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Vujanovic AA, Smith LJ, Green C, Lane SD, Schmitz JM. Mindfulness as a predictor of cognitive-behavioral therapy outcomes in inner-city adults with posttraumatic stress and substance dependence. Addict Behav 2020; 104:106283. [PMID: 31927220 PMCID: PMC7024008 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) is highly prevalent and difficult-to-treat. Mindfulness, defined as nonjudgmental attention to and awareness of present-moment experiences, represents a targetable mechanism with potential to predict and improve treatment outcomes for PTSD/SUD populations. We hypothesized that greater self-reported mindfulness at baseline (pre-treatment) would predict (a) lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity and (b) greater longest sustained abstinence during a 12-week cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Participants included 53 inner-city adults meeting at least four current symptoms of DSM-5 PTSD and current (DSM-IV) substance dependence (51% women; 75.5% African American; Mage = 45.42, SD = 9.99). Hierarchical regression analysis results indicated that higher levels of baseline mindfulness predicted lower end-of-treatment PTSD severity but not longest sustained abstinence from the primary substance of choice. Post hoc exploration of end-of-treatment PTSD symptom clusters indicated that higher baseline mindfulness predicted lower intrusion, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and arousal and reactivity symptoms but not avoidance symptoms. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
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Zvolensky MJ, Rogers AH, Shepherd JM, Vujanovic AA, Bakhshaie J. Anxiety sensitivity and opioid misuse and dependence among trauma-exposed adults with chronic pain. J Behav Med 2020; 43:174-184. [PMID: 32072365 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-020-00142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is unclear if anxiety sensitivity may serve as mechanism underlying the relation between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and opioid misuse and dependence among trauma-exposed persons with chronic pain. Therefore, the current study evaluated the explanatory role of anxiety sensitivity in the relations between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and opioid misuse and dependence. Participants included 294 trauma-exposed adults with chronic pain (71.4% female, Mage = 37.79 years, SD = 10.85, Mpain rating = 7.32/10) that reported current moderate to severe chronic pain and prescription opioid use. Participants were recruited via an online national survey in the United States of America. There were statistically significant indirect effects of posttraumatic stress symptom severity via anxiety sensitivity in relation to opioid misuse and dependence. The indirect effects of the reverse models for opioid misuse and dependence also were significant and suggest the potential for bi-directional relations; however, the magnitude of the effect was smaller in the tests of specificity than in the original models. The present findings provide initial empirical evidence that greater posttraumatic stress symptom severity is related to anxiety sensitivity, which in turn, is associated with increased opioid misuse and dependence among trauma-exposed individuals with chronic pain.
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Zegel M, Tran JK, Vujanovic AA. Posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and alcohol use motives among firefighters: The role of distress tolerance. Psychiatry Res 2019; 282:112633. [PMID: 31708250 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters represent a unique, vulnerable population at high risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology due to the high rates of occupational exposure to traumatic events. To inform specialized alcohol use interventions for firefighters, it is important to understand relevant malleable cognitive-affective factors related to PTSD and AUD symptoms. Distress tolerance (DT), defined as the perceived ability to withstand negative emotional states, is one promising factor relevant to this domain. The current study examined the moderating role of DT in the association of PTSD symptom severity with alcohol use severity and alcohol use motives. Participants included 652 trauma-exposed firefighters (93.3% male; Mage = 38.7 years, SD = 8.6) who endorsed lifetime (ever) alcohol use. Results indicated that there was a significant interactive effect of PTSD symptom severity and DT on coping-oriented alcohol use motives but not other alcohol-related outcomes. These findings were evident after adjusting for alcohol consumption, romantic relationship status, number of years in the fire service, occupational stress, and trauma load. This is the first study to concurrently examine these variables among firefighters and this line of inquiry has great potential to inform intervention efforts for this vulnerable, understudied population.
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Smith LJ, Paulus DJ, Gallagher MW, Norman SB, Tran JK, Vujanovic AA. Perceived stress and probable alcohol misuse in firefighters: The role of posttraumatic stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STRESS MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1037/str0000118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Globally, close to 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year. A scientific understanding of suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been slow to emerge owing to a number of challenges including low base rates, complexity and nonlinearity, low precision and accuracy of identification and detection methods, and variability across social and environmental contexts. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed increasingly innovative and creative methods to overcome these challenges. These innovations hold considerable promise for advancing the science of suicide via large leaps forward rather than incremental steps. In this special issue of Behaviour Research and Therapy, we highlight several such efforts.
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Soder HE, Wardle MC, Schmitz JM, Lane SD, Green C, Vujanovic AA. Baseline resting heart rate variability predicts post-traumatic stress disorder treatment outcomes in adults with co-occurring substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13377. [PMID: 30968959 PMCID: PMC6650323 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are highly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), presenting a difficult-to-treat, complex comorbidity. Prognostic factors for treatment outcomes may characterize heterogeneity of the treated population and/or implicate mechanisms of action that are salient for improving treatments. High frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) is a suggested biomarker for emotion regulation-the ability to generate appropriate emotional responses via the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart. This initial study investigated the utility of baseline resting HF-HRV for predicting PTSD symptoms and substance use outcomes following treatment of 37 SUD participants with comorbid PTSD symptoms. Participants completed either standard cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) for SUD or a novel treatment of integrated post-traumatic stress and substance use that combined CBT for SUD with cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. Analyses demonstrated that higher HF-HRV predicted greater reduction in PTSD symptoms following both types of treatment. This suggests prognostic value of HF-HRV as a predictor of PTSD treatment outcomes; those with poorer autonomic emotional regulation may not respond as well to psychotherapy in general. This hypothesis-generating analysis identifies a putative biomarker that might have utility in treatment prediction.
