Successful use of closed-loop allostatic neurotechnology for post-traumatic stress symptoms in military personnel： self-reported and autonomic improvements

Background:Military-related post-traumatic stress(PTS)is associated with numerous symptom clusters and diminished autonomic cardiovascular regulation.Highresolution,relational,resonance-based,electroencephalic mirroringis a noninvasive,closed-loop,allostatic,acoustic stimulation neurotechnology that produces realtime translation of dominant brain frequencies into audible tones of variable pitch and timing to support the autocalibration of neural oscillations.We report clinical,autonomic,and functional effects after the use offor symptoms of military-related PTS.Methods:Eighteen service members or recent veterans(15 active-duty,3 veterans,most from special operations,1 female),with a mean age of 40.9(SD=6.9)years and symptoms of PTS lasting from 1 to 25 years,undertook19.5(SD=1.1)sessions over 12 days.Inventories for symptoms of PTS(Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Military version,PCL-M),insomnia(Insomnia Severity Index,ISI),depression(Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale,CES-D),and anxiety(Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale,GAD-7)were collected before(Visit1,V1),immediately after(Visit2,V2),and at 1 month(Visit3,V3),3(Visit4,V4),and 6(Visit5,V5)months after intervention completion.Other measures only taken at V1 and V2 included blood pressure and heart rate recordings to analyze heart rate variability(HRV)and baroreflex sensitivity(BRS),functional performance(reaction and grip strength)testing,blood and saliva for biomarkers of stress and inflammation,and blood for epigenetic testing.Paired t-tests,Wilcoxon signed-rank tests,and a repeated-measures ANOVA were performed.Results:Clinically relevant,significant reductions in all symptom scores were observed at V2,with durability through V5.There were significant improvements in multiple measures of HRV and BRS[Standard deviation of the normal beat to normal beat interval(SDNN),root mean square of the successive differences(rMSSD),high frequency(HF),low frequency(LF),and total power,HF alpha,sequence all,and systolic,diastolic and mean arterial pressure]as well as reaction testing.Trends were seen for improved grip strength and a reduction in C-Reactive Protein(CRP),Angiotensin II to Angiotensin 1–7 ratio and Interleukin-10,with no change in DNA n-methylation.There were no dropouts or adverse events reported. Conclusion:Service members or veterans showed reductions in symptomatology of PTS,insomnia,depressive mood,and anxiety that were durable through 6 months after the use of a closed-loop allostatic neurotechnology for the autocalibration of neural oscillations.This study is the first to report increased HRV or BRS after the use of an intervention for service members or veterans with PTS.Ongoing investigations are strongly warranted.Trial registration:NCT03230890,retrospectively registered July 25,2017.

MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by exposure to severe traumatic life events.Currently,there are no validated biomarkers or laboratory tests that can distinguish between trauma survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.In addition,the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.Evidence suggests that this condition is a multisystem disorder that affects many biological systems,raising the possibility that peripheral markers of disease may be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder.We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs(miRNAs)in post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers and found 18 original research articles on studies performed with human patients and published January 2012 to December 2023.These included four studies with whole blood,seven with peripheral blood mononuclear cells,four with plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes,and one with serum exosomes.One of these studies had also used whole plasma.Two studies were excluded as they did not involve microRNA biomarkers.Most of the studies had collected samples from adult male Veterans who had returned from deployment and been exposed to combat,and only two were from recently traumatized adult subjects.In measuring miRNA expression levels,many of the studies had used microarray miRNA analysis,miRNA Seq analysis,or NanoString panels.Only six studies had used real time polymerase chain reaction assay to determine/validate miRNA expression in PTSD subjects compared to controls.The miRNAs that were found/validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for PTSD and include miR-3130-5p in whole blood;miR-193a-5p,-7113-5p,-125a,-181c,and-671-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells;miR-10b-5p,-203a-3p,-4488,-502-3p,-874-3p,-5100,and-7641 in plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes;and miR-18a-3p and-7-1-5p in blood plasma.Several important limitations identified in the studies need to be taken into account in future studies.Further studies are warranted with war veterans and recently traumatized children,adolescents,and adults having PTSD and use of animal models subjected to various stressors and the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.

