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Published on: July 1, 2014
Left hand preference is related to posttraumatic stress disorder
Carolyn J Choudhary1, Ronan E O'carroll
1Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK. cjc2@stir.ac.uk
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|June 29, 2007
Summary
Left-handedness is more common in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This association, particularly strong left-handedness, was observed in a general population sample and linked to higher PTSD arousal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Previous research indicated a higher prevalence of non-right-handedness in specific populations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as male combat veterans and children.
- The link between handedness and PTSD requires further investigation in broader demographic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lateral preference (handedness) and the prevalence of possible posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a general population.
- To determine if specific types of handedness (strong, weak, or mixed) are associated with PTSD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A general population sample of 596 individuals was assessed for lateral preference.
- Participants completed a self-report instrument to screen for possible PTSD.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare handedness patterns between individuals meeting PTSD criteria and the general sample.
Main Results:
- Fifty-one individuals met the criteria for a possible PTSD diagnosis.
- This PTSD group showed a significantly higher proportion of left-handed individuals, specifically those with strong left-handedness.
- Left-handed individuals reported significantly higher scores on arousal symptoms associated with PTSD.
Conclusions:
- The findings extend previous observations of a link between left-handedness and PTSD to a civilian population, including women.
- The association between strong left-handedness and PTSD appears to be a robust finding.
- Left-handedness may be a potential indicator associated with PTSD, particularly its arousal-related symptoms.
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