Validation of the International Trauma Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent Version (ITQ-CA) in a Chinese mental health service seeking adolescent sample.

BACKGROUND: The International Trauma Questionnaire-Child and Adolescent version (ITQ-CA) is a self-report measure that assesses posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) based on the diagnostic formulation of the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). This study aimed to provide a Chinese translation and psychometric evaluation of the ITQ-CA using a sample of mental-health service seeking adolescents in Mainland China. METHODS: The ITQ-CA was translated and back-translated from English to simplified Chinese and finalized with consensus from an expert panel. Adolescents ages 12-17 were recruited via convenience sampling from an outpatient psychiatric clinic in Mainland China. Participants completed the ITQ-CA; measures of four criterion variables (depression, anxiety, stress, adverse childhood experiences); and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Construct validity, concurrent validity, and comparison of PTSD caseness between ICD-11 and DSM-5 measures were assessed. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 111 Chinese adolescents (78% female; mean age of 15.23), all diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the two-factor second-order model provided optimal fit. All criterion variables were positively and significant correlated with the six ITQ-CA symptom cluster summed scores. In the present sample, 69 participants (62.16%) met symptom criteria for ICD-PTSD or CPTSD using the ITQ-CA, and 73 participants (65.77%) met caseness for DSM-5 PTSD using the PCL-5. Rates of PTSD symptom cluster endorsement and caseness deriving from both diagnostic systems were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese ITQ-CA has acceptable psychometric properties and confers additional benefits in identifying complex presentations of trauma-related responses in younger people seeking mental health services.

Measuring ICD-11 adjustment disorder: the development and initial validation of the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Adjustment disorder (AjD) is one of the most frequently used diagnoses in psychiatry but a diagnostic definition for AjD was only introduced in release of the ICD-11. This study sought to develop and validate a new measure operationalizing the ICD-11's narrative description of AjD, and to determine the current rate of people meeting the symptoms indicative of AjD in the general population of the Republic of Ireland. METHODS: The International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) was constructed to measure the core diagnostic criteria of ICD-11 AjD: stressor exposure, preoccupations with, and failure to adapt to, the stressor, timing of symptom onset, and functional impairment. A nationally representative sample (N = 1,020) of adults from Ireland completed the IADQ. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported construct validity and the reliability estimates were excellent. The IADQ correlated strongly with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. The criteria were met by 7.0% of the sample, adjusted for other exclusionary disorders. DISCUSSION: The IADQ is a measure based on the ICD-11's description and produces reliable scores, however it should not be used for clinical assessment until validated with clinical interviews.

Improving treatment for patients with childhood abuse related posttraumatic stress disorder (IMPACT study): protocol for a multicenter randomized trial comparing prolonged exposure with intensified prolonged exposure and phase-based treatment.

BACKGROUND: Childhood abuse related posttraumatic stress disorder (CA-PTSD) is associated with a high burden of disease and with treatment response rates that leave room for improvement. One of the treatments for PTSD, prolonged exposure (PE), is effective but has high drop-out rates and remission rates are relatively low. An intensified form of PE (iPE) was associated with good response and low drop-out rates in PTSD and has not yet been tested in a controlled trial in CA-PTSD. Phase-based treatment (PBT), in which PE is preceded by skills training may improve overall outcomes in this population. We will assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of standard PE, iPE and PBT in patients with CA-PTSD. METHODS/DESIGN: Multi-center randomized controlled trial. Treatment conditions are: prolonged exposure (PE; maximum of 16 sessions in 16 weeks); intensified PE (iPE; maximum of 12 sessions in four weeks and two booster sessions); phase-based treatment (PBT; maximum of eight sessions skills training followed by eight sessions PE in 16 weeks). PRIMARY OUTCOME: Clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: loss of PTSD diagnosis, self-reported PTSD symptom severity, comorbid symptom severity and quality of life. Moreover, we will examine cost-effectiveness and moderators and mediators of treatment outcome. TARGET POPULATION: adults with CA-PTSD (N = 150). Assessments in weeks 0, 4, 8, 16, 26 and 52. DISCUSSION: Given that no consensus yet exists about the treatment guidelines for patients with CA-PTSD, the present study may have important implications for the treatment of CA-PTSD. TRAIL REGISTRATION: Registered at C.C.M.O. on Sept 7, 2016 (NL57984.058.16); retrospectively registered at June 21, 2017 at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03194113 .