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Yoon JH, Suchting R, McKay SA, San Miguel GG, Vujanovic AA, Stotts AL, Lane SD, Vincent JN, Weaver MF, Lin A, Schmitz JM. Baseline cocaine demand predicts contingency management treatment outcomes for cocaine-use disorder. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2019; 34:164-174. [PMID: 31233323 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a significant public health issue. Behavioral interventions such as contingency management (CM) have been demonstrated to be highly effective in promoting cocaine abstinence. However, identifying individual characteristics associated with cocaine relapse may help improve treatment outcomes. Cocaine demand is a behavioral economic measure that shares a scientific foundation with CM. In the current study, we assessed baseline cocaine demand using a hypothetical cocaine purchasing task. Participants (N = 58) consisted of treatment-seeking individuals with CUD. All participants received 1 month of CM treatment for cocaine abstinence, and treatment responders were defined as presenting 6 consecutive cocaine negative urine samples from thrice weekly clinic visits. Demand data were well described by the exponentiated demand model. Indices of demand (intensity of demand [Q₀], elasticity [α]) were significantly associated with recent (last 30 days) cocaine use. Importantly, linear regression revealed that CM treatment nonresponders presented significantly higher Q₀ (p = .025). Subsequent quantile regression analyses examining the relationship between CM treatment response and Q₀ revealed statistically reliable effects of being a nonresponder across 3 of the lower percentiles (i.e., 15, 25, and 30). Overall, these findings provide further support for the utility of exponentiated demand model. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association between baseline demand and contingency management response and systematically extend the findings of prior demand research to a novel drug class, cocaine. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Walker RL, Talavera DC, Nomamiukor F, Madubata IJ, Alfano C, Vujanovic AA. Sleep-related problems and suicide behavior and ideation among Black and White trauma-exposed psychiatric inpatients. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 91:22-28. [PMID: 30992121 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep-related problems (SRPs) are associated with increased risk for suicide-related behavior and death. Given that Black adults report greater SRPs as compared to White adults, the purpose of the current study was to examine sleep problems, suicide-related psychiatric admission, and suicide ideation, in Black and White trauma-exposed adults. METHOD Suicide-related behavior (i.e., intent, plan, and/or behavior) as reason for hospital admission was obtained via medical records review for 172 Black and White adults who were admitted to an acute-care psychiatric facility; all participants completed validated measures of sleep quality and suicide ideation. RESULTS Adjusted logistic regression analyses revealed that sleep-related daytime dysfunction (AOR = 4.32, p < .05) and poor sleep quality (AOR = 3.64, p < .05) were associated with significantly increased odds that Black participants were admitted for suicide-related psychiatric care. Poorer sleep quality (AOR = 2.10, p < .05) was also associated with increased odds of suicide-related admission among White participants. However, shorter sleep duration was marginally associated with suicide ideation in Black participants only. CONCLUSIONS SRPs may be related to suicide-related behavior and ideation differently for vulnerable Black and White adults. More research is needed to understand potential race group differences and mechanisms by which SRPs increase risk for suicide crisis across racial groups.
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Paltell KC, Bing-Canar H, Ranney RM, Tran JK, Berenz EC, Vujanovic AA. Anxiety Sensitivity Moderates the Effect of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Emotion Dysregulation among Trauma-Exposed Firefighters. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-019-09731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Stanley IH, Boffa JW, Tran JK, Schmidt NB, Joiner TE, Vujanovic AA. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and mindfulness facets in relation to suicide risk among firefighters. J Clin Psychol 2019; 75:696-709. [PMID: 30672591 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are associated with increased suicide risk among firefighters. Few studies have examined modifiable factors, such as mindfulness facets, that might attenuate this association. This study examined the interactive effects of PTSD symptoms and mindfulness facets in relation to suicide risk among firefighters. METHOD Overall, 831 career firefighters were assessed for PTSD symptoms, mindfulness facets, and suicide risk via the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, respectively. RESULTS Greater PTSD symptoms were associated with more severe suicide risk; however, higher levels of two specific mindfulness facets, acting with awareness and nonjudging of inner experience, attenuated this association. By contrast, higher levels of the observing facet of mindfulness potentiated the association between PTSD symptoms and suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS Suicide prevention initiatives among firefighters, particularly those experiencing trauma-related sequelae, might benefit from the inclusion of mindfulness-based practices alongside frontline empirically-supported approaches.
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Berenz EC, McNett S, Rappaport LM, Vujanovic AA, Viana AG, Dick D, Amstadter AB. Age of alcohol use initiation and psychiatric symptoms among young adult trauma survivors. Addict Behav 2019; 88:150-156. [PMID: 30195854 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) evidences high rates of comorbidity with a range of psychiatric disorders, particularly within high-risk populations, such as individuals exposed to physical or sexual violence. Increasing efforts are focused on understanding the role of early alcohol use (e.g., during adolescence) on emotional and psychiatric functioning over time, as well as sex differences in these associations. The aim of the current study was to evaluate patterns of association between age of initiation of regular alcohol use and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms as a function of sex. Participants were 269 college students with a history of interpersonal trauma and alcohol use who completed a battery of questionnaires regarding alcohol use and emotional health. Neither bivariate correlations nor results from structural equation models covarying for key factors showed a relationship between age of alcohol use initiation and current psychiatric symptoms among men (n = 63). Results of a structural equation model supported an association between earlier age of alcohol use initiation and greater levels of current PTSD (β = -0.14), anxiety (β = -0.15), and depression symptoms (β = -0.16) in the female sub-sample (n = 202), after controlling for covariates, as well as intercorrelations among criterion variables. Statistical support for sex as a moderator of these associations was not detected. The current study provides preliminary evidence for potential sex differences in the role of early alcohol use in the development of psychiatric symptoms and highlights the need for systematic longitudinal research.
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D'Souza JM, Wardle M, Green CE, Lane SD, Schmitz JM, Vujanovic AA. Resting Heart Rate Variability: Exploring Associations With Symptom Severity in Adults With Substance Use Disorders and Posttraumatic Stress. J Dual Diagn 2019; 15:2-7. [PMID: 30418104 PMCID: PMC6511322 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2018.1526431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress symptoms are commonly comorbid. Previous studies have established that those with substance use disorders or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have lower high frequency-heart rate variability (HF-HRV) compared to controls, suggesting that low HF-HRV may be a biomarker of a common physiological mechanism underlying both disorders. We evaluated HF-HRV as a potential biomarker of a common underlying process by testing whether lower HF-HRV related to greater severity of substance use and PTSD symptoms in individuals with both substance use disorders and at least four symptoms of PTSD. Methods: HF-HRV was measured in 49 adults with substance use disorders and at least four symptoms of PTSD. We performed a series of regressions controlling for age to test whether low HF-HRV was associated with greater substance use disorder and PTSD symptom severity. Substance use disorder symptoms were measured by the Addiction Severity Index and PTSD symptoms were measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and the PTSD Checklist. Results: After controlling for age, low resting HF-HRV was significantly associated with drug and alcohol symptom severity but not PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions: HF-HRV may be more sensitive to the severity of drug and alcohol use rather than PTSD. Findings may suggest that in PTSD populations, HF-HRV may primarily index comorbid substance use disorder symptoms. HF-HRV could serve as an objective measure of substance use severity and should be further investigated as a predictor of outcomes in treatment for substance use disorders.