Ginger oil-loaded transdermal adhesive patch treats post-traumatic stress disorder

Objective:To find a viable alternative to reduce the number of doses required for the patients with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD),and to improve efficacy and patient compliance.Methods: In this study,we used ginger oil,a phytochemical with potential therapeutic properties,to prepare ginger oil patches.High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to quantify the main active component of ginger oil,6-gingerol.Transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to optimize the various pressure-sensitive adhesives and permeation enhancers,including their type and concentration.Subsequently,the ginger oil patches were optimized and subjected to content determination and property evaluations.A PTSD mouse model was established using the foot-shock method.The therapeutic effect of ginger oil patches on PTSD was assessed through pathological sections,behavioral tests,and the evaluation of biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and melatonin(MT).Results: The results demonstrated that ginger oil patches exerted therapeutic effects against PTSD by inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MT and BDNF levels.Pharmacokinetic experiments revealed that ginger oil patches maintained a stable blood drug concentration for at least one day,addressing the rapid metabolism drawback of 6-gingerol and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy.Conclusions: Ginger oil can be prepared as a transdermal drug patch that meets these requirements,and the bioavailability of the prepared patch is better than that of oral administration.It can improve PTSD with good patient compliance and ease of administration.Therefore,it is a promising therapeutic formulation for the treatment of PTSD.

Addressing trauma,post-traumatic stress disorder,and posttraumatic growth in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)is a common cancer among females in Africa.Being infected with BC in Africa seems like a life sentence and brings devastating experiences to patients and households.As a result,BC is comorbid with trauma,post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD),and post-traumatic growth(PTG).AIM To identify empirical evidence from peer-reviewed articles on the comorbidity trajectories between BC and trauma,BC and PTSD,and BC and PTG.METHODS This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines of conducting a systematic review.Literature searches of the National Library of Medicine,Scopus,PubMed,Google Scholar,and Scopus databases were conducted using search terms developed for the study.The search hint yielded 769 results,which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.At the end of the screening,24 articles were included in the systematic review.RESULTS BC patients suffered trauma and PTSD during the diagnosis and treatment stages.These traumatic events include painful experiences during and after diagnosis,psychological distress,depression,and cultural stigma against BC patients.PTSD occurrence among BC patients varies across African countries,as this review disclosed:90%was reported in Kenya,80%was reported in Zimbabwe,and 46%was reported in Nigeria.The severity of PTSD among BC patients in Africa was based on the test results communicated to the patients.Furthermore,this review revealed that BC patients experience PTG,which involves losing,regaining,and surrendering final control over the body,rebuilding a personified identity,and newfound appreciation for the body.CONCLUSION Patients with BC undergo numerous traumatic experiences during their diagnosis and treatment.Psychological interventions are needed in SSA to mitigate trauma and PTSD,as well as promote PTG.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Defence and Security Forces in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as “actual exposure to death or the threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence”, either directly or indirectly, resulting in a symptomatic procession of repetition, avoidance, neurovegetative hyperactivity and individualized symptoms, with or without negative cognitive and mood changes. It therefore goes without saying that the defence and security forces constitute a high-risk population in need of attention. Objective: To study post-traumatic stress disorder in defence and security forces in the city of Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023. The study population consisted of active military, republican police and firefighters in the city of Parakou in 2023. Non-proportional stratified sampling was used, given the inaccessibility of the source population size for national security reasons. Post-traumatic stress disorder was assessed using the “post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCLS-5) scale. Results: A total of 305 subjects participated in the survey. Males dominated 90.2%. The most represented corps was the Republican Police (41.6%), most of whom were non-commissioned officers (46.6%). The majority count between 11 and 20 years of service (48.9%), with 2 to 5 missions completed (67.5%). The calculated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was 11.8%, based on the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5). Of the 36 respondents with post-traumatic stress disorder, 20 (55.6%) had experienced an armed attack, 25 (69.4%) had witnessed a violent death, 18 (50.0%) had witnessed the agony of a colleague, 15 (41.7%) had been exposed to a fire or explosion, while 26 (72.2%) had been traumatized by physical and/or verbal aggression. 5 (13.9%) had consulted a specialist psychiatrist, while 6 (16.7%) were on medication and 26 (72.2%) used sport as a means of maintaining physical and mental health. Respectively 22 (61.1%) and 21 (58.3%) had definite symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between post-traumatic stress disorder and the following variables: total number of children ≤ 2 (p = 0.015), comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (p = 0.007), history of hepatitis (p = 0.017), work accidents (p = 0.016), alcohol dependence (p = 0.004), domestic violence (p = 0.004), psychological violence (p = 0.017) and anxiety disorders (p Conclusion: Defence and security personnel can also be prey to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which needs to be systematically taken into account when they are subjected to trauma in the course of their duties. Mental health should be an integral part of the periodic medical check-up objectives for defence and security forces throughout the country.