The International Trauma Questionnaire: development of a self-report measure of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to finalize the development of the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), a self-report diagnostic measure of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD), as defined in the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). METHOD: The optimal symptom indicators of PTSD and CPTSD were identified by applying item response theory (IRT) analysis to data from a trauma-exposed community sample (n = 1051) and a trauma-exposed clinical sample (n = 247) from the United Kingdom. The validity of the optimized 12-item ITQ was assessed with confirmatory factor analyses. Diagnostic rates were estimated and compared to previous validation studies. RESULTS: The latent structure of the 12-item, optimized ITQ was consistent with prior findings, and diagnostic rates of PTSD and CPTSD were in line with previous estimates. CONCLUSION: The ITQ is a brief, simply worded measure of the core features of PTSD and CPTSD. It is consistent with the organizing principles of the ICD-11 to maximize clinical utility and international applicability through a focus on a limited but central set of symptoms. The measure is freely available and can be found in the body of this paper.

Validation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has proposed two related trauma diagnoses: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Using a newly developed, disorder-specific measure of PTSD and CPTSD called the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) the current study will (i) assess the factorial validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD; (ii) provide the first test of the discriminant validity of these constructs; and (iii) provide the first comparison of ICD-11, and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PTSD diagnostic rates using disorder-specific measures. METHOD: ICD-11 and DSM-5 PTSD-specific measures were completed by a British clinical sample of trauma-exposed patients (N = 171). The structure and validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD were assessed by means of factor analysis and assessing relationships with criterion variables. RESULTS: Diagnostic rates under ICD-11 were significantly lower than those under DSM-5. A two-factor second-order model reflecting the distinction between PTSD and CPTSD best represented the data from the ITQ; and the PTSD and CPTSD factors differentially predicted multiple psychological variables. CONCLUSION: The factorial and discriminant validity of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD was supported, and ICD-11 produces fewer diagnostic cases than DSM-5.

Alternative models of disorders of traumatic stress based on the new ICD-11 proposals.

OBJECTIVE: Although there is emerging evidence for the factorial validity of the distinction between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) proposed in ICD-11, such evidence has been predominantly based on using selected items from individual scales that describe these factors. We have attempted to address this gap in the literature by testing a range of alternative models of disorders of traumatic stress using a broader range of symptoms and standardized measures. METHOD: Participants in this cross-sectional study were a sample of individuals who were referred for psychological therapy to a National Health Service (NHS) trauma centre in Scotland (N = 195). Participants were recruited over a period of 18 months and completed measures of stressful life events, DSM-5 PTSD, emotion dysregulation, self-esteem and interpersonal difficulties. RESULTS: Overall, results indicate that a structural model incorporating six first-order factors (re-experiencing, avoidance of traumatic reminders, sense of threat, affective dysregulation, negative self-concept and disturbances in relationships) and two second-order factors (PTSD and disturbances in self-organization [DSO]) was the best fitting. The model presented with good concurrent validity. Childhood trauma was found to be more strongly associated with DSO than with PTSD. CONCLUSION: Our results are in support of the ICD-11 proposals for PTSD and CPTSD.

Probing glassy states in binary mixtures of soft interpenetrable colloids.

We present experimental evidence confirming the recently established rich dynamic state diagram of asymmetric binary mixtures of soft colloidal spheres. These mixtures consist of glassy suspensions of large star polymers to which different small stars are added at varying concentrations. Using rheology and dynamic light scattering measurements along with a simple phenomenological analysis, we show the existence of re-entrance and multiple glassy states, which exhibit distinct features. Cooperative diffusion, as a probe for star arm interpenetration, is proven to be sensitive to the formation of the liquid pockets which signal the melting of the large-star-glass upon addition of small stars. These results provide ample opportunities for tailoring the properties of soft colloidal glasses.

Microfluidics and complex fluids.

In this paper, we describe four experimental studies we carried out over the last four years in the MMN lab, regarding the dynamical behaviour of complex fluids in microfluidic systems. The topics are: (1) Polymer breakup in microfluidic systems. (2) Flows of polymer solutions in microchannels close to a smooth wall. (3) Shear banding flows in microchannels (rheology, instabilities). (4) Flows of concentrated solutions of microgel particles through microchannels. Depending on the situation, we exploit the duality low Reynolds numbers/high Weissenberg numbers (for instance, by working at high shear rates without generating turbulence), use visualization windows naturally offered by the microfluidic environment or take advantage of the integration of various functionalities on the chip. In all cases, new information, hardly accessible to non-miniaturized approaches, could be obtained by using microfluidic technology.