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Vujanovic AA, Wardle MC, Bakhshaie J, Smith LJ, Green CE, Lane SD, Schmitz JM. Distress tolerance: Associations with trauma and substance cue reactivity in low-income, inner-city adults with substance use disorders and posttraumatic stress. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2018; 32:264-276. [PMID: 29771557 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cue reactivity has great potential to advance our understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder (SUD), and PTSD/SUD comorbidity. The present investigation examined distress tolerance (DT) with regard to trauma and substance cue reactivity. Participants included 58 low-income, inner-city adults (49.1% women; Mage = 45.73, SD = 10.00) with substance dependence and at least 4 symptoms of PTSD. A script-driven cue reactivity paradigm was utilized. Four DT measures were administered, including the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Mirror-Tracing Persistence Task (MTPT), Breath-Holding Task (BH), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT). Lower DT, as indexed by MTPT duration, was significantly predictive of greater levels of self-reported substance cravings/urges in response to trauma cues, above and beyond covariates. Lower DTS scores predicted lower levels of self-reported control/safety ratings in response to substance cues. None of the DT indices was significantly predictive of heart rate variability. Clinical and research implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Nomamiukor FO, Smith LJ, Vujanovic AA. Examining associations between sleep disturbance and distress tolerance in trauma-exposed psychiatric inpatients. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2018; 55:84-89. [PMID: 30448742 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kearns NT, Carl E, Stein AT, Vujanovic AA, Zvolensky MJ, Smits JAJ, Powers MB. Posttraumatic stress disorder and cigarette smoking: A systematic review. Depress Anxiety 2018; 35:1056-1072. [PMID: 30192425 DOI: 10.1002/da.22828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reviews of the PTSD and cigarette smoking literature showed high PTSD-smoking comorbidity and problematic smoking outcomes (Feldner et al., 2007, Clinical Psychology Review, 27, 14-45; Fu et al., 2007, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 9, 1071-1084). However, past reviews also noted several prominent gaps in the literature, including a lack of etiological work examining underlying mechanisms and research on specialized PTSD-smoking treatments. The present review summarizes an extensive body of research conducted since the previous reviews targeting these areas of need. METHODS Literature searches identified 66 empirical studies specific to smoking and PTSD. RESULTS Smokers were approximately twice more likely to have PTSD than nonsmokers in the general population, and individuals with PTSD were approximately twice as likely to be current smokers. Smokers with PTSD evidenced more negative affect, trauma history, and comorbid psychiatric history, as well as quit attempts and higher relapse rates. PTSD symptoms were associated with expectations that smoking would reduce negative affect, which, in turn, was associated with increased smoking rate and nicotine dependence. Male sex was associated with nicotine dependence and PTSD avoidance, while the relationship between PTSD and smoking relapse due to withdrawal was stronger in females. Specialized, integrated PTSD and smoking cessation treatments showed promise in increasing quit success relative to standard care in randomized trials. CONCLUSIONS Rates of PTSD-smoking co-occurrence remain high. Notable gains have been made in relevant epidemiological and etiological research, although more work is needed in trauma-specific subpopulations. Several promising specialized treatments for comorbid smoking-PTSD have been developed and empirically tested but require replication.
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Bartlett BA, Smith LJ, Tran JK, Vujanovic AA. Understanding mental health among military veterans in the fire service. Psychiatry Res 2018; 267:394-399. [PMID: 29960261 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Firefighters who have previously served in the military may be at potentially higher risk for worsened mental health outcomes. This investigation examined the mental health of military veterans, as compared to non-veterans, in the fire service. We hypothesized that firefighters who endorsed military veteran status would have higher rates of mental health symptoms, in comparison to firefighters who did not endorse prior service in the military. Age, gender, and race/ethnicity were used as covariates. The sample was comprised of 910 career firefighters, 209 (23.0%) of whom endorsed military veteran status. One-way analyses of covariance were employed. The military veteran subsample reported significantly higher levels of sleep disturbance, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptom severity in comparison to the non-veteran subsample; however, effect sizes were small indicating that between group differences are actually negligible. Results highlight the need to improve our understanding of risk and resilience factors for firefighters who have served in the military, as this line of inquiry has potentially important mental health intervention implications for this exceptionally understudied population.
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Smith LJ, Bartlett BA, Tran JK, Gallagher MW, Alfano C, Vujanovic AA. Sleep Disturbance Among Firefighters: Understanding Associations with Alcohol Use and Distress Tolerance. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Stanley IH, Boffa JW, Smith LJ, Tran JK, Schmidt NB, Joiner TE, Vujanovic AA. Occupational stress and suicidality among firefighters: Examining the buffering role of distress tolerance. Psychiatry Res 2018; 266:90-96. [PMID: 29857292 PMCID: PMC6397653 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Past research indicates that firefighters are at increased risk for suicide. Firefighter-specific occupational stress may contribute to elevated suicidality. Among a large sample of firefighters, this study examined if occupational stress is associated with multiple indicators of suicide risk, and whether distress tolerance, the perceived and/or actual ability to endure negative emotional or physical states, attenuates these associations. A total of 831 firefighters participated (mean [SD] age = 38.37y[8.53y]; 94.5% male; 75.2% White). The Sources of Occupational Stress-14 (SOOS-14), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) were utilized to examine firefighter-specific occupational stress, distress tolerance, and suicidality, respectively. Consistent with predictions, occupational stress interacted with distress tolerance, such that the effects of occupational stress on suicide risk, broadly, as well as lifetime suicide threats and current suicidal intent, specifically, were attenuated at high levels of distress tolerance. Distress tolerance may buffer the effects of occupational stress on suicidality among firefighters. Pending replication, findings suggest that distress tolerance may be a viable target for suicide prevention initiatives within the fire service.
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Stanley IH, Smith LJ, Boffa JW, Tran JK, Schmidt NB, Joiner TE, Vujanovic AA. Anxiety sensitivity and suicide risk among firefighters: A test of the depression-distress amplification model. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 84:39-46. [PMID: 29684659 PMCID: PMC6402324 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters represent an occupational group at increased suicide risk. How suicidality develops among firefighters is poorly understood. The depression-distress amplification model posits that the effects of depression symptoms on suicide risk will be intensified in the context of anxiety sensitivity (AS) cognitive concerns. The current study tested this model among firefighters. METHODS Overall, 831 firefighters participated (mean [SD] age = 38.37 y [8.53 y]; 94.5% male; 75.2% White). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) were utilized to assess for depression symptoms, AS concerns (cognitive, physical, social), and suicide risk, respectively. Linear regression interaction models were tested. RESULTS The effects of elevated depression symptoms on increased suicide risk were augmented when AS cognitive concerns were also elevated. Unexpectedly, depression symptoms also interacted with AS social concerns; however, consistent with expectations, depression symptoms did not interact with AS physical concerns in the prediction of suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS In the context of elevated depression symptoms, suicide risk is potentiated among firefighters reporting elevated AS cognitive and AS social concerns. Findings support and extend the depression-distress amplification model of suicide risk within a sample of firefighters. Interventions that successfully impact AS concerns may, in turn, mitigate suicide risk among this at-risk population.
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Paulus DJ, Gallagher MW, Bartlett BA, Tran J, Vujanovic AA. The unique and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation in relation to posttraumatic stress, depressive, and anxiety symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 84:54-61. [PMID: 29694933 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are chronically exposed to traumatic events. Relatedly, past work has documented high rates of psychiatric problems, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, among firefighters. Less is known regarding anxiety symptoms among firefighters. Moreover, little work has examined risk/maintenance factors related to these symptoms among firefighters. Doing so may be important to developing interventions tailored to trauma-exposed firefighters. The current study examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety among trauma-exposed firefighters. PROCEDURE Using structural equation modeling, the main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation were examined in relation to these symptom outcomes. Participants included 787 male urban firefighters reporting at least one past traumatic event. RESULTS There was a statistically significant main effect of anxiety sensitivity on each outcome. Emotion dysregulation exerted a statistically significant main effect on posttraumatic stress, depression, and social anxiety symptoms. Interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation did not reach statistical significance but examination of effect sizes suggests that interactive effects may be present for posttraumatic stress symptoms (R2 = 0.011), depression (R2 = 0.008), and panic (R2 = 0.016) such that emotion dysregulation is more strongly related to outcomes when anxiety sensitivity levels are relatively lower. All effects were evident after controlling for trauma severity and history of armed forces service. CONCLUSION Overall, results suggest that anxiety sensitivity and emotion dysregulation represent unique risk/maintenance factors related to a broad range of emotional symptoms among trauma-exposed firefighters. These findings replicate patterns found among the general population and extend the findings to potentially vulnerable firefighters.
