Longitudinal MRI study of hippocampal volume in trauma survivors with PTSD.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors prospectively explored whether a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus occurs in recent trauma survivors who develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD:

Thirty-seven survivors of traumatic events were assessed within a week of the traumatic event and 6 months later. The assessment included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (including 124 coronal slices of 1.5-mm thickness), psychometric testing, and structured clinical interviews. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale conferred PTSD diagnoses at 6 months.

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Symptoms of dissociation in humans experiencing acute, uncontrollable stress: a prospective investigation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Peritraumatic dissociation has been associated with subsequent development of posttraumatic stress disorder, but supporting data have been largely retrospective. The current study was designed to assess the nature and prevalence of dissociative symptoms in healthy humans experiencing acute, uncontrollable stress during U.S. Army survival training.

METHOD:

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Prediction of psychological outcomes one year after a motor vehicle accident.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The authors' goal was to identify predictors of 1-year outcomes for consecutive patients in a hospital emergency department following motor vehicle accidents and to describe the prevalence and course of four types of psychiatric outcomes after such accidents.

METHOD:

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Comorbid depressive symptomatology: isolating the effects of chronic medical conditions on self-reported depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

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Psychological impact of the hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua in a one-year perspective.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

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 post-traumatic 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 months following a disaster.

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Frequent attenders in general practice: a retrospective 20-year follow-up study.

Abstract

We describe a 20-year retrospective study of 58 patients with a cross-matched control group in one practice, who initially attended more than 12 times in 1975. The study establishes that frequent attendance is not consistent; the majority of high-attending patients in general practice revert over a short period of time to a normal consulting pattern. Diseases, rather than patients, appear to dictate high consulting rates. Consistent high attendance is largely owing to multiple pathology.

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Life events, difficulties and onset of depressive episodes in later life.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The importance of stressful life events and long-term difficulties in the onset of episodes of unipolar depression is well established for young and middle-aged persons, but less so for older people.

METHOD:

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Resource utilization of patients with hypochondriacal health anxiety and somatization.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the resource utilization of patients with high levels of somatization and health-related anxiety.

DESIGN:

Consecutive patients on randomly chosen days completed a self-report questionnaire assessing somatization and health-related, hypochondriacal anxiety. Their medical care utilization in the year preceding and following completion of the questionnaire was obtained from an automated patient record. The utilization of patients above and below a predetermined threshold on the questionnaire was then compared.

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Randomised controlled trial of disclosure of emotionally important events in somatisation in primary care.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test whether a disclosure intervention improves subjective health and reduces medical consumption and sick leave in somatising patients in general practice.

DESIGN:

Non-blind randomised controlled trial.

SETTING:

10 general practices in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS:

161 patients who frequently attended general practice with somatising symptoms.

INTERVENTION:

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Delayed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and predictors of first onset of PTSD in patients with anxiety disorders.

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