Correlation Study of Neurotransmitter and Immune Levels in Pre-Hospital Emergency Nurses with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of PTSD in pre-hospital emergency nurses and its related factors, and to compare the differences of neurotransmitter and immune-related factors between pre-hospital emergency nurses who experienced traumatic events and those who did not develop PTSD and healthy people. How: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale (PCL-C) tests were performed on pre-hospital emergency nurses in PTSD group, non-PTSD group and healthy control group, and the plasma monoamine neurotransmitters and serum cytokines were determined by double-antibody sandwich ABC-ELISA assay using enzyme-linked adsorption kit provided by Shanghai Xitang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Results: 1) There were statistically significant differences in PCL-C scores between PTSD group, non-PTSD group and healthy group (p α between PTSD group, non-PTSD group and healthy group (p Conclusion: Pre-hospital emergency nurses should have early psychological intervention and guidance to reduce the occurrence of PTSD in emergency and emergency nurses.

Effects of Pearl Yangxin Anshen Decoction on HAMD and PTSD-SS Scores, Cytokines and Related Metabolites in Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Objective: This paper aims to observe the Pearl Yangxin Anshen Decoction to influence the score of HAMD and PTSD-SS, the changes of the cytokines and the related metabolic product in patients with PTSD. Methods: From June 2015 to May 2016, in the traditional Chinese medicine clinics of Hainan Province People’s Hospital, there were 50 patients with PTSD, the age were from 30 to 60, they were randomly divided into treatment group (25 cases) and control group (25 cases), then compared the scores of HAMD and PTSD-SS between the two groups, searched the changes of cytokines and the related metabolic product. Results: In the treatment group: before and after treatment the scores of PTSD-SS were 65.64 ± 7.02, 28.32 ± 4.18, and the scores of HAMD were 29.28 ± 1.97, 11.72 ± 2.13;In the control group: before and after treatment the scores of PTSD-SS were 63.24 ± 6.16, 31.40 ± 4.29, the scores of HAMD were 30.24 ± 2.05, 13.08 ± 2.30. After 3 months patients in treatment group the scores of PTSD-SS and HAMD were lower than the control group (t = 2.570, P = 0.013, t = -2.1640, P = 0.035). In the control group: before and after 3 months treatment the IL-2 levels respectively were 79.84 ± 26.46 pg/ml, 56.18 ± 22.67 pg/ml, the IL-6 levels respectively were 110.83 ± 47.65 pg/ml, 59.67 ± 44.68 pg/ml, the IL-8 levels respectively were 73.11 ± 78.51 pg/ml, 55.83 ± 81.94 pg/ml, the NE levels respectively were 420.04 ± 674.75 pg/ml, 185.31 ± 417.91 pg/ml, the MDA levels respectively were 112.35 ± 62.87 ng/ml, 60.42.33 ± 53.64 ng/ml, the NO levels were 126.6 ± 47.4 μmol/L, 78.6 ± 45.7 μmol/L, the VIP levels were 396.6 ± 144.4 pg/ml, 122.4 ± 111.5 pg/ml. In the treatment group: before and after 3 months treatment the IL-2 levels respectively were 86.00 ± 32.29 pg/ml, 53.84 ± 27.01 pg/ml, the IL-6 levels respectively were 108.21 ± 44.60 pg/ml, 42.46 ± 42.16 pg/ml, the IL-8 levels respectively were 81.48 ± 94.19 pg/ml, 54.07 ± 84.15 pg/ml, the NE levels respectively were 392.93 ± 592.84 pg/ml, 243.85 ± 588.45 pg/ml, the MDA levels respectively were 117.58 ± 63.37 ng/ml, 45.91 ± 38.94 ng/ml, the NO levels respectively were 135.9 ± 46.4 μmol/L, 72.6 ± 46.6 μmol/L, the VIP levels respectively were 414.0 ± 140.1 pg/ml, 185.8 ± 105.3 pg/ml. In the two groups as the extension of treatment time, the content of IL-2, IL-8, IL-6, NE, MDA, NO, and VIP were gradually reduced, and the level of reduction of the treatment group patients was higher than the control group, the change of ACTH and SOD levels just the opposite. Conclusion: The Pearl Yangxin Anshen Decoction could improve the symptoms of psychological anxiety, depression and other psychological problems in patients with PTSD, and influence the change of cytokines and related metabolites product.

