Coping styles and dispositional optimism as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms intensity in paramedics. / Style radzenia sobie ze stresem i dyspozycyjny optymizm jako predyktory nasilenia objawów PTSD w grupie ratowników medycznych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and such predictors as coping style and dispositional optimism in the group of professional paramedics. METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 440 paramedics employed by various units of the Polish Emergency Medical Service in five voivodships. Finally, research data obtained from 159 people were analyzed. The mean age of the respondents was 34.14 (SD = 8.67), mean work experience - 9.22 years (SD = 7.67). The majority of participants were male (N = 139, 87.4%), which reflects the gender balance observed in this particular professional group. Intensity of PTSD symptoms was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R). Dispositional optimism was evaluated by means of the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R) and coping styles were measured with the use of the multi-faceted Coping Orientations to Problems Expected (COPE) inventory. RESULTS: On the basis of the conducted studies, it can be concluded that PTSD concerns 28% of the participants. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that general risk of PTSD symptoms occurrence is caused by preferred coping style, namely the emotion-focused coping style (positive predictor). Furthermore, two-factor interaction regression analysis showed that dispositional optimism can play a role as a mediator of the relationship between PTSD general index and the emotion-focused coping style. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedics are more prone to develop PTSD symptoms than general population. This indicates the need for preventive steps to be taken in the professional group of paramedics taking into consideration their coping styles and level of dispositional optimism.

History of trauma and posttraumatic disorders in literature.

In 1980 a third edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) brought diagnostic criteria for a new diagnosis - posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is a result of highly intensive stressor and in many cases leads to sever psychiatric distress. Despite relatively recent introduction of PTSD as a new diagnosis, this disorder was excessively described in scientific papers as well as in fiction novels. Analysis of those descriptions across ages allows for the conclusion that character and type of stressors has changed, however, people's reactions to highly intensive stressors are basically similar. First descriptions are found in notes of Egyptian physicians and then in papers of Homer, Herodotus and Plutarch. In consecutive parts of this paper, the authors present history of posttraumatic stress disorder describing contribution of Polish authors - Kepinski and Szymusik. Presented historical perspective of posttraumatic stress disorder allows for better understanding of reasons for introducing PTSD into classifications as well as controversies related to it.

[Suicide problems--epidemiology, factors, motives and prevention. Part II]. / Samobójstwa--epidemiologia, czynniki, motywy i zapobieganie. Czesc II.

Suicide is a serious public health problem, being, according to WHO, a third leading cause of death among people aged 15-44. In 2001 the total number of suicide deaths was higher than war deaths (500.000 and 23.0000 respectively). Due to such a high incidence of suicides it is likely that a doctor may encounter a suicide or attempted suicide. According to NHS data an average GP will most likely have 10-15 suicidal patients during career. A doctor who encounters a suicidal patient or is approached by a worried family member of a suicidal patient should make right decisions and inform a patient as well as his/her family what to do in the future. The aim of this paper is to present basic data regarding epidemiology of suicides and suggestions which may help the doctor to prevent suicide attempts.

[Suicide problems--epidemiology, factors, motives and prevention. Part I]. / Samobójstwa--epidemiologia, czynniki, motywy i zapobieganie. Czesc I.

Suicide is a serious public health problem, being, according to WHO, a third leading cause of death among people aged 15-44. In 2001 the total number of suicide deaths was higher than war deaths ( 500.000 and 23.0000 respectively). Due to such a high incidence of suicides it is likely that a doctor may encounter a suicide or attempted suicide. According to NHS data an average GP will most likely have 10-15 suicidal patients during career. A doctor who encounters a suicidal patient or is approached by a worried family member of a suicidal patient should make right decisions and inform a patient as well as his/her family what to do in the future. The aim of this paper is to present basic data regarding epidemiology of suicides and suggestions which may help the doctor to prevent suicide attempts.