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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Original Paper

Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults

Authors: Ananda B. Amstadter, Steven H. Aggen, Gun Peggy Knudsen, Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud, Kenneth S. Kendler

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

Epidemiologic research on traumatic stress is limited in Norway. Prevalence and correlates of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and patterns of comorbidity with DSM-IV Axis I and II disorders were examined in an epidemiologic sample.

Methods

Demographics, PTEs and resulting PTSD, and comorbid DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed in 2,794 members of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel. The sample comprised 37 % male, with an average age of 28.2 years (SD = 3.9).

Results

Approximately, one-quarter of participants had lifetime PTE exposure; most PTEs were more common in men than in women. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 2.6 %, and was significantly more common in women than men. Being female and type of PTE (both interpersonal and accidental traumatic events) were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, whereas higher education was associated with lower symptoms. PTSD was related to increased odds of most Axis I and II conditions.

Conclusions

PTE exposure and PTSD prevalence were lower than in the USA, but comparable to other European countries. Sex differences replicated previous research. The relationship between PTSD and borderline personality disorder was significantly stronger than the relationship between PTSD and any other Axis II conditions.
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Metadata
Title
Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults
Authors
Ananda B. Amstadter
Steven H. Aggen
Gun Peggy Knudsen
Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
Kenneth S. Kendler
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0537-2

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