The Hong Kong Survey on the Epidemiology of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

This study examined the epidemiology of trauma exposure (TE) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among community-dwelling Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Multistage stratification sampling design was used, and 5,377 participants were included. In Phase 1, TE, probable PTSD (p-PTSD), and psychiatric comorbid conditions were examined. In Phase 2, the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID-I) was used to determine the weighted diagnostic prevalence of lifetime full PTSD. Disability level and health service utilization were studied. The findings showed that the weighted prevalence of TE was 64.8%, and increased to 88.7% when indirect TE types were included, with transportation accidents (50.8%) reported as the most common TE. The prevalence of current p-PTSD among participants with TE was 2.9%. Results of logistic regression suggested that nine specific trauma types were significantly associated with p-PTSD; among this group, severe human suffering, sexual assault, unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experience, captivity, and sudden and violent death carried the greatest risks for developing PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 2.32-2.69. The occurrence of p-PTSD was associated with more mental health burdens, including (a) sixfold higher rates for any past-week common mental disorder, OR = 28.4, (b) more mental health service utilization, p < .001, (c) poorer mental health indexes in level of symptomatology, suicide ideation and functioning, p < .001, and (d) more disability, ps < .001-p = .014. The associations found among TE, PTSD, and health service utilization suggest that both TE and PTSD should be considered public health concerns.

Spanish Abstracts by Asociación Chilena de Estrés Traumático (ACET) La Encuesta Hong Kong sobre la Epidemiología de las Experiencias Traumáticas y el Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático ENCUESTA HONG KONG SOBRE EXPERIENCIA TRAUMÁTICA Y TEPT Este estudio examinó la epidemiología de la experiencia traumática (ET) y el trastorno por estrés postraumático (TEPT) entre adultos chinos que viven en comunidades en Hong Kong. Se utilizó un diseño de muestreo de estratificación multietapa y se incluyeron 5,377 participantes. En la Fase 1, ET, probable TEPT (p-TEPT) y enfermedades psiquiátricas comórbidas fueron examinadas. En la Fase 2, se utilizó la Entrevista Clínica Estructurada para el DSM-IV (SCID-I) para determinar la prevalencia de diagnóstico ponderado de TEPT completo a lo largo de la vida. Se estudiaron el nivel de discapacidad y la utilización de los servicios de salud. Los resultados mostraron que la prevalencia ponderada de ET fue del 64.8% y aumentó al 88.7% cuando se incluyeron tipos indirectos de ET, tales como accidentes de transporte (50.8%), los que fueron reportados como el ET más común. La prevalencia actual de p-TEPT entre los participantes con ET fue del 2.9%. Los resultados de la regresión logística sugirieron que nueve tipos específicos de trauma fueron significativamente asociados con p-PTSD; entre este grupo encontramos: sufrimiento humano severo, agresión sexual, experiencia sexual no deseada o incómoda, cautiverio y la muerte inesperada y violenta acarrearon el mayor riesgo para desarrollar TEPT, odds ratio (OR) = 2.32-2.69. La aparición de p-PTSD fue asociado con más riesgo de problemas de salud mental, que incluyen (a) tasas 6 veces más altas para cualquier trastorno mental común experimentado la última semana, OR = 28.4 (b) más utilización de servicios de salud mental, p <.001, (c) índices de salud mental más pobres a nivel de sintomatología, ideación y funcionamiento suicida, p <.001, y (d) más discapacidad, p <.001 - p = .014. Las asociaciones encontradas entre ET, TEPT, y la utilización de los servicios de salud sugieren que tanto el ET como el TEPT deben considerarse una preocupación de salud pública.

Posttraumatic Growth After Motor Vehicle Crashes.

The relationship between sub-dimensions of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress was investigated for survivors of motor vehicle crashes (MVC). PTG and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for 1045 MVC survivors who attended the Accident and Emergency Services were examined with the Chinese versions of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 1 week after the experience of a MVC. A factor structure, which was different from both the original English version of the PTGI and the Chinese version of PTGI for cancer survivors, was identified. Factors extracted were: (1) Life and Self Appreciation; (2) New Commitments; (3) Enlightenment; and (4) Relating to Others. However, correlation analyses indicated a functional similarity between factors from this study and those from previous studies. Relations between PTG sub-dimensions and PTSD symptoms were identified. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling show that there were different predictors for different PTG sub-dimensions. Findings suggest that different modes of relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG sub-dimensions may co-exist.

PTSD and loss: preliminary findings from a territory-wide epidemiology study in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: The study examined the prevalence of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among community dwelling Chinese adults in Hong Kong. The relationship of traumatic life events (including loss) and mental health has been investigated. METHODS: The sampling of the collaborative study (HKMMS: Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey) adopts a multi-stage stratification approach with the distribution of residential premises in different geographical districts and the relative proportion of private versus public housing units taken into consideration. In Phase I of this study, 4,644 adults were screened for PTSD with the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) and Life Event Checklist (LEC), Beck's scales and CIS-R (Revised Clinical Interview Schedule). In Phase II of the study, clinical psychologists conducted the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) for 92 participants (results not reported here). RESULTS: Among Phase I participants, 65% reported traumatic experience (including 18% who reported personal experience of sudden death of significant others). Age and gender make a difference in traumatic experience. When compared to participants who reported no traumatic experience in the past, participants who reported to have personal experience of sudden death of significant others or other traumatic experiences were found to have higher TSQ scores, higher psychological distress, lower social support (PSS: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and lower life functioning (SOFAS: Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale), p<0.001. Findings of hierarchical regression showed that type of trauma (i.e., loss, other trauma, or no trauma) contributed significantly to the prediction of all the mental health indices after demographic and social variables were controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Public education on the association of traumatic experience and psychological health, as well as the monitoring of mental health for at-risk individuals are suggested for early identification of people in need of mental health services.

