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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 1/2017

Open Access 01-01-2017 | Original Paper

The epidemiology of post-traumatic stress disorder in Norway: trauma characteristics and pre-existing psychiatric disorders

Authors: Eva Lassemo, Inger Sandanger, Jan F. Nygård, Knut W. Sørgaard

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

The prevalence of PTSD differs by gender. Pre-existing psychiatric disorders and different traumas experienced by men and women may explain this. The aims of this study were to assess (1) incidence and prevalence of exposure to traumatic events and PTSD, (2) the effect of pre-existing psychiatric disorders prior to trauma on the risk for PTSD, and (3) the effect the characteristics of trauma have on the risk for PTSD. All stratified by gender.

Method

CIDI was used to obtain diagnoses at the interview stage and retrospectively for the general population N = 1634.

Results

The incidence for trauma was 466 and 641 per 100,000 PYs for women and men, respectively. The incidence of PTSD was 88 and 31 per 100,000 PYs. Twelve month and lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 1.7 and 4.3 %, respectively, for women, and 1.0 and 1.4 %, respectively, for men. Pre-existing psychiatric disorders were risk factors for PTSD, but only in women. Premeditated traumas were more harmful.

Conclusion

Gender differences were observed regarding traumatic exposure and in the nature of traumas experienced and incidences of PTSD. Men experienced more traumas and less PTSD. Pre-existing psychiatric disorders were found to be risk factors for subsequent PTSD in women. However, while trauma happens to most, it only rarely leads to PTSD, and the most harmful traumas were premeditated ones. Primary prevention of PTSD is thus feasible, although secondary preventive efforts should be gender-specific.
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Metadata
Title
The epidemiology of post-traumatic stress disorder in Norway: trauma characteristics and pre-existing psychiatric disorders
Authors
Eva Lassemo
Inger Sandanger
Jan F. Nygård
Knut W. Sørgaard
Publication date
01-01-2017
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1295-3

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