Ageing and yield behaviour in model soft colloidal glasses.

We use multi-arm star polymers as model soft colloids with tuneable interactions and explore their behaviour in the glassy state. In particular, we perform a systematic rheological study with a well-defined protocol and address aspects of ageing and shear melting of star glasses. Ageing proceeds in two distinct steps: a fast step of O(10(3) s) and a slow step of O(10(4) s). We focus on creep and recovery tests, which reveal a rich, albeit complex response. Although the waiting time, the time between pre-shear (rejuvenation) of the glassy sample and measurement, affects the material's response, it does not play the same role as in other soft glasses. For stresses below the yield value, the creep curve is divided into three regimes with increasing time: viscoplastic, intermediate steady flow (associated with the first ageing step) and long-time evolving elastic solid. This behaviour reflects the interplay between ageing and shear rejuvenation. The yield behaviour, as investigated with the stress-dependent recoverable strain, indicates a highly nonlinear elastic response intermediate between a low-stress Hookean solid and a high-stress viscoelastic liquid, and exemplifies the distinct characteristics of this class of hairy colloids. It appears that a phenomenological classification of different colloidal glasses based on yielding performance may be possible.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and extent of trauma exposure as correlates of medical problems and perceived health among women with childhood abuse.

This study examined the relative contributions of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and the extent of trauma exposure as factors contributing to the current health status of childhood abuse survivors. Sixty-seven women with a history of familial childhood abuse (sexual and/or physical) and twenty-nine women with no abuse history were assessed on two distinct aspects of health status: reported number of medical problems and perceptions of overall health. Women with abuse were found to have a greater number of medical problems and poorer perceived physical well-being than the no abuse comparison group. Regression analyses of the women with abuse histories revealed that trauma exposure was a stronger predictor than PTSD symptoms of medical problems. PTSD symptoms, however, were better predictors of the experience of physical well-being than trauma exposure. These results suggest that the nature of a traumatic exposure, especially when there is repeated, cumulative trauma may be more significant to medical problems than the psychological symptoms of PTSD. Perceived health, however, appears to be predominantly influenced by psychological factors, suggesting the importance of these variables in the quality of life of multiply traumatized women.

The impact of borderline personality disorder on process group outcome among women with posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood abuse.

The outcome of a 12-week interpersonal process group therapy for women with postraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to childhood sexual abuse with and without borderline personality disorder (BPD) was assessed by comparing three naturally occurring treatment conditions: groups that did not have any members with borderline personality disorder (BPD-) (n = 18), groups in which at least one member carried the diagnosis (BPD+)(n = 16), and a 12-week waitlist (WL) (n = 15). PTSD, anger, depression, and other symptoms were significantly reduced in the BPD- groups. However, the BPD+ and WL conditions did not show any pre- to posttreatment improvements. Furthermore, the BPD+ condition showed a significant worsening on measures of anger. Analyses within the BPD+ condition indicated that women with and without the diagnosis experienced equal posttreatment increases in anger problems. These latter results suggest the presence of an anger "contagion" effect. That is, women without BPD did well in the BPD- groups but showed increased anger similar to the BPD+ women when treated in groups with them. Implications for client-treatment matching considerations in PTSD group therapy are discussed.

Maximizing treatment outcome in post-traumatic stress disorder by combining psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy.

There are no systematic data available on combining medication and psychotherapy in the treatment of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite its widespread practice. Careful review of the acute trials literature reveals that psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments each leave a substantial proportion of individuals with residual symptoms. This paper discusses a treatment model involving a phase- oriented treatment approach that begins with pharmacotherapy and continues with trauma-focused psychotherapy. Other combined approaches also are discussed. A rationale supporting the need for psychosocial treatment in the majority of patients who receive pharmacotherapy for chronic PTSD is presented.

Morbidity of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses in the clinical presentation of panic disorder.

This study seeks to determine how panic disorder patients with anxiety and depression comorbidity differ from panic disorder patients without comorbidity at the time of presentation for treatment. One-hundred seventy-one panic disorder patients presenting for their initial assessment and treatment at the Payne Whitney Anxiety Disorders Clinic agreed to participate and completed self-report and diagnostic assessments. Sixty-seven percent of panic disorder subjects were found to have at least one comorbid anxiety or depression diagnosis. Age and gender ratio were not affected by the presence of comorbid diagnoses. Comorbidity significantly contributed to psychological distress and symptom load, overall impairment, and interpersonal impairment.