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Vujanovic AA, Farris SG, Bartlett BA, Lyons RC, Haller M, Colvonen PJ, Norman SB. Anxiety sensitivity in the association between posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 62:37-55. [PMID: 29778929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) are complex psychiatric conditions that commonly co-occur. No evidence-based, "gold standard" treatments for PTSD/SUD comorbidity are currently available. Thus, it is imperative to better understand cognitive-affective mechanisms, targetable via cognitive-behavioral intervention (i.e., malleable), that may be related to both disorders in order to improve the theory and treatment of PTSD/SUD. Anxiety sensitivity is a malleable cognitive-affective factor with relevance to both PTSD and SUD. This systematic review focused on the published literature on anxiety sensitivity and trauma/PTSD and substance use/SUD from 1966 - May 1, 2018, and includes a total of 35 manuscripts. The state of the literature, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
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Gonzalez A, Friedberg F, Li X, Zvolensky MJ, Bromet EJ, Mahaffey BL, Vujanovic AA, Luft BJ, Kotov R. Trauma-Focused Smoking Cessation for Smokers Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nicotine Tob Res 2018; 19:968-975. [PMID: 28013272 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntw384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of an 8-session, group-based comprehensive smoking cessation and trauma management (CSC-T) treatment among daily smokers (≥5 cigarettes/day) exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster with elevated WTC-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods Participants (N = 90) were randomly assigned to CSC-T (N = 44; 63.6% white; 27.3% female; mean age = 51.32 ± 7.87) or comprehensive smoking cessation (CSC) alone (N = 46; 71.7% white; 28.3% female; mean age = 48.74 ± 10.66), which was comparable in length and time. Assessments included a diagnostic clinical interview and self-report measures of PTSD and respiratory symptoms, and smoking behavior, and biologically confirmed smoking abstinence. Evaluations occurred at a baseline visit, each treatment session, and at 1-, 2-, 4-, 12-, and 26-weeks post-treatment. Results The two treatments did not differ in regard to PTSD symptom improvement. After quit day (week 6), the two groups had similar 7-day (~15%) and 6-month (~20%) abstinence rates as well as average number of cigarettes smoked, and PTSD and respiratory symptoms. Conclusions It is possible that the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills specific to quitting smoking, group-based support, and degree of therapist contact, that were available in both treatments may have played a role in equalizing the abstinence rates between the two conditions. Although the current study found no evidence that the CSC-T was superior to the CSC alone treatment, the abstinence rates observed were high relative to previous trials of smokers with diagnosed PTSD. Further development of smoking cessation programs tailored to the needs of smokers with PTSD symptoms continues to be needed. Implications This study suggests that a CSC program aids in smoking abstinence for smokers with PTSD symptoms and that incorporating trauma management skills, may not add additional benefits for abstinence and PTSD and respiratory symptom relief. Further work is needed to improve smoking cessation efforts for smokers with PTSD symptoms.
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Boffa JW, Stanley IH, Smith LJ, Mathes BM, Tran JK, Buser SJ, Schmidt NB, Vujanovic AA. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Suicide Risk in Male Firefighters: The Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity. J Nerv Ment Dis 2018; 206:179-186. [PMID: 29309295 PMCID: PMC5825264 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are positively related to suicide risk among firefighters. One mechanism that may account for this relationship is anxiety sensitivity (AS) cognitive concerns-the fear that cognitive symptoms of anxiety will have catastrophic consequences. We sought to replicate the mediating effect of AS cognitive concerns on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and suicide risk among 214 trauma-exposed male firefighters with non-zero suicide risk. Bootstrap mediation analyses tested AS cognitive concerns as a statistical mediator of PTSD symptoms (total and symptoms clusters scores) and suicide risk, controlling for depression symptoms and relevant demographic variables. AS cognitive concerns statistically mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms (total score, as well as intrusion, avoidance, and arousal-reactivity symptoms clusters) and suicide risk; however, the reverse was also true. AS cognitive concerns may confer risk for suicide among trauma-exposed firefighters. Firefighters may benefit from AS-specific interventions, which are shown to reduce PTSD symptoms and suicidality.
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Schmitz JM, Stotts AL, Vujanovic AA, Weaver MF, Yoon JH, Vincent J, Green CE. A sequential multiple assignment randomized trial for cocaine cessation and relapse prevention: Tailoring treatment to the individual. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 65:109-115. [PMID: 29287664 PMCID: PMC5803345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic, devastating, but treatable disorder. A core principle of drug addiction treatment states that no single treatment is appropriate for everyone (NIDA, 2012); treatments need to adjust based on patient characteristics and response in order to be maximally effective. For cocaine use disorders (CUD), specifically, the most potent intervention currently available for initiating abstinence is behavior therapy using contingency management (CM) procedures, with early cessation being a robust predictor of future abstinence. This raises two key questions for treatment development research: First, can we significantly improve initial CM response rates with targeted adjunctive interventions? Second, for individuals who fail to achieve initial abstinence with CM, is pharmacotherapy an effective augmentation strategy? This paper describes how a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) design has advantages over a fixed-intervention approach when it comes to collecting data needed to answer both questions. The first aim will examine whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in combination with CM increases initial abstinence response rates (i.e., 2 consecutive weeks of cocaine-negative urine screens). The second aim will examine whether ACT+CM in combination with modafinil promotes abstinence achievement in initial non-responders. Results are expected to inform how we tailor treatment of CUD to maximize outcomes.
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Vujanovic AA, Smith LJ, Green CE, Lane SD, Schmitz JM. Development of a novel, integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy for co-occurring posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2018; 65:123-129. [PMID: 29287668 PMCID: PMC5803416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) are complex psychiatric conditions that commonly co-occur. No evidence-based, 'gold standard' treatments for PTSD/SUD comorbidity are currently available. The present pilot randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a novel, integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment approach for PTSD/SUD, entitled Treatment of Integrated Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use (TIPSS), as compared to standard cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for SUD. The TIPSS program integrates cognitive processing therapy with CBT for SUD for the treatment of co-occurring PTSD/SUD. Both treatment conditions are comprised of 12, 60-minute individual psychotherapy sessions, delivered twice-weekly over six weeks. Primary aims examine whether TIPSS, compared to standard CBT for SUD, reduces: (1) PTSD symptoms and (2) substance use outcomes (i.e., self-report, objective). Secondary aims examine whether (a) trauma- and substance cue reactivity and (b) distress tolerance (i.e., actual or perceived ability to withstand uncomfortable emotional or physical states) are significant mechanisms of change. The study was recently closed to new enrollment. Participants included adults with substance dependence and at least four symptoms of PTSD.