A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of brief-CBT for patients with symptoms of posttraumatic stress following a motor vehicle crash.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Patients attending accident and emergency (A&E) after an MVC may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is evidence that brief cognitive behavioural therapy (B-CBT) can be effective in treating PTSD; however, there are few studies of the use of B-CBT to treat PTSD in MVC survivors. AIMS: This study examined the effects of B-CBT and a self-help program on the severity of psychological symptoms in MVC survivors at risk of developing PTSD. METHOD: Sixty participants who attended A&E after a MVC were screened for PTSD symptoms and randomized to a 4-weekly session B-CBT or a 4-week self-help program (SHP) booklet treatment conditions. Psychological assessments were completed at baseline (1-month post-MVC) and posttreatment (3- and 6-month follow-ups) by utilizing Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the measures of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms over time. Participants treated with B-CBT showed greater reductions in anxiety at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups, and in depression at 6-month follow-up. A comparison of effect size favoured B-CBT for the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms measured by HADS. A high level of pretreatment anxiety and depression were predictive of negative outcome at 6-month follow-up in the SHP condition. There was no differential effect on PTSD symptoms measured by IES-R. CONCLUSIONS: This trial supports the efficacy of providing B-CBT as a preventive strategy to improve psychological symptoms after an MVC.

Components and developmental differences of executive functioning for school-aged children.

This study examined the developmental differences, components, and underlying factor structure of executive functioning (EF) in school-aged children by utilizing subtests from Test of Everyday Attention for Children and some additional EF tests. The developmental differences identified across age groups between 7 to 14 years for a sample of 185 children support a multistage interpretation of EF development. Structural equation modeling was used to test models with three first-order EF components which included shifting, working memory/updating, and inhibition. Results indicated that the first-order full, three-factor model was the best model among all the alternative first-order and second-order models.

Posttraumatic stress after a motor vehicle accident: a six-month follow-up study utilizing latent growth modeling.

Features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for 596 survivors of motor vehicle accidents were examined by self-report measures at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the motor vehicle accident (MVA). Latent growth modeling was utilized to study the trend and predictors of the level of distress. Results indicated that 5-20% of the participants reported to have a significant level of posttraumatic stress in one, two, or three of the PTSD symptom clusters within the period studied. Survivors with significant acute stress 1 week after the MVA had a higher risk for developing chronic posttraumatic stress. Although the severity of intrusive and hyperarousal symptoms decreased over time, the severity of avoidance symptoms remained unchanged. Factors predicting the course of PTSD after an MVA are identified.

Posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

This study examines the psychological impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 195 adult patients in Hong Kong. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to patients 1 month after their discharge. Of the participants 10% to 18% reported symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Symptom severity was associated with high perceived life threat and low emotional support. Women and participants who had low education level were more likely to have symptoms of avoidance. Participants who personally knew someone who had SARS were more likely to be affected by depressive symptoms.

Posttraumatic stress after SARS.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise in patients with medical illness. We used 2 Chinese self-report measures to examine features of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in 131 survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome at 1 month and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. Risk factors associated with psychological distress were identified.

Neuropsychological evaluation of deficits in executive functioning for ADHD children with or without learning disabilities.

This study investigates multiple aspects of executive functioning in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These areas include attentional components, impulsiveness, planning, and problem solving. The rationale of the study is based on neurophysiological studies that suggest frontal lobe dysfunction in ADHD. As frontal lobe functioning is related to abilities in executive control, ADHD is hypothesised to be associated with deficits in various areas of executive functioning. The specific effect of comorbidity of learning disability (LD) was also investigated. Eighty-three children with ADHD and 29 age-matched controls (age 7-13) participated in the study. A battery of neuropsychological tests was utilized to evaluate specific deficits in speed of processing, selective attention, switching attention, sustained attention, attentional capacity, impulsiveness, planning and problem solving. Findings indicated that children with ADHD have slower verbal responses and sustained attention deficit. Deficits in selective attention and attentional capacity observed were largely related to the presence of LD. No specific deficit associated with ADHD or the comorbidity of LD was identified in switching attention, impulsiveness, planning, and problem solving. These results revealed that ADHD is not associated with a general deficit in executive functioning. Instead, ADHD is related to a specific deficit in regulation for attentional resources. The importance of isolating the deficit related to LDs for examining the specific deficit associated with ADHD is highlighted. Results also emphasised the importance of isolating the effect of lower level of abilities (e.g., speed of processing) and the utilization of specific definition for the examination of executive functions.