Hyperarousal Symptoms as a Predictor of Change and Relapse of PTSD Symptoms

Hoogeveen, Maryëlle (2023) Hyperarousal Symptoms as a Predictor of Change and Relapse of PTSD Symptoms. Research Master thesis, Research Master.

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Abstract

Background: PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms seem to be difficult to address in trauma treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between an intensive trauma treatment combining treatments with different working mechanisms and PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine whether residual PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms at post-treatment are predictors of change and relapse of PTSD symptoms at 3-month follow-up. Method: Patients diagnosed with PTSD (N = 290) participated in a two- or four-day long intensive trauma treatment programme combining prolonged exposure, EMDR therapy, sports and psychoeducation. Pre- and post-treatment scores on both the CAPS-5 and the PCL-5, and 3-month follow-up scores on the PCL-5 were used to monitor the course of PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms. To assess residual hyperarousal symptoms as a possible predictor of change and relapse of PTSD symptoms (N = 228), post-treatment and 3-month follow-up scores on the PCL-5 were used. Results: A significant decrease in PTSD-related hyperarousal symptoms was found from pre- to post-treatment on the CAPS-5 and from pre- to post-treatment to 3-month follow-up on the PCL-5. The residual symptom of difficulty sleeping seems to be a significant predictor of change of PTSD symptoms from post-treatment to 3-month follow-up, and the residual symptoms of risky or destructive behavior and difficulty sleeping appear to be significant predictors of relapse of PTSD symptoms at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that hyperarousal symptoms significantly reduce after intensive trauma treatment and are therefore amendable to change. In addition, poor sleep seems to be a significant predictor of change of PTSD symptoms and poor sleep and risky or destructive behavior appear to be significant predictors of relapse of PTSD symptoms, which may be of interest for future focus of intensive trauma treatment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Research Master)
Supervisor name:	Huntjens, R.J.C.
Degree programme:	Research Master
Differentiation route:	Deficits, Distress, and Disorders [Research Master]
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2023 12:50
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2023 12:50
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1897

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