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Berenz EC, Vujanovic AA, Rappaport L, Kevorkian S, Gonzalez RE, Chowdhury N, Dutcher CD, Dick DM, Kendler KS, Amstadter AB. Childhood trauma and distress tolerance in a trauma-exposed acute-care psychiatric inpatient sample. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY 2017; 10:368-375. [PMID: 28758771 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Distress tolerance (DT; the perceived or actual ability to withstand negative internal states) has emerged as a promising transdiagnostic risk factor in clinically severe populations. However, little is known about etiological factors associated with the development of DT. We hypothesized that greater levels of childhood trauma would be associated with lower perceived and behavioral DT, beyond theoretically relevant covariates. METHOD The current investigation evaluated several childhood trauma types (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect) in relation to perceived (i.e., self-report) and behavioral DT in a sample of 87 trauma-exposed adults in acute-care psychiatric inpatient treatment. RESULTS Results of hierarchical linear regression models indicated that greater childhood physical abuse and emotional neglect were significantly associated with higher perceived DT. Greater levels of emotional abuse were associated with lower perceived DT, and greater physical neglect was associated with lower behavioral DT. CONCLUSIONS DT may be differentially influenced by different forms of childhood trauma. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Paulus DJ, Vujanovic AA, Schuhmann BB, Smith LJ, Tran J. Main and interactive effects of depression and posttraumatic stress in relation to alcohol dependence among urban male firefighters. Psychiatry Res 2017; 251:69-75. [PMID: 28189939 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression, posttraumatic stress, and alcohol use are highly prevalent among firefighters. However, no study has evaluated the interactive effects of depression and posttraumatic stress with regard to alcohol use among firefighters. The current study examined main and interactive effects of depression and posttraumatic stress in terms of alcohol dependence symptoms, positive alcohol dependence screen, and drinks per occasion. Participants included 2707 male urban firefighters. There was a main effect of posttraumatic stress in relation to all alcohol-related outcomes and a main effect of depression only for alcohol dependence symptoms. There was a significant interaction of depression and posttraumatic stress with regard to symptoms of alcohol dependence, positive screen for alcohol dependence, and number of drinks per occasion. Interactions were evident above main effects and covariates (age, presence of a spouse/partner, tenure in the fire department, history of active duty in the U.S. armed forces, and racial/ethnic minority status). Overall, heightened depression was positively associated with alcohol-related outcomes for those with lower but not higher levels of posttraumatic stress in all models. Posttraumatic stress and depression may pose unique interactive risks for alcohol dependence in urban male firefighters. Implications for clinical intervention in firefighters are discussed.
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Vujanovic AA, Dutcher CD, Berenz EC. Multimodal examination of distress tolerance and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in acute-care psychiatric inpatients. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 48:45-53. [PMID: 27605231 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Distress tolerance (DT), the actual or perceived capacity to withstand negative internal states, has received increasing scholarly attention due to its theoretical and clinical relevance to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Past studies have indicated that lower self-reported - but not behaviorally observed - DT is associated with greater PTSD symptoms; however, studies in racially and socioeconomically diverse clinical samples are lacking. The current study evaluated associations between multiple measures of DT (self-report and behavioral) and PTSD symptoms in an urban, racially and socioeconomically diverse, acute-care psychiatric inpatient sample. It was hypothesized that lower self-reported DT (Distress Tolerance Scale [DTS]), but not behavioral DT (breath-holding task [BH]; mirror-tracing persistence task [MT]), would be associated with greater PTSD symptoms, above and beyond the variance contributed by trauma load, substance use, gender, race/ethnicity, and subjective social status. Participants were 103 (41.7% women, Mage=33.5) acute-care psychiatric inpatients who endorsed exposure to potentially traumatic events consistent with DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that DTS was negatively associated with PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5 Total) as well as with each of the four DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters (p's<0.001), contributing between 5.0%-11.1% of unique variance in PTSD symptoms across models. BH duration was positively associated with PTSD arousal symptom severity (p<0.05). Covariates contributed between 21.3%-40.0% of significant variance to the models. Associations between DT and PTSD in this sample of acute-care psychiatric inpatients are largely consistent with those observed in community samples.
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Banducci AN, Connolly KM, Vujanovic AA, Alvarez J, Bonn-Miller MO. The impact of changes in distress tolerance on PTSD symptom severity post-treatment among veterans in residential trauma treatment. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 47:99-105. [PMID: 28109673 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Given that rates of PTSD, particularly among military populations, are increasing, it is critical to gain a better understanding of factors associated with treatment response. Low distress tolerance (DT), conceptualized as the perceived or actual inability to tolerate negative emotional states, may impacts veterans' responses to PTSD treatment. Low DT has been associated with more severe PTSD symptoms in clinical and non-clinical samples; however, its impact on PTSD symptomatology across treatment has yet to be assessed. We examined the impact of changes in DT, from intake to discharge, on post-treatment PTSD symptom severity within two samples of veterans recruited from Veterans Affairs residential PTSD treatment facilities in the northwestern and southern United States (Total N=86; 87% male; 46% White, 39% Black, 9% Latino, 6% Other). Veterans completed the Distress Tolerance Scale and PTSD Checklist (PCL) at intake and discharge from residential PTSD treatment. Regression analyses revealed that, within each veteran sample, those with the greatest improvements in DT had the lowest PCL total and subscale scores at discharge after controlling for respective intake PCL scores. This suggests increases in DT across treatment help explain the degree of benefits experienced by veterans following PTSD treatment.
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Martin CE, Vujanovic AA, Paulus DJ, Bartlett B, Gallagher MW, Tran JK. Alcohol use and suicidality in firefighters: Associations with depressive symptoms and posttraumatic stress. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 74:44-52. [PMID: 28092775 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Both suicidality and alcohol use disorders are significant public health concerns among firefighters, and alcohol use is associated with increased suicide risk. In addition, firefighters endorse high rates of symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thus, the current investigation examined associations between alcohol dependence and suicide risk among a large sample of firefighters. Specifically, this study examined the indirect effects of alcohol dependence on suicidality outcomes via both depression and posttraumatic stress, using structural equation modeling. A total of 2883 male firefighters completed a self-report survey, containing measures of alcohol use, suicidality, PTSD, and depressive symptoms. Results indicated good model fit. The latent alcohol dependence variable was directly related to the latent suicide risk variable. However, when depression and posttraumatic stress latent variables were added into the model, alcohol dependence was no longer associated with suicide risk. Furthermore, alcohol dependence was indirectly related to suicide risk via latent depression and posttraumatic stress variables. Indirect effects were established after controlling for relevant covariates. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Vujanovic AA, Wardle MC, Smith LJ, Berenz EC. Reward functioning in posttraumatic stress and substance use disorders. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 14:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Vujanovic AA, Schnurr PP. Editorial overview: Advances in science and practice in traumatic stress. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 14:iv-viii. [PMID: 28813328 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This issue provides an expansive overview of the field of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The featured articles highlight novel, creative, and innovative topics and methodologies, consolidate recent scientific advances, and delineate future directions. The content spans various topics in the field of traumatic stress, including assessment, biopsychosocial correlates, clinical considerations, including comorbidity, anger, self-directed violence, and dissociative manifestations, evidence-based interventions, and innovative delivery formats that maximize dissemination and implementation. The issue's overarching goal is to stimulate creative, multidisciplinary, methodologically rigorous, and theoretically grounded research to advance knowledge and practice in PTSD and related conditions.