Psychological impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic on Chinese people: Exposure, post-traumatic stress symptom, and emotion regulation

Objective:To examine the effects of coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)exposure,expressive suppression/cognitive reappraisal,and demographic variables on post-traumatic stress symptoms(PTS)among Chinese.Methods:Participants were recruited by social media through We Chat and 6049 Chinese(aged from 17 to 63 years;median=24)from 31 provinces were included in the study.PTS symptoms,expressive suppression,and cognitive reappraisal were assessed after the outbreak of COVID-19.A regression mixture analysis was conducted in Mplus 7.Results:A regression mixture model identified three latent classes that were primarily distinguished by differential effects of COVID-19 exposures on PTS symptoms:(1)Class 1(mildly PTS symptoms,80.9%),(2)Class 2(moderate PTS symptoms,13.0%),and(3)Class 3(high PTS symptoms,6.1%).The results demonstrated that the young,women and people with responsibilities and concerns for others were more vulnerable to PTS symptoms;and they had more expression inhibition and less cognitive reappraisal in three latent classes.Conclusions:The findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to vulnerable groups such as the young,women and people with responsibilities and concerns for others.Therapies to encourage emotional expression and increase cognitive reappraisal may also be helpful for trauma survivors.

Effects of a Cocktail Supplement of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract on Cognitive Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Current treatments often involve synthetic drugs with significant side effects and potential for dependency. This study investigates the effects of a natural supplement combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract on cognitive symptoms in a 77-year-old male with PD. The participant underwent a three-month supplementation regimen, with cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the intervention. The results indicated an improvement in cognitive scores, suggesting that the combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Acai Extract may offer a promising alternative or adjunct to conventional PD treatments. This study highlights the potential of natural supplements in managing PD symptoms and calls for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. Human data was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki by the Roxbury District IRB Board (IRB Number: IRB00011767).

Risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder among young and middle-aged cancer patients in the intensive care unit:A casecontrol study

BACKGROUND Young and middle-aged cancer patients in intensive care unit(ICU)often suffer from stress and pressure,causing huge physical and mental damage.Currently,there is few research on post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)among young and middle-aged cancer patients in ICU in China,and the psychological status of patients who have experienced both cancer development and ICU stay is still unclear.AIM To explore the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.METHODS Using convenient sampling method,we enrolled 150 young and middle-aged patients with cancer who were admitted to the ICU of our center during the period from July to December 2020.The general data of the patients and PTSDrelated indicators were collected.The Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R)was used for assessing PTSD one month after the discharge from the ICU.Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors for PTSD in these patients.RESULTS Among these 150 patients,32(21.33%)were found to be with PTSD.Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with PTSD among young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU included monthly income(OR=0.24,P=0.02),planned transfers(OR=0.208,P=0.019),and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE II)score(OR=1.171,P=0.003).CONCLUSION The low monthly income,unplanned transfers,and increased APACHE II score are the risk factors for PTSD in young and middle-aged patients with cancer in ICU.

