Purpose: Many of the events that cause spinal cord injury (SCI) are traumatic events that can result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It therefore appears that most persons with SCI are at risk for developing PTSD. This study retrospectively examined risk factors for PTSD symptoms in a sample of 71 persons with SCI. Method: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV was used to assess full and partial PTSD diagnoses. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure potential risk factors. Results: Results indicated that 11% of the participants met the criteria for full PTSD, and an additional 20% met the criteria for partial PTSD at some point after their SCI. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that trauma history, peritraumatic reactions, and intolerance of uncertainty predicted the number of PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of trauma history, peritraumatic reactions, and intolerance of uncertainty in the development of PTSD symptoms. Patients at risk for PTSD should be identified early in the rehabilitation process and could benefit from psychological interventions with the aim of preventing PTSD development.
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Original Article|
July 03 2012
Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Catherine Otis;
Catherine Otis
1
Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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André Marchand;
André Marchand
1
Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Frédérique Courtois
Frédérique Courtois
2
Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil (2012) 18 (3): 253–263.
Citation
Catherine Otis, André Marchand, Frédérique Courtois; Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 1 July 2012; 18 (3): 253–263. doi: https://doi.org/10.1310/sci1803-253
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