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Contribution title Stress reactivity during trauma narratives in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD
Contribution code D3.146
Authors
  1. Sarah Macura Medical University of Vienna Presenter
  2. Andreas Goreis Medical University of Vienna
  3. Diana Klinger Medical University of Vienna
  4. Sofia-Marie Oehlke Medical University of Vienna
  5. Heidi-Elisabeth Zesch Medical University of Vienna
  6. Anna Felnhofer Medical University of Vienna
  7. Paul L. Plener Medical University of Vienna
  8. Oswald D. Kothgassner Medical University of Vienna
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T43 - Trauma
Abstract Background and Aims:
Physiological dysregulations and negative alterations in cognition and mood characterize post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD), contributing to an increased risk of disorder persistence and chronic health problems. However, differences in physiological stress reactivity and negative cognitive-emotional patterns between adolescents with CPTSD and PTSD remain a significant research gap. This study examined group differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity during trauma narrative sharing, including resting and recovery phases, and compared subjective stress, shame, and guilt among adolescents with PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma-exposed controls.

Methods:
In a repeated-measures design, adolescents (aged 14-18) with PTSD (n=17), CPTSD (n=18), and a control group (n=17) were assessed for physiological stress reactivity (heart rate, heart rate variability), and subjective experiences of stress, shame, and guilt during a standardized trauma interview, as well as during resting and recovery phases.

Results and Conclusions:
Mixed-ANOVAs revealed a significant interaction between group and time. The CPTSD group exhibited a significantly higher heart rate during the recovery phase compared to the PTSD and control groups, as well as significantly higher levels of subjective stress, guilt, and shame. Prolonged stress responses, as well as heightened experiences of shame and guilt in adolescents with CPTSD, align with the diagnostic criteria of affective dysregulation and negative self-concept. Objective stress measures during trauma interviews may support the diagnosis of CPTSD, especially in cases involving language barriers. Findings highlight the importance of phase-based trauma treatments, such as DBT-PTSD, that target emotional dysregulation, shame, and guilt.