Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Distress experienced by participants during an epidemiological survey of posttraumatic stress disorder
R A Parslow1, A F Jorm, B I O'Toole
1Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia. ruth.parslow@anu.edu.au
Abstract:
We examined the potential for epidemiological studies of mental disorders, specifically of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to cause further harm to participants involved. Of 1,000 randomly selected Australian Vietnam veterans, 641 agreed to participate in an epidemiological survey. Participants were asked about distress experienced during the interview when traumatic events were raised. Significant distress attributed to the interview was reported by 75.3% of those with current PTSD, 56.5% of those with past PTSD, and 20.6% of those with no PTSD diagnosis. Distress did not affect participants' use of medical services following the interview nor did it affect their willingness to continue participating in the study. We concluded that research interviews about PTSD may cause short-term distress, but found no evidence of long-term harm.
More Related Videos
09:55Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
08:25Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress
Panic Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...