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Vujanovic AA, Bonn-Miller MO, Petry NM. Co-occurring posttraumatic stress and substance use: Emerging research on correlates, mechanisms, and treatments-Introduction to the special issue. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2016; 30:713-719. [PMID: 27786510 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) are complex psychiatric conditions that commonly co-occur. Despite the well-established prevalence of this diagnostic comorbidity, much less is known about underlying etiological and maintenance processes or most effective treatment avenues. The comorbidity is complex, difficult to treat, and marked by a more costly and chronic clinical course, when compared with either disorder alone. Therefore, this Special Issue is devoted to highlighting recent, theory-driven, scientifically rigorous, and clinically applicable advances in our understanding of the PTSD-SUD comorbidity across various populations. Emerging psychological science on PTSD-SUD is profiled, and biological, psychological, and social processes implicated in etiology and maintenance are highlighted along with promising innovations in treatment. The articles range in methodology from more basic to applied, exemplifying a translational spectrum of research as each article presents meaningful clinical implications and future research directions. This introductory article describes the articles in this Special Issue and how they can inform the field. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Garey L, Bakhshaie J, Vujanovic AA, Reitzel LR, Schmidt NB, Zvolensky MJ. Posttraumatic stress symptom severity and cognitive-based smoking processes among trauma-exposed treatment-seeking smokers: The role of perceived stress. Addict Behav 2016; 60:84-9. [PMID: 27100473 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and smoking co-occur at an alarmingly high rate. However, there is little understanding of the mechanisms underlying this clinically significant relation. The present study examined perceived stress as an explanatory mechanism linking posttraumatic stress symptom severity and smoking-specific avoidance/inflexibility, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, and negative affect reduction/negative reinforcement expectancies from smoking among trauma-exposed smokers. Participants were trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking daily cigarette smokers (n=179; 48.0% female; Mage=41.17; SD=12.55). Results indicated that posttraumatic stress symptom severity had an indirect significant effect on each of the dependent variables via perceived stress. The present results provide empirical support that perceived stress may be an underlying mechanism that indirectly explains posttraumatic symptoms relation to smoking-specific avoidance/inflexibility, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, and negative affect reduction/negative reinforcement expectancies among trauma-exposed smokers. These findings suggest that there may be clinical utility in targeting perceived stress among trauma-exposed smokers via stress management psychoeducation and skills training.
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Vujanovic AA, Meyer TD, Heads AM, Stotts AL, Villarreal YR, Schmitz JM. Cognitive-behavioral therapies for depression and substance use disorders: An overview of traditional, third-wave, and transdiagnostic approaches. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2016; 43:402-415. [PMID: 27494547 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2016.1199697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of depression and substance use disorders (SUD) is highly prevalent and associated with poor treatment outcomes for both disorders. As compared to individuals suffering from either disorder alone, individuals with both conditions are likely to endure a more severe and chronic clinical course with worse treatment outcomes. Thus, current practice guidelines recommend treating these co-occurring disorders simultaneously. OBJECTIVES The overarching aims of this narrative are two-fold: (1) to provide an updated review of the current empirical status of integrated psychotherapy approaches for SUD and depression comorbidity, based on models of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and newer third-wave CBT approaches, including acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions and behavioral activation (BA); and (2) to propose a novel theoretical framework for transdiagnostic CBT for SUD-depression, based upon empirically grounded psychological mechanisms underlying this highly prevalent comorbidity. RESULTS Traditional CBT approaches for the treatment of SUD-depression are well-studied. Despite advances in the development and evaluation of various third-wave psychotherapies, more work needs to be done to evaluate the efficacy of such approaches for SUD-depression. CONCLUSION Informed by this summary of the evidence, we propose a transdiagnostic therapy approach that aims to integrate treatment elements found in empirically supported CBT-based interventions for SUD and depression. By targeting shared cognitive-affective processes underlying SUD-depression, transdiagnostic treatment models have the potential to offer a novel clinical approach to treating this difficult-to-treat comorbidity and relevant, co-occurring psychiatric disturbances, such as posttraumatic stress.
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Vujanovic AA, Arrindell WA, Bernstein A, Norton PJ, Zvolensky MJ. Sixteen-Item Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Assessment 2016; 14:129-43. [PMID: 17504886 DOI: 10.1177/1073191106295053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the 16-item Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; Reiss Peterson, Gursky, & McNally 1986) in a young adult sample (n = 420) from the Netherlands. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to comparatively evaluate two-factor, three-factor, and four-factor models of the anxiety sensitivity construct. Support was found for a hierarchical structure of anxiety sensitivity, with one global higher-order factor and four lower-order factors. Internal consistency for the global and lower-order factors of the 16-item ASI was adequate. Convergent and discriminant associations between the 16-item ASI and general mood and panic-specific variables were consistent with anxiety sensitivity theory. In addition, incremental validity of the anxiety sensitivity construct was established, relative to negative affectivity, for unexpected panic attacks and agoraphobic avoidance.
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Vujanovic AA, Rathnayaka N, Amador CD, Schmitz JM. Distress Tolerance: Associations With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Trauma-Exposed, Cocaine-Dependent Adults. Behav Modif 2015; 40:120-43. [PMID: 26681735 DOI: 10.1177/0145445515621490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation examined associations between distress tolerance and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a cocaine-dependent sample. Participants were comprised of 138 cocaine-dependent adults (Mage = 45.4, SD = 9.9; 81% male; 76.3% African American) who endorsed trauma exposure, defined according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) PTSD Criterion A. Participants were administered interview-based measures and completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Results indicated that distress tolerance was significantly, incrementally (negatively) associated with PTSD symptom severity, contributing 6.8% of unique variance to the model (p < .001); notably, the overall model explained 44.8% of variance in PTSD symptomatology. Distress tolerance also contributed between 2.7% and 6.8% of unique variance across each of the PTSD symptom clusters (ps < .05). Incremental effects were documented, after accounting for the variance explained by theoretically relevant covariates (i.e., gender, cocaine-use severity, depressive symptoms, trauma-exposure severity). Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Bujarski SJ, Galang JN, Short NA, Trafton JA, Gifford EV, Kimerling R, Vujanovic AA, McKee LG, Bonn-Miller MO. Cannabis use disorder treatment barriers and facilitators among veterans with PTSD. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2015; 30:73-81. [PMID: 26618794 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In light of recent data demonstrating large variability in the diagnosis of cannabis use disorders (CUDs) within the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA), it is important to elucidate VA-specific barriers and facilitators to CUD diagnosis and treatment engagement. This issue is particularly salient among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), given that PTSD is the most common co-occurring psychiatric disorder among veterans with CUD and is associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the potential role of system-, clinician-, and patient-level factors associated with both CUD diagnosis and treatment engagement. Key personnel were interviewed from PTSD programs with both low and high rates of CUD and substance use disorder (SUD) programs with both low and high rates of SUD treatment engagement. Common themes emerged across clinics that may represent barriers to CUD diagnosis and treatment engagement and included, for example, clinician's concerns about negative consequences associated with CUD diagnosis (e.g., service connection). Potential facilitators to CUD diagnosis and treatment also emerged and included the use of formal assessment approaches when evaluating veterans for SUDs. Together, findings suggest opportunities, such as CUD-specific education and training for clinicians, to improve VA care.
