Individual differences in posttraumatic distress: problems with the DSM-IV model.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence concerning the role of threatening life events in accounting for clinically significant posttraumatic stress responses. METHOD: Research was examined to review the epidemiology, evidence of dose-response relations, and individual difference factors in accounting for variations in conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, after exposure to threatening events. RESULTS: The evidence is significantly discrepant from the clinical Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) model. Greater distress arises from individual differences than from event characteristics. Important individual differences that interact with threat exposures include trait negative affectivity (neuroticism); beliefs about emotions, the self, the world, and the sources and consequences of danger; and prevent acts, disorders, and intelligence. Reasons for the discrepancies between the evidence and the current model of posttraumatic distress are proposed. CONCLUSION: In accounting for responses to threatening life events, the relatively minor contribution of event qualities compared with individual differences has significant treatment implications. Treatment approaches assuming that toxic event exposure creates a posttraumatic disorder fail to consider individual differences that could improve treatment efficacy.

Author information

Author/s: Bowman, M L (ML);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia. bowman(-atsign-)sfu.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie (Can J Psychiatry), published in CANADA. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1999-Feb; vol 44 (issue 1) : pp 21-33

Dates: Created 1999/05/14; Completed 1999/05/14; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 10076738, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Can J Psychiatry. 1999 Feb;44(1):20. (PMID: 10076737)

CommentIn: Can J Psychiatry. 1999 Oct;44(8):817-8. (PMID: 10566116)

CommentIn: Can J Psychiatry. 1999 Sep;44(7):708. (PMID: 10500874)

CommentIn: Can J Psychiatry. 1999 Sep;44(7):708-9. (PMID: 10500875)

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