Peritraumatic psychological and somatoform dissociation in predicting PTSD symptoms: a prospective study

Muriel A Hagenaars, Agnes van Minnen, Kees A L Hoogduin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The present prospective study evaluates the predictive value of 2 different types of dissociation (psychological and somatoform peritraumatic dissociation), and dysfunctional cognitions on symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 6 months. Assessment of dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and dysfunctional cognitions took place in 49 participants approximately 3 weeks after a traumatic event. Six months later PTSD symptoms were assessed again. The effect of both psychological and somatoform peritraumatic dissociation disappeared after controlling for initial PTSD numbing symptoms. Dysfunctional cognitions predicted PTSD at 6 months after controlling for initial numbing symptoms. The present study indicates that peritraumatic dissociation may not be a predictor of PTSD. In contrast, maladaptive posttraumatic coping behavior like persistent dissociation and dysfunctional cognitions may be predictors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)952-4
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Volume195
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2007

Keywords

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Disasters
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Personality Inventory
  • Prospective Studies
  • Somatoform Disorders
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

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