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Pediatrics in Review Aug 2012
Review
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 22855933
DOI: 10.1542/pir.33-8-382 -
Journal of Anxiety Disorders Aug 2018Encoding and retrieval difficulties, and avoidance of both traumatic and positive memories, are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However,... (Review)
Review
Encoding and retrieval difficulties, and avoidance of both traumatic and positive memories, are associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, most PTSD research and clinical work has solely examined the role of traumatic memories in the maintenance/resolution of PTSD symptoms. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the literature on positive memories and PTSD. First, we review theories and evidence on the relations between trauma, PTSD, and memory processes (particularly positive memories). Next, we propose a conceptual model that integrates evidence from experimental and positive/memory-based intervention research and highlights hypothesized mechanisms underlying the potential effectiveness of targeting positive memories in PTSD interventions. Specifically, we discuss how targeting positive memories could (1) increase positive affect and reduce negative affect, (2) correct negative cognitions, (3) increase specificity of retrieving autobiographical memories, and (4) be effectively integrated/sequenced with and enhance the effects of trauma-focused interventions. Lastly, we suggest clinical research avenues for investigating the relations between positive memories and PTSD, to possibly alter the current PTSD intervention paradigm focused only on traumatic memories. Overall, our proposed model drawing from experimental and intervention research, and outlining potential effects of targeting positive memories to reduce PTSD severity, needs further empirical investigation.
Topics: Cognition; Humans; Memory, Episodic; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 30025253
DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.06.007 -
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric... Apr 2024There is an ongoing diagnostic and treatment challenge for migrant youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that many clinicians face. Current studies have helped... (Review)
Review
There is an ongoing diagnostic and treatment challenge for migrant youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that many clinicians face. Current studies have helped clinicians to develop a better understanding of the migrant youth's journey including potentially traumatic and adverse events they encounter. This includes determining if premigration, migration, and postmigration stressors have had an impact on the individual. This has also helped clinicians, educators, and legal advocates to use a collaborative approach to address the migrant youth's needs for managing the severity of PTSD symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Transients and Migrants; Longitudinal Studies
PubMed: 38395506
DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.10.005 -
Current Sports Medicine Reports Dec 2021Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may develop following exposure to severe trauma, can occur in all people at any age. PTSD affects approximately 10 million...
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may develop following exposure to severe trauma, can occur in all people at any age. PTSD affects approximately 10 million Americans, with an incidence of approximately 3.5% diagnosed every year. Elite athletes are not immune to posttraumatic stress. While difficult to precisely quantify, an estimated 1 in 8 elite athletes suffers from PTSD. Because of its complex presentation, PTSD can be challenging to diagnose and effectively treat in athletes. Several barriers unique to elite athletes exist which may inadvertently delay or prevent access to the appropriate clinical experts. Several best practice models for mental health screening in elite athletes have been developed in the past decade. Treatment of PTSD in the athlete population is similar to trauma-informed treatment in the general population, but should involve the athlete's multidisciplinary team of clinical experts to account for unique demands and preferences in the context of sport.
Topics: Athletes; Humans; Mass Screening; Sports; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 34882121
DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000918 -
Clinical Psychology Review Feb 2023Current conceptualisations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are driven by biological, learning, and cognitive models that have shaped current treatments of the... (Review)
Review
Current conceptualisations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are driven by biological, learning, and cognitive models that have shaped current treatments of the disorder. The strong influence of these models has resulted in a relative neglect of social mechanisms that can influence traumatic stress. There is abundant evidence from experimental, observational, and clinical studies that social factors can moderate many of the mechanisms articulated in prevailing models of PTSD. In this review it is proposed that attachment theory provides a useful framework to complement existing models of PTSD because it provides explanatory value for social factors can interact with biological, learning, and cognitive processes that shape traumatic stress response. The review provides an overview of attachment theory in the context of traumatic stress, outlines the evidence for how attachment factors can moderate stress responses and PTSD, and considers how harnessing attachment processes may augment recovery from and treatment of PTSD. This review emphasizes that rather than conceptualizing attachment theory as an independent theory of traumatic stress, there is much to gain by integrating attachment mechanisms into existing models of PTSD to accommodate the interactions between cognitive, biological, and attachment processes.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Learning; Object Attachment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36493729
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102228 -
Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin... Feb 2021In prehospital medicine, psychological stress is common and part of the profession. On the one hand, this implies resilience; on the other hand, posttraumatic stress... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In prehospital medicine, psychological stress is common and part of the profession. On the one hand, this implies resilience; on the other hand, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop under the high psychological strain.
OBJECTIVES
The goal was to obtain an overview of the problem awareness among health care workers in prehospital medicine and identify possible networks for psychological trauma in Germany. The authors searched the internet in general and MEDLINE using key words.
