Post-traumatic stress disorder risk and witnessing team members in acute psychological stress during combat

Amy B. Adler, Vlad Svetlitzky, Ian A. Gutierrez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

BackgroundOccupational groups operating in dangerous environments may witness the development of acute stress reaction (ASR) in team members. Witnessing ASR in team members may increase the risk of developing subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.AimsTo describe ASR symptoms that individuals witness, assess the relationship between witnessing a team member exhibiting ASR symptoms and an individual's own PTSD symptoms, and describe common intervention responses by peers.MethodCross-sectional, anonymous surveys were conducted with US soldiers who were previously deployed (sample 1; n = 176) and currently deployed sample 2; n = 497). Surveys assessed combat experiences, PTSD (PTSD Checklist-5), ASR exposure and intervention responses. Analyses included frequencies and binary logistic regression.ResultsWitnessing at least one ASR symptom during a combat-related event was reported by 51.7% in sample 1 and 42.4% in sample 2; the most commonly observed symptoms were being unable to function or being detached. Controlling for combat experiences, high levels of witnessing a team member exhibit ASR symptoms was associated with increased risk of subthreshold PTSD or PTSD in sample 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 8.69, 95% CI 2.29-42.60) and approached significance in sample 2 (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 0.98-2.81). Common intervention responses included providing a directive or yelling; many also reported being unsure how to respond.ConclusionsWitnessing team members who exhibit ASR symptoms appears to be associated with screening positive for subthreshold PTSD or PTSD. Results suggest the need for further research into how to prepare individuals to manage ASR in team members and to examine ASR in other high-risk occupations.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere98
JournalBJPsych Open
Volume6
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 3 Sep 2020
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Funding

This research was supported by core funding from the Military Operational Medicine Research Program, the US Army Medical Research and Development Command.

FundersFunder number
U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command

    Keywords

    • Military psychiatry
    • acute stress
    • post-traumatic stress disorder
    • social functioning
    • trauma

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