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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Research article

Daily variation in post traumatic stress symptoms in individuals with and without probable post traumatic stress disorder

Authors: Quinn M. Biggs, Robert J. Ursano, Jing Wang, David S. Krantz, Russell B. Carr, Gary H. Wynn, Deborah Probe Adams, Nicole M. Dacuyan, Carol S. Fullerton

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Little is known about the extent to which post traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) vary from day to day in individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the variation of PTSS by day of the week, and whether daily or day of week variation differs between individuals with and without probable PTSD.

Methods

Subjects (N = 80) were assessed for probable PTSD at enrollment. Using an ecological momentary assessment methodology, PTSS were assessed four times daily by self-report for 15 days. Linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship of PTSS and day of the week.

Results

PTSS varied across the seven days of the week among participants with PTSD (p = .007) but not among those without PTSD (p = .559). Among those with PTSD, PTSS were lowest on Saturday. PTSS were higher on weekdays (Monday through Friday) versus weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in those with PTSD (p = .001) but there were no weekday/weekend differences among those without PTSD (p = .144). These variations were not explained by sleep medication, caffeine or alcohol use.

Conclusions

Among individuals with probable PTSD, post traumatic stress symptoms vary by the day of the week, with more symptoms on weekdays compared to weekends. Determination of the factors associated with the daily variation in PTSD symptoms may be important for further developing treatments for PTSD.

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Title: Daily variation in post traumatic stress symptoms in individuals with and without probable post traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Quinn M. Biggs
Robert J. Ursano
Jing Wang
David S. Krantz
Russell B. Carr
Gary H. Wynn
Deborah Probe Adams
Nicole M. Dacuyan
Carol S. Fullerton
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2041-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Daily variation in post traumatic stress symptoms in individuals with and without probable post traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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