RESULTS
PTSD among health care workers in prehospital medicine is rare but can be severe. Generally speaking, help for traumatized helpers is possible in Germany and several institutions offer help. Most victims do not use the offered help, which is not well organized for health care workers. The German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine founded a new section "perspective resilience" in order to offer better help.
CONCLUSIONS
Stress and psychological strain are common in health care workers in prehospital medicine, although most of the symptoms will resolve spontaneously. Nevertheless, after a psychological event, it is not possible to predict the course of the symptoms and the awareness among helpers is still low. To find the right therapy at the right time is critical. We still need better education and better networks in this area. Furthermore, research in this field is rare.
Topics: Emergency Medicine; Germany; Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 31781830
DOI: 10.1007/s00063-019-00640-8 -
Women & Health 2012Breast cancer, potentially a traumatic stressor, may be accompanied by negative outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder or positive changes, such as... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer, potentially a traumatic stressor, may be accompanied by negative outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder or positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth. The authors reviewed 24 studies published from 1990 to 2010 that measured posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer, in terms of frequency rates, factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth, and their interrelationships. A relatively small percentage of women experienced posttraumatic stress disorder, while the majority of them reported posttraumatic growth. Age, education, economic status, subjective appraisal of the threat of the disease, treatment, support from significant others, and positive coping strategies were among the most frequently reported factors associated with these phenomena. Moreover, posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth were not related. Future research should shed more light on posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder among women with breast cancer, the parameters that influence them, and their possible relationship.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Survivors
PubMed: 22747186
DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2012.679337 -
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy Jan 2022Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) includes changes in processes such as encoding and retrieval for both traumatic and positive memories. However, most work has... (Review)
Review
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) includes changes in processes such as encoding and retrieval for both traumatic and positive memories. However, most work has predominantly focused on traumatic memories. Thus, Contractor and colleagues proposed a Positive Memory-PTSD model, which highlighted potential benefits associated with and mechanisms underlying positive memory retrieval/processing among individuals reporting PTSD symptoms. To enhance research on and clinical impacts of this model, the current review provides critical considerations for the Positive Memory-PTSD model. Drawing from emerging research and clinical observations, we (i) clarify that the model addresses specific versus overgeneral positive memories; (ii) underscore the importance of considering the heterogeneity in, and transitionary nature of, affect processes following positive memory retrieval; and (iii) highlight the rationale for considering trauma type/count and co-occurring conditions, as potential moderators of relations between positive memory processing and PTSD. Hereby, we provide an updated Positive Memory-PTSD model and implications for positive memory interventions drawing from this model.
Topics: Cognition; Humans; Memory; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 33870586
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2599 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Aug 2017Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Sleep disturbances are core features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review aims to characterize sleep disturbances, summarize the knowledge regarding the relationships between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties, and highlight empirically supported and/or utilized treatments for trauma-related nightmares and insomnia.
RECENT FINDINGS
Trauma-related nightmares and insomnia, and other sleep disorders, are frequently reported among trauma survivors. The roles of fear of sleep, REM density, and decreased parasympathetic activity are beginning to inform the relationship between trauma exposure and sleep difficulties. Additionally, the potential adaptive role of sleep loss immediately following a traumatic experience is being recognized. Interventions targeting these sleep disturbances show promise in reducing symptoms. Research in understanding the role of sleep on the development, course, and treatment of PTSD is expanding. Longitudinal investigations are needed to further elucidate these relationships and identify treatments most effective in ameliorating symptoms.
Topics: Dreams; Humans; Sleep Wake Disorders; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 28828641
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0827-1 -
Clinical Psychology Review Feb 2017Parents who have lost an infant prior to, during, or following birth often interpret the event as highly traumatic. The present systematic review included 46 articles... (Review)
Review
Parents who have lost an infant prior to, during, or following birth often interpret the event as highly traumatic. The present systematic review included 46 articles based on 31 different studies of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents bereaved by infant death. The PTSD prevalence in mothers differed widely across studies with estimated rates at 0.6-39%. PTSD in fathers following infant loss has been less extensively studied but PTSD levels were generally much lower than in mothers with reported prevalence rates at 0-15.6% across studies. PTSD symptoms were not found to differ much depending on whether the death occurred prior to, during, or following birth and nor was gestational age consistently associated with PTSD severity. A number of risk and protective factors have been found to be associated with PTSD severity. Relevant focus areas for future research are presented along with considerations for future pregnancies and children. The suffering associated with PTSD following infant loss is overwhelming because of the rates at which such losses occur around the world. For this reason, it is problematic that not all types of infant loss resulting in sufficient symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal can elicit a DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis.
Topics: Bereavement; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Death; Male; Parents; Prevalence; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 27838460
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.10.007