Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Early symptom predictors of chronic distress in Gulf War veterans
Karin E Thompson1, Jennifer J Vasterling, Eric G Benotsch
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mental Health Service Line, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Abstract:
Although there is evidence that specific early hyperarousal, avoidance, and emotional numbing symptoms are associated with later posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology among veterans, little is known about predictors of later non-PTSD-related psychological symptoms. One and 2 years after serving in the Gulf War, 348 military reservists were assessed for severity of war zone stress, PTSD, psychological distress, and stress-mediated physical complaints. Overall PTSD symptomatology and emotional numbing and hyperarousal symptom clusters increased over time, whereas re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms showed no change. Emotional numbing and hyperarousal symptoms at 1 year predicted generalized distress, depression, anxiety, hostility, and somatic symptoms at 2 years, whereas re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms did not. Findings highlight the importance of targeting early emotional numbing and hyperarousal symptom clusters to reduce longer-term psychological distress.
More Related Videos
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
08:29Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Generalized Anxiety 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...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
The resilience...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle