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.

Risk factors for postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder after emergency admission

BACKGROUND:Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD)can occur in women who give birth after emergency admission.The identification of risk factors for this condition is crucial for developing effective preventive measures.This retrospective study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors for postpartum PTSD in women who give birth after emergency admission.METHODS:Medical records of women who gave birth after emergency admission were collected between March 2021 and April 2023.The patients’general conditions and perinatal clinical indicators were recorded.The puerperae were divided into PTSD group and control group based on symptom occurrence at six weeks postpartum.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors.RESULTS:A total of 276 puerperae were included,with a PTSD incidence of 20.3% at six weeks postpartum.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified emergency cesarean section(odds ratio[OR]=2.102;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.114-3.966,P=0.022),admission to the emergency department after midnight(12:00 AM)(OR=2.245;95%CI:1.170-4.305,P<0.001),and cervical dilation(OR=3.203;95%CI:1.670–6.141,P=0.039)as independent risk factors for postpartum PTSD.Analgesia pump use(OR=0.500;95%CI:0.259–0.966,P=0.015)was found to be a protective factor against postpartum PTSD.CONCLUSION:Emergency cesarean section,admission to the emergency department after midnight,and cervical dilation were identified as independent risk factors for postpartum PTSD,while analgesic pump use was a protective factor.These findings provide insights for developing more effective preventive measures for women who give birth after emergency admission.

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.

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.

The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Soldier:A Systematic Review

The objective of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)in military personnel.PubMed,Web of Science,The Cochrane Library,EBSCO and CNKI databases were searched from 1 January,2000 to November 2022 for Randomized Controlled Trials(RCTs)on psychotherapeutic interventions for military PTSD.The physical Therapy Evidence Database(PEDro)scale was used to evaluate the quality of the literature.Two researchers conducted literature screening,data extraction,and risk bias assessment in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria.Ultimately,49 RCTs were included,involving a total of 5073 veterans,retired and active military from four countries.The average score on the PEDro scale was 7.60.The primary psychotherapeutic modalities for military PTSD intervention include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy,Exposure Therapy,Mindfulness interventions,psychotherapy based on new technological tools,and other emerging psychotherapeutic tools.The review highlights that Cognitive Processing Therapy(CPT)and Prolonged Exposure Therapy(PET)stand out as the primary psychotherapeutic modalities for treating PTSD in military personnel.In cases where CPT and PET yield limited benefits,Mindfulness interventions emerge as effective alternatives.Moreover,considering the diverse needs and high dropout rates in the military,population,the review suggests using web-based,computer,and virtual reality technology tools as supplements to first-line treatments(CPT/PET)to enhance overall intervention effectiveness.For the advancement of future psychotherapeutic initiatives,there is a pronounced emphasis on prioritizing proven first-line interventions,CPT and PET while also recognizing the potential of mindfulness-based interventions as credible alternatives.In tandem with this,the active integration of technological tools is advocated to amplify the therapeutic impact of conventional psychological treatment modalities.

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.

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.

Emergence of taurine as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders

Taurine is a sulfur-containing,semi-essential amino acid that occurs naturally in the body.It alternates between inflammation and oxidative stress-mediated injury in various disease models.As part of its limiting functions,taurine also modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress,Ca^(2+)homeostasis,and neuronal activity at the molecular level.Taurine effectively protects against a number of neurological disorders,including stro ke,epilepsy,cerebral ischemia,memory dysfunction,and spinal cord injury.Although various therapies are available,effective management of these disorders remains a global challenge.Approximately 30 million people are affected worldwide.The design of taurine fo rmation co uld lead to potential drugs/supplements for the health maintenance and treatment of central nervous system disorders.The general neuroprotective effects of taurine and the various possible underlying mechanisms are discussed in this review.This article is a good resource for understanding the general effects of taurine on various diseases.Given the strong evidence for the neuropharmacological efficacy of taurine in various experimental paradigms,it is concluded that this molecule should be considered and further investigated as a potential candidate for neurotherapeutics,with emphasis on mechanism and clinical studies to determine efficacy.

Study on serum cytokine levels in posttraumatic stress disorder patients

Objective:To evaluate serum IL-2,IL-4,IL-6.IL-8,TL-10 and TNF-αlevels in posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) patients.Methods:We utilized ELISA technology to examine cytokines such as IL-2,IL-4.IL-6.IL-8,IL-10 and TNF-αin serum from 50 well-characterized individuals with a primary DSM-1V PTSD diagnosis,and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.We conservatively employed a Mann-Whitney U testing.Results:Individuals with primary PTSD had significantly elevated peripheral cytokine levels for all 6 different cytokines compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls(allP【0.01).Conclusions:These findings suggest that a generalized inflammatory state may be present in individuals with PTSD.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: potential treatment for co-occurring alcohol, traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorders

Alcohol use disorder （AUD）, mild traumatic brain injury （mTBI）, and posttraumatic stress disorder （PTSD） commonly co-occur （AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD）. These conditions have overlapping symptoms which are, in part, reflective of overlapping neuropathology. These conditions become problematic because their co-occurrence can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, treatments must be developed that are inclusive to all three conditions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation （rTMS） is non-invasive and may be an ideal treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. There is accumulating evidence on rTMS as a treatment for people with AUD, mTBI, and PTSD each alone. However, there are no published studies to date on rTMS as a treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. This review article advances the knowledge base for rTMS as a treatment for AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. This review provides background information about these co-occurring conditions as well as rTMS. The existing literature on rTMS as a treatment for people with AUD, TBI, and PTSD each alone is reviewed. Finally, neurobiological findings in support of a theoretical model are discussed to inform TMS as a treatment for co-occurring AUD ＋ mTBI ＋ PTSD. The peer-reviewed literature was identified by targeted literature searches using PubMed and supplemented by cross-referencing the bibliographies of relevant review articles. The existing evidence on rTMS as a treatment for these conditions in isolation, coupled with the overlapping neuropathology and symptomology of these conditions, suggests that rTMS may be well suited for the treatment of these conditions together.

