Changes in the dynamic network structure of PTSD symptoms pre-to-post combat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Combat exposure is associated with elevated risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite considerable research on PTSD symptom clustering, it remains unknown how symptoms of PTSD re-organize following combat. Network analysis provides a powerful tool to examine such changes.

Methods

A network analysis approach was taken to examine how symptom networks change from pre- to post-combat using longitudinal prospective data from a cohort of infantry male soldiers (Mage = 18.8 years). PTSD symptoms measured using the PTSD Checklist (PCL) were assessed after 6 months of combat training but before deployment and again after 6 months of combat (Ns = 910 and 725 at pre-deployment and post-combat, respectively).

Results

Stronger connectivity between PTSD sym

SUBMITTER: Segal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7690054 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature