Do Different Traumatic Events Invoke Different Kinds of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms?

Summary
The article from the European Journal of Psychotraumatology examines how different traumatic events influence the manifestation of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) in children and adolescents. Analyzing data from 4873 clinical samples, it found that sexual trauma, domestic violence, and bullying/threats lead to higher PTSS severity, each associated with unique symptoms. The study highlights the importance of considering the type of trauma in PTSS diagnosis and treatment to tailor more effective therapeutic interventions.

The article titled “Do different traumatic events invoke different kinds of post-traumatic stress symptoms?” from the European Journal of Psychotraumatology explores the relationship between types of traumatic events and specific manifestations of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). The research acknowledges that the nature of the traumatic event can significantly influence the level and type of PTSS experienced. For instance, it notes that sexual trauma is often associated with higher levels of PTSS compared to motor vehicle accidents and sudden loss and that different traumas are associated with other specific symptoms.

The study aimed to assess differential profiles of PTSS after exposure to various traumatic events such as sexual trauma, domestic violence, accidents/medical trauma, sudden loss/serious illness of a loved one, and bullying/threats. The research was conducted on a clinical sample of 4873 children and adolescents referred to the general Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Norway. The analysis focused on the severity and profiles of symptoms according to the worst trauma reported.

The findings revealed that sexual trauma resulted in the highest overall severity of PTSS, followed by domestic violence and bullying/threats. Common symptoms across all types of trauma included psychological cue reactivity, avoidance, and difficulties with sleeping and concentrating. However, certain traumas were associated with particular symptoms – for instance, sexual trauma, domestic violence, and bullying/threats were linked to relatively higher levels of negative beliefs and emotions. In contrast, sudden loss/serious illness was particularly associated with negative emotions.

The study concludes that the manifestation of PTSS may differ according to the type of trauma exposure. This has significant implications for treatment, as understanding these differences can help effectively tailor interventions. For example, interventions targeting negative beliefs, such as cognitive restructuring, may be more beneficial for adolescents who have experienced sexual trauma, family violence, or bullying/threats. The research emphasizes the need to consider the nature of the traumatic event in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSS to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

Reference

Birkeland, M. S., Skar, A. M. S., & Jensen, T. K. (2021). Do different traumatic events invoke different kinds of post-traumatic stress symptoms? European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12 doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2020.1866399