Title: Coping with survivors and surviving.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Skinner, Julie
Source/Citation: Bristol, PA, US: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Ltd; 2000, (255)
Abstract/Review/Citation: Based on a qualitative study exploring the effects of
child sexual abuse on children, their mothers, and their teachers, this book
considers how the reactions of these different groups relate to, and are
affected by each other. This book focuses on: (1) the family life of the
survivors and the process of disclosure, (2) how all those involved with the
child coped at the time of the disclosure and during its aftermath, and (3)
the issues and tensions which were resolved and those which have remained
unresolved. The author analyzes these different and often conflicting
perspectives, placing them in the context of the literature on coping with
trauma, and psychoanalytic and sociological theories on the mother-child
relationship. A model for exploring the ways in which interaction may affect
perceptions and outcomes is developed that suggests that mothers and teachers
may be seen as secondary victims of child sexual abuse. The author emphasizes
the necessity of support for all those involved in such cases and draws out
the implications for welfare services and makes recommendations for how they
can be improved.
Title: Psychological defense styles and childhood sexual abuse.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Chu, James A.
Source/Citation: American Journal of Psychiatry; Vol 157(10) Oct 2000, US:
American Psychiatric Assn; 2000, 1707
Abstract/Review/Citation: Comments on the article by S. E. Romans (see record
1999-03084-016) regarding psychological defense styles among women who report
childhood sexual abuse. The current author argues that Romans's findings that
childhood sexual abuse was not related to higher levels of dissociation should
be understood in a larger context. Findings by Chu et al (1993, 1999) are
cited that suggest early onset and chronicity of childhood trauma are related
to the development of dissociation , factors that Romans's study did not
address. Chu argues that on a theoretical basis, some younger children are
believed to have a high capacity to dissociate and maintain that dissociation
only through repeated traumatization. Further, in a community population with
relatively low levels of psychiatric illness, it might be suspected that many
women who were sexually abused suffered relatively limited abuse, for which
they have compensated. However, the types of psychological damage that result
from chronic traumatization beginning at an early age would be more likely
found in clinical populations.
Title: Autonomic dysregulation in panic disorder and in post-traumatic stress
disorder: Application of power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability at
rest and in response to recollection of trauma or panic attacks.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Cohen, Hagit; Benjamin, Jonathan; Geva, Amir B.; Matar, Mike A.; Kaplan, Zeev; Kotler, Moshe
Source/Citation: Psychiatry Research; Vol 96(1) Sep 2000, US: Elsevier
Scientific Publishers; 2000, 1-13
Abstract/Review/Citation: Power spectral analysis (PSA) of heart rate
variability (HRV) offers reliable assessment of cardiovascular autonomic
responses, providing a window onto the interaction of peripheral sympathetic
and parasympathetic tone. Previous studies of posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) found lower resting HRV in patients compared to controls, suggesting
increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic tone. This article
describes the analysis of HRV at rest and after psychological stress in 11
panic disorder (PD) patients, 14 PTSD patients, and 25 healthy controls (all
Ss aged 19-48 yrs). ECG recordings were made while Ss were resting, while
recalling the trauma implicated in PTSD, or the circumstances of a severe
panic attack, as appropriate, and again while resting. Controls were asked to
recall a stressful life event during recall. While both patient groups had
elevated HR and low frequency (LF) components of HRV at baseline (suggesting
increased sympathetic activity), PTSD patients, unlike PD patients and
controls, failed to respond to the recall stress with increases in HR and LF.
HRV analysis demonstrates significant differences in autonomic regulation of
PTSD and PD patients compared to each other and to controls. ========================================
Title: Trauma-related psychophysiological reactivity in women exposed to
war-zone stress.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Wolfe, Jessica; Chrestman, Kelly R.; Crosby Ouimette, Paige; Kaloupek, Danny; Harley, Rebecca M.; Bucsela, Maria
Source/Citation: Journal of Clinical Psychology; Vol 56(10) Oct 2000, US: John
Wiley & Sons Inc; 2000, 1371-1379
Abstract/Review/Citation: Women are at particular risk for posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), but surprisingly little is known about their objective
manifestations of the disorder's hallmark symptoms. Although research suggests
that people with PTSD exhibit physiological reactivity to the presentation of
trauma-related cues, the majority of studies to date have focused on men. The
authors assessed the physiological reactions of 3 groups of trauma-exposed
45-62 yr old female Vietnam veterans (n =36; those with current PTSD, lifetime
PTSD, or no PTSD) to war-related stimuli. Responses of women with current PTSD
differed significantly from those without PTSD on skin conductance and
systolic blood pressure, and mean levels of reactivity for women with lifetime
PTSD fell between the other 2 groups. Although symptom severity was correlated
with physiologic reactivity overall, results suggested differential
relationships at the symptom cluster level. Study results replicate earlier
findings with men and extend knowledge of autonomic reactivity to an important
group of female survivors.