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Gonzalez A, Locicero B, Mahaffey B, Fleming C, Harris J, Vujanovic AA. Internalized HIV Stigma and Mindfulness: Associations With PTSD Symptom Severity in Trauma-Exposed Adults With HIV/AIDS. Behav Modif 2015; 40:144-63. [PMID: 26584609 DOI: 10.1177/0145445515615354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rates of both traumatic event exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 22%-54%) are disproportionately elevated among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Trauma and related psychopathology significantly affect quality of life and disease management in this patient population. The current study examined associations between internalized HIV stigma, mindfulness skills, and the severity of PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed PLHA. Participants included 137 PLHA (14.6% female; Mage = 48.94, SD = 8.89) who reported experiencing on average, five (SD = 2.67) traumatic events; 34% met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Results indicate that after controlling for sex, age, education, and number of traumatic events, internalized HIV stigma was positively related to overall PTSD symptom severity (β = .16, p < .05) and severity of re-experiencing (β = .19, p < .05) and hyper-arousal (β = .16, p = .05), but not avoidance, PTSD symptom clusters. Among the mindfulness facets measured, acting with awareness was uniquely negatively related to the overall severity of PTSD symptoms (β = -.25, p < .01) and the severity of re-experiencing (β = -.25, p < .05), avoidance (β = -.25, p < .05), and hyper-arousal (β = -.29, p < .01) PTSD symptom clusters. These effects were observed after accounting for covariates and shared variance with other mindfulness facets. Theoretically, the present findings suggest that internalized HIV stigma may serve as a vulnerability factor for the severity of certain PTSD symptoms, whereas acting with awareness may function as a protective or resiliency factor for the severity of PTSD symptoms. Implications for the treatment of trauma-exposed PLHA are discussed.
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Vujanovic AA, Wardle MC, Liu S, Dias NR, Lane SD. Attentional bias in adults with cannabis use disorders. J Addict Dis 2015; 35:144-53. [PMID: 26566718 PMCID: PMC4867847 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2015.1116354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There has been modest examination of attentional bias in individuals with cannabis use disorders. Clinical implications of this work are directly relevant to better informing extant evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (e.g., relapse prevention) and/or developing novel interventions. The overarching aim of this investigation was to examine a novel attentional bias task in adults with cannabis use disorders. Participants were comprised of 25 adults (8 women: M age = 31, SD = 6.8; range = 22-45) with cannabis use disorders (n = 12) and controls (n = 13) without any current (past month) psychopathology. Relative to controls, adults with cannabis use disorders had greater attentional bias scores. These differences were present only at the 125-ms probe time, where the cannabis use disorders group showed greater attentional bias to cannabis cues than the control group (adjusted p = .001, cannabis use disorders mean = 59.9, control mean = -24.8, Cohen's d-effect size for 125 ms = 1.03). The cannabis use disorders group also reported significantly greater perceived stress and post-task stress scores than the control group, but stress was not related to attentional bias. This study informs understanding of the influence of cannabis cues on visual detection and reaction time under different cue-target onset times, as attentional bias was most prevalent under time pressure to detect the probe.
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91
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Bakhshaie J, Zvolensky MJ, Salazar A, Vujanovic AA, Schmidt NB. Anxiety Sensitivity and Smoking Behavior Among Trauma-Exposed Daily Smokers: The Explanatory Role of Smoking-Related Avoidance and Inflexibility. Behav Modif 2015; 40:218-38. [PMID: 26538275 DOI: 10.1177/0145445515612402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined as the extent to which individuals believe that anxiety-related sensations have harmful consequences, is associated with smoking processes and poorer clinical outcomes among trauma-exposed smokers. Yet the specific mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility is a construct implicated in multiple manifestations of mood regulation that may underlie smoking behavior. The current study examined the explanatory role of smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility in terms of the relation between AS and indices of smoking behavior among trauma-exposed smokers. The sample consisted of 217 treatment-seeking adult smokers (44% female; M age = 37.8; SD = 13.2; age range: 18-65 years), who were exposed to at least one lifetime Criterion A trauma event (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR] Criterion A for trauma exposure). Bootstrap analysis (5,000 re-samples) revealed that AS was indirectly related to the (a) number of cigarettes smoked per day, (b) number of years being a daily smoker, (c) number of failed quit attempts, and (d) heaviness of smoking index among trauma-exposed smokers through its relation with smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility. These findings provide initial evidence suggesting that smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility may be an important construct in better understanding AS-smoking relations among trauma-exposed smokers. Future work is needed to explore the extent to which smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility account for relations between AS and other smoking processes (e.g., withdrawal, cessation outcome) in the context of trauma and smoking comorbidity.
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92
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Farris SG, Zvolensky MJ, Beckham JC, Vujanovic AA, Schmidt NB. Trauma exposure and cigarette smoking: the impact of negative affect and affect-regulatory smoking motives. J Addict Dis 2015; 33:354-65. [PMID: 25299617 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2014.969622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive-affective mechanisms related to the maintenance of smoking among trauma-exposed individuals are largely unknown. Cross-sectional data from trauma-exposed treatment-seeking smokers (n = 283) were utilized to test a series of multiple mediator models of trauma exposure and smoking, as mediated by the sequential effects of negative affect and affect-modulation smoking motives. The sequential effects of both mediators indirectly predicted the effect of greater trauma exposure types on nicotine dependence, a biochemical index of smoking, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, and greater withdrawal-related problems during past quit attempts. Negative affect and affect-modulation motives for smoking may contribute to the trauma-smoking association.
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93
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Bakhshaie J, Zvolensky MJ, Allan N, Vujanovic AA, Schmidt NB. Differential Effects of Anxiety Sensitivity Components in the Relation Between Emotional Non-Acceptance and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Trauma-Exposed Treatment-Seeking Smokers. Cogn Behav Ther 2015; 44:175-89. [DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2015.1004191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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94
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Garey L, Bakhshaie J, Vujanovic AA, Leventhal AM, Schmidt NB, Zvolensky MJ. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and cognitive-based smoking processes among trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking smokers: the role of dysphoria. J Addict Med 2015; 9:68-74. [PMID: 25525942 PMCID: PMC4310782 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the co-occurrence and clinically significant relationship between trauma exposure and smoking, there is little understanding of the mechanisms underlying the posttraumatic stress symptoms-smoking relationship. This study examined whether dysphoria (ie, a psychopathologic symptom dimension that reflects depression's core affective, cognitive, and psychomotor features) accounted for the covariance between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and an array of smoking processes among trauma-exposed daily smokers. METHODS Participants (n = 189; 47.6% female; Mage = 41.15; SD = 12.47) were trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking daily cigarette smokers who completed measures of posttraumatic stress symptom severity, dysphoria, and 4 cognitive-based smoking processes that interfere with smoking cessation-avoidance/inflexibility to smoking, perceived barriers to smoking cessation, negative affect reduction motivation for smoking, and negative affect reduction/negative reinforcement expectancies from smoking. RESULTS Dysphoria indirectly and significantly accounted for the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptom severity and smoking outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The present results provide initial empirical support that dysphoria accounts for the covariance between posttraumatic symptom severity and various clinically relevant smoking variables in trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking smokers. The findings suggest the potential importance of targeting dysphoria during smoking cessation among trauma-exposed individuals.