Research progress on the biological effects of BDNF and proBDNFs in post-traumatic stress disorder

Many people were affected psycho-logically and even traumatized by the outbreak of new coronavirus pneumonia in 2020,which has the potential to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.Many neuropsy-chiatric illnesses are aided by brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its predecessors.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursors have the biological impact of triggering neuronal apoptosis and hindering neural regeneration,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself can help increase the growth,survival,and differentiation of central and peripheral nerve cells.This article provides an in-depth study of their biological impacts in post-traumatic stress disorder in an attempt to understand the biological effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its precursor proteins.

A Case Report on Sandplay Therapy for a 3-Year-11-Month-Old Child with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This report presents a case study of sandplay therapy for a 3-year-11-month-old child with post-traumatic stress disorder. The child had experienced a distressing traumatic event and exhibited symptoms of anxiety, fear, and traumatic reenactment. Sandplay therapy, as a therapeutic modality, was utilized to provide a safe environment for the child to express and process their inner experiences. The case report provides a detailed account of the child’s presentation, treatment goals, therapeutic strategies, and treatment outcomes. Through sandplay therapy, the child achieved emotional release, resolution of internal conflicts, and a reframing of the traumatic event. Ultimately, a significant reduction in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder was observed, along with improved functioning and psychological well-being.

Prevalence and related factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among medical staff members exposed to H7N9 patients

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and related factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among doctors and nurses who were exposed to H7N9 patients during the H7N9 influenza epidemic.To provide scientific basis for promoting the physical and psychological health of these staff members.Method: The 102 medical staff workers who were exposed to H7N9 patients were recruited through convenient sampling between January 2015 and May 2016.We used a self-reported questionnaire,the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C),to evaluate the PTSD symptoms among doctors and nurses from an intensive care unit (n =61),a respiratory department (n =20),and an emergency department (n =21).We then analyzed the related factors.Results: Around 20.59% of the tested doctors and nurses showed PTSD symptoms.The sample had a mean PCL-C score of 30.00 ± 9.95.The differences in the scores of doctors and nurses with different genders,ages,professional titles,contact frequencies,trainings,and experiences were statistically significant (P < 0.05,P < 0.01).Moreover,t-tests and one-way analysis of variance showed that nurses received higher scores than doctors,female participants received higher scores than male participants,and the participants with low professional title and high contact frequency,aged between 20 years and 30 years,with less than five years of work experience,having not received related training and with no related experience obtained higher PCL-C scores than the others (P < 0.05,P < 0.01).Conclusion: The PTSD level of doctors and nurses after their exposure to H7N9 patients was high,which warrant further research.Health and medical institutions should pay attention to the physical and psychological health of these staff members.