Title: Memory for acute stress disorder symptoms: A two-year prospective study.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Harvey, Allison G.; Bryant, Richard A.
Source/Citation: Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease; Vol 188(9) Sep 2000,
US: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000, 602-607
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the accuracy of memory for acute trauma
symptoms by comparing the symptoms reported by motor vehicle accident (MVA)
victims within 1 mo posttrauma with the recall of these symptoms at 2 yrs
posttrauma. 92 consecutive MVA admissions (aged 17-63 yrs) were assessed for
the presence of acute stress disorder (ASD) within 1 mo posttrauma. At 2 yrs
posttrauma, 56 Ss were reassessed for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
for accuracy of recall of the symptoms reported during the 1st assessment. At
least 1 of the 4 ASD diagnostic clusters was recalled inaccurately by 75% of
patients. High levels of posttraumatic stress severity and high subjective
ratings of injury severity at 2 yrs posttrauma were associated with errors of
addition (i.e., recalling the presence of acute symptoms 2 years posttrauma
that were not reported during the first assessment). Low levels of
posttraumatic stress severity and low subjective ratings of injury severity at
2 yrs posttrauma were associated with errors of omission (i.e., omitting to
recall acute symptoms 2 yrs posttrauma that were reported during the 1st
assessment). These results suggest that retrospective reports of acute stress
symptoms should be interpreted cautiously because of the influence of current
symptoms on recall of acute symptoms. ========================================
Title: Attitudes to emotional expression and personality in predicting
post-traumatic stress disorder.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Nightengale, J.; Williams, Ruth M.
Source/Citation: British Journal of Clinical Psychology; Vol 39(3) Sep 2000,
England: British Psychological Society; 2000, 243-254
Abstract/Review/Citation: Determined whether negative attitudes toward emotional
expression (EE) act as a predisposing or maintaining factor for posttraumatic
stress reactions following a traumatic event. Attitudes to EE, the "Big
Five" personality factors, and initial symptoms and injury severity
within 1 wk of a road traffic accident were used to predict the development of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 6 wks post-accident. 60 attenders (aged
16-61 yrs) of an accident and emergency department responded to measures of
EE, intrusion and avoidance features of traumatic experiences, and anxiety and
depression. 45 of the Ss responded to a follow-up questionnaire that included
the original battery as well as a self-report diagnostic measure of PTSD. The
percentage of the sample meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD at 6 wks
post-trauma was 30.8%. A small but significant relationship was found for
negative attitudes to EE at 1 wk to predict intrusive symptoms and diagnosis
at 6 wks, over and above the independent relationships of initial symptoms,
initial injury severity, personality and coping. The EE measure was largely
stable between the 2 points of measurement. More negative attitudes to EE were
related to less openness, extraversion and agreeableness personality domains.
Title: Dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder: The psychological sequelae
of Bloody Sunday and the response of state services.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Hayes, Patrick; Campbell, Jim
Source/Citation: Research on Social Work Practice; Vol 10(6) Nov 2000, US: Sage
Publications Inc; 2000, 705-720
Abstract/Review/Citation: Describes the political context of health and social
care services in Northern Ireland at a time of intense social conflict.