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95
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Brandt CP, Zvolensky MJ, Vujanovic AA, Grover KW, Hogan J, Bakhshaie J, Gonzalez A. The mediating role of anxiety sensitivity in the relation between avoidant coping and posttraumatic stress among trauma-exposed HIV+ individuals. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY 2014; 7:146-53. [PMID: 25793690 DOI: 10.1037/a0037236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the mediating role of anxiety sensitivity in regard to the relation between avoidant coping and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms among trauma-exposed persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Participants included 103 PLHA (18.4% female, Mage = 48.33, SD = 9.34). Results indicated significant positive indirect effects for avoidant coping through anxiety sensitivity on overall PTS symptoms (point estimate = .27, PB 95% CI [.01, .65]), PTS hyperarousal symptoms (point estimate = .09, PB 95% CI [.01, .21]), and PTS avoidant symptoms (point estimate = .14, PB 95% CI [.03, .30]). The observed findings were statistically significant and evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by CD4 cell count, race, sex, recruitment site, and lifetime number of traumatic events experienced. The results may indicate that avoidant coping affects PTS symptoms through anxiety sensitivity among trauma-exposed PLHA. These findings highlight the importance of anxiety sensitivity in relation to PTS symptoms among PLHA, and the possibility of adapting anxiety sensitivity reduction training for PTS symptoms among PLHA.
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96
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Bakhshaie J, Zvolensky MJ, Brandt CP, Vujanovic AA, Goodwin R, Schmidt NB. The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in the Relationship Between Emotional Non-Acceptance and Panic, Social Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms Among Treatment-Seeking Daily Smokers. Int J Cogn Ther 2014. [DOI: 10.1521/ijct.2014.7.2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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97
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Farris SG, Vujanovic AA, Hogan J, Schmidt NB, Zvolensky MJ. Main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity and physical distress intolerance with regard to PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed smokers. J Trauma Dissociation 2014; 15:254-70. [PMID: 24803147 PMCID: PMC4013526 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2013.834862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the roles of anxiety sensitivity (AS; the tendency to misinterpret physical internal sensations of harmful) and distress tolerance (the capacity to tolerate aversive stimuli) in terms of the expression of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among a sample of trauma-exposed, treatment-seeking tobacco smokers (n = 137; Mage = 37.7 years, 48.2% female). It was hypothesized that higher AS and lower physical distress tolerance would interact to predict greater PTSD avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms. Results were partially consistent with this prediction. Specifically, there was a significant interactive effect of AS by physical distress tolerance in terms of PTSD hyperarousal symptom cluster severity. The form of the interaction was in the expected direction, with the highest levels of PTSD hyperarousal symptoms reported among smokers with higher levels of AS and a lower capacity to tolerate physical distress. Findings underscore the importance of considering AS and physical distress tolerance in terms of better understanding mechanisms underlying the expression of PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed smokers.
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98
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Harte CB, Vujanovic AA, Potter CM. Association between exercise and posttraumatic stress symptoms among trauma-exposed adults. Eval Health Prof 2013; 38:42-52. [PMID: 23864542 DOI: 10.1177/0163278713494774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation examined associations between intensities of exercise involvement and posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptom cluster severity (reexperiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal). The sample was comprised of 108 adults (54.6% women; M age = 23.9, SD = 10.22, range = 18-62), who endorsed exposure to a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth edition, Text Revision) posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion A traumatic life event but did not meet criteria for any current Axis I psychopathology. After controlling for gender and lifetime number of trauma exposure types experienced, results indicated that vigorous-intensity exercise, but not light- or moderate-intensity exercise, was significantly inversely associated with hyperarousal symptom cluster severity. This study adds to the scarce, yet growing, body of exercise-PTS literature-by illuminating the inverse associations of vigorous-intensity exercise, specifically, and PTS hyperarousal symptom severity among trauma-exposed individuals.
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99
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Vujanovic AA, Hart AS, Potter CM, Berenz EC, Niles B, Bernstein A. Main and Interactive Effects of Distress Tolerance and Negative Affect Intensity in Relation to PTSD Symptoms among Trauma-Exposed Adults. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2013; 35:235-243. [PMID: 24431482 PMCID: PMC3889149 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-012-9325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation evaluated the main and interactive effects of distress tolerance and negative affect intensity in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and symptom cluster severity. Participants were 190 trauma-exposed adults (52.6 % women; Mage=25.3 years, SD=11.4) recruited from the community. Distress tolerance (i.e., perceived ability to withstand distressing emotional states) demonstrated significant incremental associations with global PTSD symptom severity as well as Re-Experiencing, Emotional Numbing, and Hyperarousal symptom cluster severity. Negative affect intensity (i.e., perceived intensity of negative emotional responses) demonstrated significant incremental associations with each of the PTSD symptom outcomes. Moreover, the incremental interactive effect of distress tolerance and negative affect intensity was significantly associated with PTSD symptom severity as well as PTSD-Emotional Numbing symptom cluster severity. These incremental effects were evident after accounting for the variance explained by anxiety sensitivity (i.e., fear of anxiety-related sensations). Post hoc probing analyses supported the moderating role of negative affect intensity in the association between distress tolerance and PTSD symptom severity, such that low levels of distress tolerance, in the context of elevated levels of negative affect intensity, were associated with the greatest levels of PTSD symptoms.
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100
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Vujanovic AA, Farris SG, Harte CB, Smits JAJ, Zvolensky MJ. Smoking Status and Exercise in relation to PTSD Symptoms: A Test among Trauma-Exposed Adults. Ment Health Phys Act 2013; 6:10.1016/j.mhpa.2012.12.001. [PMID: 24273598 PMCID: PMC3833670 DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present investigation examined the interactive effect of cigarette smoking status (i.e., regular smoking versus non-smoking) and weekly exercise (i.e., weekly metabolic equivalent) in terms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptom severity among a community sample of trauma-exposed adults. Participants included 86 trauma-exposed adults (58.1% female; Mage = 24.3). Approximately 59.7% of participants reported regular (≥ 10 cigarettes per day) daily smoking over the past year. The interactive effect of smoking status by weekly exercise was significantly associated with hyperarousal and avoidance symptom cluster severity (p ≤ .05). These effects were evident above and beyond number of trauma types and gender, as well as the respective main effects of smoking status and weekly exercise. Follow-up tests indicated support for the moderating role of exercise on the association between smoking and PTSD symptoms, such that the highest levels of PTSD symptoms were observed among regular smokers reporting low weekly exercise levels. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
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