Post-traumatic stress disorder risk and brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), which regulates neuronal survival, growth differentiation, and synapse formation, is known to be associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). However, the molecular mechanism for those mental disorders remains unknown. Studies have shown that BDNF is associated with PTSD risk and exaggerated startle reaction(a major arousal manifestation of PTSD) in United States military service members who were deployed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The frequency of the Met/Met in BDNF gene was greater among those with PTSD than those without PTSD. Among individuals who experienced fewer lifetime stressful events, the Met carriers have significantly higher total and startle scores on the PTSD Checklist than the Val/Val carriers. In addition, subjects with PTSD showed higher levels of BDNF in their peripheral blood plasma than the non-probable-PTSD controls. Increased BDNF levels and startle response were observed in both blood plasma and brain hippocampus by inescapable tail shock in rats. In this paper, we reviewed these data to discuss BDNF as a potential biomarker for PTSD risk and its possible roles in the onset of PTSD.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms,Parenting Stress and Social Support in Chinese Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although little is known about the current situation regarding autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in main land China,psychiatric disorders are common among Chinese mothers of preschool children with ASD.Previous studies showed ASD child's behavioral symptoms,maternal anxiety,and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with overall parenting stress in northern China.In the present study,we retrospectively analyzed medical records at the hospital related to neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support in mothers of children with ASD from southern China.A total of 80 mothers of children with ASD were screened.Among them,34 mothers were in low-functioning ASD group(L-ASD group)and 46 mothers were in highfunctioning ASD group(H-ASD group).Identification of the ASD cases was confirmed with a Revised Autism Diagnostic Inventory.Neuropsychiatric symptoms,parenting stress and social support were measured by neuropsychiatric inventory(NPI),parenting stress index short form(PSISF),and multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support(MSPSS).Total mean score of the NPI in the L-ASD group was significantly higher than that in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).The subscale scores of NPI,including depression,anxiety,apathy,irritability,agitation,night time behavior disturbances and change in appetite were significantly higher in the L-ASD group than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Meanwhile,the total PSI-SF scores and the scores of parental distress(PD),parental-child dysfunctional interaction(PCDI)and difficult child(DC)in the L-ASD group were significantly higher than those in the H-ASD group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The total score of MSPSS was also higher in the L-ASD group than in the H-ASD group(P<0.01).This study goes further to show the neuropsychiatric symptoms and parenting stress are significantly higher in mothers of children with ASD,and more social supports are needed for mothers of children with ASD from southern China,especially for mothers of children with low-functioning ASD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after typhoon disaster and its correlation with platelet 5-HT concentrations

Objective:To investigate residents' psychological stress factors and research the correlation between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and platelet 5-HT concentrations so as to provide scientific bases for diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and psychological intervention for people in the disaster area.Methods:A questionnaire survey of 5 500 residents who have accepted psychological help was conducted by the emphatic investigation method.While high performance liquid chromatography were used to detect the platelet serotonin concentration of 100 PTSD patients and 100 healthy people.Results:(1) Of the 5 114 cases,3 167(61.93%) showed positive results in screening for psychological stress symptoms,and 399(7.8%) were tested with apparent PTSD symptoms.Male and female prevalence showed no significant difference(X^2=-0.380,P=0.704).The differences of prevalence between different age groups were statistically significant(X^2=381.89,P=0.000).(2) The differences in the level of platelet 5-HT between PTSD patients and normal control group were statistically significant.Conclusions:The typhoon of Hainan province caused relatively large psychological problems to the disaster victims.Compared with normal control group,the platelet 5-HT levels of PTSD patients in the disaster areas are lower.It may be related to incidents exposure levels,cultural background,religious ideas,social concerns and psychological rescue of the residents who live in the disaster areas of Hainan.

Post-traumatic stress disorder status in a rescue group after the Wenchuan earthquake relief

Previous studies have suggested that the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in earthquake rescue workers is relatively high. Risk factors for this disorder include demographic characteristics, earthquake-related high-risk factors, risk factors in the rescue process, personality, social support and coping style. This study examined the current status of a unit of 1 040 rescue workers who participated in earthquake relief for the Wenchuan earthquake that occurred on May 12th, 2008. Post-traumatic stress disorder was diagnosed primarily using the Clinician-Administered Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Scale during structured interviews. Univariate and multivariate sta-tistical analyses were used to examine major risk factors that contributed to the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder. Results revealed that the incidence of this disorder in the rescue group was 5.96%. The impact factors in univariate analysis included death of family members, contact with corpses or witnessing of the deceased or seriously injured, near-death experience, severe injury or mental trauma in the rescue process and working at the epicenter of the earthquake. Correlation analysis suggested that post-traumatic stress disorder was positively correlated with psychotic and neurotic personalities, negative coping and low social support. Impact factors in mul-tivariate logistic regression analysis included near-death experience, severe injury or mental trauma, working in the epicenter of the rescue, neurotic personality, negative coping and low social support, among which low social support had the largest odds ratio of 20.42. Findings showed that the oc-currence of post-traumatic stress disorder was the result of the interaction of multiple factors.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among paramedic and hospital emergency personnel in south-east Iran