Concepts from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other relevant
international psychological literature were used to study the experience of
the Bloody Sunday families, victims of a traumatic event that happened in
Derry in January 1972. 26 participants (31-56 yrs old) were asked to tell the
story of Bloody Sunday as they experienced it and to comment on the meaning of
that event in their lives. Interview data were compared with the results of
the General Health Questionnaire-12 and the PTSD Symptom Inventory. High
levels of psychological morbidity within this population are reported,
alongside some evidence that families had not received services that may have
helped resolve the trauma. The authors noted that new services planned as a
result of the current peace process may offer social workers and other
professionals new ways to address the unmet needs of people traumatized by the
Title: Aergererleben und Aergerausdrucksverhalten nach Traumatisierung: Ausmass
und Beziehung zu posttraumatischen Belastungsreaktionen nach politischer
Inhaftierung in der DDR./ Trait anger and style of anger expression following
traumatization: Extent and relationship to posttraumatic stress reaction in a
group of former East German political prisoners.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Schuetzwohl, Matthias; Maercker, Andreas
Source/Citation: Zeitschrift fur Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie:
Forschung und Praxis; Vol 29(3) 2000, Germany: Verlag fur Psychologie; 2000,
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationship between posttraumatic stress
reactions, trait anger and style of anger in a group of nontreatment-seeking
former East German political prisoners. 91 former prisoners (15 female, 76
male; mean age 52.7 yrs; mean duration of imprisonment 32 mo) were
administered the Diagnostisches Interview bei psychischen Stoerungen
(diagnostic interview for psychic disorders; Margraf, Schneider and Ehlers,
1994), and categorized according to DSM criteria. Additional instruments
included the revised version of the Impact of Event Scale (Maercker and
Schuetzwohl, 1998), the State-Trait-Aergerausdrucks-Inventar (anger expression
inventory; Schwenkmezger et al, 1992), the Aerger-Dispositionsskala, measuring
trait anger and other scales assessing socio-demographic and trauma-related
variables. The results show high scores on several anger measures. While found
to be unrelated to socio-demographic variables, these measures were negatively
related to the duration of imprisonment. Structural equation modeling revealed
trait anger to correlate directly with posttraumatic intrusions. The results
confirm findings from studies on other traumatic events, indicating the need
for clinicians to be aware of the implications for the treatment of
posttraumatic stress disorders.
Title: HIV/STD risk factors for women with violent male partners.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Beadnell, Blair; Baker, Sharon A.; Morrison, Diane M.; Knox, Kay
Source/Citation: Sex Roles; Vol 42(7-8) Apr 2000, US: Kluwer Academic/Plenum
Publishers; 2000, 661-689
Abstract/Review/Citation: Examined the relationship of primary relationship
abuse and the factors of ethnicity, relationship characteristics, HIV and
sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk, substance use, psychosocial
characteristics, sexual trauma history, and attendance at a safer sex
intervention. 167 females (aged 18-49 yrs) with steady partners during the
previous 4 mo completed a questionnaire and were categorized as nonabused,
emotionally abused, or physically abused. Results show that physically abused
Ss differed in having greater STD risk, psychosocial distress, and substance
use; more traditional gender role beliefs; lower self-esteem; more likely to
have been raped and to have engaged in sex for pay; and less likely to attend
the project's STD/HIV risk reduction groups. Within primary relationships,
they differed in amount of decision-making power about safer sex, likelihood
of nonmonogamy, use of substances before sex, and self-efficacy about
initiating condom use. African-American Ss reported higher rates of emotional
abuse than White Ss, a finding related mainly to their lower socioeconomic
status in this sample.
Title: Trauma symptom correlates of criminal victimization in an urban community
sample, South Africa.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Peltzer, Karl
Source/Citation: Journal of Psychology in Africa; South of the Sahara, the
Caribbean & Afro-Latin America; Vol 10(1) 2000, Nigeria: Working Group for
African Psychology; 2000, 49-62
Abstract/Review/Citation: This study investigated trauma symptoms as a
consequence of violent crime in an urban South African community. The sample
included 128 adult victims of violent crime chosen by snowball sampling. The
adults were 36 (28.1%) males and 92 females (71.9%) in the age range of 18 to
52 years. The violent crime had happened among the Ss 1-96 months prior to the
study. A clinical interview was conducted including the following trauma
measures: (a) Post-Traumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10), (b) Impact of Event
Scale--Revised (IES-R), (c) Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences
Questionnaire (PDEQ), (d) Trauma Belief Inventory (TBI), and (e) Posttraumatic
Growth Inventory (PGI). Results indicated a rate of posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) of 25.8% as indicated by the PTSS-10 and of 42.2% by the
IES-R. There were significantly positive correlations among the four trauma
symptom measures used in this study. Findings are discussed and implications
for health care services are indicated. ========================================
Title: Intimate partner violence and stalking behavior: Exploration of patterns
and correlates in a sample of acutely battered women.
Author(s)/Editor(s): Mechanic, Mindy B.; Weaver, Terri L.; Resick, Patricia A.
Source/Citation: Violence & Victims: Special Issue: Stalking and obsessive
behaviors in everyday life: Assessments of victims and perpetrators.; Vol
15(1) Spr 2000, US: Springer Publishing Co; 2000, 55-72