• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.59-65
• /
• 2009

To investigate a posttraumatic stress, social support and work burden and to identify high risk group and related factors which were exerted influence on posttraumatic stress of firefighters. Data were gathered from total 264 firefighters consisting of 85 fire distinguishers & rescue workers, 96 emergency medical personnel and 83 in ambulance & fire truck drivers in C province and were analyzed 22 items by IES-R, 20 work burden items by Choi(2000), 8 social support items by Oh(2006) using SPSSWIN 14.0 program. Posttraumatic stress of general characteristics by work was showed significant difference in age, marriage status, education, position, office duration, mobilization frequency and experience of traumatic events. Posttraumatic stress were showed significant difference in 3 groups and fire distinguishers & rescue workers is the highest group. Posttraumatic stress was correlated with work burden(r=.317, p<0.01) for fire distinguishers & rescue workers, social support(r=-.331, p<0.01) and work burden(r=.522 p<0.001) for emergency medical personnel and work burden(r=.454, p<0.01) for ambulance & fire truck drivers. The high risk groups are fire distinguishers & rescue workers(60%), emergency medical personnel(55.2%)and ambulance & fire truck drivers(45.8%). Related factors are the experience seeing victim's danger for fire distinguishers & rescue workers(odds ratio=1.216, 95% confidence interval:1.068-1.383), and are work burden(odds ratio=1.100, 95% confidence interval:1.043-1.159) and office duration(odds ratio=1.010, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.018) for emergency medical personnel, and are the experience seeing victim's danger(odds ratio=1.178, 95% confidence interval:1.010-1.373), age(odds ratio=1.129, 95%confidence interval:1.020-1.249), work burden(odds ratio=1.103, 95% confidence interval:1.034-1.177) for ambulance & fire truck drivers.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.197-206
• /
• 2016

Objectives: This study was performed to review the research trends in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods: We searched articles in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) using keywords, “ Posttraumatic stress disorder” , and “ PTSD” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs and Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Western Medicine field. We selected 16 studies after excluding non-clinical or unrelated studies.Results: Four pre-post comparison studies and 12 controlled clinical trials were performed in patients with PTSD in China. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion therapy were used for the treatment of PTSD. Most of the studies showed positive results, and they reported that the treatment groups had fewer side effects than the control group. However, the quality of these clinical studies was low.Conclusions: According to this study, TCM for PTSD would be an effective and safe intervention. Therefore, based on this study, more clinical research on the treatment of PTSD should be performed in Korean medicine in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.10-18
• /
• 2017

Occupational hazards of firefighting and rescue works include frequent exposure to emergencies and life-threatening situations. These stressful work conditions of being constantly under pressure and exposed to potentially traumatic events put them at higher risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to the general population. PTSD is a potentially debilitating mental disorder, due to persistent intrusive thoughts, negative alterations of mood and cognition, hypervigilance, avoidance of similar situations and reminders, and re-experiences of the traumatic event. Previous studies have shown a relatively high prevalence of PTSD among firefighters, indicating the need for a systematic approach of early detection and prevention. Therefore, a critical review of the current literature on PTSD in firefighters would provide valuable insights into developing effective prevention and intervention programs. Literature indicated that there are risk factors of PTSD in firefighters, such as pre-existing depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, occupational stress, physical symptoms, and binge drinking, whereas social support and adequate rewards are protective factors. Although there are differences in the prevalence of PTSD across studies, partly due to various assessment tools utilized, different sample sizes, and sample characteristics, over one tenth of the firefighters were estimated to have PTSD. The current review warrants further investigations to precisely assess PTSD and co-morbid mental disorders, functional outcomes, and associated factors, and to develop evidence-based preventive and interventional programs to help firefighters with PTSD.

• Anxiety and mood
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.14-20
• /
• 2009

Objective : The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma serotonin concentration and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in chronic PTSD patients who have been taking medication. Methods : Plasma serotonin level of 14 PTSD patients and a control group of 28 Vietnam War veterans was measured by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). The Combat Exposure Scale (CES), Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (M-PTSD), Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), and Hamiltion Anxiety Scale (HAS) were used to evaluate PTSD symptom severity. Results : Serotonin level was significantly higher in the PTSD group than in the control group (p=0.036, p=0.006, respectively). M-PTSD (p<0.001), CAPS (p<0.001), HRSD (p<0.001), and HAS (p<0.001) scale scores were significantly higher in the PTSD group than in the control group; however, the CES score failed to show a significant improvement (p=0.964). There were no significant differences between plasma serotonin and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion : In chronic PTSD patients who have been taking medications, we can not predict treatment effect and symptom severity by measuring only plasma serotonin levels. PTSD is a complicated disorder which may likely be related to a variety of neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, further research which investigate relationships with norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters as well as serotonin is needed to improve the treatment of PTSD.

