Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Many events causing spinal cord injury (SCI) are traumatic and can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined risk factors for PTSD symptoms in 71 persons with SCI. The study found that 11% of participants had full PTSD, and 20% had partial PTSD after their SCI. Trauma history, peritraumatic reactions, and intolerance of uncertainty predicted PTSD symptoms. The study highlights that early identification and psychological interventions for patients at risk of PTSD could prevent its development after SCI.

• 1
  11% of the participants met the criteria for full PTSD, and an additional 20% met the criteria for partial PTSD at some point after their SCI.
• 2
  Trauma history significantly predicted 8% of the variance in PTSD symptoms, indicating that previous traumatic experiences increase vulnerability.
• 3
  Peritraumatic reactions predicted 32% of the variance in PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of immediate emotional and physical responses to trauma.