Rheological aging and rejuvenation in microgel pastes

We have studied experimentally the rheological behavior of concentrated suspensions of soft deformable microgels below the yield point. We have found history-dependent effects which are interpreted in terms of aging and rejuvenation phenomena, analogous to those existing in glassy systems. The stress amplitude controls the long-time memory and determines the slow evolution of the suspensions.

Childhood trauma as a correlate of lifetime opiate use in psychiatric patients.

Associations have been reported between childhood sexual and/or physical abuse and adult substance abuse in general. This study investigated the relationship between childhood abuse and opiate use in particular among 763 consecutively admitted psychiatric inpatients. Patients were interviewed about demographic information, alcohol and drug use, and history of interpersonal violence. Opiate users were 2.7 times more likely to have a history of childhood sexual and/or physical abuse than nonopiate users, after controlling for diagnostic and sociodemographic variables. Opiate use was higher among those reporting physical abuse alone (24.1%) or both physical and sexual abuse (27%) than among those reporting sexual abuse alone (8.8%). Implications of these findings are discussed.

A comparison of posttraumatic stress disorder with and without borderline personality disorder among women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: etiological and clinical characteristics.

The overlap in definition and presentation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) has raised questions about the relationship of these disorders. Are they separate disorders, variants of the same disorder, or comorbid conditions? The present study examined etiological variables and current functioning among two groups of outpatient women with a history of childhood sexual abuse: those with PTSD only (N = 45) and those with PTSD and BPD (N = 26). The groups did not differ in severity, frequency, or number of perpetrators of their childhood sexual abuse, or whether the perpetrator was a family member or not. The additional diagnosis of BPD was associated with earlier age of abuse onset and significantly higher rates of physical and verbal abuse by mother. Severity and frequency of PTSD symptoms were not affected by BPD diagnosis, suggesting that the personality disorder and PTSD are independent symptom constructs. The PTSD+BPD group scored higher on several other clinical measures including anger, dissociation, anxiety, and interpersonal problems. They did not differ in their frequency of use of mental health services but tended to be less compliant in their treatment. These and other findings are discussed, and implications for treatment are considered.

Cognitive behavioral group therapy vs phenelzine therapy for social phobia: 12-week outcome.

BACKGROUND: This article presents results of the acute treatment phase of a 2-site study comparing cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) and treatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine sulfate for social phobia. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three patients from 2 sites received 12 weeks of CBGT, phenelzine therapy, pill placebo administration, or educational-supportive group therapy (an attention-placebo treatment of equal credibility to CBGT). The "allegiance effect," ie, the tendency for treatments to seem most efficacious in settings of similar theoretical orientation and less efficacious in theoretically divergent settings, was also examined by comparing responses to the treatment conditions at both sites: 1 known for pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders and the other for cognitive behavioral treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, phenelzine therapy and CBGT led to superior response rates and greater change on dimensional measures than did either control condition. However, response to phenelzine therapy was more evident after 6 weeks, and phenelzine therapy was also superior to CBGT after 12 weeks on some measures. There were few differences between sites, suggesting that these treatments can be efficacious at facilities with differing theoretical allegiances. CONCLUSIONS: After 12 weeks, both phenelzine therapy and CBGT were associated with marked positive response. Although phenelzine therapy was superior to CBGT on some measures, both were more efficacious than the control conditions. More extended cognitive behavioral treatment and the combination of modalities may enhance treatment effect.

Posttraumatic stress disorder, self- and interpersonal dysfunction among sexually retraumatized women.

This study assessed self and interpersonal dysfunction as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among three groups of women: women sexually assaulted in both childhood and adulthood, women sexually assaulted only in adulthood and women who were never assaulted. Rates of PTSD were high and equivalent in the two assault groups. However, retraumatized women were more likely to be alexithymic, show dissociation scores indicating risk for dissociative disorders, and to have attempted suicide compared to the other two groups, who did not differ from each other. Additionally, only the retraumatized women experienced clinically significant levels of interpersonal problems. The findings suggest that formulations more inclusive than PTSD are required to capture the psychological difficulties experienced by this population. Treatment implications are discussed.