• Psychiatry investigation
• /
• v.15 no.11
• /
• pp.1087-1093
• /
• 2018

Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is distinct from anxiety disorders in its etiology and clinical symptomatology, and was reclassified into trauma- and stressor-related disorders in DSM-5. This study aimed to find neurophysiological correlates differentiating PTSD from anxiety disorders using resting-state quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Methods Thirty-six patients with either PTSD or acute stress disorder and 79 patients with anxiety disorder were included in the analysis. qEEG data of absolute and relative powers and patients' medication status on the day of qEEG examination were obtained. Electrodes were grouped into frontal, central, and posterior regions to analyze for regional differences. General linear models were utilized to test for group differences in absolute and relative powers while controlling for medications. Results PTSD patients differed from those with anxiety disorders in overall absolute powers [F(5,327)=2.601, p=0.025]. Specifically, overall absolute delta powers [F(1,331)=4.363, p=0.037], and overall relative gamma powers [F(1,331)=3.965, p=0.047] were increased in PTSD group compared to anxiety disorder group. Post hoc analysis regarding brain regions showed that the increase in absolute delta powers were localized to the posterior region [F(1,107)=4.001, p=0.048]. Additionally, frontal absolute gamma powers [F(1,107)=4.138, p=0.044] were increased in PTSD group compared to anxiety disorder group. Conclusion Our study suggests increased overall absolute delta powers and relative gamma powers as potential markers that could differentiate PTSD from anxiety disorders. Moreover, increased frontal absolute gamma and posterior delta powers might pose as novel markers of PTSD, which may reflect its distinct symptomatology.

• Psychiatry investigation
• /
• v.15 no.11
• /
• pp.1071-1078
• /
• 2018

Objective We developed easily accessible imagery-based treatment program for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to workplace accidents and investigated the effects of the program on various PTSD related symptoms. Methods The program was based on an online platform and consisted of eight 15-min sessions that included script-guided imagery and supportive music. Thirty-five patients with workplace-related PTSD participated in this program 4 days per week for 4 weeks. Its effects were examined using self-report questionnaires before and after the take-home online treatment sessions. Results After completing the 4-week treatment program, patients showed significant improvements in depressed mood (t=3.642, p=0.001) based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), anxiety (t=3.198, p=0.003) based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item (GAD-7) scale, and PTSD symptoms (t=5.363, p<0.001) based on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Check List (PCL). In particular, patients with adverse childhood experiences exhibited a greater degree of relief related to anxiety and PTSD symptoms than those without adverse childhood experiences. Conclusion The present results demonstrated that the relatively short online imagery-based treatment program developed for this study had beneficial effects for patients with workplace-related PTSD.

• Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.28-34
• /
• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate psychological effects of an outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), a newly emerged infectious disease, on doctors. Methods After the MERS outbreak was over, we conducted an online survey of doctors who worked at the hospitals in which exposure to MERS cases had been confirmed or who were directly involved in MERS diagnosis and treatment. The Patient Health Questionnaires-9 (PHQ-9) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) assessment methods were used to assess the severity of depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms among the 64 doctors participating in the survey. Results The results of the survey indicate that 26.6% (n=17) of participants exhibited depressive symptoms and 7.8% (n=5) had post-traumatic stress symptoms. The doctors employed at hospitals with MERS cases had higher PHQ-9 and IES-R mean scores than those in doctors were not so employed. In contrast, there was no significant difference in those test scores between doctors who participated directly in MERS diagnosis and treatment and those doctors who did not. Conclusion The survey demonstrated that 28.1% (n=18) of doctors involved in MERS care suffered from depressive or posttraumatic stress symptoms, even though the MERS infection was being controlled. Working at a hospital with MERS cases was the primary determinant of the adverse psychological outcomes among doctors ; however, direct participation in the diagnosis and care of MERS patients was not significantly related to such outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.155-160
• /
• 2020

Objectives : This study investigate to identify the stability of temperament and personality characteristics of patients including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients. Methods : The number of subjects was 102, of which 33 were PTSD patients and 69 were non-PTSD patients. To demonstrate the change in individual temperament and personality characteristics, Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were administered repeatedly on the subjects. Repeated measures ANOVA and simple main effects analysis were conducted. Results : When analysed by dividing the subjects into PTSD groups and non-PTSD groups, the differences between the primary and secondary tests did not appear in the non-PTSD groups, but the differences between the primary and secondary tests were significant in Harm Avoidance (HA), Reward Dependence (RD), Self-Directedness (SD), Cooperativeness (C). In addition, it was noted that the time and group interaction effects of HA, RD, SD and C were significant, and that the main effects of time of HA, RD, SD and C were significant. Conclusions : This study is meaningful in that in the course of experience and recovery of traumatic events, we have clinically confirmed that changes in the temperament, known as stable variables, are possible.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.319-331
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to evaluate posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer and to examine the validity and reliability of the scale. Methods: A literature review, semi-structured patient interviews and an expert panel consultation produced a 27 preliminary item questionnaire. Participants were 150 cancer patients recruited to test the reliability and validity of the preliminary scale. Data were analyzed using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, convergent validity and internal consistency. Results: Item reduction and exploratory factor analysis led to 23 items, grouped into five subscales which were labelled new possibilities (6 items), coping skills (5 items), preciousness of life (5 items), relating to others (4 items), and personal strength (3 items). Convergent validity was evaluated by total correlation with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (r=.45, p<.001). The final scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ =.94). Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that the Cancer-Specific Posttraumatic Growth Inventory has validity and reliability and is considered to be appropriate for assessing posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.411-430
• /
• 2016

The purpose of the present study was to examine psychological consequences of indirect trauma exposure through the disaster news. Participants(N=439) completed some self-report questionnaires such as Posttraumatic Risk Checklist(PRC), Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R), and Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale(MFODS) at 68.11(±18.47) days after the Sewol ferry disaster. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling by AMOS 23.0 program. The results showed that fear of death and periand post-traumatic crisis factors mediated the association of news exposure immediately after disaster and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Findings in this study indicated that news exposure immediately after disaster influenced fear of death which led to the peri- and post-traumatic crisis, and these crisis factors increased posttraumatic stress symptoms. Finally, limitations of this study and suggestions for future study were discussed.