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.

Posttraumatic stress disorder after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the risk factors associated with this progression are not well understood. To study this syndrome in adult liver transplant recipients, a cross-sectional investigation of 296 recipients at our hospital was carried out between January and June 2010. METHODS: Study participants completed two questionnaires [a PTSD self-rating scale (PTSD-SS) and a validated Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36)]. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of full PTSD and partial PTSD (that met the criteria for 2 of the 3 symptom clusters) was 3.7% and 5.4%, respectively, for all transplant recipients. Significant differences between the recipients with no PTSD, partial PTSD, and full PTSD were found in all SF-36 domains except for physical functioning (P=0.466). In general, domain scores were the highest in the recipients who did not meet the criteria for PTSD and the lowest in the recipients who met the criteria for full PTSD. Greater severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms was correlated with poorer quality of life, especially in the bodily pain (P=0.004), social functioning (P=0.001), role-emotional (P=0.048), and mental health (P<0.001) domains. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, complications, and educational status were identified by multiple regression analysis as risk factors for developing PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: PTSD occurred after liver transplantation and was significantly associated with decreased quality of life. Higher MELD scores and complications after transplantation were risk factors that contributed to PTSD, and higher education was a protective factor.

WAVE LOCALIZATION IN RANDOMLY DISORDERED PERIODIC PIEZOELECTRIC RODS WITH INITIAL STRESS

The elastic wave localization in disordered periodic piezoelectric rods with initial stress is studied using the transfer matrix and Lyapunov exponent method. The electric field is approximated as quasi-static. The effects of the initial stress on the band gap characteristics are investigated. The numerical calculations of localization factors and localization lengths are performed. It can be observed from the results that the band structures can be tuned by exerting the suitable initial stress. For different values of the piezoelectric rod length and the elastic constant, the band structures and the localization phenomena are very different. Larger disorder degree can lead to more obvious localization phenomenon.

Childhood stressful events, HPA axis and anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most common of all mental disorders and their pathogenesis is a major topic in psychiatry, both for prevention and treatment. Early stressful life events and alterations of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal(HPA) axis function seem to have a significant role in the onset of anxiety. Existing data appear to support the mediating effect of the HPA axis between childhood traumata and posttraumatic stress disorder. Findings on the HPA axis activity at baseline and after stimuli in panic disordered patients are inconclusive, even if stressful life events may have a triggering function in the development of this disorder. Data on the relationship between stress, HPA axis functioning and obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) are scarce and discordant, but an increased activity of the HPA axis is reported in OCD patients. Moreover, normal basal cortisol levels and hyperresponsiveness of the adrenal cortex during a psychosocial stressor are observed in social phobics. Finally,abnormal HPA axis activity has also been observed in generalized anxiety disordered patients. While several hypothesis have attempted to explain these findings over time, currently the most widely accepted theory is that early stressful life events may provoke alterations of the stress response and thus of the HPA axis, that can endure during adulthood, predisposing individuals to develop psychopathology. All theories are reviewed and the authors conclude that childhood life events and HPA abnormalities may be specifically and transnosographically related to all anxiety disorders, as well as, more broadly, to all psychiatric disorders.

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.

Animal models for posttraumatic stress disorder: An overview of what is used in research

Posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a common anxiety disorder characterised by its persistence of symptoms after a traumatic experience. Although some patients can be cured, many do not benefit enough from the psychological therapies or medication strategies used. Many researchers use animal models to learn more about the disorder and several models are available. The most-used physical stressor models are single-prolonged stress, restraint stress, foot shock, stress-enhanced fear learning, and underwater trauma. Common social stressors are housing instability, social instability, earlylife stress, and social defeat. Psychological models are not as diverse and rely on controlled exposure to the test animal's natural predator. While validation of these models has been resolved with replicated symptoms using analogous stressors, translating new findings to human patients remains essential for their impact on the field. Choosing a model to experiment with can be challenging; this overview of what is possible with individual models may aid in making a decision.

Relationship between acute stress and sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel:Mediating effect of social support

Background: To explore the relationship between acute stress, social support and sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel, and construct the relational model through structural equation modeling. Methods: A total of 2,411 grass-root military personnel were randomly selected by cluster sampling, and administered the Chinese Military Personnel Sleep Disorder Scale, Military Acute Stress Scale and Social Support Rating Scale.Results: The total score of acute stress scale was positively correlated with the total score and factor scores of sleep disorder scale(r=0.209~0.465, P【0.01); The total score of social support scale was positively correlated with the total score of acute stress scale and the total score and factor scores of sleep disorder scale(r=0.356~0.537, P【0.01). The analysis of mediating effects showed that lack of social support partially mediated between acute stress and the factors of sleep disorder. The analysis of structural equation model showed that acute stress not only had a direct effect on sleep disorder(the path coefficient was 0.29, P=0.000), but also on lack of social support(the path coefficient was 0.39, P=0.000); lack of social support had a direct effect on sleep disorder(the path coefficient was 0.48, P=0.000).Conclusions: Acute stress and lack of social support are two significant factors of sleep disorder in grass-root military personnel. Well-established social support could alleviate sleep disorder induced by acute stress. Lack of social support was a partial mediator between acute stress and sleep disorder.

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.