BACKGROUND:Paramedic and emergency personnel may encounter directly many events that threat their own wellbeing during their daily work.This study was conducted to examine the prevalence rate of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) among two groups of paramedic and emergency personnel in south-east Iran.METHODS:The study employed a descriptive design and was conducted in four hospital emergency wards and a pre-hospital emergency base supervised by Kerman Medical University.Using Mississippi PTSD,we assessed the prevalence rate in paramedics(n=150) and emergency personnel(n=250).RESULTS:The two groups had different levels of education,marital status,experience of traumatic events,work hours per month,and gender.Most(94%) of paramedic and hospital emergency personnel reported moderate PTSD.The two groups had significant different levels of PTSD in all subscale.CONCLUSION:The study suggests that health care managers should organize systematic and dynamic policies and procedures in dealing with PTSD to assist both groups of personnel.

Effects of therapeutic horseback riding on post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans

Background:Large numbers of post-deployment U.S.veterans are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)and/or traumatic brain injury(TBI),leading to an urgent need for effective interventions to reduce symptoms and increase veterans’coping.PTSD includes anxiety,flashbacks,and emotional numbing.The symptoms increase health care costs for stress-related illnesses and can make veterans’civilian life difficult.Methods:We used a randomized wait-list controlled design with repeated measures of U.S.military veterans to address our specific aim to test the efficacy of a 6-week therapeutic horseback riding(THR)program for decreasing PTSD symptoms and increasing coping self-efficacy,emotion regulation,social and emotional loneliness.Fiftyseven participants were recruited and 29 enrolled in the randomized trial.They were randomly assigned to either the horse riding group(n=15)or a wait-list control group(n=14).The wait-list control group experienced a 6-week waiting period,while the horse riding group began THR.The wait-list control group began riding after 6 weeks of participating in the control group.Demographic and health history information was obtained from all the participants.PTSD symptoms were measured using the standardized PTSD Checklist-Military Version(PCL-M).The PCL-M as well as other instruments including,The Coping Self Efficacy Scale(CSES),The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale(DERS)and The Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults-short version(SELSA)were used to access different aspects of individual well-being and the PTSD symptoms.Results:Participants had a statistically significant decrease in PTSD scores after 3 weeks of THR(P≤0.01)as well as a statistically and clinically significant decrease after 6 weeks of THR(P≤0.01).Logistic regression showed that participants had a 66.7%likelihood of having lower PTSD scores at 3 weeks and 87.5%likelihood at 6 weeks.Under the generalized linear model(GLM),our ANOVA findings for the coping self-efficacy,emotion regulation,and social and emotional loneliness did not reach statistical significance.The results for coping self-efficacy and emotion regulation trended in the predicted direction.Results for emotional loneliness were opposite the predicted direction.Logistic regression provided validation that outcome effects were caused by riding longer.Conclusion:The findings suggest that THR may be a clinically effective intervention for alleviating PTSD symptoms in military veterans.

Association of post-traumatic stress disorder and work performance: A survey from an emergency medical service, Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to explore the association between posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and work performance of emergency medical services personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.METHODS: Emergency medical service personnel were screened for potential PTSD using Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R). Work performance was assessed on the basis of fi ve variables: number of late arrivals to work, number of days absent, number of days sick, adherence to protocol, and patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months. In order to model outcomes like the number of late arrivals to work, days absent and days late, negative binomial regression was applied, whereas logistic regression was applied for adherence to protocol and linear for patient satisfaction scores.RESULTS: Mean scores of PTSD were 24.0±12.2. No association was found between PTSD and work performance measures: number of late arrivals to work(RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), days absent(RRadj 0.98; 0.96–0.99), days sick(RRadj 0.99; 0.98–1.00), adherence to protocol(ORadj 1.01; 0.99–1.04) and patient satisfaction(β 0.001%–0.03%) after adjusting for years of formal schooling, living status, coping mechanism, social support, working hours, years of experience and anxiety or depression.CONCLUSION: No statistically significant association was found between PTSD and work performance amongst EMS personnel in Karachi, Pakistan.